Baked Orange-Cardamom Apples
Sweet baked apples infused with honey, orange juice, and cardamom offer a warm, aromatic dessert or side dish, perfect with lamb, pork, or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange the peeled, quartered, cored, and sliced apples in circles in a greased 9-inch pie plate.
- In a small bowl, stir together honey, thawed orange juice concentrate, and ground cardamom.
- Pour the honey-orange mixture over the apples and dot with butter or margarine.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, basting once with pan juices, until the apples are tender.
- Serve warm as a side dish with lamb or pork, or as a dessert.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. If you don't have cardamom, cinnamon can be a great substitute for a warm flavor. For a touch of acidity, a splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish. Ensure the apples are firm and slightly tart for the best results, as softer varieties may become mushy.
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Orange-Cardamom Apples are delicious on their own, but they can also be served alongside savory dishes like roasted lamb or pork. For a sweet twist, enjoy them over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for dessert. They pair beautifully with Nutty Cheese Straws as an appetizer or snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the apples in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 30-45 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Orange-Cardamom Apples contains roughly 167 calories, with 1g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (160% of the Daily Value) and calcium (25% of the Daily Value).
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 other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While medium cooking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for baking, you can experiment with other varieties such as Fuji or Braeburn. Just ensure they are firm and not overly sweet to maintain the dish's balance.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and using a plant-based butter or margarine. This way, you can enjoy the dish without compromising on flavor.
Can I prepare the apples ahead of time?
You can slice and prepare the apples a few hours in advance. To prevent browning, toss them in a little lemon juice. When ready to bake, simply follow the remaining steps. This is a great time-saver for entertaining!
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).