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Baked Apples with Honey, Cinnamon, and Christmas Spices

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Baked apples infused with honey, cinnamon, and traditional Christmas spices offer a warm and comforting dessert, perfect for the holiday season. This classic dish combines tender baked apples with a rich blend of spices, nuts, and dried fruits, creating a festive treat that’s both flavorful and aromatic.​

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe captures the essence of the holidays with its blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The natural sweetness of the apples is enhanced by honey and brown sugar, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provide a warm, spicy undertone. The addition of nuts and dried fruits adds texture and depth, making this dish a delightful combination of flavors and textures.​

Ingredients

  • 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)​

  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans​

  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries​Deep South Dish

  • 4 tablespoons honey​

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar​

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon​

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg​Allrecipes

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves​

  • 4 teaspoons unsalted butter​

  • 1/2 cup apple cider or water​

  • Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving​Little Sunny Kitchen

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).​

  2. Prepare the Apples: Wash and core the apples, creating a cavity approximately 1 inch wide, ensuring not to pierce through the bottom.​

  3. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped nuts, raisins or dried cranberries, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well to create a uniform filling.​

  4. Stuff the Apples: Place the apples in a baking dish. Fill each apple cavity with the prepared mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.​

  5. Top with Butter: Place a teaspoon of unsalted butter on top of the filling in each apple.​

  6. Add Liquid: Pour apple cider or water into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent scorching and to create a flavorful sauce.​

  7. Bake the Apples: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Baste the apples with the pan juices once or twice during baking.​

  8. Serve: Remove the apples from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.​Little Sunny Kitchen

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.​

Preparation Time: 15 minutes​Eater+9themodernnonna.com+9Allrecipes+9

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes​

Total Time: 45-55 minutes​

Variations

  • Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts and increase the amount of dried fruits, or substitute with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.​

  • Spiced Wine Addition: Replace the apple cider or water with a sweet dessert wine for a richer flavor.​

  • Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure the honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.​

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.​

FAQs

Can I prepare the apples ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed apples a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.​

What are the best apples to use for baking?

Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn hold up well during baking.​

Can I use different spices?

Absolutely. Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference, such as adding allspice or ginger.​

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

No, leaving the skin on helps the apples maintain their structure during baking and adds to the presentation.​

Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as substitutes for honey.​

How do I prevent the apples from collapsing?

Avoid overbaking and choose firm apple varieties to help maintain their shape.​

Can I add oats to the filling?

Yes, adding a tablespoon of rolled oats to the filling can provide additional texture.​

What can I serve with baked apples?

They pair well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.​Little Sunny Kitchen

Can I freeze baked apples?

It’s not recommended, as the texture may become mushy upon thawing.​

How can I make the filling less sweet?

Reduce the amount of honey and brown sugar, and consider adding more nuts or spices to balance the flavors.​

Conclusion

Baked apples with honey, cinnamon, and Christmas spices are a delightful and aromatic dessert that embodies the warmth and comfort of the holiday season. Simple to prepare and customizable to suit various tastes, this dish is sure to become a festive favorite.

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Baked Apples with Honey, Cinnamon, and Christmas Spices

Baked Apples with Honey, Cinnamon, and Christmas Spices

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

These baked apples with honey, cinnamon, and Christmas spices are a comforting and festive treat. Soft, juicy apples are filled with spiced goodness and baked until tender – the perfect easy dessert for chilly nights, holiday dinners, or winter gatherings!

Ingredients

  • 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice

  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

  • 1/2 cup apple cider or water (for baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Core each apple, leaving the bottom intact to form a well for the filling.

  3. In a small bowl, mix honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, allspice, nuts, and dried fruit if using.

  4. Stuff the mixture into the center of each apple.

  5. Place apples in a baking dish and add apple cider (or water) to the bottom.

  6. Top each apple with a piece of butter.

  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until apples are tender.

  8. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to lightly caramelize the tops.

  9. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Use firm apples that hold their shape while baking.

Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile.

Add orange zest or a splash of rum for extra holiday flair.

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