Baked apples with nuts, raisins, and honey

Baked apples with walnuts, raisins, and honey - A seasonal delicacy

Total time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Fruit desserts are not only a delight for the taste buds but also a way to enjoy the natural benefits of fruits. Baked apples with walnuts, raisins, and honey are an excellent choice for those who appreciate simple yet delicious flavors. This dessert is perfect for a cool autumn evening or as a healthy snack after a hearty meal.

A brief history

It is said that apples are among the oldest fruits cultivated by humans, having a rich history and often symbolizing knowledge and fertility in various cultures. Baking apples is not just a method to enhance their sweetness but also a traditional technique that improves their texture and flavor. Adding walnuts and raisins transforms this dessert into a unique culinary experience that can be served warm or cold.

Ingredients

- 4-5 large apples, preferably sweet and firm varieties like Golden Delicious, Fuji, or Gala
- 3 tablespoons of walnuts (chopped, preferably toasted for a more intense flavor)
- 3 tablespoons of raisins (soft, to add a pleasant texture)
- 2-3 tablespoons of honey (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (for an extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional, but recommended for a deeper taste)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the apples
Start by washing the apples well under cold water. Choose the most beautiful apples, free of blemishes or bruises, to ensure a quality dessert. Use a sharp knife to remove the core from the apples, leaving them intact. This will allow the filling to absorb into the fruit's flesh, making it tastier.

2. Preparing the filling
In a small bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, raisins, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Make sure the walnuts are lightly toasted to enhance their flavor. This is a simple yet essential step. If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add more honey to suit your taste.

3. Fill the apples
Using a spoon, fill each apple with the walnut and raisin mixture, being careful not to overfill them, as they will swell during baking. Sprinkle each apple with a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.

4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the filled apples in a baking dish, with a little water in the bottom of the dish to create steam. This will help the apples bake evenly and not dry out. Bake them for about 20 minutes or until they become golden and soft, but not overly mushy.

5. Serving
Baked apples with walnuts, raisins, and honey can be enjoyed warm or cold. You can serve them plain or with a scoop of Greek yogurt, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent touch.

Practical tips

- Choosing apples: Choose firm apples that hold up well during baking. Apples with a higher sugar content will add natural sweetness to the dessert.
- Customize the recipe: You can experiment with other types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, or you can replace the raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries.
- Health tip: Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, while walnuts contain essential fatty acids. This dessert is not only delicious but also nutritious.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned apples for this recipe?
It is recommended to use fresh apples to achieve the correct texture. Canned apples can become too soft and will not have the same flavor.

2. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
Substitute honey with a natural sweetener, such as maple syrup or agave.

3. Can they be prepared in advance?
These apples can be prepared a few hours before serving. You can keep them in the refrigerator and reheat them before serving.

Ideal pairings

This dessert pairs wonderfully with various hot beverages, such as winter tea or a spiced mulled wine. You can also enjoy baked apples with various savory dishes, such as goat cheese or a cheese tart.

A personal detail
I fondly remember the evenings spent with family when my grandmother made baked apples with walnuts and honey. The aroma of these apples filling the entire house was pure magic. I encourage you to share the special moments you create around this recipe!

I hope you enjoy this simple and delicious recipe for baked apples with walnuts, raisins, and honey. It is a dessert that combines tradition and innovation, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!