Rediscover baked apples: A timeless fall favorite with a twist
My grandfather never baked cakes, but in the fall he served a dessert that everyone loved: baked apples with toppings. It's a retro delicacy worth revisiting. Just the aroma can lift your spirits on a cool, cloudy day.
7:37 AM EST, November 25, 2024
If you think the best part of apple pie is the apples, this dessert is for you. While various toppings can be added to baked apples, the fruit is the show's star. This treat is simple and quick to prepare, getting ready much faster than apple pie.
Even for a snack
Baked apples pair well with many toppings. Top of the list are preserves, nuts, honey, dried fruits, and raisins. You can create any combination you like. If you want the apples to be more substantial because you plan to serve them for brunch or an afternoon snack, stuffing them with peanut butter or oatmeal is a good idea. I've tried baked apples in many ways, but recently, I've been preparing them most often with cinnamon crumble. In this dessert-apple pie combination, my family loves them. There seems to be no spice that pairs with apples better than cinnamon.
Best apple varieties for baking
Most apples suit this dessert, but I always choose slightly tart ones. In my opinion, they are the most delicious. After baking, their natural sugars are released, and the apples are not sour. Ideal are fruits from old varieties, with thick skins that don't crack during baking. It's worth choosing gray and golden russets, boikens, and antonówka apples. Among newer varieties, mutsu works well. Apples for baking should have firm flesh. They take longer to bake but afterward have a creamy, non-watery consistency.
Apples with cinnamon crumble
Ingredients:
- 4 apples,
- 3 tablespoons of raisins or cranberries,
- 3 tablespoons of finely chopped walnuts,
- 3 tablespoons of maple syrup.
Crumble:
- 4 tablespoons of butter,
- 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar,
- 9 tablespoons of all-purpose flour,
- half a teaspoon of cinnamon,
- brown sugar to taste, optionally.
Preparation method:
- Wash the apples and cut off the tops. Core and remove the seeds.
- Add nuts, raisins, and maple syrup to the center of each apple.
- Combine all the crumble ingredients and mix until crumbs form.
- Generously sprinkle the tops of the apples with crumble and brown sugar.
- Place the prepared apples in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 30 minutes.
