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Baked Apple with Cinnamon: This recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy dessert option. The natural sweetness of the apples combines with the warmth of cinnamon to create a comforting treat. Here’s a straightforward recipe for making baked apples with cinnamon.

Ingredients:

4 large apples (choose a firm, sweet variety such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
1 cup boiling water

How to Make:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse and dry the apples. Using an apple corer or a paring knife, remove the core of each apple, creating a hole about an inch in diameter, but make sure not to cut all the way through the bottom of the apple. You should have a small well in the center of each apple.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). If you’d like to add some crunch and extra flavor, you can also mix in the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins or dried cranberries.
Stuff each apple with the sugar-cinnamon mixture, filling the hole and pressing down gently to pack the mixture in. You can adjust the amount of filling depending on the size of your apples and your personal preference.
Place the apples in a baking dish with high sides. Top each apple with a piece of butter.
Pour the boiling water into the bottom of the baking dish, being careful not to pour it over the apples. This will create steam to help the apples cook evenly and stay moist.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the apples are tender but not mushy. The baking time will depend on the size and variety of your apples. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the apple; it should go in easily.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the apples cool for a few minutes before serving.

You can serve the baked apples as they are, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Baked Apples

To ensure that your baked apples turn out perfectly, follow these tips and tricks:

Choosing the right apples: Select firm, sweet apples that will hold their shape while baking, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Avoid softer, mealy apples like Red Delicious as they may become too mushy during the baking process.
Preparing the apples: When coring the apples, make sure not to cut all the way through the bottom, as this will help retain the filling and prevent the apples from collapsing. Additionally, you can score a horizontal line around the circumference of each apple to help prevent them from splitting during baking.
Adjusting baking time: The size and variety of your apples, as well as your oven’s temperature, can affect baking time. Check the apples for doneness after 45 minutes and continue to monitor them until they reach the desired tenderness. A toothpick or knife should easily pierce the apple when it’s done.
Keeping apples moist: Pouring boiling water into the baking dish helps create steam, which in turn keeps the apples moist during baking. Be sure not to pour water directly over the apples, as this can wash away the filling.
Filling variations: Experiment with various fillings by incorporating ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips. You can also adjust the sweetness level by reducing or increasing the amount of sugar in the recipe.

Related read:

How to Keep Apples from Turning Brown
How Many Apples Are in a Pound? Counting Apples for Recipe