Imagine a dessert so divine, it captures the essence of fall in every single bite. These Baked Apples with Dried Cherries and Maple Caramel are not just a recipe—they're a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. Tender, juicy apples stuffed with sweet dried cherries and crunchy walnuts, all drizzled with rich maple syrup, will transport you to a cozy autumn afternoon with just one heavenly spoonful.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large apples
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the apples thoroughly. Using an apple corer or a sharp paring knife, carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a well for the filling. Be sure to remove all seeds.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the dried cherries, chopped walnuts, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Place the cored apples in the prepared baking dish, standing them upright. Generously stuff each apple with the cherry-walnut mixture, pressing it down gently to fill the core completely.
- Drizzle any remaining maple syrup over the top of the apples, allowing it to run down the sides.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and help the apples steam and soften.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and variety of apples used.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the tops to caramelize and develop a golden color.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the apples cool for 5-10 minutes to allow the filling to set and the temperature to become more manageable.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle any remaining syrup from the baking dish over the apples for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Firm, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn work best for baking.
- Keep the apple bottoms intact when coring to prevent the delicious filling from leaking out during baking.
- For extra richness, use room temperature maple syrup, which will distribute more evenly throughout the dish.
- Don't skip covering the dish with foil initially—this helps the apples steam and become incredibly tender.
- Test apple doneness by gently piercing with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy.
- For a gourmet touch, toast the walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
