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
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4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
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1/4 cup honey
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon allspice
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1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
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1/2 cup apple cider or water (for baking)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Core each apple, leaving the bottom intact to form a well for the filling.
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In a small bowl, mix honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, allspice, nuts, and dried fruit if using.
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Stuff the mixture into the center of each apple.
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Place apples in a baking dish and add apple cider (or water) to the bottom.
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Top each apple with a piece of butter.
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Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until apples are tender.
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Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to lightly caramelize the tops.
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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.
