Aunt Pat'S Baked Apples
Sweet baked apples filled with a spiced nut and coconut mixture, perfect for cozy desserts or special gatherings, offering warm, comforting flavors with a hint of citrus.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the apples.
- Cut the apples in halves and core them.
- Do not peel the apples.
- Place apples in cold water with a little lemon juice.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Add brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves to the melted butter and heat.
- Add chopped walnuts and grated coconut to the mixture and blend well.
- Remove apples from water and pat dry.
- Place apple halves in an ovenproof dish.
- Fill the holes with the nut mixture and mound the filling on top of each apple.
- Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes or until tender and filling is golden brown.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the brown sugar to taste. Using a variety of apples can enhance the dish; consider mixing Granny Smith with sweeter varieties for balance. Don’t forget to adjust the cooking time if your apples are larger or smaller than average.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked apples warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. They also pair beautifully with Mrs. C'S Pumpkin Bread for a cozy dessert spread. Consider serving them alongside a cup of spiced tea or coffee for a perfect ending to a meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating, but this may soften the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Pat'S Baked Apples contains roughly 251 calories, with 2g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various baking apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. These apples will provide a different flavor profile and sweetness level, so adjust the sugar in your filling accordingly. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apples and filling a day ahead. Just store the unbaked apples in the fridge and cover them tightly. When you're ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in the oven.
What can I use instead of butter for a dairy-free version?
You can easily substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine to make the recipe dairy-free. Both options will provide a similar richness to the filling while keeping the flavors intact.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).