Baked Apples

Baked apples are a classic fall dessert that brings comfort and warmth to any table. This recipe takes the traditional method of baking apples and simplifies it by using a slow cooker. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy tender and delicious baked apples that are filled with a sweet and cinnamon-infused raisin mixture.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons (18 g) raisins
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 6 apples, cored but left whole and unpeeled
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) water

PREPARATION:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the raisins and sugar until well combined.
2. Stand the apples upright in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Spoon the raisin-sugar mixture into the centers of the apples, dividing it evenly among them. The raisins will add sweetness and texture to the baked apples.
4. Sprinkle cinnamon over the stuffed apples, adding a warm and aromatic flavor.
5. Dot the tops of the apples with unsalted butter, which will melt and further enhance the richness of the dessert.
6. Pour the water along the edge of the slow cooker to create steam and help the apples cook evenly.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2½ to 3½ hours. The apples should be tender but still hold their shape.

YIELD:

6 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 122 g water
• 237 calories (15% from fat, 1% from protein, 85% from carbs)
• 1 g protein
• 4 g total fat
• 2 g saturated fat
• 1 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 53 g carbs
• 2 g fiber
• 49 g sugar
• 19 mg phosphorus
• 15 mg calcium
• 0 mg iron
• 1 mg sodium
• 145 mg potassium
• 168 IU vitamin A
• 32 mg ATE vitamin E
• 5 mg vitamin C
• 10 mg cholesterol

Baked apples are a nostalgic and comforting dessert that brings back memories of cozy fall evenings and family gatherings. This recipe simplifies the traditional baking process by using a slow cooker, making it incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy tender and flavorful baked apples that are filled with a delightful mixture of raisins and cinnamon.

To make these baked apples, start by mixing raisins and sugar together in a small bowl. The raisins add a touch of sweetness and texture to the dessert. Stand the apples upright in the slow cooker, ensuring that they are cored but left whole and unpeeled. Spoon the raisin-sugar mixture into the centers of the apples, evenly dividing it among them.

Sprinkle cinnamon over the stuffed apples, adding a warm and aromatic flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the fruit. Dot the tops of the apples with unsalted butter, which will melt and infuse the apples with a rich and buttery goodness.

Pour water along the edge of the slow cooker to create steam, which helps the apples cook evenly and prevents them from drying out. Cover the slow cooker and let the apples cook on low heat for 3 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2½ to 3½ hours. The apples should become tender but still maintain their shape.

Once the baked apples are done, they can be served warm as they are, or you can get creative with toppings and accompaniments. Consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, over the top for added crunch and flavor.

The nutritional information provided per serving shows that these baked apples are relatively low in calories and fat. They are a naturally sweet dessert option that contains fiber from the apples and some nutritional benefits from the raisins. However, it’s important to note that the sugar content is relatively high, so it’s recommended to enjoy this dessert in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

In conclusion, this recipe for slow cooker baked apples offers a simple and convenient way to enjoy this classic fall dessert. The combination of tender apples, sweet raisins, and aromatic cinnamon creates a comforting and delicious treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various toppings. So, give this recipe a try and savor the delightful flavors of baked apples right at home.