Chai-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Glaze
Tender baked apples infused with warming chai spices, drizzled with a sweet maple glaze for a cozy and healthy dessert. This american-inspired desserts (gluten free) ready in about 50 minutes layers large apples, cored, brown sugar, ground cinnamon into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 large apples, cored
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 4 large cored apples in a baking dish.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/4 tsp ground cloves.
- Step 3: Stuff each apple cavity with the spice-sugar mixture, then top each with 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Step 4: Pour 1/2 cup water into the baking dish around the apples to keep them moist during baking.
- Step 5: Bake apples for 35-40 minutes until tender and skin is wrinkled.
- Step 6: Remove apples and brush each with 3 tbsp maple syrup while still warm. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chai-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chai-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Glaze?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chai-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chai-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Chai-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Glaze gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
