Baked Apples

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
• 4 large apples, rinsed and patted dry
• 3/4 cup warm water
• Optional: 2 Tablespoons raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Using a fork, smash the butter, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together until combined. Stir in the oats, then the raisins/dried cranberries/nuts, if using. Set aside.
3. Core the apples: Using a sharp paring knife, cut around the core, about halfway or 3/4 down into the apple. Use a spoon to carefully dig out the core. Once the core is out, use a spoon to dig out any more seeds.
4. Place cored apples in an 8-inch or 9-inch baking pan, cake pan, or pie dish. Spoon filling into each apple, filling all the way to the top. Pour warm water into the pan around the apples. The water helps prevent the apples from drying out and burning.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until apples appear slightly soft. Bake longer for softer, mushier baked apples. The time depends on how firm your apples were and how soft you want them to be.
6. Remove apples from the oven and, if desired, baste the outside of the apples with juices from the pan. This adds a little moisture to the skin, but it’s completely optional.
7. Serve warm with salted caramel, whipped cream, or ice cream. Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tory 2020-10-19 22:26:42
Recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction blog. Added chopped pecans. Baked 40 minutes; would cook a little longer next time.