Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Raisins

Ingredients

• 2apples, cored
• 2–3 teaspoons (10–15 ml)raisins
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons)water
• 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon)ground cinnamon
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons)apple juice (or additional water)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven

   Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. 2

   Arrange the apples

   Set the cored apples in a small baking dish.

3. 3

   Add the raisins

   Divide the raisins between the apples, filling their centres.

4. 4

   Mix and pour

   Stir the water, cinnamon and apple juice together in a small bowl. Pour the mixture evenly into the centres of the apples.

5. 5

   Bake until tender

   Bake for about 55 minutes, or until the apples are tender when tested with a fork.

6. 6

   Cool and serve

   Leave the apples to cool slightly. Remove the skins if you like, then serve warm.

What are baked apples?

Baked apples are a simple oven dessert in which whole, cored fruit softens as it cooks. They are a familiar American-style home treat, often flavoured with warm spices and sweet fillings.

Here, raisins add little bursts of sweetness, while cinnamon and apple juice flavour the centres. Baking the fruit in a dish keeps the preparation straightforward.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 117 calories, 1g protein, 31g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates come from the apples, raisins and apple juice; the recipe includes very little fat and only a small amount of protein. To make a more balanced plate, serve an apple with plain yoghurt or another protein-rich accompaniment.

Choosing the apples

Apple size: Choose two apples that are similar in size so they cook at roughly the same rate. Firm apples are easier to core and handle before baking.

Coring: Remove the core while keeping the bottom of each apple intact if possible, so the filling and liquid stay inside more readily.

Filling the centres

Raisins: Divide the 2–3 teaspoons between the two apples, adjusting the amount within that range to suit your taste.

Liquid: Stir the water, cinnamon and apple juice before pouring it into the centres. The juice can be replaced with the same amount of additional water, as the recipe suggests.

How to tell when they’re done

Fork test: After about 55 minutes, check an apple with a fork. It should be tender enough for the fork to enter easily.

Timing: The recipe gives an approximate baking time, so use tenderness as the final cue rather than relying on the clock alone.

Serving them warm

Resting: Let the apples cool slightly before serving; they come straight from a hot oven and are easier to handle after a short rest.

Skins: Leave the skins on, or remove them after baking if you prefer. Serve the apples warm, with any liquid remaining in the dish.

What to serve alongside

For a simple dessert, serve an apple on its own or alongside plain yoghurt. A spoonful of custard or a small scoop of ice cream also makes a richer pairing.

Recipe notes & tips

• Choose apples of a similar size to help them bake evenly.
• Keep the bottoms intact when coring so the filling is less likely to escape.
• Stir the cinnamon thoroughly into the liquid before pouring it into the apples.
• Check tenderness with a fork around the 55-minute mark.
• Let the apples cool slightly before handling or removing their skins.

Variations

• Use water: Replace the apple juice with the same amount of additional water, as suggested in the recipe.
• Add more raisins: Use the upper end of the 2–3 teaspoon range for a fruitier centre.
• Adjust the spice: Add a little more or less cinnamon to suit your taste.
• Serve with yoghurt: Add plain yoghurt alongside the warm apple for a tangy contrast.
• Pair with custard: Serve with custard for a more substantial dessert.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Coring right through: The filling can drain out; try to leave the bottom of each apple intact.
• Uneven apples: Different sizes may cook at different rates; choose apples of similar size.
• Skipping the fork test: Baking times can vary; check that the apples are tender before taking them out.
• Pouring without mixing: Cinnamon may not be evenly distributed; stir it into the liquid first.
• Serving straight from the oven: The apples will be very hot; let them cool slightly before serving.

How to store

Refrigerate leftover baked apples in a covered container and eat within 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions