close up of baked apples with cranberry filling and orange brandy sauce drizzle

Baked apples

apple and cranberry baked apples with orange brandy sauce

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

01 Sept 2025

Must-Have Products I Use & Recommend!

Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I recall one particularly crisp autumn day, the kind where the leaves crunch delightfully underfoot and the air smells of woodsmoke and possibility. My friend Sarah and I were planning a potluck, and I wanted to bring something different, something that screamed 'fall' but wasn't the usual pumpkin pie. I stumbled upon a version of baked apples, and thought hmm....why not add brandy?!
ingredients for baked apples with cranberries
This recipe for Apple and Cranberry Baked Apples with Orange Brandy Sauce isn't just a dessert; it's an experience. The warmth of the baked apple, the tartness of the cranberries, the subtle spice, and the rich, citrusy brandy sauce all combine to create a symphony of flavors and aromas that's both comforting and elegant. And hey, if my oven is acting funny, yours probably has those days too, right?
baked apples being prepared in a kitchen setting

Required Equipments

  • Apple Corer or Sharp Knife
  • Medium Bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • Small Saucepan

Apple and Cranberry Baked Apples with Orange Brandy Sauce: Frequently Asked Questions

Apple and Cranberry Baked Apples with Orange Brandy Sauce

Warm, spiced baked apples filled with tart cranberries and topped with a luscious orange brandy sauce—this dessert captures the essence of fall. It's the perfect cozy treat for a chilly evening, that is sure.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the apples bake evenly without burning.
  2. Core the apples: Using an apple corer or a sharp knife, carefully remove the cores from the apples, leaving the bottoms intact. You want to create a well for the filling.
  3. Prepare the cranberry filling: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  4. Stuff the apples: Spoon the cranberry filling into the cored-out centers of each apple, packing it in gently. Don't overstuff, but make sure each apple is nicely filled.
  5. Place in baking dish: Arrange the stuffed apples in a baking dish. Pour about 1/2 cup of apple juice or water into the bottom of the dish. This helps to keep the apples moist during baking.
  6. Bake the apples: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
  7. Prepare the orange brandy sauce: While the apples are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the orange zest and juice, honey, and brandy. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens. Be careful not to let it burn!
  8. Serve: Once the apples are done, remove them from the oven. Drizzle each apple generously with the orange brandy sauce. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

📝 Notes

  • For a boozier sauce, increase the brandy to 3 tablespoons. Remember to enjoy responsibly!
  • If you don't have brandy, you can substitute it with rum or orange liqueur for a similar flavor profile.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal

Protein: 3 g

Fat: 15 g

Carbohydrates: 50 g

Fiber: 5 g

Calcium: 30 mg

Autumn... the year's last, loveliest smile.

Want delicious updates straight to your inbox?

FOLLOW US

© 2025 GuideMyRecipe. All Rights Reserved.