I created this easy Baked Apples recipe with a handful of incredibly aromatic ingredients. Stuffed with lemon rind, vanilla bean, dried fruit, and a dash of lemon juice this classic dessert is super healthy, yet incredibly decadent. I love making this as a shortcut to apple pie. To me, autumn isn’t complete without this simple and sweet warm comfort food.
Child-Friendly Baked Apples Recipe
Since he was 5 or 6, my older son and I have enjoyed making these Baked Apples. It’s our favorite fall ritual. By the time he was 8 or 9 years old, he began to make these while I was busy beside him with other cooking projects. He’s very self-directed in the kitchen.
It’s so easy for kids to core a couple of apples, stuff them with yummy ingredients, and then hand them over to Mom to place in the oven. Here’s my recipe, you’ll have to wait until my son starts blogging to get his.
- 4 medium apples, cored
- 4 thin strips lemon rind
- ½ cup dried currants or dried cherries
- 1 whole vanilla bean, cut into 4 pieces
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- Place apples in a baking dish with glass lid
- Stuff with lemon rind, currants, vanilla bean, and cinnamon sticks
- Drizzle with lemon juice
- Scatter remaining currants around apples
- Bake covered at 350°F for 60 to 75 minutes
- Serve
Gluten-Free Vegan Dessert Recipe
These Baked Apples are an effortless, yet healthy gluten-free, vegan dessert. They’re super satisfying on a chilly evening. To make a more decadent dish, drizzle with Almond Milk or top with my dairy-free Vegan Whipped Cream. For a super luscious dessert that’s vegetarian, check out my How to Make Whipped Cream in a Mason Jar tutorial and top these Baked Apples with it.
Healthy Apple Recipes
Here are some of my other healthy paleo apple recipes for you! They’re all so easy you can make them with your kids.
This post is an oldie but goodie from the archives, I first published it in 2007.
Shell says
I don’t have a glass dish with a lid. What’s another option?
Elana says
Shell, I haven’t tried that so not sure, feel free to experiment and let me know how it goes :-)
Abbey says
Do these reheat well?
Elana says
Abbey, I havaen’t tried that so not sure :-)
Rahul Upadhyay says
Thank you elana.
I really loved this Idea.
Elana says
Rahul, you’re welcome!
jessica says
Best apple dish.. nice dish elana.. thanks for sharing
Elana says
Jessica, thanks for letting me know this is the best apple dish!
Micki says
Thank you for yet another great recipe. I wasn’t a big fan of baked apples until I tried your recipe. The lemon rind and lemon juice did the trick! I loved it.
Elana says
Micki, I’m so glad you loved the baked apples!
Nikki says
This recipe screams fall season and I love that! Thanks for sharing :)
Nikki
Elana says
Thanks Nikki!
Beverly Milley says
I have made these apples they are so good I look forward to sitting down and enjoying this desert. Thank you Elana
Elana says
Beverly, thanks for your comment! I’m happy to hear these are so good :-)
Sarah says
These look delicious and so simple! How can you go wrong with vanilla and cinnamon? Thanks for the recipe.
Elana says
Sarah, you’re welcome!
Laura Ashland says
These look amazing!! I am eating paleo, and this is something that would hit the spot for dessert! :) Thanks
Elana says
Laura, thanks so much!
Elena says
Yum.
I love baked apples.
In my family we usually stuffed them with walnuts, raisins, honey and cinnamon :)
Elana says
Thanks Elena!
Maureen Frank says
What apples are best to use for this recipe?
Elana says
Maureen, any apple will work!