Treat yourself to a delightful dessert with strawberry baked apples. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with the vibrant flavor of strawberry jam. Baked to perfection, the apples become tender and infused with the sweet jam filling. The result is a warm and comforting dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a few ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in these strawberry baked apples. Serve them hot with a dollop of reduced-fat crème fraîche for a creamy and indulgent finishing touch. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress guests or a comforting treat for yourself, these strawberry baked apples are a delightful choice.
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 cooking apples
- 50ml/2fl oz reduced-sugar strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Reduced-fat crème fraîche, to serve (optional)
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4.
- Remove the cores from the apples, ensuring to leave the bottom intact, and cut a line around the center of each apple to prevent the skin from bursting.
- Place the cored apples in an ovenproof dish.
- Fill the centers of the apples with reduced-sugar strawberry jam, distributing it evenly among the apples.
- Sprinkle each apple with a teaspoon of sugar, which will add a touch of sweetness and help create a caramelized topping.
- Pour about 2.5cm/1in of water into the dish, which will help create steam and keep the apples moist during baking.
- Bake the apples in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until they are tender but still hold their shape. The baking time may vary depending on the size and variety of apples.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the apples cool slightly.
- Serve the strawberry baked apples while still warm, either on their own or with a dollop of reduced-fat crème fraîche for added creaminess and a delightful contrast of flavors.
YIELD: Serves 4
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- When coring the apples, be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom, as this will help prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- You can use any variety of cooking apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Granny Smith or Bramley apples.
- To enhance the flavor of the strawberry filling, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of vanilla sugar to the jam before filling the apples.
- For a vegan-friendly version, use a plant-based alternative for the reduced-fat crème fraîche or omit it altogether.
TIPS:
- Experiment with different flavors of jam to create unique variations of baked apples. Raspberry, blackberry, or even a combination of fruits can add a delightful twist to this recipe.
- Serve the strawberry baked apples with a sprinkle of crushed nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.
- If desired, drizzle a small amount of warm caramel sauce over the baked apples before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence.
- Enjoy the strawberry baked apples on their own or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors in strawberry baked apples. This simple and satisfying dessert features tender apples filled with reduced-sugar strawberry jam, baked to perfection, and served warm. With just a few easy steps, you can create a dessert that is both comforting and delicious.
By removing the cores and cutting a line around the center of each apple, you ensure that the apples remain intact during baking. The reduced-sugar strawberry jam adds a burst of fruity sweetness to the apples, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.
Baking the apples for approximately 1 hour allows them to become tender while still holding their shape. The addition of a teaspoon of sugar creates a caramelized topping, adding a touch of sweetness and enhancing the overall appeal of the dish.
Serve the strawberry baked apples while still warm for the ultimate comfort dessert. For a creamy and indulgent touch, top them with a dollop of reduced-fat crème fraîche. The creamy richness of the crème fraîche pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavors of the apples and jam.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors of jam or add a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture and flavor. Whether enjoyed on their own or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these strawberry baked apples are a delightful treat.
With their simplicity and delightful flavors, strawberry baked apples are a versatile dessert option suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting treat, these baked apples are sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and prepare to enjoy the warm and satisfying flavors of strawberry baked apples.
