Spiced Brown-Butter Apples

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The brown butter adds a deep, nutty richness that elevates the sweet, tart apples. The warm spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, and Chinese five-spice – enhance the apples’ natural flavors, creating a cozy, fall-inspired dish. The pecans add crunch and a toasty note, while the vanilla ice cream or heavy cream adds a creamy richness that complements the warm apples. It’s a dessert that’s both easy to make and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

6 small Pink Lady apples (2 to 2 1/2 pounds), halved lengthwise
1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus 1 tablespoon for greasing baking dish
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice
2 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Vanilla ice cream or heavy cream, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Continue to cook the butter for 4-5 minutes, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
3. Prepare the apples: While the butter is browning, cut the Pink Lady apples in half lengthwise and remove the cores. Place the apple halves in the greased baking dish, cut side up.
4. Season the apples: In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, grated fresh nutmeg, Chinese five-spice, light brown sugar, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.
5. Pour the brown butter over the apples: Drizzle the browned butter over the apples, making sure each half is coated with the delicious, nutty butter.
6. Bake the apples: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized, basting the apples with the butter mixture halfway through baking.
7. Toast the pecans: While the apples are baking, place the chopped pecans in a small skillet over medium heat. Toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat.
8. Finish and serve: Once the apples are done baking, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle the toasted pecans on top of the apples.
9. Serve: Serve the spiced brown-butter apples warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spices: If you don’t have Chinese five-spice, you can substitute with a pinch of allspice or ground cloves for a different flavor profile.
• Nuts: Use other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer, or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
• Fruit: While Pink Lady apples work beautifully in this dish, you can also use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a different texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover spiced brown-butter apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the apples in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes! While Pink Lady apples are perfect for their sweet-tart balance, you can use other apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Can I make these apples ahead of time?

You can prepare the apples up to the point of baking and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before baking. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but if you’re using salted butter, be mindful of the additional salt in the recipe. You may want to reduce the amount of kosher salt added to the apples.

Can I skip the toasted pecans?

Yes, if you prefer a nut-free version, you can skip the toasted pecans, or substitute with other toppings like granola or whipped cream.

Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?

Yes, maple syrup can be used as a substitute for brown sugar. Use about 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and adjust the sweetness to your preference.

How do I know when the apples are done?

The apples are done when they are tender and the edges begin to caramelize. You can test them with a fork – they should be soft but not mushy.

Can I make this dessert without vanilla ice cream or heavy cream?

While the ice cream or cream adds a lovely richness, the apples are delicious on their own. You can skip it, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream if preferred.

How can I make the apples more caramelized?

For a more caramelized finish, you can broil the apples for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.

Can I make this dessert in advance?

While the apples are best served warm, you can bake them ahead of time and reheat them before serving. The flavors will still be delicious.

Can I use this recipe for other fruits?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for other fruits like pears or peaches. The cooking time may vary depending on the fruit you choose, so adjust accordingly.

Conclusion

Spiced Brown-Butter Apples are an elegant yet simple dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. The combination of tender baked apples, rich brown butter, and warm spices creates a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Topped with crunchy pecans and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of heavy cream, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a sweet ending to your fall meals.

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