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This honey baked apples recipe is a true treat. Caramelized and served warm, they will fill your belly with an after-dinner treat that will lull you to sleep. My mother made us the very best honey baked apples in the fall. Honey baked apples are just one of many delightful apple recipes that can be enjoyed during the fall season. It signified that winter was on its way, which never bothered me. I have always enjoyed the colder weather. As I grew older and learned more about cooking, I learned that, "baked apples are a New England thing."
What Are Honey Baked Apples?
Honey baked apples are a delightful and comforting dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of fresh apples with the warm, rich flavors of honey and spices. Perfect for the fall and winter seasons, when apples are at their peak, this dessert is a wonderful way to celebrate apple season. The apples are cored and filled with a luscious mixture of honey, brown sugar, and aromatic spices, then baked until they are tender and caramelized. The result is a sweet and tangy treat that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Whether you're enjoying them as an after-dinner dessert or a cozy snack, honey baked apples are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.
It Makes Sense that Honey Baked Apples are From New England; That's Where My Family is From
I searched the web and combined a few recipes to make a hybrid recipe for honey baked apples. My mother baked these apples, served them warm, and filled the core with heavy cream. In some variations, I have also tried using maple syrup instead of honey for a different, yet equally delicious, natural sweetness. I can taste this now as I write! It's also somewhat healthful. But it's not something that I would do today. Therefore, I use Greek yogurt, coconut yogurt, or homemade almond milk that I spike with some bourbon or Grand Marnier, a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or both, and a dollop of honey.
You Can Use Almost Whatever Apple You Like the Best, Including Honey Crisp Apples
Honey crisp apples will hold firm in the oven due to the natural crisp-crunchy texture. Granny Smith apples pair wonderfully with honey since they are naturally sourer. Fuji apples mix the two, firm and crunchy, with a sweet and tart taste that can hold their own. Gala apples have a natural sweetness; you can use less honey or sugar in this recipe. Cortland apples are considered the best baking apple since they are so juicy with a uniquely sweet and tart flavor that can easily compliment any recipe.
It cannot be a Bee Inspired Recipe without adding our Bee Inspired Honey! We used Gallberry Blossom Honey for a mild sweetness that allows the baked apple's natural sweetness to shine. Try mixing it with Blueberry Blossom, Blackberry Blossom, or even Orange Blossom Honey for a fruity finish. These honey baked apples are a delectable treat, much loved by all ages.
We can't wait to make these apples with our Cranberry Blossom Honey!
Choosing the Best Apples
When it comes to baking apples, not all varieties are created equal. For honey baked apples, you'll want to choose apples that are sweet, firm, and hold their shape well during baking. Honeycrisp apples are a fantastic choice due to their natural crispness and ability to maintain their texture in the oven. Granny Smith apples, with their tart flavor, provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of honey. Fuji apples offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them another excellent option. Avoid using apples that are too soft or mealy, as they may turn mushy when baked. Instead, opt for apples that are firm and crisp, with a sweet aroma and a hint of tartness, to ensure the best results for your baked apples.
How to Make Honey Baked Apples
Step 1: Prepare Oven & Ingredients
The first thing is to preheat the oven to 375˚F. It's easy to make this honey baked apple recipe. All you need are about a dozen ingredients. Gather up everything you need, here's the list:
- Honeycrisp apples or Granny Smith baking apples
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Butter
- Apple cider or apple juice
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cinnamon
- Chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or other nuts
- Brown sugar
- Dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins
- Chopped figs
- Heavy cream, Greek yogurt, or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Use a melon baller to scoop the cores and stems out of each apple, keeping the base of the apple intact. Peel a strip of skin from around the top of each cavity.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Mix dried fruit, sugar, nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl and set aside. Place the apples right side up in a buttered baking dish that is small enough to hold them snugly.
Step 4: Stuff the Apples
Fill each cavity with 1-2 teaspoons of honey, butter pats cut into small pieces, and lemon juice. Then, fill each core with the dried mixture. Place a butter pat on the apple hole filled with the mixture. Drizzle honey on top of all the apples. Pour cider into the baking dish.
Step 5: Bake and Serve Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream
Bake for 25 minutes, then cover with foil and continue baking until tender, 10-20 minutes more. Transfer the apples to shallow bowls for serving and drizzle with juice from the baking dish. Alternatively, to make a caramel-like dessert sauce, pour the juices into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to a syrup. Drizzle this over the apples. Serve warm filled with heavy cream, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Honey baked apples are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of delicious ways. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or a bit more honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warm, spicy falvors.
- Use the baked apple slices as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Pair them as a side dish with pork or chicken to add a sweet and savory element to your meal.
No matter how you choose to serve them, honey baked apples are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tops and variations to help you customize your honey baked apples:
- Experiment with different types of honey, such as Sweet Clover or Tupelo, to add unique flavors to your dish.
- Add a splash of apple cider or apple juice to the serving dish for extra moisture and a deeper apple flavor.
- Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar to give your baked apples a slightly different taste.
- Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on the apples after baking to intensify the spice.
- Try using different apple varieties, like Granny Smith or Fuji, to explore new flavors and textures.
- For an extra special treat, serve your baked apples with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
These tips and variations will help you create a baked apple recipe that's perfectly suited to your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite combinations!
Honey Baked Apples Make a Perfect Fall Dessert
I hope you enjoy these honey baked apples as much as I do! They are a true treat that will fill your belly and lull you to sleep. Caramelized and served warm, they are the perfect after-dinner dessert. This is a must-try recipe if you have never had baked apples before!
