Baked Honeycrisp Apples — The Best Ever
This is, hands down, the best baked apple recipe I’ve ever made. Sweet Honeycrisp apples are hollowed and stuffed with a warm mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts and dried cranberries. It’s an easy, comforting dessert or side that’s bursting with fall flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.
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Why Honeycrisp?
Honeycrisp apples are ideal for this recipe because they remain crisp and hold their shape while baking, and their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with cinnamon and brown sugar. If Honeycrisp isn’t available, choose a firm variety that won’t collapse in the oven; see the recommended varieties below.
What You’ll Find in This Post
- A simple, reliable baked apple recipe
- Recommended apples for baking
- Practical tips for choosing and preparing apples
- Recipe variations and serving ideas
- Microwave method, storage and reheating guidance
The Best Apple Varieties for Baking
Choose a firm apple that will hold its shape when cooked. Changing the apple variety will alter the flavor and may require slight adjustments to baking time.
- Granny Smith — tart and firm
- Rome Beauty — mildly sweet, holds shape well
- Honeycrisp — sweet, crisp, ideal for baking
- Braeburn — firm with a spicy-sweet flavor
- Jonagold / Jonathan — tangy with honey notes
- Pink Lady — sweet with a tart finish
- Melrose — a Jonathan × Red Delicious cross, good for baking
- Winesap — spicy and tart, thick-skinned
- Golden Delicious — sweet and softer; monitor cooking time
Avoid varieties that become mealy or too soft when cooked, such as Red Delicious, Gala, or Fuji.
How to Select the Best Apples
- Choose firm apples with no soft spots or splits.
- Rotate the fruit and inspect the skin for bruises or holes.
- Fresh apples often have a pleasant, fruity aroma.
Handy Tools
- A deep baking dish to hold the apples and a bit of liquid.
- An apple corer or a small spoon to remove the core.
- An ice cream scoop or melon baller to hollow the apple centers.
- Small bowls for mixing the filling.
Variations and Flavor Swaps
- Substitute pumpkin pie spice or allspice for some or all of the cinnamon.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or ginger for warmth.
- Swap dried cherries or raisins for the cranberries.
- Use pecans or hazelnuts instead of walnuts.
- Use sugar-free brown sugar or a butter substitute to reduce calories.
Can Baked Apples Be Made in the Microwave?
Yes. Prepare the apples as directed, place them upright in a microwave-safe covered dish, and microwave on high for about 4 minutes. Check for tenderness: they should be soft but not mushy. Total time depends on the apple variety and microwave wattage.
Storage and Reheating
After cooling, store baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Include the sauce or juices from the baking dish when storing to preserve flavor and moisture. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through or in the microwave at 50% power. Apples can also be frozen, though the texture may become slightly softer when thawed.
How to Serve
These apples are delicious on their own, but try one of these serving ideas:
- A scoop of vanilla or butter-pecan ice cream
- Warm caramel sauce drizzled over the top
- Whipped cream or marshmallows
- A sprinkle of granola for crunch
- A thin slice of sharp cheddar or another favorite cheese
- A buttery streusel made from oats, flour, sugar and cinnamon
Our Favorite Baked Apples Recipe
Baked Honeycrisp Apples (Serves 4)
Ingredients
- 4 Honeycrisp apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (plus extra for sprinkling)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Optional: caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice off about one-third from the top of each apple and carefully scoop out the core to create a well without breaking through the bottom.
- In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, dried cranberries and chopped walnuts.
- Divide the mixture evenly and stuff each apple.
- Place the apples in a deep baking dish. Top each apple with 1 tablespoon of butter and a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Pour about 1/2 inch of water into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the apples moist while baking.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a knife but still hold their shape.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes: Keep an eye on the water level while baking and add more if the pan dries out. Baking time varies by apple size, ripeness and variety; test doneness with a knife or toothpick.
Additional Tips
- Do not peel the apples; the skins help them hold together during baking.
- Use an apple corer or small spoon to remove seeds and create a cavity for the filling.
- Light brown sugar can be used instead of dark brown sugar.
- Avoid increasing oven temperature; a lower, steady heat helps the apples cook evenly without splitting.
Ready to try these baked apples? Simple to prepare and full of cozy fall flavors, they make a perfect snack, side dish or dessert. Enjoy!
