When it comes to comfort food, few desserts can rival the charm of baked apples, especially when they are prepared in the classic French style. French butter baked apples, also known as “Pommes Cuites au Beurre,” are a brilliant combination of sweet, tender fruit and rich, nutty butter, creating a warm, cozy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful dessert, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
4 mediumsized apples (recommendations: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonathan)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Optional: Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) for added crunch
Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
StepbyStep Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your apples go in, they will start cooking evenly right from the beginning.
2. Prepare the Apples: Carefully wash the apples, then core them using an apple corer or a small knife. You can peel the apples if you prefer, but keeping the peel on adds texture and flavor. Leave the bottom of the apples intact to hold in the delicious fillings.
3. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar (or maple syrup), half of the cinnamon, and chopped nuts if you’re using them. If you are fond of spices, add in a pinch of nutmeg as well.
4. Stuff the Apples: With the sugar mixture, generously fill the hollowedout centers of each apple, allowing the filling to mound slightly at the top.
5. Prepare for Baking: In a baking dish, add the remaining butter to the bottom. Then, place the stuffed apples upright in the dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon over the apples for an added flavor kick.
6. Bake: Pour a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) around the apples in the dish to keep them moist during baking. Cover the dish with foil and place it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 1520 minutes, until the apples are tender and golden.
7. Serve: Once removed from the oven, let the apples cool slightly. Serve them warm on their own, or top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience further.
Why You’ll Love Them
These French butter baked apples are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also exude warmth and nostalgia with each bite. Their rich buttery coating and hint of sweetness are reminiscent of lazy Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen with loved ones.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the sweetness or spices according to your taste, and serving suggestions abound. Whether enjoyed as a simple dessert or dressed up for a dinner party, these baked apples are sure to impress. Embrace the joy of homecooked goodness with this delightful French treat!