Name: Caramel Self-Saucing Baked Apples with Walnuts and Warm Spices Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 4 juicy apples (Modi red apples ideal); 3/4 cup water; 2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch); 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (or substitute oats); 2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey or golden syrup); 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 75 g / 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy dessert that’s bursting with warmth and sweetness, you’re going to fall absolutely in love with this Caramel Self-Saucing Baked Apples with Walnuts and Warm Spices Recipe. Imagine tender baked apples oozing with a luscious caramel sauce, studded with crunchy walnuts, and perfumed with comforting spices like cinnamon and cloves. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want a little homemade indulgence that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The magic is in the self-saucing aspect where the juices from the juicy apples mingle with a spiced syrup, creating a dessert that’s both simple and spectacular.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows halved apples placed in a white dish, each half filled with a crumbly, textured brown nut mixture on top. Warm caramel sauce is being poured over the apples from a spoon, glistening and pooling at the bottom of the dish, giving a smooth shiny brown layer beneath the apples. The second part of the image shows the same filled apple halves cooked, with a scoop of cream-colored ice cream melting over one apple half, creating a contrast between the warm, rough nut topping and the smooth, soft melting ice cream. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Caramel Self-Saucing Baked Apples with Walnuts and Warm Spices Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in combining textures and flavors, from the natural juiciness of the apples to the rich, nutty crunch of walnuts, all enhanced by warm spices and a silky caramel sauce.

4 juicy apples: Modi apples are ideal for their natural sweetness and perfect size, making the sauce extra luscious.
3/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the cornflour and create the caramel sauce around the apples.
2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch: Thickens the sauce beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped: Adds delightful crunch and nuttiness, or substitute with oats for a softer texture.
2 tbsp maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and depth, can swap with honey or golden syrup.
1 tsp cinnamon: Warms up the flavor profile and complements the caramel notes perfectly.
1/8 tsp ground cloves: A little goes a long way to add complexity and cozy warmth.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Essential for that deep, caramelized sweetness that defines the sauce.
75 g / 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and silky texture to the filling and sauce.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dish.

How to Make Caramel Self-Saucing Baked Apples with Walnuts and Warm Spices Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by mixing the chopped walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, ground cloves, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir everything together until it forms a slightly firm, scoopable filling. If it feels too loose, pop it in the fridge for a bit—it will firm up nicely, making it easier to stuff the apples later.

Step 2: Core the Apples

Carefully cut each apple in half through the core. Use an ice cream scooper or a small spoon to gently hollow out the center, removing seeds and core while keeping the apple half intact. This creates a perfect cavity for that luscious walnut and spice filling to nestle into.

Step 3: Stuff the Apples

Arrange the apple halves snugly in a baking dish so they don’t slide around while baking. Using a scoop or spoon, fill each apple cavity generously with the walnut and spice mixture. Trust me, the more filling the better!

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, dissolve the cornflour in a splash of water, stirring until no lumps remain. Then add the remaining water and mix well. Pour this mixture evenly around the apples in the baking dish – this will form that gorgeous caramel sauce as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Apples

Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Let the apples bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crumb topping is deep golden brown, the apples are tender but still holding their shape, and a beautiful syrupy caramel sauce has formed in the pan.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, spoon the warm caramel sauce over the apples and serve immediately. This dessert is divine when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the cold creaminess to meld with the warm, spiced apples and caramel. It’s pure comfort in every bite!

How to Serve Caramel Self-Saucing Baked Apples with Walnuts and Warm Spices Recipe

A close-up of baked apple halves filled with chopped nuts and spices, their red skin slightly blistered from cooking. Each apple half is topped with a smooth scoop of white ice cream, melting slowly into the nutty filling. A caramel-colored sauce is being poured from a spoon over the ice cream, dripping down and mixing with the sauce pooled around the apples on a white marbled surface. The texture of the sauce is shiny and thick, contrasting with the soft ice cream and crunchy nuts photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this dessert beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts adds extra crunch, while a dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra maple syrup brings a lovely finishing touch. For a dramatic flair, a sprig of fresh mint brightens the plate visually and aromatically.

Side Dishes

Though satisfying on their own, pairing these baked apples with sides enhances the experience. Serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to offset the warm spices and caramel. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt adds tang and richness without overpowering the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, try serving each apple half in a small shallow ramekin with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce pooled around it. Alternatively, present the baked apples on a rustic wooden board surrounded by a scattering of walnuts and cinnamon sticks for a charming autumnal vibe. This Caramel Self-Saucing Baked Apples with Walnuts and Warm Spices Recipe really shines when presented with a bit of personality!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be a rare occasion!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 3 days, and their flavors often deepen overnight. Just remember the caramel sauce may thicken and firm up when chilled.

Freezing

Freezing baked apples with the caramel sauce is possible, though the texture of the apples may soften further after thawing. If you want to freeze, wrap each apple half tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the apples in an oven-safe dish and warm in a low oven (about 150°C/300°F) for 10–15 minutes until heated through. You can add a splash of hot water to the caramel sauce to loosen it if it seems too thick. Avoid microwaves if you want to preserve the original texture and flavor fully.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Just make sure to pick juicy varieties since their natural juices help create the caramel sauce. Apples like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith can work, though you may want to adjust for tartness or sweetness depending on the apple.

Is there a nut-free alternative for the filling?

You can substitute the walnuts with oats or seeds if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free dessert. Simply toast the oats lightly first, and mix with the syrup and spices for a satisfying texture and flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener, substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and double-check the ingredients to keep it fully vegan. The result is just as delicious!

How do I stop the apples from browning if prepping ahead?

Rub the cut apple surfaces with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. You can stuff them with the filling and refrigerate overnight, then add the cornflour water mix just before baking for best texture.

What’s the best way to serve this dessert warm?

Serve the baked apples straight from the oven topped with a scoop of chilled vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of thick cream. This contrast between warm and cold elevates the comforting spices and luscious caramel flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Caramel Self-Saucing Baked Apples with Walnuts and Warm Spices Recipe enough for anyone who loves a cozy, flavorful dessert that feels like a special treat made with love. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together with ease, making it perfect for weekday dinners or weekend gatherings. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your all-time favorites – a true hug in dessert form that you’ll want to make again and again.