Baked Apples with Cranberries are not just your ordinary dessert; they are the warm hug you didn’t know you needed on a chilly day. Imagine biting into a tender, juicy apple that bursts with sweet and tart flavors, mingled with the festive crunch of cranberries. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a cozy blanket, wrapping you in the delightful anticipation of comfort food at its finest. For more inspiration, check out this baked apples with feta and cranberries recipe.
Growing up, my grandma had this magical ability to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Every autumn, we’d gather around her kitchen table, inhaling the cinnamon-scented air as she prepared her famous Baked Apples with Cranberries. It became our family tradition—each bite bringing back fond memories and laughter. Whether it’s a holiday feast or just a regular Tuesday night, these baked delights never fail to impress and satisfy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These Baked Apples with Cranberries are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for beginners or busy cooks.
- Their rich flavor profile combines sweet apples and tart cranberries for a taste sensation.
- The vibrant colors create an eye-catching dessert that is sure to wow any dinner guest.
- Versatile enough to enjoy warm or cold, they can be served as a dessert or even breakfast treat!
Ingredients for Baked Apples with Cranberries
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work well; they add a delightful tang that complements the apples beautifully.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon brings warmth and depth to the dish; feel free to add extra for an aromatic kick!
- Brown Sugar: This sweetener enhances the natural sugars in the apples while providing a lovely caramelized edge.
- Butter: A bit of melted butter adds richness and helps everything meld together in glorious harmony.
- Walnuts (optional): Chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch; use them if you want some texture contrast!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Baked Apples with Cranberries
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for achieving those golden-brown apples that will make your kitchen smell like heaven.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Core each apple carefully but leave the bottom intact so that they can hold all those delicious fillings! You want them standing tall like little fruity soldiers ready for battle.
Step 3: Mix the Goodies
In a bowl, mix together cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts if you’re using them. Let all those flavors mingle like old friends at a reunion!
Step 4: Stuff Those Apples
Stuff each cored apple generously with the cranberry mixture. Don’t be shy; think of it as giving them a hearty meal before they hit the oven.
Step 5: Add Butter
Drizzle melted butter over each apple, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny. You’ll thank yourself later when you take that first bite!
Step 6: Bake Away
Place your stuffed apples in a baking dish and pour a splash of water around them (this helps keep them moist). Bake for about 30-35 minutes until they’re tender and ooze deliciously.
Transfer to plates and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat! Your taste buds will celebrate this delightful concoction of Baked Apples with Cranberries. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Baked apples with cranberries are not just a treat for your taste buds; they also make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn festival.
- This dish is simple to prepare, yet it dazzles at any gathering.
- Perfect for dessert, breakfast, or just because you deserve it!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, core and slice your apples. Toss them with cranberries, sugar, and spices. Arrange everything in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and pop it in the oven. Bake until tender—about 30-35 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize baked apples with cranberries! Swap out cranberries for raisins or dried cherries if you prefer. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor kick. Top with nuts or coconut for added crunch!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked apples with cranberries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm them up in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect baked apples with cranberries, always choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking.
- Avoid overstuffing them; you want them tender but not bursting!
- Finally, let them cool a bit before serving; patience pays off in flavor.
Sometimes I make baked apples with cranberries as a special treat when friends come over. Their delighted faces and sweet compliments remind me why I love cooking so much!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Baked Apples with Cranberries?
To make delicious baked apples with cranberries, gather some simple ingredients. You will need firm apples, fresh or dried cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Optional ingredients include walnuts or pecans for added crunch and vanilla extract for extra flavor. delicious berry trifle dessert The combination of sweet and tart flavors from the apples and cranberries creates a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Make sure to choose high-quality ingredients for the best results.
How long does it take to bake apples with cranberries?
Baking apples with cranberries typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, the exact time can vary based on the type of apples you use and how soft you prefer them. To achieve perfectly baked apples, check them after 20 minutes; they should be tender but still hold their shape. If you like your apples softer, you may want to bake them a little longer.
Can I customize my baked apples with other fruits?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on baked apples with cranberries, feel free to get creative. You can add other fruits like pears or raisins to enhance the flavor and texture. Adjusting the mix of fruits allows you to personalize your dish according to seasonal availability or your taste preferences. no bake cheesecake Just remember that different fruits may require slight adjustments in baking time.
Are baked apples with cranberries healthy?
Yes, baked apples with cranberries can be a healthy dessert option! Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, while cranberries provide antioxidants and may help support urinary health. By using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar, you can make this dish even healthier. Enjoying this dessert in moderation makes it a wholesome addition to your meal plan.
Conclusion for Baked Apples with Cranberries :
Baked apples with cranberries is a delightful dessert that brings together sweet and tart flavors in every bite. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and is perfect for any occasion. Remember to select firm apples for the best texture, and feel free to customize it with nuts or other fruits as desired. grilled peach salad Enjoy this warm treat as a healthy alternative to traditional sweets while savoring the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen!
Baked Apples with Cranberries
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Apples with Cranberries are the ultimate comfort dessert, blending tender apples and tart cranberries into a delightful autumn treat. This easy recipe fills your kitchen with warm aromas and creates nostalgic memories in every bite. Enjoy these scrumptious baked apples warm, topped with ice cream for an indulgent dessert or as a flavorful breakfast option. Perfect for any occasion, this dish showcases the essence of fall and will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 4 medium firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Core each apple, ensuring the bottom remains intact.
- In a bowl, mix cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts (if using).
- Stuff each apple generously with the cranberry mixture.
- Drizzle melted butter over each stuffed apple.
- Place stuffed apples in a baking dish and add a splash of water around them.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 baked apple (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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