Get ready to fall in love with baked apples! This magical dessert is not only sweet and juicy, but it also creates its own delicious caramel sauce while baking! Trust me, once you try this simple recipe, youโll want to make it again and againโespecially with a scoop of ice cream on top! ๐โจ
How to Prepare Juicy Baked Apples
Getting ready to make juicy baked apples is super simple and oh-so-fun! First, letโs gather our ingredients and tools. Hereโs what youโll need:
- Fresh apples (I love using Modi apples because theyโre so sweet and juicy!)
- A sharp knife
- An ice cream scooper or small spoon for scooping the cores
- A baking dish to hold those delightful apples
Now, letโs dive into the prep:
- Wash the Apples: Start by giving those apples a good rinse. We want them nice and clean for our delicious dessert!
- Cut Them in Half: Using your knife, carefully slice the apples in half, right through the core. Be sure to keep your fingers safe!
- Scoop Out the Core: Here comes the fun part! Use the ice cream scooper or spoon to gently scoop out the core of each apple half. Donโt forget to leave plenty of apple goodness around the edge for flavor.
- Set Them Up: Place the apple halves in your baking dish. They should be snug so they donโt wobble around while baking (no one likes a wobbly apple!).
- Fill It Up: Once the apples are in place, youโre ready to fill them with your yummy mixture. Pile the filling high for a sweet surprise when it comes out of the oven!
Getting your apples ready this way is so easy! I canโt wait for you to taste the magic that happens when these beauties are baked!๐โจ
Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Apples
To whip up the most delicious baked apples, gathering the right ingredients is key! Trust me, these ingredients will turn your apples into a dessert that feels like a warm hug! Hereโs what youโll need:
- Juicy Apples:
– I recommend using Modi apples if you can find them. Theyโre super juicy and bursting with flavor! But any sweet red apple will do the trick!
- Stuffing Ingredients:
– 1 cup of walnuts or pecans, chopped (or you can swap in oats if you prefer)
– 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or golden syrup for that sweet kick!
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor!
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves to add a hint of spice!
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar for sweetness and that caramel vibe!
– 75 grams (or 5 tablespoons) of unsalted butter, melted for richness!
– A pinch of salt to balance everything out!
- Magic Sauce:
– 3/4 cup of water and 2 teaspoons of cornflour/cornstarch to create that amazing sauce while baking!
With these ingredients ready, youโre on your way to creating a dessert that not only looks stunning but tastes amazing! I can already smell the sweetness wafting through the kitchen! Are you excited? I know I am! Letโs get baking! ๐๐
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking
Now that we have our ingredients ready, itโs time to bring those juicy baked apples to life! Follow these simple steps to create this delightful dish thatโs sure to impress everyone!
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). A warm oven is essential for baking magic!
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together your chopped walnuts or pecans, maple syrup, cinnamon, ground cloves, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until it creates a lovely, sticky mixture that smells divine!
- Cut and Core the Apples: As we discussed, slice your juicy apples in half and scoop out the cores. Place the halved apples in a baking dish, making sure theyโre snug and cozy together.
- Fill Those Apples: Generously spoon the delicious filling into each apple half, piling it high. Donโt be shyโmore is better when it comes to filling!
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornflour/cornstarch with a splash of the water until smooth. Then add the rest of the water to the mixture and pour it around the apples in the baking dish. This is where the magic happens!
- Bake: Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Take these beauties out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Spoon the bubbling caramel sauce over the baked apples before serving. Maybe add a scoop of ice cream on top for the ultimate treat!
And there you have it! Delicious baked apples that are easy to make and so satisfying! ๐โจ
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Once those juicy baked apples are out of the oven, the fun isnโt over yet! Letโs make this dessert even more amazing with some great serving suggestions and delicious pairings!
- A Scoop of Ice Cream: This is my favorite! Adding a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top of warm baked apples is simply heavenly. The cold ice cream melting into the apples creates a rich, dreamy experience. Yum!
- Whipped Cream: If youโre not into ice cream, a dollop of fluffy whipped cream does the trick. It adds a light, airy texture that balances the warm, sweet apples perfectly!
- Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top. This makes it feel extra special, and who doesnโt love more caramel?
- Chopped Nuts: For a little crunch, sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts or pecans on top. It adds a nice texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: This dessert pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors of the apples mix well with a cozy drink, making for a perfect end to dinner or a delightful afternoon snack.
- Festive Touches: If itโs a special occasion, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh mint leaves. It adds a pop of color and elegance!
With these suggestions, your baked apples will shine even brighter! Canโt wait for you to savor each delicious bite! ๐๐ฆโจ
Tips for Choosing the Best Apples
Choosing the right apples is super important for making those delicious baked apples! Using the right type can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips Iโve picked up along the way to help you select the best apples for this treat:
- Go for Juicy Varieties: Look for apples that feel heavy for their size. This usually means theyโre juicy! I love using Modi apples because they’re so tasty and have a great crunch!
- Check the Skin: Make sure the skin is smooth and free of blemishes or soft spots. If they seem squishy, put them back on the shelf! We want firm apples for baking!
- Color Counts: Bright, vibrant colors are a good sign! Look for apples that are deep red or have a nice yellow blush. These colors often indicate ripeness and sweetness.
- Try Different Types: While I recommend sweet varieties, feel free to experiment! Granny Smith apples can add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the filling. Mixing different types can create a flavor explosion!
- Smell the Apples: Give them a sniff! Fresh apples have a sweet, fruity aroma. If they donโt smell like anything, they might not taste great either!
- Seasonal Picking: If you can, visit a local orchard in the fall. Freshly picked apples are usually the best in terms of taste and quality!
With these tips, youโll be picking the best apples in no time! Happy apple hunting! ๐๐