Baked Apple Recipe – Easy And Yummy!
This is hands-down the best baked apple recipe that I’ve ever made. Honeycrisp apples stuffed with cinnamon, brown sugar, nuts and cranberries, this easy recipe is bursting with flavor and will have your family begging for more!
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Besides pumpkins and beautiful fall foliage, raise your hand if you can tell me what is synonymous with fall. I’m talking apples, y’all. I love ’em and now’ is the best time of year to enjoy them!
Are you intimidated by the thought of baking apples? I sure was. Until I gave this recipe a try, that is. 😆
For years, I wondered how to make them, but for some strange reason I always shied away from giving them a try. I can only guess that I assumed it would be too complicated and I wanted an easy whole baked apple recipe.
I finally gave them a whirl, but every recipe I tried failed for one reason or another. But this one – this one was an absolute success and is the best baked apple recipe of them all.
I’ve been making this recipe for several years now and it’s still the best one that I’ve ever had. My family starts requesting them as soon as apple season arrives.
Here in North Carolina, we’ve entered the wonderful apple harvest season, which runs from September through November.
Farm-fresh apples can certainly be found at local farmer’s markets, but my favorite place to purchase apples is at a roadside stand along a winding backwoods road in the mountains. For me, buying apples is a great excuse for taking a road trip to enjoy some beautiful natural scenery and fall weather.
And on a side note, if you’ve never tried Honeycrisp apples, you are definitely missing out. They’re a bit more expensive that other apple varieties, but oh let me tell you – their natural sweetness makes them so, so worth it. They’re everything that their name implies – honey sweet and crisp, all wrapped up in an apple!
WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS POST
In addition to the recipe in this post, you’ll also find:
- the best apple varieties for baking
- tips for selecting the best apples
- handy products to use
- variations on the recipe
- making baked apples in the microwave
- how to store baked apples
- how to reheat the entire dish or individual apples
- how to serve baked apples
- additional tips.
I make this recipe for all sorts of reasons – it’s perfect for a snack, a side dish with any fall meal or as a dessert.
Plus it is an amazing welcome addition to a Thanksgiving feast! I can just imagine these apples served after a savory meal of chili and my famous cornbread recipe. Yum!
Hot apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is one of my favorite desserts of all time, but I’ll let you in on a little secret – I am NOT a make-from-scratch apple pie maker!
When I want to serve that as a dessert, you’ll find me in the freezer section of my grocery store. 😀 I no longer purchase frozen apple pies though, because this recipe for baked apples is so much easier than making an actual pie!
The apples are delicious on their own, but why not make them even more scrumptious by topping them with creamy vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or your favorite slice of cheese (I don’t understand putting cheese on apple pie, but I know many people love it!).
THE BEST APPLE VARIETIES FOR BAKING
This is a recipe for honey crisp apples, but they certainly aren’t the only apple variety that you can use for baking.
The key is to select a variety that remains firm during the baking process. No one wants a baked apple that is little more than a flavored pile of mush.
Just be aware, that by changing the variety of apple, you may also change the taste of the finished product. Especially if you use a tart apple variety, such as Granny Smith.
You may also need to adjust the baking time based on the size and variety of apple that you use.
- Granny Smith – green and tart
- Rome Beauty – mildly sweet and tart
- Honeycrisp – sweet and crisp
- Braeburn – firm and spicy sweet
- Jonagold and Jonathans – tangy with a honey-like flavor
- Pink Lady – sweet, but tart
- Melrose – cross between a Jonathan and a Red Delicious
- Winesap – spicy tart and thick skinned
- Golden Delicious -yellow, sweet, soft, and thin skinned
- Corland – related to the McIntosh, crisp and slightly tart
Apple varieties that don’t retain their shape well and should not be used in this recipe are Red Delicious, Gala and Fuji.
HOW TO SELECT THE BEST APPLES
No matter where you purchase your apples, here are some tips for how to select the best ones:
- Check the apple’s firmness. It should be firm to the touch. Avoid apples that are noticeably soft or indent easily when you press on them.
- Visually check the apple. Completely turn it in your hand to make sure there are no obvious bruises or holes in the skin.
- Take a sniff of the apple. A fresh, high-quality apple should have a pleasant aroma.
HANDY PRODUCTS TO USE
This is a simple recipe, so it doesn’t take a lot of equipment, but there are a few items that come in handy:
- A deep baking dish, large enough to hold at least 4 apples. Click HERE to see my favorite deep baking dish for both baking and serving.
- A ice cream scoop. I recommend THIS ONE that is non-stick and anti-freeze.
- Small mixing bowls. Click HERE for my favorite set.
- THESE are great for storing leftovers and are freezer, oven and microwave safe.
- Good Grips apple corer. Click HERE for product info and purchasing.
