Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Ice Cream

This delightful recipe for baked apples with cinnamon and ice cream is perfect for those who enjoy a comforting and slightly indulgent dessert. It brings together the natural sweetness of apples with the warming spice of cinnamon and the luxurious creaminess of ice cream. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for beginners or those short on time. The aroma of baked apples filling your kitchen is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as a family dessert or a dinner party finale, this dish is sure to impress. The apples become soft and tender during baking, while the sugar and cinnamon add a sweet and spicy kick. Topping it with ice cream creates a beautiful contrast of temperatures and textures. Not only is this dessert delicious, but it’s also seasonally suitable for autumn when apples are at their best. Finally, it's a versatile recipe that invites creativity with variations and serving suggestions.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 apples
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Cinnamon (to taste)

Accompaniments

• Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 35 minutes (15 minutes prep time + 20 minutes baking time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the apples.
2. Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
3. Core the Apples: Use an apple corer or a sharp knife to carefully remove the core and seeds from each apple, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
4. Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the cored apples upright in a baking dish, making sure they are not touching each other.
5. Sprinkle Sugar and Cinnamon: Generously sprinkle sugar into the hollows of the cored apples, followed by a dash of cinnamon for each.
6. Add Extra Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a tiny knob of butter into each apple’s hollow.
7. Bake the Apples: Place the baking dish in the oven and let the apples bake for about 20 minutes or until they are soft and tender.
8. Check for Doneness: Piercing the apples with a fork will help check if they are tender enough; they should be easily pierced.
9. Remove from Oven: Carefully take the baked apples out of the oven using oven mitts, as the dish will be hot.
10. Cool the Apples: Allow the apples to cool for a few minutes, as they will be hot and potentially release steam.
11. Prepare for Serving: While the apples cool, prepare the vanilla ice cream for serving.
12. Serve with Ice Cream: Once the apples are adequately cooled but still warm, place each one on a serving dish.
13. Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Top each apple with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing it to slightly melt over the warm apples.
14. Drizzle with Juices: Drizzle any cinnamon-sugar juices collected in the baking dish over the apples and ice cream for added flavor.
15. Final Touch: For a gourmet touch, sprinkle a little more cinnamon over the ice cream.
16. Optional Garnishes: Consider adding a few crushed nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for additional texture and taste.
17. Serve Immediately: Ensure to serve this dessert promptly to enjoy the contrasting temperatures of warm apples and cold ice cream.
18. Enjoy the Dessert: Take a moment to savor each bite, enjoying the flavors and textures.
19. Store Leftovers: If any apples remain, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
20. Cleaning Up: Finally, remember to clean your baking equipment promptly to avoid staining from the sugary residues.

Tips

• Apple Types: Choose firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture.
• Sugar Substitution: Brown sugar or honey can be used for a richer taste.
• Dietary Adaptation: Use dairy-free ice cream for a vegan-friendly dessert.
• Flavor Booster: Try adding raisins or nuts to the apple centers before baking for added texture and flavor.

Nutritions

• Calories: 200 kcal per serving
• Proteins: 1g
• Fats: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

Variations

• Spiced Apples: Add nutmeg or cloves for additional warmth.
• Stuffed Apples: Fill with granola or oats for a breakfast version.
• Nutty Apples: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the mix.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairings: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.
• Garnishes: Consider topping with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.

Best Places

1. Magnolia Bakery - Known for its delightful desserts in a cozy setting. Location: 401 Bleecker St, New York, USA.

2. Le Meurice Alain Ducasse - Offers gourmet culinary experiences. Location: 228 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.

3. Flour Bakery - Famous for its delicious baked goods including tempting apple desserts. Location: 12 Farnsworth St, Boston, USA.

4. Gusta Sorrento - Serves traditional treats with a modern twist. Location: Via Marina Grande, Sorrento, Italy.

5. The Hummingbird Bakery - Offers a variety of delicious cakes and apple-based delights. Location: 133 Portobello Rd, London, UK.

6. Vienna Pastry - Renowned for its Austrian pastries and sweets. Location: Mariahilfer Str., Vienna, Austria.

7. Libby’s Gourmet Desserts - Specializes in unique and flavorful desserts. Location: 1950 Hayden Dr, Carrollton, USA.

8. El Moro - Traditional churros and delightful dessert options. Location: Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas 42, Centro, Mexico City, Mexico.

9. Pierre Hermé - Offers exquisite pastries and artful desserts. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.

10. GROM Gelato - Known for high-quality gelato as a perfect accompaniment to baked fruits. Location: Via del Campanile, 8, Turin, Italy.