Fruit Baked Apples

Baked apples are a delightful treat that effortlessly combines the comforting warmth of home-baked goodies with the natural sweetness of fresh fruit. This recipe for Fruit Baked Apples is a perfect choice for a cozy weekend dessert or a special addition to your holiday table. Filled with a delicious mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, these apples are a simple yet elegant way to enjoy the flavors of the season.

**Fruit Baked Apples**

**Ingredients:**
– 4 medium-sized apples (choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
– 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and chopped apricots)
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
– 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 cup apple juice or cider
– Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

2. **Prepare the Apples**: Wash the apples and pat them dry. Using a sharp knife, carefully core each apple, making sure not to cut through the bottom. You can also peel the top third of the skin off each apple for a decorative touch, but it’s optional. Place the cored apples in the prepared baking dish.

3. **Prepare the Filling**: In a small bowl, mix together the dried fruits, chopped nuts, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.

4. **Fill the Apples**: Divide the fruit and nut mixture evenly among the cored apples, gently pressing down to pack the filling.

5. **Add Liquid**: Pour the apple juice or cider into the bottom of the baking dish around the apples. This will help create steam to keep the apples moist while baking.

6. **Bake the Apples**: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the tops to caramelize slightly.

7. **Serve**: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the apples cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy the Fruit Baked Apples warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

These Fruit Baked Apples are a simple yet sophisticated dessert that will impress your family and guests alike. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a cozy treat on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of dried fruits and nuts to create your own signature version of this classic dish. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of these baked apples that will fill your home with a delightful aroma and your taste buds with pure delight!