These spiced baked apples bring a warm, adventurous twist to a classic dessert, perfect for cozy evenings. With a blend of aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness, they’re sure to delight your taste buds and spark your imagination.
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is well combined. Core the apples carefully, leaving the bottom intact so you can stuff them. Fill each apple almost to the top with the sugar mixture, then add a few blueberries on top. Cover the berries with a little more of the sugar mix and press in some raisins for extra sweetness.
Pour enough water into a shallow baking dish to cover the bottom, then stir in the walnuts, rum, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Give it a good mix to combine everything. Place the stuffed apples in the dish, making sure they’re sitting in the liquid. Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven.
Bake for about 20 minutes, until the apples start to get tender. Then take off the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or so, until the sugar on top caramelizes and the sauce thickens. Give the sauce a little stir and spoon it over the apples before letting them cool for about five minutes. Enjoy!
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape well when baked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- To avoid the apples bursting during baking, core them carefully without cutting through the bottom.
- For extra flavor, soak the apples in a spiced rum or apple cider mixture before baking.
This dish combines warm spices with the natural sweetness of apples, creating a comforting and cozy treat. It's easy to make and fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Plus, the touch of spice adds an exciting twist to a classic baked fruit dessert.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair nicely with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and richness.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back their soft texture and warm spices.
