Step 5: Bake to perfection
Arrange the stuffed apples in a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil to trap steam and keep the apples moist.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.

Step 6: Cool and serve
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The filling will be hot, so a short rest helps the flavors settle and prevents burns.

Serve warm for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.

Best Apples for Baking
Choosing the right apple variety is key to getting the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and texture. Here are my top picks:

Honeycrisp – Sweet, crisp, and holds shape beautifully.
Fuji – Juicy and mild with a natural sweetness.
Granny Smith – Tart and firm, perfect for balancing the pumpkin filling’s sweetness.
Braeburn – Aromatic with a pleasant tart-sweet flavor.
Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious—they tend to turn mushy when baked.

Make It Your Own – Variations & Add-Ins
This recipe is fantastic as written, but you can easily adapt it to your taste. Here are a few fun twists:

Add a streusel topping – Mix oats, butter, and brown sugar for a crunchy topping.
Drizzle with caramel sauce – Perfect for adding extra indulgence.
Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts – Adds crunch and nuttiness to the filling.
Spice it up – Try adding allspice or cloves for a bolder flavor.
Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream – Because why not?
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-ahead: Core and stuff the apples a few hours before baking. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Storing leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Nutritional Benefits
While this dessert feels indulgent, it actually has some nutritional perks:

Apples – Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Pumpkin – Packed with vitamin A, potassium, and beta carotene.
Spices – Cinnamon and ginger have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
This is a treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also gives you a little nutrient boost.

Perfect Pairings
Want to turn this into a complete fall dessert spread? Pair these baked apples with:

Read more on next page