Autumn's vibrant hues and crisp air inspire cozy moments and delicious treats. And what better way to celebrate the season than with these spiced apple rings? This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dessert, a healthy snack, or even a unique addition to your Thanksgiving spread. They're incredibly simple to make, bursting with warm spices, and naturally sweet – the perfect homemade comfort food. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions:
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Prep the Apples: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and dry your apples thoroughly. Cut them into 1/2-inch thick rings, removing the core from each ring.
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Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Combine Spices and Sugar: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
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Coat the Apple Rings: Dip each apple ring into the melted butter, ensuring they're evenly coated. Then, toss them in the spice mixture until fully covered.
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Arrange and Bake: Arrange the coated apple rings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using nuts, sprinkle them over the apples.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
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Cool and Serve: Let the spiced apple rings cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for Perfectly Spiced Apple Rings:
- Apple Selection: Choose firm apples that hold their shape well during baking. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A dash of ginger or cardamom would also be delicious additions.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a sweeter treat, add a tablespoon or two more of brown sugar.
- Prevent Burning: Keep an eye on the apples during baking. If they start to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
Variations:
- Cranberry Spiced Apple Rings: Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries to the spice mixture for a burst of tartness.
- Maple Spiced Apple Rings: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Glazed Spiced Apple Rings: After baking, brush the apple rings with a simple glaze made from apricot jam and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to calculate nutritional information using a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and serving sizes you used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Fiber: 2-3g
These spiced apple rings are a delightful and healthy treat, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying autumn recipe! They're a great example of easy recipes, healthy meals, and delicious dishes that can be prepared with minimal effort. They represent quick dinner ideas for those busy weeknights and make for amazing homemade cooking experiences, showcasing the best recipes with simple ingredients.