Easy Baked Apples (Two Ways)

It's easy to make baked apples with brown sugar and walnuts. You can either stuff the apples with the cores or make this recipe simple by slicing the apple, adding the seasonings and baking it. Both are delicious and easy to make.

Baked apples are my favorite easy and beautiful fall recipes. This is a great dessert for holiday parties and weeknight dinners.

This baked apple recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy apple pie without the hassle. You can eat them plain or add whipped cream, vanilla ice-cream, sweetened Greek yogurt or a bit of vanilla ice-cream.

These apples can be made two different ways. If I have time and am feeling fancy, I will core the apples then stuff them with brown sugar and walnuts. But if I don't, I simply slice them, sprinkle them with sugar, and bake them. You will need to bake the apples for an additional 10-15 minutes if you choose the stuffed baked option. However, they look so impressive and are a real show-stopper! It's definitely worth it for me.

This baked apple recipe is delicious whether it's sliced and baked, or cored and filled.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Apples

It's really that simple. This recipe is easy to make and only requires 7 ingredients. It can be adapted to your needs and tastes by using what you already have.

• Apples I bake with large baking apples such as Honeycrisps, Jonagolds, and Pink Ladys. These apples keep their shape when baked, and they have a sweet taste.
• Brown Sugar :You do not need much. You only need a small amount to enhance the sweetness of the apples. You can use either light or dark brown sugar.
• Nuts I use walnuts and pecans in combination, but you can use any nut. You can use whatever nuts you have on hand.
• Dried Fruit: In this recipe, I use dried cranberries (black and golden work well) but also raisins.
• Cardamom and Cinnamon: Apples go well with cinnamon and cardamom, just like pita and hummus. The one makes the other sing. These warming spices will make your house smell wonderful while the recipe is baking and the apples will taste cozy.
• Olive Oil: Extra Virgin olive oil. A mild, fruity, and slightly sweet olive oil like Italian Nocellara is perfect for this recipe. It gives the apples just a touch of richness.

What is the best apple for baked apples?

For baking, choose apples that are firm and large. Apples that are firm and can withstand heat will be the best for baking. Here are some options depending on whether you prefer your apples sweet or tart.

• Honeycrisp : They are great raw but also for baking because of their firm and super crisp structure. Honeycrisp apples have a balanced flavor but are sweeter. Honeycrisp apples are my top choice for this recipe.
• Jonathan: These are classic baking apple. Jonagolds look like a cross between Golden Delicious and Jonathan apples. The apples are juicy and sweet with a honey flavor. They can be baked.
• Pink Lady : Crisp and balanced between sweet and tart in taste, although they may be more tart.
• Granny Smith : Known as the go-to baking apple, Granny Smiths are green and tart. If tartness is what you're after, go ahead and add them to this recipe. I prefer green apples that are tart in salads such as my Orange and Beet Salad and this Red Cabbage Salad. Both use green apples for color, crunch and sharpness.

How to Bake Apples

The stuffed apples are just as tasty and tender whether you use the sliced-and-baked method or the stuffed method. The stuffed apple requires an additional 10-15 minutes in the oven. It also depends on the style of presentation you want.

Slice and Bake Method

This sliced apple recipe is a great alternative if you don't want or are unable to coring the apples. Follow these simple steps:

• Prepare the apples. Peel your apples and cut them into slices of 1/2 inch thick. Place your apple slices in a 9x9 baking pan.
• Add brown sugar, cinnamon cardamom and raisins to the baking dish. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon cardamom and chopped nuts. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 to 3 teaspoons water or orange juice and about 2 tablespoons cinnamon.
• Bake. Bake the apples in a 375degF over for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The Stuffed Apple Method

• Core the apples. Cut around the stem with an apple corer, or use a small paring blade to scoop out the seeds. Keep the bottom 1/2 inch of the apple intact. This will serve as a serving dish for the filling.
• Fill the apples with the brown-sugar and nut mixture. Add a 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar to a medium bowl. Also add the crushed nuts, cinnamon cardamom and raisins. Mix well, then fill the apple cavity to the top with the brown-sugar mixture.
• Bake. Arrange stuffed apples into a baking dish. Pour 3/4 cup boiling water down the side of your baking dish and drizzle with two teaspoons extra virgin olive oils. Bake the apples on the middle rack at 375degF, for 45 minutes.

How to Core an Apple

This recipe is best made with a paring knife, a spoon and not an apple corer. The hole will be larger to accommodate the filling.

• Standing your apple with the stem towards you, place it on a surface that is clean and dry.
• Cut around the stem with a paring knife and remove the core. This will create a hole about an inch wide. Use a small teaspoon to remove the seeds and some flesh, leaving the bottom intact. For each apple, you only need a tiny amount of filling.

How long does it take to cook apples in the oven?

You can cook apples in whole pieces, slices, or chop them up. A 375degF oven is required.

• Sliced Apples will take 25-30 minutes in the oven to become soft and tender.
• Whole apples stuffed with take a bit more time. You should allow 45 minutes, or even longer depending on the size of your apple. You want your apple to be soft, but still retain its shape.
• You don't want to leave the apples in the oven for too long, or else they will become mushy. The result is apple sauce. It's still delicious but not the result you were looking for.
• When the apples are soft but have some bite, they are done. Use a fork carefully to test the doneness. It should easily slide through.

