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    Home » Desserts

    Baked apples

    Published: Sep 28, 2022 · by Nico

    Jump to Recipe

    Our baked apples are tender, sweet, and flavored with cinnamon, maple syrup, and walnuts. They are healthy and easy to make with only 6 ingredients.

    Baked apples are a cozy and comforting dessert perfect for chilly fall and winter days and special occasions, such as winter holidays and Thanksgiving.

    Baked apples with ice cream
    On this page:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • More holiday desserts
    • More apple recipes
    • Recipe

    Check out our best plant-based dessert recipes!

    If you are looking for a delicious, easy, and healthy dessert, you've found it! You can put together our baked apple recipe with minimal effort and just 6 pantry staples.

    We keep the apples whole rather than cut them into apple slices because they stay super moist this way.

    To infuse the apple with flavor, we scoop out the core and stuff it with a mixture of raisins, maple syrup, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.

    We then bake the apples in the oven for about 50 minutes to an hour until they become moist, tender, and irresistible.

    You can serve the apples like this straight out of the oven, as they are already plenty delicious. You can have them for dessert, a snack, or even breakfast on top of your oatmeal pancakes or muesli.

    However, to make this baked apple recipe even more unique, you can cook the apple juice released from baking with sugar to turn it into a quick homemade caramelized apple syrup.

    Serve the apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with the caramelized sauce. You'll see what a delicious surprise.

    Baked apples with syrup and ice cream

    Ingredients

    ingredients for baked apples

    Apples

    Most apples are good for baking so use what you have at home. We prefer medium to large apples, so they are easier to the core and fill with the other ingredients.

    If you are looking for the best apples for baking, then we recommend Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Gala apples.

    If you prefer less sweet and more tart flavors, try Granny Smith, Winesap, and Cortland. Other varieties that you can use are Braeburn, Melrose, and Jonagold.

    Butter

    You can use regular butter or dairy-free butter. They are both excellent for this baked apple recipe.

    Some recipes call for coconut oil, but that doesn't really taste good to us in this recipe, so we don't recommend it.

    Raisins

    Raisins add natural sweetness to this recipe. If you want to make this recipe without any other sweetener, add a little more raisins inside the apples.

    You can substitute cranberries, dried figs (chopped), dried apricots (chopped), and dates (chopped) for raisins.

    Maple syrup

    We like to add a drizzle of maple syrup, although that's not necessary. The raisins add some sweetness that is enough for a lot of people.

    You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave syrup, or any sugar, such as white, brown sugar, light-brown sugar, or coconut sugar.

    Nuts

    Walnuts or pecans are best for this recipe. First, chop or crush them, then add them to the cored apple with the other ingredients.

    Cinnamon

    Cinnamon is our favorite spice for baked apples. However, if you want to make this recipe even more Christmassy, then you can also add clove, nutmeg, and ginger.

    Water

    Add some hot water to the baking dish before baking the apples. The water will help the apples cook and turn into a delicious apple sauce.

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C. Wash and dry the apples.

    Cut off the stem and the seeds with a paring knife, then scoop out the core with a teaspoon.

    carving out the core of apples

    We like to use a measuring teaspoon to do that. If you have it, you can also use an apple corer; however, don't core the apple through the other side as we are going to stuff it.

    Core of the apples

    Transfer the apples onto a baking dish, then mix raisins, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts into a small bowl.

    Fill the apples with the mix, then drizzle with maple syrup.

    Apples on a tray with walnuts

    Add a piece of butter on top, then sprinkle with more cinnamon. Finally, add the hot water to the baking tray.

    apples before baking with butter

    Bake the apples for 50 minutes to one hour, depending on the size of the apples.

    They should turn out brown and tender throughout. Before serving them, baste them with their juice using a spoon and drizzle the liquid in the baking dish into each apple a few times.

    Baked apples with syrup

    Serve the apples with some cooking juice and optionally with a few scoops of vanilla ice cream or dairy-free ice cream.

    Baked apples on a white plate

    Serving suggestions

    Baked apples with syrup and ice cream

    Serve these baked apples with a few vanilla ice cream or whipped cream scoops.

    You can also turn the cooking juices of the apples into caramelized apple juice. To do so, transfer the liquid left over in the baking pan into a small saucepan.

    Add a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar and let simmer on low heat for a few minutes until the sugar melts and the juice turns into a syrup (caramelization).

    Drizzle the syrup on top of the apples (or of the ice cream) with a spoon.

    Variations

    Baked pears

    baked pears with ice cream

    Baked pears are a great alternative to baked apples. You'll have a delicious and original dessert in just about 30 minutes and with the same simple ingredients.

    Check out our baked pears recipe.

    Hasselback baked apples

    Baked apple with streusel

    Hasselback baked apples with crips streusel on top are a pretty way of preparing your baked apples.

    Each apple is cut into thin slices, then opened like a fan and filled with cinnamon and sugar.

    They are topped with an oat, sugar, and nuts crumble that turns sweet and crispy as it bakes. Their texture and flavor remind us of apple crisps. They are a beautiful alternative to regular baked apples, although they require a little more work.

    Check out our Hasselback baked apples.

    Storage

    Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Then, reheat in the microwave for a few minutes.

    Make ahead

    This is a great recipe to make ahead and have throughout the week as a healthy sweet treat or to serve with your oatmeal pancakes or muesli for breakfast.

    To make it healthier, reduce the amount of syrup and avoid the ice cream.

