Description
These baked apples are a perfect mix of rustic charm and refined flavor. The natural sweetness of honey and apples blends beautifully with the tang of cranberries, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the creaminess of feta or goat cheese. Served warm, they make a comforting fall dessert or even a unique brunch treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or mint (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Core each apple carefully, leaving the bottom intact to form a cavity for the filling.
- Place apples in a small baking dish. Brush with melted butter and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- In a small bowl, mix cranberries, walnuts, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon.
- Stir until the mixture is coated and slightly sticky.
- Stuff each apple generously with the filling, pressing it down lightly.
- Pour ¼ cup of water or apple cider into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until apples are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- Drizzle with warm honey and sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint.
Notes
- For a vegan option, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- These apples can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg