Simple Baked Apples

Baked apples are a classic American dessert rooted in simple farmhouse cooking and fall harvest traditions. Firm fruit is cored and filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a crunchy oat-walnut mix, then baked until tender.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 40 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 210 cal
• 2g protein
• 38g carbs
• 8g fat

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 4 medium firm 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
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 pinch pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F and position a rack in the center. 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. 3With a small spoon, gently scoop out any remaining seeds or tough bits from the cavity, then brush the cut surfaces lightly with lemon juice to keep them from browning.
4. 4In a small bowl, mash the softened butter together with the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, oats, walnuts, and salt until the mixture is crumbly and evenly combined.
5. 5Spoon the spiced filling generously into each apple cavity, packing it lightly so it mounds just above the top without overflowing.
6. 6Place the filled apples upright in an 8-inch square baking dish or small casserole. Pour the water into the bottom of the dish the apples to create steam and prevent sticking.
7. 7Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, basting the apples once or twice with the pan juices, until the skins are wrinkled, the flesh is fork-tender, and the filling is golden and bubbling.
8. 8Remove the dish from the oven and let the apples rest for 5 to 8 minutes so the juices thicken slightly and the fruit is cool enough to handle.
9. 9Spoon any remaining pan syrup over the tops, then serve each apple warm in a shallow bowl, optionally with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.