Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
Here at A Garden for the House, I’m counting down the days to Thanksgiving. And that means making as many recipes as I can…starting with desserts! This week, I’ll show you how a pot of Oven-Baked Apple Slices can be turned into other elegant but easy desserts, including one that all fans of pyrotechnics are sure to enjoy: Apple Crepes Flambe. But before we consider our baked-apple variations, we must, of course, master our theme:
Oven-Baked Apple Slices
Ingredigents for about 5 cups, serving 6-8
5 lbs (8-10) apples, of a variety that will hold its shape during cooking, such as ‘Golden Delicious’
3/4 cup sugar, blended with 3/4 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbs lemon juice
1 Tbs lemon zest
6 Tbs unsalted butter, melted
Special Equipment: a large mixing bowl; a rubber spatula; a 3-qt. baking dish; a bulb baster
Slicing and Tossing. If you have an automatic apple corer-peeler-slicer (above), use it to make 1/2-inch slices. Otherwise, peel, core, and quarter the apples by hand; cut the quarters lengthwise into thirds. With the aid of a rubber spatula, toss the slices in a bowl with the sugar mixture, then with the lemon juice and zest, and finally, with the melted butter. Let the apples rest for 5 minutes while they render their juices.
Baking – 40-50 minutes at 375-degrees. Pour the apples into the baking dish, and bake in the middle level of the preheated oven, pulling up accumulated juices with the bulb baster and redistributing them over the apples every at regular 10- minute intervals. The apples are ready when the slices are fork-tender but still hold their shape; they should color only slightly. If the juices have not evaporated into a thick syrup, suck them out with the bulb baster and boil down rapidly in a saucepan. Then pour over the apples.
Serving. Served hot, warm, or even cold, oven-baked apple slices are delicious with heavy cream, sour cream or ice cream. My partner, for some reason that I will never understand, likes to spritz them with a “dessert topping” that comes in a can, much like Cheez-Whiz. Go figure!
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Carol says
If only I could stick my spoon into that top photo! Looks delicious!
Elaine says
Your recipe has conjured up a nice memory for me, because my German grandmother used to make this dish every fall. I can still remember the comforting aroma of her kitchen while the apples were baking. Anyway, thanks for posting the recipe.
Gardenlady says
What a nice surprise these baked apples would make for Thanksgiving, instead of (or in addition to) the ubiquitous pumpkin pie.
Can't wait for the “Flaming Apple Crepes” directions!
Justin says
I have three questions about your apple corer-peeler-slicer thing:
What kind is it?
Does it really work?
Is it the suction-type or clamp-type?
I'd like to get one, but I've heard mixed reviews.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Elaine – welcome! Perhaps we are related. My grandmother used to make baked apple slices, too! Anyway, nice to meet you.
Justin – I love my automatic coring, peeling, and slicing gizmo. I bought it years ago in the gift-shop of an apple orchard. The box is long gone, and there is no name imprinted on the machine. It is the kind that clamps onto a work surface. Sorry I can't be more helpful, but perhaps another reader will be!
Eric says
This dessert would be perfect for someone who has a wheat allergy, and can't have apple pie (because of the crust). Thanks for posting the recipe.
Samantha says
Looks terrific! And think of all the Golden Delicious, Crispin, and other apples that are available at farm stands orchards right now!
Anonymous says
The photo made me so hungry and brought back so many memories of Thanksgiving. Thank you for all that you do on this site Kevin.
Garden Guy
lucy says
I have been looking at your blog regularly and throughly enjoy it. I am just curious- did you grow the apples on your property?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Eric – you are so right. My partner's diet is wheat-free.
Garden Guy – Thanks for the kind words.
Lucy – I planted five apple trees here. Unfortunately, they are such magnets for every insect (including the dreadful red-humped caterpillar), that I rarely get even one edible fruit from the bunch. (You can read about my apple tree woes by clicking on the August archives.) My apples this year are from a local commercial orchard.
Anne says
Love this one. The apple dish looks fabulous.
Had a furnace puff back over the weekend. My wonderful paint job is a mess. Thank goodness for warm weather and a garden cleanup to change my frame of mind.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Anne – thanks. Gardens are a comfort during times of stress.
Brigid O'Brien says
Kevin, regarding Will putting cheese wiz on baked apples, grossamundo…BUT, I think I understand the concept he is going for…..I used to melt cheddar on apple slices in the oven, no sugar or anything, just apple and melted cheddar. My friend had a visitor from Ireland who did that in the microwave every day, apple and cheddar.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Brigid – apples and cheddar go hand-in-hand. As a child, my grandmother introduced me to cheddar slices on apple pie — molto delicioso!
Shelley says
The peeler/slicer is available on Amazon for about $20. Worth its weight in gold!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Shelley – You are so right about the peeler/slicer! I use mine so frequently that I keep it mounted year-round on the island in my kitchen.
Liz Klingler says
Is there something I am missing to make the recipes ‘printer friendly’? So many sound so good, but can’t get properly printed.
Cilla says
Your last comment about the “topping” in a can made me laugh! My husband loves that stuff??? But even worse is the fact that all of our dogs, large and small, know the can. If they see you take it out and shake it they run in the kitchen and all sit for you to spray some on their tongues!! It is so funny to see…4 little chihuahuas and 3 Siberian huskies! All love that cream stuff.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Cilla – I can just imagine your dogs awaiting their “shot of whipped topping.” In truth, my beagle loves the stuff, too!
mosquito repellent incense sticks says
Heya just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures
aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking
issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.
Janet Hatcher says
Jungs seed catalog has a great apple peeler. It includes a corer/slicer for $16.95. I love mine and I also have one like yours Kevin. Catalog number: 53962 Pro-Apple-Peeler. Try it at: jungseed.com
vegetable Shredder says
Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would appreciate your work.
If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.