So, I just whipped up these baked apples and OMG, they’re like the autumn vibes we all need right now. The warm and gooey mix of nuts, raisins, and cinnamon inside perfectly tender apples is basically a hug from the inside out – total comfort food goals! 🍏🍁
One of my favorite cozy desserts is Bratapfel, a delicious baked apple treat. I love how the tartness of apples like Braeburn or Granny Smith pairs with sweet notes from raisins and honey.
Adding cinnamon and vanilla gives a warm, aromatic touch, while chopped nuts provide a delightful crunch.
Bratapfel Recipe Ingredients
- Apples: Rich in fiber, they contribute natural sweetness and are heart-healthy.
- Raisins: High in iron and antioxidants, they add a chewy, sweet texture.
- Nuts: Provide healthy fats and protein, offering a satisfying crunch.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners add depth and caramel notes.
- Ground Cinnamon: Offers warmth and spiciness, complementing the apples.
- Marzipan: Adds a sweet almond flavor and creamy texture if used.
Bratapfel Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 4 large apples (such as Braeburn or Granny Smith)
- 50g raisins
- 60g chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 50g marzipan (optional)
- 200ml apple juice or cider
- 20g butter
How to Make this Bratapfel Recipe
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. Core the apples, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through, and create a small cavity for the filling.
3. In a bowl, mix the raisins, chopped nuts, honey or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Combine well.
4. If using marzipan, break it into small pieces and incorporate it into the filling mixture.
5. Stuff each apple cavity with the filling mixture, pressing it down gently.
6. Arrange the filled apples in a baking dish.
7. Pour the apple juice or cider around the apples in the baking dish.
8. Dot each filled apple with a small piece of butter on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
10. Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Bratapfel Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Apple corer
3. Small bowl
4. Knife (for chopping nuts and marzipan, if using)
5. Spoon (for mixing and stuffing)
6. Baking dish
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cup
FAQ
- What kind of apples work best for Bratapfel? Firm apples like Braeburn or Granny Smith are ideal as they hold their shape during baking.
- Can I make Bratapfel without marzipan? Yes, marzipan is optional. The recipe will still be delicious without it.
- Is there a substitute for raisins? You can use dried cranberries or chopped dates as a substitute for raisins.
- Can I use different nuts? Absolutely, you can use any nuts you prefer, such as pecans or hazelnuts.
- What should I do if I don’t have apple juice or cider? You can substitute with water or light white wine for a different flavor profile.
- Can I prepare Bratapfel in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and stuff the apples just before baking.
Bratapfel Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- For the raisins: Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots can provide a different flavor and texture.
- For the nuts: Pecans or hazelnuts can be used instead of almonds or walnuts for a different nutty taste.
- For honey or maple syrup: Agave syrup or brown sugar can be used for sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.
- For cinnamon: Pumpkin pie spice or allspice can be used for a varied spice note.
- For apple juice or cider: Pear juice or white grape juice provides a different fruit background without changing the consistency.
Pro Tips
1. Choose the Right Apples: For best results, use firm apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith or Braeburn. These varieties also provide a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors.
2. Customize the Filling: Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits in the filling. Pecans or hazelnuts can add a unique flavor, or try adding dried cranberries for a tart twist.
3. Enhance the Flavor: Sprinkle a pinch of salt into the filling mixture to enhance the sweetness and flavor. It will also highlight the spices and balance the overall taste.
4. Prevent Overflow: When filling the apples, avoid overstuffing to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking. Press the filling gently but leave a bit of space at the top.
5. Basting for Extra Moistness: Halfway through baking, spoon some of the cider or apple juice over the apples to keep them moist and enhance the flavor. This creates a delicious syrupy glaze.
Bratapfel Recipe
My favorite Bratapfel Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Apple corer
3. Small bowl
4. Knife (for chopping nuts and marzipan, if using)
5. Spoon (for mixing and stuffing)
6. Baking dish
7. Measuring spoons
8. Measuring cup
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (such as Braeburn or Granny Smith)
- 50g raisins
- 60g chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 50g marzipan (optional)
- 200ml apple juice or cider
- 20g butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. Core the apples, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through, and create a small cavity for the filling.
3. In a bowl, mix the raisins, chopped nuts, honey or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Combine well.
4. If using marzipan, break it into small pieces and incorporate it into the filling mixture.
5. Stuff each apple cavity with the filling mixture, pressing it down gently.
6. Arrange the filled apples in a baking dish.
7. Pour the apple juice or cider around the apples in the baking dish.
8. Dot each filled apple with a small piece of butter on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
10. Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