VARIATIONS ON THE RECIPE
- Use pumpkin pie spice or allspice in place of 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Try adding nutmeg, ground cloves or ginger
- Add raisins or dried cherries in place of dried cranberries
- Use pecans or hazelnuts in place of walnuts
- Save calories by using sugar-free brown sugar and/or a butter substitute
CAN BAKED APPLES BE MADE IN THE MICROWAVE?
If you’re short on time, you can skip the long oven baking time and make them in the microwave instead.
Prep the apples just as the recipe says, but put them in a microwave-safe dish that has sides with a cover. Microwave on high for 4 minutes, then check the apples for tenderness (softness).
When the apples are ready they will be tender and a little slouchy looking, but not mushy.
The total cooking time is an estimate and will depend upon the variety of apple and the wattage of your microwave.
HOW TO STORE
After cooling completely, the baked apples can be stored in a refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Place them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven at 325° or in the microwave on 50% power before serving. Make sure you add all of the sauce and juices from the baking pan when you store them.
You can freeze the apples in an airtight, freezer-safe container after baking, but they may be a little more mushy when thawed and then reheated.
HOW TO SERVE
The apples will be delicious on their own, but you might want to try some of these ideas:
- Top the warm apples with a scoop of ice cream – my personal favorite
- Drizzle the baked apples with caramel sauce – what could be better than apples in caramel?
- Top warm apples with marshmallows.
- Sprinkle with granola.
- Top with whipped cream.
- Add a slice of cheese to the top of a warm apple.
- Top with a streusel made with butter, sugar, flour, cinnamon and oats or nuts.
- For a super decadent dessert, drizzle melted butter over the apples after baking (before topping with ice cream).
- For a pretty presentation, place the cut-off apple top on top of the apple while baking.
OUR FAVORITE BAKED APPLES RECIPE
Baked Honeycrisp Apples {Best Ever!}
Ingredients
- 4 – Honeycrisp apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 4 tblsp butter
- creamy caramel sauce optional
- vanilla ice cream optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° fahrenheit.
- Slice approximately 1/3 off of the top of the apples and scoop out the core, leaving a well in the center.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, cranberries and walnuts (using a spoon or fork) until blended.
- Stuff each apple with 1/4 of brown sugar mixture.
- Place apples in a deep baking dish, topping each apple with 1 tblsp butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Pour about 1/2" of water into the baking pan, around the apples, and bake for 50 – 60 minutes, until apples are tender.
- Serve warm, topped with caramel sauce drizzled on top of each apple, if desired.
- Also excellent served with vanilla or butter pecan ice cream.
Notes
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Do not peel the apples.
- To remove the seeds, you can use an apple corer or scoop out the middle with a spoon.
- Baking time will vary, depending upon size, ripeness and variety of apple. Use a knife or toothpick, inserted into the thickest part of the apple, to test for doneness.
- In general, baked apples can be prepared and baked ahead. After baking, cover and refrigerate them for 3-4 days, then reheat in the oven at 325°, or reheat in the microwave at 50% power, before serving.
- Light brown sugar can be used in place of regular brown sugar.
- Don’t be tempted to increase the baking temperature. The higher the temperature, the more likely the apple skin will split or the apple will collapse.
Have I convinced you to give this simple apple recipe a try yet??? Oh my goodness, YUM!
Bless you, Marisa. I hope you do give them a try. Let me know how you like them. I gave up making submissions to Foodgawker – it was too frustrating for me!
Thank you, Ashley. You’re too sweet!
Hi Helen. That’s a good way for me to think about it – they look ooey-gooey! And you’re right, the skin does look like puff pastry. I’m convinced that the perfectly baked apples that you see pictures of are taken out of the oven before they’re completely done. I hated that mine lost their pretty red color once they were completely baked.
Suzy this looks like a cup of fall heaven. Yummy!!! Printing this out for sure. Thanks for sharing
Cindy
Looks scrumptious! Perfect for Fall! 😉
Honey crisp are my favorite as well. Thanks for this yummy Fall recipe.
Looks so yummy. Can’t wait to try bake some honey crisps.
Looks like fall. Sounds delicious and I have it in my list of things to bake this week.
This looks like fall and deliciousness! Thanks for sharing on Family Joy Blog Link-up. Please come back and join us again! Remember to leave your host a comment to increase the chance of being featured.
This looks amazing! Greetings from Dubai and have a great day!
Shantana
OH my! It is almost 11 PM and reading this makes me want to run to the grocery store RIGHT NOW to get the ingredients! I am so making this — thank you for sharing! Pinning and sharing on fb. 🙂
oh those apples look amazing, and then I saw the ice cream on top! Great idea for fall
Love these! Cant wait to try this recipe!!!!
We look forward every year to the honeycrisp arrival. Can’t wait to try them this way. Thank you.
Can’t wait to try the baked apples!
