Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Highlighted under: Modern Kitchen
I love making Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon when the weather turns crisp and the days get shorter. The sweet aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible. Each bite of these tender apples drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon leaves me feeling warm and satisfied. Plus, it’s an effortless dessert that comes together in no time, making it perfect for unexpected guests or cozy family dinners. Whether served alone or with a scoop of ice cream, this recipe is a heartwarming treat that never fails to impress.
When I first made Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon, I was surprised by how simple yet delightful they turned out. I prefer using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the perfect balance of flavors. Each apple is lovingly cored, filled with a gooey mixture of honey, nuts, and cinnamon, and baked until bubbling. The addition of lemon juice enhances the apples' natural sweetness, making this dessert a showstopper.
One tip I learned through trial and error is to ensure the apples don’t overbake. Keeping them slightly firm results in a wonderful texture that contrasts beautifully with the sticky honey glaze. Trust me; taking them out just before they are fully soft maximizes the enjoyment!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The sweet and sticky combination of honey and cinnamon creates an irresistible flavor.
- It's a comforting dessert that brings warmth on chilly evenings.
- The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for any novice cook.
The Role of Apples in This Dessert
Choosing the right apple is crucial for making Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon. Varieties like Granny Smith offer a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the honey, while Honeycrisp provides a juicy, crisp texture. Aim for medium-sized apples to ensure they cook evenly. If you opt for softer apples, like Red Delicious, keep an eye on the baking time, as they may become overly mushy more quickly.
For added depth of flavor, consider infusing your apples with a splash of vanilla extract alongside the honey and cinnamon mixture. This subtle enhancement complements the sweetness of the honey and lifts the overall flavor profile. Just a teaspoon mixed into the stuffing will do the trick without overpowering the dish.
Perfecting the Stuffing Technique
When mixing the filling, thoroughly combine the ingredients to create a uniform texture. This way, each bite of apple will be infused with the delicious mixture of honey, nuts, and spices. If you choose to use dried cranberries or raisins, ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the stuffing so you get a burst of sweetness with each scoop.
Don’t be afraid to be generous when stuffing the apples. Bulging tops indicate a heartily filled apple, which will caramelize beautifully as they bake. If you find the filling spills out, simply scoop it back in halfway through baking. This not only maintains presentation but also allows it to meld with the juices for richer flavor.
Ingredients
Gather the following items to make your Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon:
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Make sure to choose apples that are firm and flavorful for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Honey Baked Apples:
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling.
Mix and Stuff
In a small bowl, combine honey, cinnamon, chopped nuts, lemon juice, and raisins. Stuff each cored apple with this mixture.
Bake
Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and pour a little water into the bottom. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender but not mushy.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with extra honey if desired before serving.
Enjoy your warm dessert with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or ginger to elevate the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Baked Apples are delightful on their own, but they truly shine when paired with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm spiced apples and the cold creaminess elevates the dessert experience. For a gourmet touch, try drizzling some caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
You can also serve them as a warm accompaniment to pancakes or waffles for a breakfast treat. Imagine fluffy pancakes topped with warm honey baked apples, a drizzle of syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It's a delightful way to start your day or enjoy a cozy brunch with family.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can stuff the apples and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from browning. When ready to bake, add an extra five minutes to the baking time, as they'll need a little longer to heat through.
Leftover honey baked apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the leftovers in oatmeal or yogurt for a delicious breakfast option, mixing in any extra filling or glaze that remains.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
You can! Pears or peaches work wonderfully as alternatives.
→ How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
→ Can I prepare these in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the apples and refrigerate them before baking.
→ What should I serve with baked apples?
They pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even yogurt.
Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon
I love making Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon when the weather turns crisp and the days get shorter. The sweet aroma that fills my kitchen is simply irresistible. Each bite of these tender apples drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon leaves me feeling warm and satisfied. Plus, it’s an effortless dessert that comes together in no time, making it perfect for unexpected guests or cozy family dinners. Whether served alone or with a scoop of ice cream, this recipe is a heartwarming treat that never fails to impress.
Created by: Primrose Cavendish
Recipe Type: Modern Kitchen
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling.
In a small bowl, combine honey, cinnamon, chopped nuts, lemon juice, and raisins. Stuff each cored apple with this mixture.
Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and pour a little water into the bottom. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender but not mushy.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with extra honey if desired before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or ginger to elevate the flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 1g