About the Recipe
These spiced baked apples capture everything I love about cozy, rustic desserts. If you’ve ever made my Apple-Hazelnut Galette, you’ll already know how much I adore celebrating apples when they’re at their peak. But instead of a flaky crust, these beauties are all about tender, oven-roasted fruit and a warmly spiced, nutty filling.
The inspiration comes from a mix of places—my love for Bircher Muesli, with its blend of oats, fruit, and nuts, definitely played a role. So did my Cheesecake Peaches, where a simple fruit becomes the base for something creamy and special. In this case, the apples are stuffed with a mixture of dates, pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts, then spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves until your kitchen smells like the best parts of fall.
I love serving these straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but they’re just as lovely chilled the next day or even slightly warmed for a cozy breakfast. They’re unfussy, deeply comforting, and a reminder that simple ingredients can create something magical. Ready to bake up a little warmth?
Warm and Comforting: These baked apples are a perfect cozy dessert with warming spices and a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream to top it off.
Customizable Filling: The mix of dates, nuts, and spices can be tailored to your favorite dried fruits or nuts for a personal touch.
Easy to Make: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dessert is perfect for both weeknight treats and entertaining.
A Crowd-Pleaser: The fragrant spices and soft, caramelized apples make this a dessert everyone will love.
Balanced Sweetness: The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the crunch of mixed nuts and the creaminess of ice cream.
What You'll Love
1. Can I use a different type of dried fruit instead of dates? Yes, you can substitute dates with dried apricots or cranberries for a tangy twist that complements the warm spices beautifully.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.
3. Can I use a different mix of nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite combination of nuts, such as walnuts (if no allergy), pistachios, or cashews, to customize the flavor and texture.
4. What’s the best apple to use for baking? Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best because they hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the filling.
5. Can I make these in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling and core the apples ahead of time. Assemble them just before baking to keep the apples fresh.
Frequently asked Questions
Ingredients
3 large baking apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
1/4 cup (40 g) dried dates, chopped
1/2 cup (30 g) nuts, chopped
2-3 tbsp rolled oats
2 tbsp honey
1tsp almond extract (optional)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/8 tsp ground cloves
Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
1 tbsp butter
1/4 cup (60 ml) apple juice or water (for baking)
Preparation
Step-by-Step Baked Apples Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Core the apples and scoop out some of the flesh to to create a "bowl", leaving the bottom and sides intact to hold the filling.
Small dice 1/3 cup of the cored flesh
In a small bowl, mix the chopped dates, nuts, oats, apple, honey, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves.
Stuff each apple with the spiced filling, pressing it in gently.
Place the apples in a baking dish, dot each one with a small piece of butter, and pour the apple juice or water into the dish.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape (removing the foil half way through cooking).
Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream
