Delicious and wholesome baked organic apples recipe! Naturally sweetened, customizable with cinnamon, nuts, or maple syrup, and perfect for a healthy dessert or snack.
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of baked apples wafting through the kitchen. This simple yet satisfying recipe brings out the natural sweetness of apples, turning them into a warm, tender treat that’s perfect for any time of year.
Whether you’re looking for a wholesome dessert, a cozy snack, or a dish to impress guests with minimal effort, baked apples are a versatile choice. Best of all, this recipe is naturally sweetened and customizable, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors of fall without any guilt. Let’s dive into this effortless and delightful recipe!
Best Apples for Baking
The best apples for baking are those that hold their shape and develop a sweet-tart flavor when cooked. Here are some top choices:
Sweet-Tart Apples
- Granny Smith: A classic baking apple with a tart flavor that balances sweet recipes. Perfect for pies and crisps.
- Honeycrisp: Sweet with a hint of tartness and a firm texture that holds well when baked.
- Pink Lady (Cripps Pink): Crisp and tangy, with a sweet edge that works well in both desserts and savory dishes.
Sweet Apples
- Fuji: Naturally sweet and crisp, ideal for dishes where less added sugar is desired.
- Braeburn: Sweet with a hint of spice, offering a complex flavor that shines in baked goods.
- Golden Delicious: Mildly sweet and softens slightly, great for baked apples and crumbles.
Spicy/Complex Apples
- Jonagold: A sweet-tart hybrid with hints of spice, excellent for baked recipes like tarts or cobblers.
- Cortland: Slightly tart with a smooth texture, good for baking and holds its color well.
For the best results, use a mix of varieties to balance sweetness and tartness in your baked creations!
Simple Baked Organic Apples Recipe (No Sugar)
Ingredients:
- 4 organic apples (e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
- 1/2 cup water or apple juice (optional, for moisture)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to create a small “bowl.”
- Place the apples in a baking dish and add water or apple juice to the bottom for extra moisture.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top (optional).
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30–40 minutes, until the apples are tender.
- Serve warm as-is or with optional toppings.
Optional Variations and Add-Ons
- Spices:
- Sprinkle ground nutmeg or cloves along with cinnamon.
- Sweeteners (optional for a richer taste):
- Drizzle with maple syrup or a dollop of unsweetened applesauce.
- Add a few chopped dates inside the apple core for natural sweetness.
- Filling Options:
- Stuff the core with a mixture of chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans and raisins.
- Mix in a small amount of rolled oats for a crumble-like texture.
- Toppings:
- Serve with a dollop of unsweetened coconut yogurt or plant-based whipped cream.
- Add a light drizzle of almond butter for extra richness.
By mixing and matching these options, you can customize the baked apples to fit your preferences while keeping them healthy and wholesome.
Simple Baked Apples
Ingredients
- organic apples (e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
- 1/2 cup water (optional)
- cinnamon or sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to create a small "bowl", or leave them intact.
- Place the apples in a baking dish and add water to the bottom for extra moisture (optional).
- Sprinkle cinnamon or sugar on top (optional).
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the apples are tender.
- Serve warm as-is or with optional toppings.
Do the Baked Apples retain their health properties?
Yes, baked apples retain many of their health properties, though some nutrients may be affected by heat:
Nutrients Retained:
- Fiber: The fiber content remains intact, supporting digestion and satiety.
- Minerals: Essential minerals like potassium and magnesium are generally heat-stable and are largely preserved.
- Phytonutrients: Many antioxidants, like quercetin (found in apple skins), can withstand moderate heat, though some loss may occur.
Nutrients Affected:
- Vitamin C: This heat-sensitive vitamin decreases significantly during baking.
- Water-Soluble Vitamins: Some loss of B vitamins may also occur due to heat and moisture loss.
Health Benefits:
Despite minor nutrient losses, baked apples are still a healthy option. The natural sugars in apples caramelize during baking, enhancing sweetness without added sugar, and the fiber and phytonutrients provide lasting benefits. If you leave the skin on, you’ll maximize their antioxidant content.
Pairing baked apples with nuts, seeds, or a plant-based yogurt can also balance the dish nutritionally.