Simple Baked Apples

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 40 min cook

Ingredients

• 4 large baking apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish. Rinse the apples under cool water and pat them completely dry with a clean towel.
2. 2Using a sharp paring knife or apple corer, carefully remove the core from each apple, stopping half an inch from the bottom so the base stays intact and forms a natural cup.
3. 3Brush the cut surfaces and cavities lightly with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness. Arrange the prepared apples upright in the baking dish so they sit snugly without tipping.
4. 4In a small bowl, mash the softened butter together with the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, oats, chopped walnuts, and salt until the mixture is crumbly and fragrant.
5. 5Spoon the spiced oat-butter filling evenly into each apple cavity, packing it gently so it mounds slightly above the top.
6. 6Pour the water into the bottom of the baking dish the apples; this creates steam that keeps the fruit tender without sogginess.
7. 7Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, basting once halfway through with the pan juices, until the apples are fork-tender, the skins look glossy, and the filling is golden and bubbling.
8. 8Remove the dish from the oven and let the apples rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle. Serve each apple warm in a shallow bowl with a spoonful of the pan syrup spooned over the top.