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This old fashioned Baked Apples recipe is my favorite light, cozy dessert, using an apple that's stuffed with a nutty, cinnamon sugar filling and baked until caramelized and tender.
I love apple recipes this time of year. Make sure to try Apple Crisp, Apple Pie, Apple Cake, Caramel Apple Dip, or learn how to make perfect Caramel Apples!
Find me making Baked Apples every night during the fall.
I love how this Baked Apples dessert is a little lighter, and easily portion-sized for an apple per person. And the best part is it only takes 5-minute to prep; you get the flavors of my famous Apple Crisp, without the peeling and slicing. It's the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. For extra special indulgence, serve it with a scoop of ice cream and caramel sauce.
How to make Baked Apples:
Prep Apples: Make a deep hole in the center of the apple with a paring knife and carefully remove the core.
Make Filling: Mix together brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Add nuts, if desired. Fill each apple with filling.
Bake: Pour ¼ cup water in a baking dish and place apples on top. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until apples are tender when poked with a fork. Cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce drizzled on top. I love to spoon the sauce drippings from the pan over the top too.
Recipe Variations:
- Baked Apples in Microwave: I recommend using the oven, but if you'd like to use the microwave, you can. Just place filled apples in a microwave safe dish and cook on high for 5-8 minutes, until tender.
- Sliced Baked Apples: Check out my Apple Crisp!
Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 4 good-quality apples, (I like to use red apples, but baking apples, such as Granny Smith, work great to!)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, , or pecans
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, , packed
- 2 Tablespoons butter, , room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
- vanilla ice cream, , for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Use a paring knife or apple corer to remove the stem and seeds from the apples, making a deep hole where the filling will go.
- Combine the brown sugar, butter and cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well to combine. Add the nuts. Spoon mixture evenly into each of the apples.
- Add ¼ cup of water to a baking dish and place apples on top.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Spoon the sauce drippings from the pan over the apples. Serve with ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- Baked Apples in Microwave: Baking in the oven is preferred, but for the microwave, place prepared apples in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, or until tender.
- Sliced Baked Apples: Try my Apple Crisp!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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*I originally shared this recipe September 2015. Updated October 2018, December 2021 and August 2024.
Bake covered or uncovered?
Uncovered. Enjoy!
What temperature to cook apples
Hi Frances,
You can find all the instructions in the recipe card. Cook the baked apples at 350 degrees!
Hmmm…..breakfast or dessert? Hard to decide! Going for dessert…..a needed change from Christmas cookies! Also, I had an epiphany on coring……cut out the stem per usual, then…..a grapefruit spoon to dig out core!
Why does the recipe call for 1/2 cup water but the directions say add a 1/4 cup? Sorry Im confused
Hi Becky,
Thanks for pointing out the typo. The recipe should call for just ¼ cup water!
Try a few raisins or dried cranberries in the sugar/nut filling. Adds a little complementary flavor.
Love that idea!
I make these with golden raisins instead of pecans, skip the water in the bottom of the bowl and microwave them. I eat them for breakfast, either plain or with a little milk poured over. I’ve never tried topping them with yogurt, but thats an option. And I will try adding the pecans.
I have made these for years they are always popular, I even put sultanas inside the apples too, nice with custard if you want something hot
We were really looking for something to satisfy our sweet tooth, without a ton of calories, and decided on your baked apples recipe. They were exactly what we were looking for, and sooooo good.
Looks delicious! I feel silly asking, but do you make two holes to scoop out the seeds or just one so the filling doesn’t fall out?
Made these tonight. Even made the caramel sauce (my husband dove into the sauce with a spoon!!!) Served with ice cream and it was heavenly. The apples baked while we painted pumpkins. I think we have a new family fall tradition.
Sounds like the perfect night! I’m so happy you liked them!