5 Delicious Baked Apple Recipes You Must Try
There's something truly special about the combination of warm, comforting spices, the natural sweetness of apples, and the versatile, tender goodness of a freshly baked treat. Whether you're looking for a simple dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, a unique addition to your breakfast routine, or a delightful dish to serve at your next gathering, baked apple recipes are an excellent choice. Here are five mouthwatering baked apple recipes you must try, each offering its unique twist to enhance your culinary experience.
Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Start your morning with a comforting and nutritious Baked Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. This recipe combines the hearty texture of oats with the sweet and tart notes of apples, all melded together with the warmth of cinnamon.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: nuts, raisins, honey, or yogurt
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the oats, diced apple, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the oatmeal is set.
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm with your choice of toppings.
Apple and Caramel Puff Pastry Tart
This Apple and Caramel Puff Pastry Tart is a simple yet stunning dessert that combines the flakiness of puff pastry with the sweetness of caramelized apples.
- Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4-5 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the puff pastry on the baking sheet, score a border about an inch from the edge to make it puff up around the edges.
- Arrange the apple slices on top of the pastry in overlapping rows.
- Mix the cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle over the apples, then brush with melted butter.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from oven, drizzle caramel sauce over the tart, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Baked Apple Crumble
The Baked Apple Crumble is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a buttery, crunchy topping that gives way to the tender, juicy apples beneath.
- Ingredients:
- 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Toss the apple slices with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon; spread them evenly in the dish.
- For the crumble topping, mix flour, brown sugar, oats, remaining cinnamon, salt, and butter. Blend with a pastry cutter or your fingers until it forms crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples, pressing lightly to form an even layer.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Spiced Apple Bread
Spiced Apple Bread is a delightful fusion of spices and chunks of apple in a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for any time of the day.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Add apple cider, mixing well. Gradually stir in the flour mixture, then fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Baked Apple Donuts
Round off this delectable list with Baked Apple Donuts, a fun and delicious alternative to traditional fried donuts.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- For the topping: cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar glaze
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, mix egg, apple cider, applesauce, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until just combined.
- Pipe or spoon the batter into the donut wells, filling about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While warm, dip in melted butter or simple syrup, then roll in cinnamon sugar or let cool and glaze with powdered sugar icing.
🌟 Note: Ensure your apples are fresh and crisp for the best flavor in each of these recipes. The variety of apples used can also change the taste; Granny Smiths for tartness or Gala for a sweeter touch.
In summary, apples, with their versatility and comforting flavors, are a perfect ingredient for a range of baked treats. From hearty breakfast dishes to indulgent desserts, these five baked apple recipes provide a delightful variety of textures and flavors, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or looking to impress with something new, baking apples will always bring a warm, inviting aroma to your kitchen and a smile to your face. Each recipe invites you to explore the depths of apple flavors, making the most of this beloved fruit in creative, delicious ways.
Can I use frozen apples for these recipes?
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Yes, you can use frozen apples. Just thaw them and drain excess moisture before using, or adjust the liquid content in the recipe if they add extra moisture.
What’s the best way to store leftover baked apple treats?
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Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual portions, ideally in freezer bags or containers.
Can I substitute apple cider with something else?
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You can use apple juice, or even a mix of water and apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp of vinegar per cup of water) for a similar flavor profile.