Baked apple with walnut and honey

Baked Apples with Nuts and Honey: A Quick and Healthy Dessert

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1

If you're looking for a quick dessert full of flavors and nutrients, you've come to the right place! The recipe for baked apples with nuts and honey is not only simple but also wonderfully delicious. This dessert combines the natural sweetness of apples with the crunch of nuts and the warm aroma of cinnamon. Plus, it can be prepared in record time, making it ideal for moments when you crave something sweet yet healthy.

A Brief History of the Recipe

Baked apples have been a beloved delicacy throughout the centuries, appreciated for both their taste and nutritional benefits. They are often associated with winter traditions and holidays, but nothing stops you from enjoying them every day! The combination with nuts and honey adds a new level of flavor, transforming a simple apple into a gourmet dessert.

Ingredients

- 1 large apple (choose a sweet apple, preferably a Golden Delicious or Fuji)
- 2 tablespoons of honey (you can adjust the amount to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon of cocoa (for an extra flavor boost)
- 1 heaping tablespoon of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work great)
- Cinnamon (to taste, but I recommend at least 1/2 teaspoon)

Necessary Utensils

- Knife
- Spoon
- Measuring cup
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper (optional)

Step by Step for a Perfect Dessert

1. Prepare the Apple
Start by washing the apple thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities from the skin, as this will contribute to the dessert's flavor. Use a knife to cut off the top of the apple, and with a spoon, scoop out the seeds, being careful not to destroy the apple's shape. Gently widen the hole to create enough space for the filling.

2. Flavor the Inside
Sprinkle cinnamon inside the apple. This will not only add an intense aroma but will also infuse the apple with a delicious taste during baking.

3. Prepare the Filling
In a cup, mix the honey, chopped nuts, and cocoa. The mixture should be homogeneous. If desired, you can also add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

4. Fill the Apple
Using a spoon, fill the apple with the nut, honey, and cocoa mixture. Make sure to fill it well but not to the surface, to prevent the filling from overflowing during baking.

5. Bake the Apple
Place the filled apple in a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Put the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C (medium heat) and bake for about 15 minutes or until the apple becomes soft but does not completely fall apart.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the baked apple warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top. These add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. Additionally, a drizzle of honey can make the dessert even more decadent.

Nutritional Benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Nuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and essential vitamins. Honey is a natural sweetener full of antioxidants. This dessert is not only delicious but also beneficial for health!

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of apple?
Of course! You can experiment with different apple varieties, but make sure they are sweet and juicy.

- How can I vary the filling?
You can add raisins, pumpkin seeds, or even dark chocolate to diversify the flavor.

- What drinks go well with this dessert?
A cup of herbal tea or a sweet wine would perfectly complement this dessert.

Tips and Recommendations

For an extra flavor boost, you can add a bit of rum or almond extract to the filling. Also, if you care about the visual aspect, you can drizzle the apple with a bit of lemon juice before baking, which will help it retain a beautiful color.

Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving (varies based on the type of apple and the amount of honey used).

This simple dessert is perfect for cool evenings or when you crave something sweet yet healthy. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!