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The Mediterranean Dish first published Easy Baked Apples in Two Ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I be eating in a Mediterranean day?

A Mediterranean diet is based on healthy fats, proteins, and plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A Mediterranean diet should consist of seven to 10 daily servings fruits and vegetables, as well as two to four 3-ounce meals of lean protein, such as chicken or fish. Moderate amounts of healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts should be encouraged. To ensure a balanced diet, aim for three portions of whole grains each day, such as quinoa or barley.

Consuming unhealthy foods regularly can make it difficult to avoid them. Consuming dairy should be limited. Those who do choose to include dairy should consume low-fat versions whenever possible. Fish should not be consumed beyond three times per week because of potential mercury contamination issues affecting its nutritional value if overlooked during meal planning stages.

Planning meals can ensure that you are getting the best from your Mediterranean diet. It is important to consider the nutritional benefits and how they will affect your heart health.

Mediterranean food is delicious and rich in nutrients. It can be a fun way to eat. For the best health, choose high-quality proteins like wild-caught fish and grass-fed meats, as well as organic eggs, to ensure you are eating healthy meals. Include heart-healthy fats in nuts, olives. avocados, extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Coconut oil. In your meals, make sure you include plenty of fresh, frozen, and whole grain options such as quinoas, barley, and oatmeal. Avoid unhealthy fats, added salt, processed foods and starches as well as red meat and processed meats.

Is oatmeal OK on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, oatmeal will be allowed in the Mediterranean Diet. Oats, whole grains, can provide a good source dietary fiber as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. They could be served with blueberries, nuts, seeds, or savory ingredients like eggs or cheese. Oatmeal can also be used to make healthy breakfasts. Oatmeal can be added to smoothies, used as a topping in protein bars or simply eaten plain with almond butter and various toppings like cinnamon, gojiberries and chia seed. Oats are very popular in countries of the Mediterranean basin. Many consider them to be compatible with this type diet.

What are the main principles of the Mediterranean diet, and how can they be applied to your daily life?

The Mediterranean diet is a lifestyle choice known for focusing on healthful and nutritious food choices and regular physical activity. This diet focuses on fruits, vegetables whole grains, legumes and healthy fats such olive oil and nuts. A moderate amount of dairy, meat, fish, and poultry is also encouraged. Red wine is encouraged in moderation. The main principles of the Mediterranean diet include:

1. Consume primarily plant-based food, such as fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, beans (legumes), seeds, nuts and seeds, healthy fats from olive oils and olives, yogurt (preferably nonfat), fish (at minimum twice per week), and small amounts lean poultry and red meat approximately once per week. Avoid fried foods.
2. If possible, opt for fresh ingredients instead of pre-packaged processed food products.
3. To enhance the flavor of your meals, add herbs to replace salt.
4. Take a walk after dinner to get in some exercise, or sign up for an exercise class.
5. Enjoy meals with family and friends and savor the experience of sharing food.
6. Pay attention to the tastes, textures and smells of your food. This is mindfulness eating. This will help you recognize when you are full and satisfied.

Is it expensive to eat the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is typically inexpensive and has easily available ingredients. Many of the staple foods can be found at local supermarkets or farmers' markets. It can be costly to buy organic products, higher-quality proteins, and special items such as extra Virgin Olive Oil. You need to plan your meals according to your budget. Saving money is possible by using leftovers from past meals, and bulk-freezing food such as fish or grains.

Statistics

• The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
• Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)
• Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)
• In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)

External Links

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• Mediterranean Diet Beginner's Guide: Ranked #1 Best Diet in 2023 | U.S. News


• The Best Diets in 2023 – Expertly Reviewed by US News Health

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• NEJM

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• (PDF). The Association Between Dietary Patterns AND Insulin Resistance: Systematic Review


• (PDF). Citrus is a part of the Mediterranean Diet

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• Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet: Metabolic and Molecular Mechanisms - PubMed


• PubMed: Cardiovascular Health and the Mediterranean Diet - PubMed

How To

How to Incorporate Mediterranean-Inspired Foods into Your Daily Meals?

A Mediterranean diet can improve your quality of life and overall health. This eating approach emphasizes the inclusion of healthy fats, wholegrains, legumes, fresh fruit and vegetables in everyday meals. You can reap the health benefits of eating this way, such as improved blood lipids, better glucose control and reduced risk for certain types and cancers, better cardiac health and cognitive function, and weight management. Incorporating Mediterranean-inspired foods into your diet can be done with ease by following several helpful tips:

1. Swap high-calorie snack foods like chips for nutritious, low-calorie vegetables such as hummus and other traditional greens.
2. Learn how to increase variety in your diet by adding spices or different sources derived from nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
3. Incorporate grains, legumes, high-fiber foods, and other items that will increase your satisfaction after meals.
4. Consider adding moderate amounts dairy products like yogurt, milk and cheese to your daily diet for additional nutrition.
5. Olive oil should be used as the main cooking fat, instead of other oils.
6. To complete your Mediterranean experience, you can enjoy red wine from time to time.

You can adopt Mediterranean eating habits with effort and time. This will allow you to enjoy your food while also gaining potential health benefits. Combine this with regular moderately vigorous exercise to see even greater improvements in the short-term and long-term.

Resources:

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