Description
Jamie Oliver’s Baked Apples bring warmth and comfort from British kitchens, offering a simple dessert that blends sweet fruits with rich spices. Cinnamon-kissed apples filled with nuts and honey create a delightful finale you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling/Topping:
- 3 tablespoons (43g / 1.5 ounces) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup (21g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts (optional)
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large apples, rinsed and patted dry
Liquid:
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters / 6 fluid ounces) warm water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 191 degrees Celsius or 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring an evenly heated cooking environment.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg using a hand mixer, stand mixer with paddle attachment, or a traditional fork or spoon until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Gently fold rolled oats into the butter mixture, then incorporate chopped nuts, plump raisins, or tart dried cherries if desired, creating a rich and textured filling.
- Select firm, symmetrical baking apples that will stand upright during the cooking process, washing and drying them thoroughly before preparation.
- Using a sharp paring knife or apple corer, carefully remove the apple’s core, making a precise vertical cut that stops approximately three-quarters of the way down, preserving the apple’s structural integrity.
- Delicately extract the remaining seeds and core fragments with a small spoon, ensuring a clean and smooth inner cavity for the filling.
- Arrange the cored apples in a ceramic baking dish or metal cake pan, generously stuffing each apple with the prepared oat mixture until completely filled and overflowing slightly.
- Pour warm water around the base of the apples, creating a protective moisture barrier that prevents burning and promotes even cooking.
- Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven, baking for 40 to 45 minutes until the apples develop a tender, slightly yielding texture.
- For varying levels of softness, adjust cooking time: shorter for firmer apples, longer for a more luxurious, almost jam-like consistency.
- Upon removing from the oven, optionally baste the apples with their own caramelized pan juices for an enhanced glossy finish and additional moisture.
Notes
- Slice carefully through apple centers, creating a clean cut without piercing completely through the bottom.
- Scoop out core gently using a spoon, leaving a smooth hollow space for filling.
- Customize your dessert by mixing chopped walnuts, sweet dates, or tangy dried cherries into the filling.
- Prevent apple surface from becoming tough by pouring warm water into baking dish before cooking.
- Select firm, ripe apples that hold their shape during baking for best texture and presentation.
- Experiment with different spice combinations like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to enhance natural apple flavors.
- Drizzle honey or maple syrup over apples for extra caramelization and depth of sweetness.
- Check doneness by piercing apple sides with a fork – they should feel tender but not mushy.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for a comforting dessert.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator, covering tightly to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 172
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg