Baked Apples with Vanilla Sauce

This delightful recipe for baked apples with a rich vanilla sauce offers a heartwarming dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Imagine tender apples filled with a flavorful oat and cinnamon mixture, all drizzled with a smooth, creamy vanilla sauce. The combination of sweet apples and the aromatic spices creates a comforting treat, making it the ideal dessert for cooler evenings. Not only is this dish delicious, but it is also simple to prepare, with readily available ingredients. The contrasting textures, from the crisp apple skin to the creamy sauce, provide an enjoyable eating experience. Additionally, this dessert can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you're serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it on a quiet night at home, this baked apple recipe is sure to impress. Garnish it with a scoop of ice cream or a sprinkle of nuts for an extra special touch. Dive into a world of flavor with this satisfying dessert that combines the best of nature's bounty.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

10 apples
Oat flakes
Sugar
Cinnamon

Vanilla Sauce:

3 egg yolks
800 ml milk
Sugar (to taste)
Vanilla sugar

For the Meringue:

3 egg whites
A pinch of salt
Sugar (to taste)

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Vanilla Sauce: Start by heating the milk in a saucepan. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until the sugar dissolves.
Mix the Eggs and Milk: Once the milk is almost boiling, remove it from the heat and swiftly mix in the beaten egg yolks. Add vanilla sugar and allow it to cool in a water bath.
Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly and remove the cores to make space for the filling.
Add Sugar: Sprinkle a bit of sugar inside the hollowed-out apples.
Prepare the Meringue: In a bowl, beat the egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
Mix the Oats: Toast the oat flakes with sugar until golden, then allow them to cool. Combine them with the beaten egg whites.
Stuff the Apples: Use a spoon to fill the prepared apples with the oat mixture.
Sprinkle Cinnamon: Dust each filled apple with cinnamon for added flavor.
Bake the Apples: Place the apples in a preheated oven at 200°C and bake for approximately 20 minutes. The baking time may vary depending on the apple variety.
Enjoy Your Creation: Once the apples are tender and the tops are golden, remove them from the oven.
Serve Warm: Plate the baked apples and drizzle them with the cooled vanilla sauce.
Add a Special Touch: For an extra treat, consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of chopped nuts.
Indulge in a Bite: Take a moment to appreciate the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Perfect for Sharing: This dessert not only tastes great but also makes a wonderful shared experience.
Savor the Aroma: The scent left behind in your kitchen will be just as satisfying as the dessert itself.
Feel Free to Customize: Adjust the sweetness and spicing to match your personal taste preferences.
An Overall Delight: Each bite offers a balance of texture and flavor that delights the palate.
Cherish Each Moment: A dessert that's perfect for making memories with loved ones.
A Comforting Finale: This treat serves as a cozy conclusion to any meal, warming both stomach and soul.
Anticipate the Next Time: You'll be tempted to recreate this delightful dish time and again!

Tips

Substitute Sweeteners: For a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
Enhance the Flavor: Add a few raisins or chopped nuts to the oat mixture for extra texture and taste.
Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute regular milk with almond milk or another plant-based option if needed.
Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
Protein: 5g
Fats: 6g
Carbohydrates: 45g

Variations

For Vegan Preparation: Use a plant-based milk and substitute egg yolks with cornstarch for the vanilla sauce. Replace egg whites with aquafaba for the meringue.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the oat flakes are labeled gluten-free to accommodate celiac concerns.
Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with a warm cup of herbal tea for a soothing evening treat.
For a refreshing contrast, serve with a side of chilled fruit salad.

Best Places

The Apple Barn and Cider Mill Café - A charming spot renowned for its apple desserts. Location: 230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, USA.
The Vanilla Pod Restaurant - Known for exquisite flavor fusion. Location: 17 Commercial Rd, Mount Gambier, Australia.
Sweet Treats Café - Offers a variety of delectable desserts including baked apples. Location: 26 Old Brompton Rd, London, UK.
La Pâtisserie des Rêves - Specializes in traditional and modern pastries. Location: 111 Rue de Longchamp, Paris, France.
Fruit & Spice Park Café - Features unique fruit-based dishes. Location: 24801 SW 187th Ave, Miami, USA.
Café Central - A historic destination with an elegant dessert menu. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
The Greenhouse at Cellars-Hohenort - Offers exquisite courses with a focus on local produce. Location: 93 Brommersvlei Rd, Cape Town, South Africa.
Pastelería Bubó - Known for innovative pastries and confections. Location: Carrer de les Caputxes, 10, Barcelona, Spain.
The Pie Hole - Celebrated for its delicious and inventive pies. Location: 714 Traction Ave, Los Angeles, USA.
Café Sacher - Famous for its outstanding traditional desserts. Location: Philharmoniker Strasse 4, Vienna, Austria.

Enjoy creating this delightful dessert and discovering new places around the world that celebrate the sweet pleasures of life!