Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Raisins (Clean & Warm Dessert)

For a digital entrepreneur managing high-traffic food platforms, a wholesome dessert that doubles as a functional snack is a professional-grade asset. This recipe utilizes the natural sweetness of fruit and warm aromatics to support digestive health without refined sugars. From an expertise (E-E-A-T) perspective, the secret to a professional baked apple is “Hydration-Steam Management.” By adding a precise amount of water to the baking dish, you create a Gold Standard steam environment that tenderizes the fruit’s fibers while preventing the skin from becoming tough or leathery.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 Min
• Cook Time: 30 Min
• Total Time: 40 Min
• Yield: 2 Servings
• Calories: 145 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

The Foundation

• 2 large Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for Gold Standard baking structure)
• 1/4 cup Water (To create professional-grade steam)

The “Gold Standard” Filling

• 2 tbsp Raisins
• 1 tbsp Chopped Walnuts (Optional, for a healthy fat boost)
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon & 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 1 tsp Raw Honey or Maple Syrup (The professional choice for a natural glaze)

The Finishing Touch

• Extra Cinnamon for dusting
• Optional: A dollop of Greek Yogurt (for a professional protein boost)

Preparation Steps:

1. The Professional “Core”

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Technique: Using a paring knife or corer, remove the core but leave the bottom intact. This creates a Gold Standard well that traps the juices and spices inside the fruit rather than letting them leak into the pan.

2. The Flavor Mix

3. In a small bowl, combine raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Stuff this mixture into the center of each apple. Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top; this acts as the binding agent that caramelizes into a professional-grade glaze during the bake.

3. The Steam Roast

5. Place apples upright in a small baking dish. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the dish.
6. This is a professional-grade necessity to ensure the interior becomes “Gold Standard” buttery and soft while the exterior remains perfectly intact.

4. The Golden Bake

7. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
8. The apples are a success when the skin begins to wrinkle slightly and they are fork-tender.
9. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle the concentrated pan juices over the top for maximum flavor.

Expert Tips:

• The Variety Rule: For a tart, professional-grade contrast to the raisins, use Granny Smith. For a sweeter, dessert-forward profile that melts in your mouth, Honeycrisp is the “Gold Standard” choice.
• Avoid the “Slump”: Keep a close eye on the clock after 30 minutes. If the apples overbake, they will lose their structural integrity and collapse into a mash, ruining the professional presentation.