Here’s a simple and versatile recipe for making baked apples with mincemeat that can be adapted for the oven, air fryer, or microwave. These are perfect as a festive dessert or snack, full of warm, spiced flavours!
What You Need
No matter the method you choose to cook the baked apples, the ingredients are the same. For more concise instructions or to print out the recipe please head to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- 4 medium-sized apples (e.g., Bramley, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or any firm apple)
- 4 tablespoons mincemeat
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 50ml apple juice or water
Making It
Preparation
To get started, core the apples using an apple corer or a small knife, but be sure to leave the bottom intact so the filling doesn’t leak out.
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For the filling, mix the mincemeat with a pinch of cinnamon if you want a little extra spice. Then, spoon about a tablespoon of the mixture into each apple, packing it in.
Finish off by popping a cube of butter on top and, if you like a touch of sweetness, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar over the top.
Cooking Them
Here’s how you can cook your baked apples with mincemeat using your oven, air fryer, or microwave—choose the method that suits you best!
Oven Method
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pop the apples into a baking dish and pour a little apple juice or water into the bottom of the dish—this keeps them from sticking and creates a light sauce. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the apples are tender but still holding their shape.
Air Fryer Method
If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 170°C (340°F). Place the apples upright on some foil or in a baking tray, or even individual ramekin pots in the basket. Cook them for about 20–25 minutes, checking after 15 minutes to make sure they’re soft but not collapsing.
Microwave Method
For a super-speedy option, place the apples in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water at the bottom to keep them moist. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or cling film, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 3–5 minutes, checking after 3 minutes and adding more time in 1-minute bursts if needed. Just let them cool for a few minutes before eating—the filling gets very hot! This method is ideal when you’re short on time but still craving a warming treat.
Tips
- For a nutty crunch, add a teaspoon of chopped pecans or walnuts to the mincemeat filling.
- If you want to make the recipe dairy-free, replace the butter with coconut oil or leave it out.
- This recipe works well with other dried fruit fillings, such as a mixture of raisins, chopped dates, and cinnamon if you don’t have mincemeat.
Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized apples e.g., Bramley, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or any firm apple
- 4 tbsp mincemeat
- 2 tbsp butter cubed
- 1 tbsp brown sugar optional, for extra sweetness
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon optional
- 50 ml apple juice or water
Instructions
Preparation
- Core the Apples: Use an apple corer or a small knife to remove the core of each apple, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix the mincemeat with a little cinnamon (optional) for extra spice.
- Stuff the Apples: Fill each apple with about 1 tablespoon of mincemeat. Top with a cube of butter and sprinkle brown sugar over the top if desired.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the apples in a baking dish. Add the apple juice or water to the dish to prevent sticking and create a light sauce.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the apples are tender but not mushy.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 170°C (340°F).
- Place the apples in the air fryer basket. You can use a small ramekin or place them on some foil.
- Air fry for 20–25 minutes, checking after 15 minutes. The apples should be soft but holding their shape.
Microwave Method
- Place the apples in a microwave-safe dish with a small splash of water at the bottom to prevent drying.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or cling film, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave on high power for 3–5 minutes, depending on the size of the apples and your microwave’s strength. Check for tenderness after 3 minutes and continue in 1-minute increments until done.
- Let the apples cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
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