Baked apples with dried apricots and dates
4 servings
30 minutes
Baked apples with dried apricots and dates are a fragrant and warming dish deeply rooted in Russian cuisine. The combination of tender baked apples with the rich sweetness of dried fruits and spices creates a rich, balanced flavor. The subtle aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg gives the dessert a cozy touch. Historically, baked apples were a popular treat in Russia, especially during the autumn-winter period when fresh fruits became scarce. They were served as a standalone dessert or an addition to tea time. In this version, the filling of dried apricots and dates, complemented by warm honey and apricot jam, makes the dish particularly exquisite. Serving it with ice cream and chocolate syrup adds contrast in temperature and textures, turning this dessert into a true delight.
1
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Grease a fireproof dish with butter.
- Butter: 20 g
2
Remove the insides of the apples and, using a sharp knife, make a small cut around the apple to prevent cracking during baking.
- Apple: 4 pieces
3
Mix chopped dried apricots, chopped dates, breadcrumbs, cinnamon, warm honey, and apricot jam. Fill the mixture into 4 apples and press down with your fingers. Place a piece of butter on top of each apple and transfer to a baking dish.
- Dried apricots: 50 g
- Dates: 50 g
- Crushed breadcrumbs: 1 tablespoon
- Ground cinnamon: 0.5 teaspoon
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Apricot jam: 2 teaspoons
- Butter: 20 g
4
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the apples are soft; check with a stick. Serve hot, drizzled with ice cream and chocolate syrup.
- Apple: 4 pieces