Baked Apples: A Sweet and Nutty Treat
Introduction
Who doesn’t love a classic apple dessert? Baked apples have been a beloved treat for centuries, and for good reason. They’re sweet, comforting, and incredibly versatile. Today, we’re taking this classic dessert to new heights with a delicious combination of pecans, cinnamon, streusel, and honey.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy fall day or a special occasion. The sweet and nutty flavors of the filling are complemented perfectly by the buttery, crumbly streusel topping. And the best part? These baked apples are super easy to make!
Ingredients
- For the streusel:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- For the filling:
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Make the streusel: This is the first step to creating that perfect, crumbly topping. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare the apples: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and core the apples, leaving a small amount of the bottom intact to prevent leaking.
- Create the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey. This sweet and nutty mixture will be the heart of your baked apples.
- Stuff the apples: Divide the filling evenly among the apples. Carefully stuff each apple with the pecan-brown sugar mixture.
- Add the streusel: Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake to perfection: Bake the apples for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the streusel is golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the apples cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serving Size and Cook Time
- Serving size: 4 servings
- Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Tips and Variations
- Apple varieties: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are great choices for this recipe. However, you can experiment with other varieties as well.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the apples and filling ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Leftovers: Leftover baked apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Baked apples stuffed with pecans, cinnamon, streusel, and honey are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. This recipe is perfect for a cozy fall day or a special occasion. So, grab your apples and get baking!
