Best Baked Apples

Does anyone else rationalize desserts that use are “healthy”? I know they aren’t, but I feel a little better about myself than just downing a giant slice of cake. Baked Apples have double fruit!

The Best Baked Apples are simple and can be prepared all the way until baking ahead of time. They are perfectly paired with a crisp apple wine and a generous scoop of vanilla, butter or caramel ice cream.

The Best Baked Apples are simple and can be prepared all the way until baking ahead of time. They are perfectly paired with a crisp apple wine and a generous scoop of vanilla, butter or caramel ice cream.

Another recipe inspired by my trip to the Certified Angus Beef brand test kitchens was Baked Apples. Chef Tony was supposed to send us his amazing recipe, but I was a little inpatient, so I created my own calling them the BEST Baked Apples.

Shortly after I made up my own, he sent it out and it is eerily similar.  I guess great minds think alike.

So what makes these “The Best” and different from any other baked apple recipe? The secret is to soak your dried cranberries in Chambord, a raspberry flavored liqueur.

Don’t worry, the residual alcohol will bake off, but you will be left with plump and flavorful cranberries coated in a brown sugar sauce. The key to your baked apple not being too sweet is in choosing the correct apple.

Pick a tart variety, I prefer Granny Smith.  The flavors will play off of each and not be overwhelming in either direction.

The Best Baked Apples are simple and can be prepared ahead of time. They are perfectly paired with a crisp apple wine and a generous scoop of vanilla, butter or salted caramel ice cream or as a side dish with a pork tenderloin.

If you like this fruity dessert, here are a few more:

• Grilled Peaches
• Balsamic Strawberry Parfaits
• Blackberry Popovers

4.88 from 8 votes

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The Best Baked Apples

Prep Time

45 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

1 hr 5 mins

 

The Best Baked Apples are simple and can be prepared all the way until baking ahead of time. They are perfectly paired with a crisp apple wine and a generous scoop of vanilla, butter or caramel ice cream.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked apples

Servings: 4

Calories: 384 kcal

Author: Jessica Formicola

Ingredients

• 2 large tart apples such as Granny Smith
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup Chambord
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Ice cream

Instructions

1. Soak dried cranberries in Chambord for 30 minutes. Drain and discard excess Chambord.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9x13 baking dish with aluminum foil.
3. Core apples and cut in half vertically. Scoop out the centers to create a bowl. You can cut a small sliver the bottom so that it sits up properly and doesn’t wobble around.
4. Mix Chambord soaked dried cranberries, walnuts, brown sugar and salt in small bowl and mix well. Spoon into apple halves and place in baking container.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until brown sugar starts to caramelize and apples are soft, but not mushy. If you over cook the apple, it will not be taunt enough to hold the filling.
6. Remove and serve with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your Best Baked Apples!

7. If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was! 

Nutrition Facts

The Best Baked Apples

Amount Per Serving

Calories 384 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 9g 14%

Sodium 84mg 4%

Potassium 207mg 6%

Total Carbohydrates 63g 21%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 55g

Protein 2g 4%

Vitamin A 1%

Vitamin C 5.1%

Calcium 4.3%

Iron 4.5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.