Description
This Warm Spiced Baked Apple Casserole is a comforting and delicious dessert perfect for cozy evenings. Tender apple slices are tossed in a fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, sweetened with both granulated and brown sugar, then baked until bubbly and golden. A buttery drizzle and optional walnuts add richness and crunch, making this dish a classic treat served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
Spice and Sugar Mixture
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Additional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring it is well-coated to prevent sticking.
- Toss Apples with Lemon Juice: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, tossing to coat the apple slices evenly. This helps retain freshness and prevents browning.
- Mix Spices and Sugars: In a separate small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and all-purpose flour until thoroughly combined, creating the flavorful spice blend.
- Coat Apples with Spice Mixture: Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the apples and toss gently using a spoon or your hands, making sure each slice is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the coated apples evenly in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer for uniform cooking.
- Add Butter and Walnuts: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the apples. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top to add a crunchy texture.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and meld with the spices.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully, then bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the apples are tender and the top is golden brown and slightly caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to ensure the slices hold their shape during baking.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with toasted oats or pecans if desired.
- Lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a subtle tangy balance to the sweetness.
- Covering the casserole initially helps steam the apples for tenderness before caramelizing the top uncovered.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; reheat before serving to enjoy warm.
