Pie Baked Apples recipe
Delight in the warmth and nostalgia of Pie Baked Apples, a charming dessert that transforms simple ingredients into an exquisite experience. Bursting with flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and the natural sweetness of apples, this dish captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
The combination of tender baked apples and a golden, flaky pie crust creates a delightful contrast that is both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings, this recipe is a wonderful way to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
With a straightforward preparation process, even novice bakers can enjoy the satisfaction of creating this delightful treat. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic twist that elevates this dessert to new heights.
Pie Baked Apples Ingredients
At the heart of Pie Baked Apples lies the perfect apple selection, such as Pippin, Mutsu, or Braeburn, whose natural sweetness and crispness elevate the dish. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors, balancing the sweetness with a refreshing zing.
The rich, deep notes of dark brown sugar mingle with granulated sugar, creating a luscious filling that caramelizes beautifully. A hint of all-purpose flour adds structure, while warm spices—cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg—infuse the dish with comforting, aromatic depth.
To crown this delightful creation, a store-bought refrigerator pie crust delivers convenience and a flaky texture, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as it is indulgent. Finally, an egg wash adds a golden sheen, enhancing the visual appeal while sealing in the delightful filling.
Pie Baked Apples: A Delightful Dessert Experience
Pie Baked Apples are a warm and inviting dessert that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of fall. With their tender fruit, sweet filling, and flaky crust, these baked apples are a delightful treat for any occasion. To elevate your cooking experience and ensure success, consider the following sections: Recipe Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQs.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Selecting the right type of apple is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Pippin, Mutsu, or Braeburn apples are excellent choices because they hold their shape well during baking and provide a deliciously tangy contrast to the sweet filling.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling! Add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture, raisins or cranberries for a burst of flavor, or a splash of vanilla extract for added depth. Tailoring the filling to your taste can make the dish uniquely yours.
- Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your apples as they bake. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling. If you notice the crust is browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning while allowing the apples to finish cooking.
What to Serve with Pie Baked Apples
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Nothing pairs better with warm baked apples than a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The coldness of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apples, creating a comforting dessert experience. For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream is another fantastic accompaniment. Its airy texture complements the hearty baked apples, making each bite feel indulgent. You can even infuse the whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to echo the flavors of the dish.
- Spiced Hot Cider: For a cozy drink pairing, serve your baked apples alongside a cup of spiced hot cider. The warm spices in the cider will harmonize with the flavors of the apples, enhancing the overall experience and making it a perfect fall dessert spread.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Pippin, Mutsu, and Braeburn are recommended for their flavor and texture, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. - Can I prepare the apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can hollow out the apples and prepare the filling a few hours in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake. - What can I do with leftover filling?
If you have extra filling, consider using it as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes. It also works well as a filling for pastries or crumbles. - How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy your baking adventure with these Pie Baked Apples! This delightful dessert is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Pie Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 4 apples suggested varieties: Pippin, Mutsu, or Braeburn, plus an additional one if necessary
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons of dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 store-bought refrigerator pie crust approximately half of a 14.1-ounce box
- 1 egg beaten
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Carefully slice off the top half inch of each of the four apples. Utilize a melon baller or a spoon to excavate the insides of the apples, taking care to leave about 1/4 inch of flesh next to the skin. Discard the cores and seeds.
- Coarsely chop the scooped apple flesh and place it in a medium-sized bowl. Ensure you have at least 1 1/2 cups of chopped fruit. If necessary, peel, core, and dice an additional apple, adding it to the bowl. Drizzle the lemon juice over the fruit and gently toss to coat. Incorporate the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the mixture, stirring until well combined. Distribute the filling evenly among the hollowed-out apples.
- Roll out the pie crust and, using a pastry wheel, cut it into strips approximately 1/4 inch thick. Lightly brush the top edge of each apple with the beaten egg. Weave the strips into a lattice pattern atop each apple, using the egg wash to secure them in place. Then, lightly brush the lattice top with more egg wash.
- Arrange the apples in an 8-by-8-inch baking dish, adding about 1 inch of water to the base of the dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After this initial baking period, remove the foil and continue baking until the crusts achieve a golden-brown color and the filling begins to bubble, which should take an additional 25 minutes. Once baked, allow the apples to cool to room temperature on a cooling rack before serving.
