Baked apples

Baked apples: a simple, quick, and flavorful dessert

I propose a delicious recipe for baked apples, a dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the inviting flavors of cinnamon and honey. This recipe is not only a delight but also a wonderful way to enjoy healthy fruits, offering an excellent alternative to heavy desserts. Whether you choose to serve these apples warm, straight from the oven, or cold after being in the fridge, I assure you that you will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Total preparation time: 35 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 baked apples

The history of baked apples

Baked apples have a long tradition in gastronomy, being served as simple and comforting desserts in many cultures. This dish has been popularized over time due to its versatility, being adaptable with various ingredients to suit everyone’s tastes. Apples, a fruit rich in nutrients and fiber, are ideal for baking as they maintain their shape and become extremely aromatic during cooking.

Necessary ingredients

- Apples (4-6 pieces, preferably the Ionatan variety or other green apples)
- 8-9 teaspoons of honey
- Nuts (approximately 100 grams, ground or chopped)
- Raisins (50-100 grams, to taste)
- Ground cinnamon (to taste)

Preparation technique

Step 1: Preparing the apples

Start by thoroughly washing the apples under a stream of cold water. Make sure they are clean, as the skin is full of nutrients and flavor. Then, using a knife or a special coring tool, remove the core of the apples, being careful not to pierce the bottom. This will become the perfect spot for the filling. If you don’t have a coring tool, you can use a sharp knife, but be very careful.

Step 2: Filling the apples

Place the apples in a baking dish. In the center of each apple, pour 2 teaspoons of honey. The honey will turn the apples into a sweet and sticky dessert, and the natural sugars will caramelize during baking. Add the ground nuts, which will add a crunchy texture, then sprinkle raisins for extra sweetness. Finally, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon, which will provide a warm and comforting flavor.

Step 3: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish with the filled apples in the oven and let them bake for about 25 minutes. You will know they are ready when the apples become soft but maintain their shape. The flavors will combine and fill the kitchen with an inviting aroma.

Step 4: Serving

After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly. You can transfer them to a platter and drizzle with another teaspoon of honey for added sweetness. These baked apples can be served warm or cold. If you want to turn them into an even more refined dessert, you can add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Useful tips

- Choose quality apples: Green apples, such as Ionatan, have a pleasant acidity that balances the sweetness of the filling. You can also experiment with other apple varieties, depending on your preferences.
- Vary the filling: You can add oats, cocoa, almonds, or even a splash of rum for an even more intense flavor.
- Caring for the apples: If you can’t find fresh apples, you can also use canned apples, making sure to drain any excess syrup.
- Caloric content: A serving of baked apple has about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of honey and nuts added. It is a healthy dessert full of nutrients, rich in fiber.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Of course! This recipe can easily be adapted to bananas, pears, or even peaches. Each fruit will provide a unique flavor.

2. How can I store baked apples?
It is recommended to consume them fresh, but you can keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

3. What drinks pair well with baked apples?
Baked apples pair perfectly with a sweet wine or a fragrant fruit tea. Also, a warm cider would be an excellent choice.

4. Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes, you can replace honey with a natural sweetener, such as agave syrup or an artificial sweetener if you want to reduce calories.

This baked apple recipe is not only simple to make but also a perfect example of how you can transform simple ingredients into a refined dessert. Try it and enjoy the pleasant moments spent in the kitchen!