Ingredients
Apples
- 3 pounds apples (peeled, cored, sliced; favorites include Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith)
Spices and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Juice from 1/2 a lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Other
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) to prepare for baking the apples evenly.
- Prepare Apples: Peel the apples, remove the cores, and slice them into pieces about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick for uniform cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the apple slices into a large bowl or directly into a 2-quart baking dish or pie dish. Add the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well to coat the apples evenly with the spice and sugar mixture.
- Add Butter: Cut the unsalted butter into small squares and distribute them evenly over the top of the apple mixture to add richness and help create a luscious sauce as they bake.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the apples for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes of baking, stir the apples gently to prevent the top layer from drying out and to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Once the apples are tender and soft, remove the dish from the oven. Serve the baked apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute different apple varieties based on your preference, but mixing tart and sweet apples gives a balanced flavor.
- Stirring halfway through baking keeps the apples evenly coated and prevents drying.
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
- These baked apples can also be served with yogurt or whipped cream as an alternative to ice cream.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and warmed gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
