There is something truly magical about Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts & Maple Recipe—each bite bursts with warm, cozy flavors that make it the perfect dessert or snack to enjoy any time of year. The natural sweetness of Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples mingles beautifully with toasted walnuts, fragrant cinnamon, and rich maple syrup, creating a comforting and naturally satisfying treat. This recipe is not only simple but also packed with textures and scents that fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas, inviting everyone to gather ’round and savor the goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts & Maple Recipe is a breeze, and every component plays a vital role in making this dish shine. From the crisp apples to the fragrant spices, each adds its own flavor, crunch, or sweetness that blends perfectly when baked.
- 3 large Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples: These apples are sweet and firm, holding their shape wonderfully when baked.
- ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and earthy depth to the filling.
- ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Gives the filling a delightful chewiness and helps soak up flavors.
- â…“ cup pure maple syrup, divided: The star sweetener that introduces rich, caramel notes throughout.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil): Adds moistness and a silky texture to the filling and apples.
- 1 tsp ground Ceylon cinnamon: Delivers warm spice without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ tsp orange zest: Adds a bright, citrusy hint that lifts the entire dish.
- Pinch of kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the natural flavors.
- Pinch of ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle nutty spice that complements the cinnamon.
- ¼ cup hot water: Helps create a luscious syrupy sauce around the apples.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and keeps them looking fresh.
How to Make Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts & Maple Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 375 °F. Rub a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with butter to prevent sticking and add richness. Carefully halve and core your apples, then brush them with lemon juice to keep their beautiful color vibrant throughout baking. This simple prep sets the foundation for perfectly tender and attractive baked apples.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the toasted walnuts, rolled oats, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, orange zest, kosher salt, and nutmeg. Stir everything together until the oats and nuts are evenly coated and moistened by the syrup and butter. This filling mixture is packed with texture and warmth, ready to bring the baked apples to life.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
Fill the hollow centers of your apple halves generously with the walnut and oat mixture, packing it in tightly so every bite has flavor. Place the stuffed apples cut-side-up in your prepared skillet, then scatter any leftover filling between the apples. This step adds extra pockets of deliciousness throughout the dish.
Step 4: Add the Liquid
Whisk together the remaining maple syrup and hot water, then pour this sweet liquid evenly into the skillet around the apples. Dot each apple half with extra butter—it melts into the filling and fruit, making the flavors even more irresistible as everything bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the skillet loosely with foil and bake the apples for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil, baste the apples with the pan juices, and continue baking uncovered for another 20 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. This baking method ensures a perfectly soft texture with a juicy, syrupy finish.
Step 6: Broil for Caramelized Tops
Switch your oven to broil and broil the apples for 2 minutes or until the tops are beautifully caramelized and golden brown. Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the pan sauce to thicken slightly. The result is a luscious dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts & Maple Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra chopped toasted walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top just before serving for added crunch and aroma. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or a spoonful of whipped cream can make these baked apples feel like a special treat at any table.
Side Dishes
Pair these baked apples with creamy vanilla ice cream, cool Greek yogurt, or a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for an unexpected but heavenly flavor pairing. They also make a fantastic complement to a morning oatmeal bowl or even alongside brunch favorites like pancakes or French toast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the apples right from the skillet for a rustic, inviting presentation, or plate them individually topped with a sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers for a pop of color. You can also hollow out the apples slightly more for extra stuffing or serve the filling dolloped on the side for an interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts & Maple Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so they taste even better reheated the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked apples in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve their texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. If using an oven, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out, then broil for a minute to re-crisp the topping if desired. Spoon any excess pan sauce over the apples when serving for maximum flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Pink Lady are recommended for their sweetness and firmness, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples can work well too. Keep in mind that tart apples will yield a tangier flavor.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the butter?
Yes! You can substitute melted coconut oil or vegan butter to keep this recipe dairy-free without sacrificing its rich, luscious texture.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the walnut and oat filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready, simply stuff your apples and proceed with baking as directed.
What can I do if I don’t have rolled oats?
You can swap rolled oats for quick oats or even finely chopped nuts for added crunch, but rolled oats give the best texture and soak up the flavors nicely.
How sweet are these baked apples?
The natural sweetness of the apples combined with maple syrup makes this dessert pleasantly sweet but never overpowering, striking a perfect balance with the warm spices and nuts.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts & Maple Recipe. It’s cozy, comforting, and wonderfully simple, yet it feels special enough to serve to guests or enjoy as a sweet everyday indulgence. I encourage you to try this recipe and fill your kitchen with the heartwarming aroma of baked apples and spices. Once you do, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
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Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts & Maple Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples featuring a warm filling of toasted walnuts, rolled oats, and aromatic spices, sweetened with pure maple syrup. Baked until tender and caramelized, this comforting dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or a wholesome treat.
Ingredients
Apples
- 3 large Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples, halved and cored
- 1 tsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Filling
- ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts
- ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- â…“ cup pure maple syrup, divided
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
- 1 tsp ground Ceylon cinnamon
- ½ tsp orange zest
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
Additional
- ¼ cup hot water
- Extra butter for dotting
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Rub a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with butter to prevent sticking. Halve the apples and carefully scoop out the cores. Brush the cut sides with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, mix the chopped toasted walnuts, rolled oats, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, melted butter, ground cinnamon, orange zest, kosher salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined and moistened.
- Stuff Apples: Pack the prepared filling generously into each apple cavity. Arrange the apples cut-side up in the skillet and scatter any remaining filling between the apples.
- Add Liquid: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining maple syrup and hot water. Pour this mixture evenly into the skillet around the apples. Dot the tops of the apples with extra butter for richness.
- Bake: Cover the skillet loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, baste the apples with pan juices, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
- Broil for Caramelization: Switch your oven to the broil setting. Broil the apples for about 2 minutes until the tops turn golden and caramelized. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Rest & Serve: Allow the apples to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. Serve warm with the luscious pan sauce spooned over the top for a delightful finish.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for best texture after baking.
- To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 °F for 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant.
- Orange zest adds a fresh citrus note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup to your taste.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil as suggested.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for an extra indulgent dessert.
