Maple-Bacon Baked Apples

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet, tender apples baked with maple syrup and crispy bacon for a comforting dessert. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, layers honeycrisp apples, maple syrup, bacon 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 200 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 200 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Core apples and cut a small slice from the bottom to create a stable base.
  2. Step 2: Place apples upright in a baking dish. Divide 3 tbsp maple syrup evenly among the apple centers and sprinkle 1/2 tsp cinnamon over each.
  3. Step 3: Wrap each bacon slice around a small piece of apple core, securing with toothpicks if needed, then place bacon-wrapped cores on top of the apples.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until apples are tender when pierced with a fork and bacon is crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove toothpicks, top with 2 tbsp chopped pecans, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Bacon Baked Apples take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Maple-Bacon Baked Apples?

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 Maple-Bacon Baked Apples?

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 Maple-Bacon Baked Apples 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 Maple-Bacon Baked Apples?

American desserts 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

Related recipes