Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts
Baked apples infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, stuffed with crunchy walnuts and a touch of honey for a wholesome dessert. This french-inspired christmas ready in about 50 minutes pairs cored large apples, chopped walnuts, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4, cored large apples
- 1/2 cup, chopped walnuts
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Core 4 large apples, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling. Brush each apple inside and out with 1 tablespoon lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Stuff each apple cavity evenly with this mixture.
- Step 3: Place apples in a baking dish and drizzle 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter over the tops. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until apples are tender and filling is bubbling, rotating the dish halfway through baking for even cooking.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cored large apples from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts?
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 Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts 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.
What goes well with Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts?
French christmas like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The only recipe I use for Christmas apples. My German grandmother would approve.
- ★★★★★
Better than any store-bought dessert. The spiced walnuts elevated the whole dish.
- ★★★★★
A new family tradition! Served with whipped cream and it felt truly festive.
