Description
This delightful Baked Apples recipe features crisp Honeycrisp apples filled with melted caramel and topped with a buttery brown sugar cinnamon mixture. Baked to tender perfection and served with optional vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and cinnamon, this dessert combines warm, gooey flavors with a fragrant, cozy spice — perfect for a comforting treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Apples and Filling
- 2 Honeycrisp apples (or other crisp apples)
- 4 caramels
Topping Mixture
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the apples.
- Prepare the Apples: Slice off the top quarter to one-third of each apple. Using a melon baller or a stainless steel measuring spoon, carefully scoop out the core to create a hollow center for the filling.
- Make Decorative Cuts: Using a thin paring knife, make two deep circular cuts around the midpoint of each apple. Then flip the apple over and make narrow vertical cuts all the way around. Flip back to see the blooming effect enhanced by these cuts.
- Fill the Apples: Place the apples in an oven-safe dish and insert two caramels into the hollowed center of each apple.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter and brown sugar together in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and heat for an additional 30 seconds until melted and bubbly. Remove and stir in the flour and cinnamon until well combined.
- Apply Topping: Spoon the prepared butter and sugar mixture evenly over the tops of the sliced apples.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes initially. Check for tenderness and continue baking if needed, as some apples may take up to 45 minutes to an hour to soften fully.
- Serve: Remove the apples from the oven and use a large spoon to transfer them into serving bowls.
- Add Optional Toppings: Top each baked apple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired. Note that the ice cream will harden the caramel quickly, so enjoy promptly or serve the ice cream on the side.
Notes
- Choose crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture when baking.
- If you prefer sweeter apples, reduce the brown sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
- You can substitute caramels with caramel bits or homemade caramel sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, omit butter and ice cream or use dairy-free alternatives.
- Monitor baking time closely as softness varies based on apple size and variety.
- The decorative cuts not only enhance presentation but also help the apples cook evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American