Baked Cinnamon Apples

Despite the seemingly non stop wet weather, we are having in England, it is definitely feeling like Fall now. There are more and more leaves down from the trees, the Fall colours are becoming more apparent, early mornings and late afternoons are chillier and of course, its apple season! Whether you buy them ready to use or make a day of it picking your own, your harvest can be turned into some delicious desserts.

I love cooked apples and have this easy recipe to share with you. Comfort food extends to more than main courses and hot desserts like this are perfect for the colder Autumn nights.

Baked Cinnamon Apples

When choosing an apple for baking, you want a variety that has a firm flesh and is more tart than it is sweet. The firmer texture means the apple will retain its shape during baking. The tartness will counter any sweetness you want to add. 

Good varieties include Granny Smith, Braeburn and Honey Crisp. Granny Smith is especially good since it is less juicy than other varieties and won't become mushy when cooked.

What You Need

Six apples, peeled, but not cored

Melted butter - 2.5 tablespoons

Cinnamon sugar - four tablespoons of granulated sugar + one tablespoon of ground cinnamon, combined in a small bowl

Toppings (optional) - vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, custard (use your imagination!)

Method

Preheat your oven to 350F/180C. Place the peeled apples into a shallow baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over them, coating them thoroughly. Mix the cinnamon with sugar and sprinkle over the apples. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and baste the apples in the juices. Return the dish to oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are browned and there is a cinnamon sugar glaze on the bottom of the baking dish. The apples should be soft and tender. For more glaze, add a quarter cup of apple juice to the dish before baking. Serve as is or with your favourite topping.

On the off chance you have any leftover, the apples will keep in the fridge for three to four days in an airtight container. To reheat, place the apples in a covered baking dish in a preheated oven (350C/180F) for five to ten minutes, checking them to ensure they are heated through. 

 

Happy Eating!