Imagine a dessert that captures the very essence of Christmas in a single, mouthwatering bite - warm, spiced, and gloriously indulgent. These Christmassy Baked Apples with Brandy are not just a dessert; they're a festive experience that transforms ordinary apples into a luxurious holiday treat that will have your guests swooning with delight. Prepare to elevate your Christmas dessert game with this simple yet sophisticated recipe that promises to become an instant family favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
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.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and chopped walnuts. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a rich, fragrant filling.
- Stuff each cored apple generously with the brown sugar and nut mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure the filling is compact.
- Place the stuffed apples in the prepared baking dish, standing them upright and ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Slowly pour the brandy over and around the apples, allowing it to pool slightly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a loose tent to allow steam to circulate while preventing the apples from drying out.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the tops to caramelize slightly and create a golden-brown finish.
- Carefully remove the baked apples from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the filling to set and the brandy to infuse fully.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzling the remaining pan juices over the apples and garnishing with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that will hold their shape during baking.
- For an extra luxurious touch, use high-quality brandy or replace it with spiced rum for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to core the apples carefully, leaving the bottom intact to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Don't skip the aluminum foil tent - it helps steam the apples and keeps them moist.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the brandy with apple cider or orange juice.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and gently reheat in the oven to maintain the apples' texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
