Wassail Bowl With Baked Apple Punch
A warm, spiced punch featuring baked apples, apple cider, and citrus flavors, perfect for festive gatherings and cozy winter evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut apples in half crosswise and place cut side down in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the apple halves are fork-tender.
- Meanwhile, in a covered 6-quart saucepot over low heat, simmer 2 cups of apple cider, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg for 10 minutes.
- Add remaining apple cider, frozen lemonade concentrate, frozen orange juice concentrate, and brown sugar. Heat until hot, but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the hot cider mixture into a heated large punch bowl.
- Float the baked apple halves, skin side up, in the punch.
- Sprinkle a little sugar on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or rum to the punch. If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce the number of cloves and allspice. You can also substitute the apple cider with pear cider for a different taste. If you don't have frozen juice concentrates, fresh juice works too, just adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the wassail warm in festive mugs, garnished with a stick of cinnamon for added aroma. This drink pairs beautifully with holiday treats like cookies or even savory snacks such as a cheese platter. For a complete festive spread, consider serving it alongside dishes like Fiesta Squash.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover wassail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the punch over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to maintain the flavors. The baked apple halves can be eaten cold or warmed up along with the punch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wassail Bowl With Baked Apple Punch contains roughly 732 calories, with 7g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 20g 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 make this wassail ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the punch a day in advance. Simply make the cider mixture, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add the baked apple halves just before serving.
Can I use fresh apples instead of baked ones?
While baked apples add a lovely texture and flavor, you can certainly use fresh apples. Simply slice them and add them to the punch bowl when serving, but keep in mind that they won't have the same caramelized taste.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover wassail can be enjoyed as a warm drink on its own or used as a warm sauce over desserts like ice cream or pancakes. The apples can also be served as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt, giving a delicious twist to your breakfast.
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).