White Wine Baked Apples are a cozy, comforting way to celebrate this time of year. As the apples bake, they soak up the bright acidity and subtle complexity of white wine, creating a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant. On their own, White Wine Baked Apples offer a beautifully balanced sweetness; however, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds an extra layer of indulgence as it melts into the warm fruit. Because this recipe calls for a dry white wine, choosing the right bottle is key. Therefore, we recommend Coastline White Blend, Reserve Pinot Grigio, or Braganini Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. Each wine brings crisp structure and fresh character that enhances the apples without overpowering them. Ultimately, this dish is perfect for a relaxed dinner party or a quiet night in, delivering comfort with a refined twist.
Ingredients
- 6 large baking apples
- 1/3 cup + 2 tsp butter, softened
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts coarsely, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins (can substitute for chopped figs or dates)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 cup dry white wine
Topping
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter softened
Instructions
- First, core the apples almost to the bottom, leaving the base intact. Then, using a knife, carefully cut around the tops of the apples to create a lid.
- Next, in a bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar. After that, add the nuts, raisins, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Stir well until the mixture is fully combined.
- Once mixed, pack the butter mixture into the cored apples, pressing down firmly. Then, leave a small scoop of the mixture on top of each apple.
- Afterward, place the filled apples into an 8 x 11-inch baking dish. Carefully pour the wine into the bottom of the dish, making sure it surrounds the apples.
- Now, bake for about 45 minutes, or until the apples are very tender. If needed, cover the dish with foil if the topping begins to brown too quickly.
- Meanwhile, combine the butter and brown sugar for the topping. Then, spoon about one teaspoon of the reserved topping over each apple.
- Finally, return the apples to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Once finished, remove from the oven and allow the apples to cool slightly before serving warm.
