Baked Apples with Nut, Dried Fruit, and Spiced Granola Filling Recipe

Introduction

Baked apples are a warm, comforting dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any season. Filled with a flavorful mix of nuts, dried fruit, and spices, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients

• 4–6 large or medium apples
• 1/3 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, almonds)
• 1/3 cup dried fruit (e.g., blueberries, cranberries)
• 1/3 cup granola
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Wash and dry the apples, then core them carefully without cutting through the base to create a cavity for the filling.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, dried fruit, granola, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and sugars.
4. Step 4: Fill each apple generously with the prepared mixture.
5. Step 5: Place the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish. Pour about 3/4 cup of water into the dish to create steam during baking.
6. Step 6: Top each apple with a slice of the melted unsalted butter.
7. Step 7: Bake the apples in the preheated oven for 45–60 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape.
8. Step 8: Serve the baked apples warm, either on their own or topped with yogurt or your favorite sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for balanced flavor.
• Swap granola for oats and add a drizzle of maple syrup for a different texture and sweetness.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract or orange zest to the filling for extra aroma.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a richer dessert.

Storage

Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving. For best texture, avoid overheating to prevent apples from becoming too soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple?

Yes, but firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape better when baked and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

How do I prevent the apples from burning during baking?

Adding water to the baking dish creates steam that helps keep the apples moist. Also, topping them with butter provides a protective layer that prevents burning and enhances flavor.

Baked Apples with Nut, Dried Fruit, and Spiced Granola Filling Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This comforting and wholesome baked apples recipe features tender apples filled with a flavorful mixture of nuts, dried fruit, granola, and warm spices. Perfect as a sweet dessert or a healthy snack, these baked apples offer a delightful combination of textures and aromas, enhanced by a hint of butter and served warm for cozy enjoyment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples

• 4–6 large or medium apples

Filling

• 1/3 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, almonds)
• 1/3 cup dried fruit (e.g., blueberries, cranberries)
• 1/3 cup granola
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Topping

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the apples evenly.
2. Prepare the apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly, then carefully core each apple from the top to the base without cutting through the bottom, creating a hollow cavity for stuffing.
3. Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped nuts, dried fruit, granola, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
4. Stuff the apples: Generously fill each hollowed apple with the prepared nut and fruit mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling inside.
5. Arrange in baking dish: Place the filled apples upright in a baking dish, then pour about 3/4 cup of water around them to help create steam while baking.
6. Add butter topping: Place a slice of melted unsalted butter on top of each filled apple to add richness and help caramelize the filling during baking.
7. Bake the apples: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape, avoiding them becoming mushy.
8. Serve warm: Remove the apples from the oven and serve warm as is, or top with yogurt, cream, or a sauce of your choice for added flavor.

Notes

• Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for best baking results.
• Do not cut through the base when coring to keep the filling inside during baking.
• You can substitute nuts or dried fruits according to preference or availability.
• Adding water to the baking dish creates steam, which helps soften the apples evenly.
• Serve with Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked apples, healthy dessert, warm spices, nuts, dried fruit, granola, autumn dessert, easy baked fruit