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
Scale
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.
