Vanilla Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe

Vanilla Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe

Combine Fall Flavors to Create the Perfect Treat

Fall is here, and with it comes a symphony of scents and flavors—cinnamon, apples, and cozy baked desserts. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply craving a comforting treat, this Vanilla Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe delivers on all fronts. Bursting with gooey caramelized goodness and the warm spice of cinnamon, this dessert is an elevated nod to the season’s best flavors.

Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Most are pantry staples.
• Easy to Make: A quick prep time with no advanced baking skills required.
• Customizable: Swap out ingredients like raisins or walnuts to suit your taste.
• Aromatic Bliss: The scent of vanilla and cinnamon baking in your oven is pure magic.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serves: 4

Ingredients 

• 4 baking apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¾ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste
• 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1 tablespoon brandy (or substitute; see options below)
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup walnuts (chopped)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Apples

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly coat a shallow baking dish with nonstick spray.
• Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each apple so they stand upright.
• Using the small end of a melon baller, scoop out the cores, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through.

2. Make the Filling

• In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and vanilla paste.
• Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until the butter melts.
• Remove from heat and mix in the cinnamon, allspice, brandy, raisins, walnuts, and salt.

3. Assemble the Apples

• Spoon the filling evenly into each apple cavity.
• Arrange the apples in the prepared baking dish.

4. Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 20 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender and caramelized.
• Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive flourish.

Expert Tips

• Apple Selection: Choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked, like Granny Smith or Pink Lady.
• Substitutes for Brandy:
  • Alcoholic: Whiskey or rum work beautifully.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Use fruit extract (apple, grape, apricot, or peach). For this recipe, replace 1 tablespoon of brandy with ½ teaspoon of fruit extract.
  • Trace Alcohol: Brandy extract (¾ teaspoon for 1 tablespoon of brandy).
• Add a Crunch: Substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts if you prefer.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the apples and filling separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to core the apples?
A: A melon baller works best for clean, even scooping.

Q: Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla paste?
A: Absolutely! Substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for the paste.Call to Action

Ready to take your dessert game to the next level?

Grab Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste on Amazon to make this recipe shine.

For more inspiring recipes like this one, check out my Pinterest Dessert Board! Don’t forget to grab your copy of The How-To Cookbook for Teens—a perfect resource for mastering simple and delicious recipes. Get it here!

Fall in love with the cozy, caramelized flavors of Vanilla Cinnamon Baked Apples. Let this recipe bring a little magic to your table.