Baked apples are a classic fall dessert that are easy to make and always a hit. They're the perfect way to use up any extra apples you have on hand, and they can be customized to your liking with different toppings and spices. This recipe features a simple cinnamon sugar filling, but you could also try adding nuts, raisins, or even a scoop of ice cream. Candied walnuts are the perfect finishing touch, adding a sweet and crunchy contrast to the soft, tender apples. And if you're short on time, there's even a shortcut version of the recipe that uses canned apple pie filling. So whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you're sure to find a baked apple recipe in this article that you'll love. They're also a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen, as they're easy to assemble and can be decorated with a variety of fun toppings. So gather your ingredients and preheat your oven, because it's time to enjoy the deliciousness of baked apples!
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
CARAMEL APPLE DRIP CAKE WITH CANDIED WALNUTS
Instead of a traditional apple pie, opt for this spiced apple cake for Thanksgiving. Grated apples in the filling give it a moist, dense texture, while the caramel glaze and pretty caramelized walnuts make it truly show-stopping.
Provided by Katherine Sacks
Categories Dessert Apple Cake Spice Fall Walnut Cinnamon Nutmeg Butterscotch/Caramel Thanksgiving
Yield 1 (8-inch) double-layer cake
Number Of Ingredients 30
Steps:
- Make the cake:
- Position a rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°F. Spread walnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until golden brown and aromatic, 5-8 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, lightly coat cake pans with nonstick spray. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper; lightly coat parchment with nonstick spray. Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
- Pulse walnuts and 1/2 cup dry ingredients in a food processor until walnuts are chopped into a fine flour. Transfer chopped walnuts to bowl with remaining dry ingredients. Mix apples and buttermilk in another medium bowl.
- Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until pale and thick, about 4 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to medium-low and gradually stream in oil. Add dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with apple mixture in 2 additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients; beat until smooth. Divide batter between prepared pans; smooth top.
- Bake cakes, rotating pans halfway through, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Transfer pans to a wire rack and let cakes cool 10 minutes. Run a knife around sides of cakes and invert onto wire rack; remove parchment. Let cool completely.
- Make the candied walnuts:
- Spread granulated sugar in a thin layer in the center of a large dry skillet. Cook over medium heat, mostly undisturbed (it's okay to swirl pan gently to get sugar to melt evenly), until sugar is melted, about 10 minutes. Quickly stir in walnuts and cook, stirring, until coated and melted sugar is chestnut brown, about 1 minute more. Scrape onto a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and spread out to cool, separating walnut halves into individual pieces. Transfer half of nuts to a food processor and coarsely chop.
- Make the caramel sauce:
- Bring granulated sugar, corn syrup, and 2 Tbsp. water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Continue to cook, without stirring, until medium amber in color, about 6 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat or warm in microwave 45 seconds.
- Remove saucepan with sugar from heat and carefully whisk in cream, stirring from the center outward, until well combined. Stir in butter. Add vanilla and salt and stir to combine. Transfer caramel to a heatproof container and let cool until thickened.
- Assemble cake:
- Spread 1 Tbsp. frosting in the center of a platter. Place 1 cake, domed side down, on platter. Spread 1 1/4 cups frosting evenly over top. Top with 1 cup chopped candied walnuts, reserving whole candied walnuts. Place remaining cake, domed side down, on top. Spread top and sides with 2 cups frosting. Chill 30 minutes to let frosting set.
- Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Chill at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to let frosting set.
- Place a spoonful of caramel sauce on top of cake near one edge. Using the bottom of the spoon, spread it out, then very gently press a little sauce over the edge. Move spoon around perimeter of cake slightly and repeat to create additional drips, rotating cake as you work and spreading excess sauce across top of cake. When entire cake is covered in drips, add remaining sauce to fully cover top.
- Chill at least 30 minutes to let glaze set. Decorate top and sides of cake with remaining whole walnuts and serve.
- Do Ahead
- Cake can be made 3 days ahead; wrap tightly in plastic and chill, or freeze up to 2 weeks. Caramel can be made up to 2 weeks ahead; cover and chill.
APPLES WITH HONEY AND CRUSHED WALNUTS
Tradition is a beautiful thing, unless it requires you to make something you don't enjoy making or eating. For me, that's charoset. Classically, it's an apple-walnut mixture (occasionally including a touch of cinnamon or dried fruit, or a combination) that ranges from chunky-relish to chunky-paste, and it's never been my favorite thing on the table. I've always wanted it tangier, crunchier and, well, I wanted a salad. This is that salad. It's meant to be more acidic than sweet, but adjust with vinegar and honey as needed to suit your preference. A note: Nearly everyone who ate this salad said it was their favorite part of the whole meal, which bruised my matzo ball ego, but I thought you should know.
Provided by Alison Roman
Categories salads and dressings, side dish
Time 15m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat oven to 325 degrees. Spread walnuts in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast walnuts until golden brown and fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes. (You can also do this in a toaster oven.) Let cool. Using your hands or a knife if you like, crush or finely chop walnuts. Set aside.
- Thinly slice apples (with a mandoline or a sharp knife) any way you please. (Rounds are excellent if you don't mind eating the edible core.) Scatter the slices onto a large serving platter or bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar over apples, and season with salt and pepper; give them a little toss and drizzle with 2 tablespoons honey. Taste an apple slice and adjust seasoning with more vinegar or honey, as needed. Sprinkle with walnuts, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil, flaky salt and pepper.
Tips:
- Choose the right apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that will hold their shape when baked.
- Prepare the apples properly: Core and peel the apples, leaving the stem intact. This will help them stand upright in the baking dish.
- Use a variety of spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are classic apple pie spices, but you can also try cardamom, cloves, or allspice for a different flavor profile.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings: Candied walnuts are a delicious and classic choice, but you can also try streusel, oats, or even a scoop of ice cream.
- Serve the apples warm: Baked apples are best served warm, so they're perfect for a fall or winter dessert.
Conclusion:
Baked apples with candied walnuts are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a classic dish that will be enjoyed by people of all ages. So next time you're looking for a sweet treat, give this recipe a try.
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