This looks wonderful. Fall is on it’s way. My favorite season. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my…this looks like the perfect treat for today’s weather. Thank you for linking up to the Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesday, don’t forget to party with us next week.
Oh my gosh i have never seen anything like this before. This recipe looks to die for!!
My husband celebrates honeycrisp season – he will LOVE these! Thank you for sharing; sounds fantastic.
I love baked apples, they are my favorite fall treat. Thank you for sharing at the Creative Muster Party. PINNED!
Those looks delicious – especially the one with the scoop of ice cream. This is a different recipe and sounds really yummy. I’m pinning it.
Seriously looks amazing! Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party. See you again soon. Pinned & Shared.
My parents always made baked apples in the fall – one of the many traditions I miss! I never thought to learn how to make them, but then again, I never thought I’d loose my parents as a young adult either… Thank you for sharing the baked apple recipe, you brought up a wonderful memory and motivation to bake some this fall!
That does look easy. Pinning that for cooler days ahead.
This is one I’m going to bake, oh yum!
These look awesome and so easy!
This is absolutely favorite site! You are awesome! Thanks for sharing your great decorating tips!
Cathy
Oh my gosh! I happen to have some Honeycrisp apples in the fridge and I will be having those baked apples tomorrow! There is NOTHING like that smell in your house in the Fall! Thanks so much….
We just picked honey crisp apples last week. I’ll have to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing
Love your Honey Crisp Apple Recipe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for this wonderful recipe! I wonder if you could use the apple that you scooped out in the stuffing mixture?
I bet you could! That’s a great idea!
Definitely need to make these this fall!
I both pinned this and printed the recipe out. It looks adorable and hopefully will taste just as good. I’ll probably sub raisins for the cranberries (have raisins on hand). If this turns out as well as I hope, I’ve got a new dessert for company.
I’m making these for breakfast. Yum
Yum Can’t wait to bake these!
I am definitely going to try these. They look delicious.
Oh my goodness, these look absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to try this recipe. Pinned it for this weekend!
Oh these look wonderful! I am going apple picking with my aunt tomorrow and plan to make these when I come home. Thanks for the yummy recipe!
Got to try this recipe. Cooking apples make your home smell so delicious and cozy!! Yummy.
I’ll be right over….ice cream with mine please LOL
Suzy, I just discovered these amazing honeycrisp apples so this recepie will be put to use.
Theses look so yummy! I can’t wait to try them out on my family. Thank you
I love honeycrisp apples.. I haven’t had a baked apple in a while. Must add this to my list!
Oh, love baked apples, and HoneyCrisp even more! They are SO expensive here in Dallas right now, but I’ll have to splurge to try this recipe! I had thought about using the cut off top diced into the mix, OR a little snack for the baker, maybe?!
Thanks, Suzy ~ this looks so very yummy! And it would be a beautiful dessert for company, esp. with ice cream & a little drizzle of caramel!!!
Hi Suzy,
I’m at a bit late at this recipe but I can’t wait to make them this week for my family. Definitely adding the ice cream! Chris
These do look so good, and baked apples are a nice dessert year round, with or without ice cream!
Oh goshhh! It looks so yummy. I’m a big fan of apple and I can’t wait to make this dish tomorrow. I bet it will be the best apple recipe I’ve ever made! Thanks for your recipe.
I hope you love them as much as we do!
I did it successfully last dinner. However, the apples I chose are not very good, so I will try again later this week. My little daughter likes dried cranberries, so I’ll give more. Hope it will be delicious.
I think the secret (at least for me) is making sure to use Honeycrisp apples. I bet dried cranberries will be a delicious addition!
Long time no see kind of Recipe like this. Just love it!
I’m sorry for taking so long to reply – I just found that there was a technical issue on the backend of my blog that was preventing me from seeing comments. These are seriously the best baked apples I’ve ever had!
Yum yum yum! Looks delicious!
I just made these and they are sooo delicious! The recipe was easy to follow and my family loved them!
Looks so yummy! I can’t wait to try it!
So yummy and gives me all the fall feels!
These look amazing!! Do you add the scooped apples with the brown sugar mixture? Or discard? I can’t wait to give these a try!
Hi, these look amazing! Question, do you go right through the apple with the corer, i.e make a hole right through the apple? Or do you not pierce the bottom with the apple corer?
Also, the picture looks like you scooped out more flesh than just the core, is that just extra filling piled on top, or are you supposed to scoop out flesh leaving a kind of apple ‘bowl’?
Cheers
Hi Sandy. No, I don’t completely go through the apple. I try to scoop out as much as I can without puncturing the skin on the bottom, but also leaving a little bit of the apple flesh. I use the apple corer just to get the hole started and to remove the seeds. Once I’ve removed the core, I use a teaspoon to scoop out more of the flesh. Yes, you do want to basically create an apple bowl, but you don’t want to remove ALL of the flesh from the apple.