Baked Apples with Walnuts and Raisins
Baked apples with walnuts and raisins make for a simple, comforting, and wonderfully fragrant dessert.
This easy family recipe is full of texture and flavor, perfect for cozy evenings and a sweet surprise for your guests.
Easy Baked Apples recipe with Walnuts and Raisins
Nothing says comfort quite like warm baked apples filled with crunchy walnuts and sweet raisins.
This simple recipe turns everyday fruit into a cozy, family-friendly dessert you’ll crave over and over again.
At home, my fruit basket is never without apples, they’re my favorite.
Sometimes, though, my husband brings back apples that are a little too tart, the kind the kids won’t touch.
Instead of letting them go to waste, I transform them into treats: apple tart, fluffy cakes, spiced cupcakes, or whatever apple creation comes to mind.
On quieter days, those apples often end up in a pie-flavored smoothie or, even better, stuffed with dried fruits and cinnamon, then baked.
Served warm with vanilla ice cream, they’re pure, irresistible comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick: Ready in under 40 minutes, with only a handful of ingredients.
- Budget-friendly: A low-cost dessert made with pantry staples.
- Customizable: Add spices, swap nuts, or create vegan and lighter versions.
- Perfect for gatherings: Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for a weeknight treat.
Ingredients for Easy Baked Apples with Walnuts and Raisins
- 4 medium apples (preferably organic) – Choose firm varieties like Golden Delicious, Gala, or Pink Lady, which hold their shape during baking.
- 2 tablespoons walnuts, roughly chopped – For crunch and a nutty depth. Almonds or hazelnuts also work well.
- 2 tablespoons raisins – Soak briefly in hot tea or apple juice to plump them up and intensify their sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar – Brings a caramelized finish. Adjust to taste or replace with maple syrup.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and fragrance. Nutmeg or cardamom are great alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon butter (cut into small pieces) – Melts into the filling for richness. Substitute with coconut oil or margarine for a vegan version.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Apples with Walnuts and Raisins
- Plump the raisins: Place them in a small bowl of hot tea (or juice) for a few minutes, then drain.
- Prepare the apples: Wash thoroughly, pat dry, and cut off the tops to create little “lids.”
- Core carefully: Hollow out each apple with a knife or melon baller, leaving enough flesh around the sides and bottom so the fruit holds its shape.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix walnuts, soaked raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Stir until well combined.
- Stuff the apples: Fill each hollowed apple with the mixture and replace the lids.
- Arrange in a baking dish: Place apples upright, leaving space between them for even cooking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the apples are tender but not collapsing.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible finish.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Baked Apples
- Choose the right apples: Firm, slightly tart varieties hold up best. Avoid mealy apples that fall apart.
- Mind the baking time: Every oven differs. Start checking at 20 minutes—apples should be tender when pierced with a knife.
- Prevent burning: Add 1–2 tablespoons of water or apple juice to the baking dish to create steam.
- Moist filling: Always soak raisins (or cranberries) to prevent dryness.
- Flavor upgrades: Try adding a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or orange zest for an extra layer of taste.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Spiced delight: Replace cinnamon with nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
- Indulgent version: Add chocolate chips or caramel sauce to the filling.
- Vegan option: Swap butter for margarine or coconut oil.
- Lightened-up: Use less sugar or substitute with agave syrup.
- Fruit mix-ins: Experiment with cranberries, dates, or figs instead of raisins.
- Serving ideas: Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
– My apples are still hard after baking. What should I do? Extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes. Adding a little water or juice to the dish helps soften them.
– The filling burns too quickly. Cover apples loosely with foil halfway through baking, or add a touch more butter for moisture.
– The walnuts taste bitter. Use fresh, roughly chopped nuts, or try almonds and hazelnuts, which tolerate baking better.
– The filling leaks out. Don’t hollow too deeply, leave a solid base to keep the mixture inside.
– My apples collapse in the oven. Use firm varieties and avoid scooping out too much flesh.
Other desserts to try
Easy Baked Apples stuffed with Walnuts and Raisins recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Baked apples with walnuts and raisins make for a simple, comforting, and wonderfully fragrant dessert. This easy family recipe is full of texture and flavour, perfect for cozy evenings and a sweet surprise for your guests.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (preferably organic)
- 2 tablespoons walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon butter (cut into small pieces)
Instructions
- Plump the raisins: Place them in a small bowl of hot tea (or juice) for a few minutes, then drain.
- Prepare the apples: Wash thoroughly, pat dry, and cut off the tops to create little “lids.”
- Core carefully: Hollow out each apple with a knife or melon baller, leaving enough flesh around the sides and bottom so the fruit holds its shape.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix walnuts, soaked raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Stir until well combined.
- Stuff the apples: Fill each hollowed apple with the mixture and replace the lids.
- Arrange in a baking dish: Place apples upright, leaving space between them for even cooking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the apples are tender but not collapsing.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