    More holiday desserts

    When autumn, winter, and the holiday season is upon us, we look to these favorite desserts for a sweet and cozy treat:

    • Easy egg-free pancakes: a perfect brunch recipe for the holidays and special occasions
    • Easy and soft cinnamon rolls with an airy brioche dough
    • Carrot cake: soft and sweet with a delicious vanilla topping
    • Vegan donuts: fried or baked, glazed or dipped, this is your base recipe for egg-free donuts!
    • vegan pancakes with maple syrup
      Vegan Pancakes
    • Vegan cinnamon rolls with icing
      Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
    • vegan carrot cake
      Vegan Carrot Cake
    • fried donuts on a plate
      Vegan Donuts - Homemade Recipe

    More apple recipes

    If you love cooking with apples, try these sweet and savory dishes with easy-to-find ingredients:

    • Red cabbage slaw with apples and candied walnuts
    • Carrot raisin salad with apple and pineapples
    • Easy apple cake with only 7 ingredients
    • Bircher muesli with grated green apples
    • Oatmeal pancakes with apple-raisin compote
    • Mini apple tarts with homemade pastry dough
    • Egg-free apple fritters: best when served with our 5-ingredient custard
    • Hasselback apples with oats, almonds, and fragrant cinnamon sugar
    • red cabbage slaw with apple and walnuts
      Red Cabbage Slaw
    • Carrot raisin salad
      Carrot Raisin Salad
    • vegan apple cake
      Vegan Apple Cake
    • authentic bircher muesli
      Bircher Muesli
    • Oatmeal pancakes with syrup
      Oatmeal Pancakes
    • Cut open mini apple tart
      Mini apple tarts - Crostatine di mele
    • apple fritter covered in custard
      Vegan Apple Fritters
    • hasselback baked apples with cinnamon
      Hasselback baked apples with cinnamon

    Recipe

    Baked apples with ice cream

    Baked apples

    Author: Nico
    Our baked apples are tender, sweet, and flavored with cinnamon, maple syrup, and walnuts. They are healthy and easy to make with only 6 ingredients.
    Baked apples are a cozy and comforting dessert perfect for chilly fall and winter days and special occasions, such as winter holidays and Thanksgiving.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 2 votes
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 50 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine International
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 119 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 big apples we recommend Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Gala apples.
    • ¼ cup walnuts or pecans (chopped)
    • 2 tablespoons raisins
    • 1 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 3 tablespoons maple syrup more or less to taste
    • 4 small squares butter or dairy-free butter
    • ⅓ cup hot water

    Serving suggestions

    • 4 scoops vanilla ice cream or dairy-free ice cream
    • 4 scoops whipped cream or dairy-free whipped cream

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C. Wash and dry the apples.
      Cut off the stem and the seeds with a paring knife, then scoop out the core with a teaspoon.
      carving out the core of apples
    • We like to use a measuring teaspoon to do that. If you have it, you can also use an apple corer; however, don't core the apple through the other side as we are going to stuff it.
      Core of the apples
    • Transfer the apples onto a baking dish, then mix raisins, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts into a small bowl.
      Fill the apples with the mix, then drizzle with maple syrup.
      Apples on a tray with walnuts
    • Add a piece of butter on top, then sprinkle with more cinnamon. Finally, add the hot water to the baking tray.
      apples before baking with butter
    • Bake the apples for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the apples.
      They should turn out brown and tender throughout.
      Before serving them, baste them with their juice using a spoon and drizzle the liquid in the baking dish into each apple a few times.
      Baked apples with syrup
    • Serve the apples with some cooking juice and optionally with a few scoops of vanilla ice cream.
      Baked apples with syrup and ice cream

    Notes

    Nutrition information is an estimate for 1 baked apple without ice cream.
    SERVING SUGGESTION
    You can turn the cooking juices of the apples into caramelized apple juice. To do so, transfer the liquid left over in the baking pan into a small saucepan.
    Add a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar and let simmer on low heat for a few minutes until the sugar melts and the juice turns into a syrup.
    Drizzle the syrup on top of the apples (or of the ice cream) with a spoon.

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Baked apples
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 119 Calories from Fat 54
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 6g9%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Trans Fat 0.1g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
    Monounsaturated Fat 1g
    Potassium 131mg4%
    Carbohydrates 18g6%
    Dietary Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 9g10%
    Protein 1g2%
    Vitamin A 3IU0%
    Vitamin B6 0.1mg5%
    Vitamin C 1mg1%
    Vitamin E 0.1mg1%
    Vitamin K 1µg1%
    Calcium 31mg3%
    Folate 7µg2%
    Iron 0.5mg3%
    Manganese 1mg50%
    Magnesium 17mg4%
    Zinc 0.4mg3%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?We are not much on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Leave us a comment below instead, it would mean the world to us 🙂

    If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy:

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      28 Best Fall Recipes | Dinner + Lunch
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda North

      October 03, 2022 at 7:28 am

      5 stars
      Hello guys....oh my goodness..how I love you both....I can't wait to make every single recipe which will probably take me forever.....the best part for me is..you have managed to create fabulous meals with few ingredients.....
      I've been vegan for 20 years and every night I manage to make a different meal......
      I'm just so excited to have found you and to help me to keep on creating delicious healthy food..
      Thank you so much....Linda from Ireland

      Reply
      • Nico

        October 03, 2022 at 7:41 am

        Hi Linda, so happy to have you! Hopefully, we can help you continuously cook new plant-based recipes 🙂 Have a wonderful day. Cheers, Nico

        Reply

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

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