Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. It’s a time filled with warmth, family, and of course, delicious food! One of the true highlights of our holiday gatherings is the sweet aroma of *thanksgiving apples* wafting through the house. There’s just something so comforting about baked apples, especially when they’re stuffed with brown sugar, nuts, and spices. It’s like a warm hug at the end of a festive meal! The best part? They’re super simple to make and instantly elevate your dessert table. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 4 medium apples (I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their perfect balance of tartness and sweetness)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (the more, the merrier when it comes to sweetness!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for that warm, cozy flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work beautifully)
- 1/4 cup raisins (or dried cranberries for a fun twist)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (this adds such richness—don’t skimp on it!)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Apples
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to get that oven ready! Preheating is super important because it helps the apples cook evenly and develop that lovely, caramelized flavor. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the rest. You’ll want it nice and toasty for the best results!
Prepare the Apples
Now, let’s talk apples! Start by coring the apples. I like to use medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples because they hold their shape beautifully and strike that perfect balance between tart and sweet. Carefully cut out the core from the top without slicing through the bottom—this way, all that delicious filling will stay inside. Once cored, place the apples upright in a baking dish. Make sure they stand tall and proud!
Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine your packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins. I usually just use a fork or my hands to mix it all together until it’s well combined. The sweetness of the brown sugar paired with the warmth of the cinnamon is just heavenly! Don’t forget to taste it—this is the filling that will be hugging those apples!
Stuff the Apples
Now comes the fun part—stuffing the apples! Generously fill each cored apple with the sweet mixture you just made. Press it down a bit to ensure they’re packed in there nicely. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor, so don’t be shy about piling it up!
Bake the Apples
Alright, it’s time to bake! Pop those stuffed apples into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and the filling is bubbling. As an extra treat, add a pat of butter on top of each apple about 10 minutes before they’re finished baking. This will melt into the filling and create a deliciously rich sauce. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready to bake in just 15 minutes!
- So easy to make, even for beginner cooks—no fancy skills required!
- Warm and comforting—these *thanksgiving apples* are like a cozy hug on a plate.
- Customizable—swap in your favorite nuts and dried fruits for a personal touch.
- Perfect for family gatherings—everyone will love this delightful dessert!
- Great make-ahead option—prepare them earlier in the day and bake when you’re ready.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make these delicious *thanksgiving apples*, here are a few tips to ensure they turn out absolutely perfect every time!
- Choosing the Right Apples: Go for apples that are firm and crisp, like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Avoid soft varieties that will turn mushy when baked.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you’re using sweeter apples, you might want to reduce the brown sugar a bit. Just taste the filling mixture before stuffing to get it just right!
- Mixing It Up: Feel free to swap out the nuts or dried fruits with your favorites. Chopped almonds or pistachios can add a lovely crunch, and dried apricots or figs can introduce a unique flavor twist.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack the filling to the brim, leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion during baking. This helps everything stay in place and prevents overflow!
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. It’s a simple way to make this dish your own.
- Serving Suggestions: For a decadent touch, serve your *thanksgiving apples* with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm, spiced apples paired with the cold creaminess is just divine!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be making the best *thanksgiving apples* that will impress everyone at your holiday table!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delightful *thanksgiving apples*, the options are just as scrumptious as the dish itself! I absolutely love pairing these warm, spiced apples with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting over the hot apples creates this magical contrast that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
If you’re looking for something a little lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream is another fantastic choice. The fluffy texture and subtle sweetness of whipped cream complements the richness of the apples beautifully. You could even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel over the top for an extra touch of indulgence!
For an even fancier twist, consider serving them with a side of clotted cream or mascarpone. The rich, velvety flavors of these creams elevate the dish to a whole new level. And don’t forget about adding some toasted nuts or a sprinkle of granola for a delightful crunch on top! It’s all about creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
So, whether you go with ice cream, whipped cream, or something a bit more gourmet, your *thanksgiving apples* will shine as the star of the dessert table. Happy indulging!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for each serving of these delightful *thanksgiving apples*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 2g
This is a sweet treat, so the sugar content is a bit on the higher side, but it’s all part of the deliciousness! Enjoy these *thanksgiving apples* as a special holiday dessert, and remember, everything in moderation! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these delightful *thanksgiving apples*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my favorite tips and tricks.
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While I love Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, you can use any firm apple variety you prefer. Fuji or Braeburn apples also work great! Just make sure they’re crisp to hold their shape when baked.
What if I don’t have raisins?
No problem at all! You can swap raisins for any dried fruit you like, such as cranberries, apricots, or even chopped dates. It’s all about what flavors you enjoy!
How do I store leftover baked apples?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), just place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3–4 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step and then cover them tightly in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and let that delicious aroma fill your kitchen!
What other spices can I add?
If you want to get adventurous, try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor boost. You could even add some vanilla extract to the filling for a lovely twist!
Can I use less sugar?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, feel free to adjust the brown sugar in the filling based on your taste and the sweetness of the apples. It’s all about finding that balance that works for you!
These *thanksgiving apples* are so versatile and forgiving, so don’t hesitate to experiment! Happy cooking, and may your holiday dessert table be truly unforgettable!
Print
Thanksgiving Apples: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love Now
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious recipe for Thanksgiving apples that are perfect for your holiday dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Core the apples and place them in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins.
- Stuff the mixture into the cored apples.
- Top each apple with a pat of butter.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until apples are tender.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Use your favorite apple variety.
- Adjust sugar based on apple sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: thanksgiving apples, baked apples, holiday dessert
