Baked Apples with Walnuts, Chocolate, and Vanilla Sauce

This delightful dessert combines the natural sweetness of apples with the rich flavors of walnuts, chocolate, and a decadent vanilla sauce. Perfect for a cozy evening or a special occasion, this dish will satisfy your sweet cravings while offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The warm, baked apples become tender and juicy, contrasting beautifully with the crunch of walnuts and the smoothness of melted chocolate. The addition of coconut shavings adds a subtle tropical note, while raisins provide a hint of chewiness and natural sweetness. A light dusting of cinnamon enhances the apple flavor, giving it a cozy, comforting touch. You’ll love the easy-to-make vanilla sauce that ties everything together, infusing the dessert with warmth and creaminess. This recipe serves four, making it ideal for a small dinner party or family gathering. The entire dish comes together quickly and is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and mouthwatering taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 large apples
• 65 g sugar
• 100 g walnuts
• 80 g milk chocolate
• 10 g raisins
• 10 g coconut shavings

Spices

• 15 g cinnamon
• ½ tsp turmeric

Sauces

• 100 ml heavy cream
• 50 ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar

Preparation Time

Total time: 45 minutes (includes prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Begin by washing the apples thoroughly. Cut each apple in half and scoop out the core, creating a hollow large enough for the filling.
2. Season the Apples: Sprinkle 15 g of sugar and the cinnamon over the apple halves, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Prepare the Filling: Start with a layer of raisins followed by milk chocolate pieces and chopped walnuts. Top with a sprinkle of coconut shavings.
4. Bake the Apples: Place the filled apples in a baking dish. Pour a small amount of water into the dish to prevent sticking. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 15-20 minutes, until the apples are tender but not mushy.
5. Make the Vanilla Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk. Add 50 g sugar, the vanilla sugar, and turmeric. Heat the mixture until it begins to boil, then remove it from the heat immediately.
6. Plate the Apples: Once baked, carefully arrange the apple halves on serving plates.
7. Add the Sauce: Generously drizzle the warm vanilla sauce over the apples, ensuring each serving is well-coated.
8. Serve: Enjoy your deliciously warm and aromatic baked apples with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor. For a non-dairy version, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and milk.
• Techniques: Cooling the sauce slightly before drizzling will allow it to thicken.

Nutritions

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 44g

Variations

• Add Spice: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom may enhance the warmth.
• Dietary Needs: Use gluten-free chocolate for a celiac-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• A sprinkle of nutmeg on top adds extra warmth.

Best Places

1. Apple Pie Bakery Café - Renowned for its exquisite apple desserts. Location: 1946 Campus Drive, Hyde Park, New York, USA.
2. Café de l'Opéra - A classic Parisian café offering a delightful range of confections. Location: 1 Place de l'Opéra, Paris, France.
3. Pastelería Ideal - Famed for traditional apple confections. Location: Calle República de Uruguay 74, Mexico City, Mexico.
4. Café Central - Offers a perfect blend of classic and contemporary desserts. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
5. Bettys Café Tea Rooms - Known for exquisite afternoon tea experiences. Location: Parliament Street, Harrogate, UK.
6. Chocolatería San Ginés - Famous for chocolate desserts and churros. Location: Pasadizo de San Ginés, Madrid, Spain.
7. The Pie Tin - Offers a wide range of sweet and savory pies. Location: 1 Brown Street, Sydney, Australia.
8. The Apple Farm Café - Features farm-to-table dining focusing on apples. Location: 2015 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, California, USA.
9. Conditorei Schober - Offers a quaint and charming tea-time experience. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zürich, Switzerland.
10. De Drie Graefjes - Known for its rich and varied dessert menu. Location: Gravenstraat 13, Amsterdam, Netherlands.