Escalloped Apples

Deliciously Sweet and Comforting: Escalloped Apples

Are you looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite? Look no further than these delectable Escalloped Apples! Made with tender, thinly sliced apples, sweet raisins, and a hint of warm spices, this dish is the epitome of cozy comfort. Join us as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and even keto and low-carb variations of this classic treat!

Introduction

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s no better way to embrace the flavors of autumn than with a comforting dessert like Escalloped Apples. Whether served as a standalone treat or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dish is sure to warm your heart and soul. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these irresistible Escalloped Apples!

Ingredients:

For the Escalloped Apples:

  • 6 apples (use your favorite variety), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup raisins

For the Spiced Sugar Mixture:

  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

For Serving:

  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Apples: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples and raisins. Toss to mix evenly, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
  3. Make the Spiced Sugar Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Sprinkle Over the Apples: Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture evenly over the apples and raisins in the baking dish, ensuring that all the fruit is coated.
  5. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the spiced sugar mixture, creating a deliciously crunchy topping for the Escalloped Apples.
  6. Drizzle with Butter and Milk: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the apple mixture, followed by the whole milk. This will help to keep the apples moist and add richness to the dish.
  7. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbling.
  8. Serve Warm: Remove the Escalloped Apples from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, either on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Choosing the Right Apples: While any variety of apple will work well in this recipe, I recommend using a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are all excellent choices.
  • Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. You can add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth or swap out the cloves for allspice for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Make It Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts from the topping. The dish will still be delicious without them!

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, replace the brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. You can also omit the raisins to further reduce the carb content. Be sure to adjust the quantities of sweetener to taste.

Low-Carb Version: Follow the same instructions as the keto version, but feel free to include a small amount of honey or maple syrup if it fits within your low-carb diet. You can also reduce the amount of flour in the spiced sugar mixture or use almond flour as a lower-carb alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of raisins? A: Yes, fresh cranberries can be used as a delicious alternative to raisins. Simply rinse them and add them to the apples before baking.

Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the Escalloped Apples up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent the apples from browning.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut for the topping? A: Of course! Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even chopped hazelnuts for a different flavor and texture.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd? A: Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake the Escalloped Apples in a larger baking dish to serve more people. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these irresistible Escalloped Apples. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting dessert for your family or impressing guests at a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its warm spices, tender apples, and crunchy topping, it’s the perfect sweet treat to enjoy during the cooler months. So why wait? Head to the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delicious Escalloped Apples today!