Description
These Cinnamon Baked Apples are a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender apples stuffed with a sweet and nutty cinnamon filling, then baked in a flavorful orange juice syrup. Perfect on their own or topped with ice cream for an extra special treat, this easy recipe brings together a classic combination of fruity, spiced, and nutty flavors, ideal for fall or whenever you crave a fuss-free, wholesome dessert.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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Main Ingredients
- 6 golden apples
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups orange juice or apple cider
- Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream (optional, for serving)
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Filling
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
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Syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10×10-inch square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the apples from sticking.
- Core the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly. Use a knife to carefully core each apple starting at the stem, removing the center and seeds while leaving the bottom intact. Place the prepared apples upright in the baking dish.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, and ¼ cup brown sugar. Stir until well mixed.
- Fill the Apples: Spoon the prepared cinnamon-nut filling into the center cavity of each cored apple, pressing it down gently so it fills the apples completely.
- Add Butter: Divide the butter into 6 small pieces and place one piece on top of each filled apple to add richness and moisture as they bake.
- Make the Syrup: In another bowl, mix 2 cups orange juice (or apple cider) with the remaining ½ cup brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour this syrup into the pan around the apples.
- Bake the Apples: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes until the apples are soft and the syrup has thickened. Baste the apples occasionally with pan juices for extra flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy the baked apples warm, either by themselves or topped with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Notes
- Peeling the apples is optional depending on personal texture preference.
- You can personalize the filling with spices like nutmeg, ground cloves, or apple pie spice, and use walnuts, pecans, or both.
- Sliced apples can be used; mix all ingredients together and bake covered for 20–30 minutes, checking for tenderness.
- Baked apples store best without ice cream. Cool completely, place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- The recipe can also be made in a crockpot: cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4–5 hours, depending on the size of your crockpot and apples.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 376 kcal
- Sugar: 57g
- Sodium: 67mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 22mg