Apple pie with walnut filling

Stuffed apple dessert with nuts and cocoa syrup - a delicious and simple recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Welcome to the world of sweet flavors! Today, we will prepare a vegan dessert that not only delights the taste buds but is also a healthy and economical choice. The apples stuffed with nuts and covered with a cocoa syrup are perfectly sweet, aromatic, and offer a touch of nostalgia to those who remember desserts made in childhood. This recipe is ideal for serving at a family meal or a gathering with friends.

A bit of history
Stuffed apples are a classic dessert with deep roots in culinary tradition, prepared in various forms over time. Whether we are talking about sweet or savory fillings, this dessert has always been an ingenious way to use seasonal fruits. The combination of apples with nuts and cocoa adds a new and delicious dimension to this dish.

Necessary ingredients
To prepare this vegan dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

- 10 apples (choose larger, firm apples)
- 100 g nuts (you can use local nuts, which have an intense flavor)
- 7 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for an extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (which will add a chocolate note)
- 1 tablespoon margarine (for a richer taste)
- 10 tablespoons water

Step by step to a perfect result

1. Preparing the apples
Start by washing the apples well under a stream of cold water. Once clean, remove the stem and scoop out the inside of the apples using a small knife or a spoon. Make sure the walls of the apples remain about 1 - 1.5 cm thick to support the delicious filling. Be careful not to pierce them all the way through!

2. Preparing the filling
In a bowl, chop the nuts into small pieces. You can use a knife or a chopping board, but if you want to save time, a food processor will make the job easier. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon to the chopped nuts. Mix the ingredients well so that the flavors combine perfectly.

3. Stuffing the apples
Fill each apple with the nut, sugar, and cinnamon mixture, being careful not to overload them to avoid breaking. Place the stuffed apples in a greased baking dish to prevent sticking.

4. Baking the apples
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray with the apples inside. Let them bake for about 40 minutes. Check if they are soft using a fork. If it goes in easily, they are ready! Remove the apples from the oven and let them cool slightly.

5. Preparing the syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 10 tablespoons of water with 7 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of margarine. Boil the mixture for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly. The syrup should be slightly viscous and aromatic.

6. Finalizing the dish
Once the syrup is ready, pour it over the baked apples. If you prefer, you can use melted vegan chocolate instead of syrup for an even more intense chocolate flavor.

Serving suggestions
This stuffed apple dessert pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of vegan sour cream. You can also add a handful of fresh berries for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Variations and tips
- Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for a personal touch.
- For a more exotic flavor, you can add a pinch of ginger or cloves to the nut filling.
- If you want a healthier option, you can replace sugar with a natural sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup (though the latter would no longer be vegan).

Nutritional information
This dessert is not only delicious but also relatively healthy. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, while nuts provide protein and healthy fats. Depending on the ingredients used, a serving of stuffed apple can contain approximately 150-200 calories, making it a good choice for a vegan dessert.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of fruit instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches, but the baking time may vary.

2. How can I store the stuffed apples?
They can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days, but it's recommended to consume them fresh to enjoy their texture.

3. What drinks pair well with this dessert?
A fruit tea or mulled wine with spices would perfectly complement this aromatic dessert.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! This recipe for stuffed apples with nuts and cocoa syrup is a true delight that will impress everyone. Enjoy your meal!