Delicious Baked Apples with Creamy Dulce De Leche
Hark, fellow food enthusiasts! I have a delicious recipe for you today that will satisfy your craving for something sweet and indulgent. This baked dulce de leche apple dish is the perfect treat to add to your dessert repertoire.
Picture this – succulent apples, oozing with gooey caramel-like dulce de leche filling and topped with crispy puff pastry. The combination of the tartness of the apples and the sweetness of the dulce de leche is a match made in heaven.
As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I can attest that this recipe is one that is sure to impress your friends and family. It’s easy to make, and you can customize it to your taste by adding different ingredients like crystallized ginger or dried cherries.
So, why not treat yourself and those around you with this scrumptious recipe? The result is sure to be heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, dear reader, let me tell you about a recipe that will transport your taste buds to heaven. Behold, the Baked Dulce De Leche Apples Recipe!
For those who have never experienced the pleasure of dulce de leche, it is a thick and creamy caramel-like spread made by cooking condensed milk until it turns into a rich and decadent treat. And when combined with juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar, something magical happens in the oven.
But why should you love this recipe? Oh, let me count the ways. Firstly, it combines two beloved desserts: apple pie and caramel apples. Can you imagine anything more delicious?
Secondly, it is incredibly easy to make. No complicated steps or techniques required! Just scoop out the core of your apples and fill them with sweet dulce de leche and your favorite toppings (may I suggest marshmallows or dried cherries?). Pop them in the oven for 30 minutes, and voila! You have a mouthwatering dessert ready to enjoy.
Thirdly, it is customizable to your heart’s content. Not a fan of marshmallows? Swap them for crystallized ginger. Prefer more spice? Add some chili powder to the mix. The possibilities are endless!
Lastly (but certainly not least), this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are craving something sweet on a cozy fall evening or want to impress your guests at a dinner party with an elegant yet easy dessert, these baked apples with dulce de leche will always bring delight.
So my dear reader, do not hesitate any longer. Run to your kitchen and prepare yourself for an explosion of flavors with this Baked Dulce De Leche Apples Recipe.
Ingredient List
It’s time to gather all the necessary ingredients to make these delicious Baked Dulce De Leche Apples. When shopping for ingredients, I recommend going for high-quality ingredients like fresh and ripe apples that are perfect for baking.
Here is what you’ll need:
- 6 large apples: Choose firm and tart apples, such as Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, or Braeburn.
- 1 can of Dulce de Leche (14 oz): The star ingredient in this recipe. You can find it at most supermarkets in the Hispanic foods aisle.
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon: Adds a warm and cozy flavor to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Gives a subtle sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the apples.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: A unique ingredient that adds a spicy kick to the recipe.
- ½ cup dried cherries or banana chips: Dried fruits will add a chewy texture to the dessert.
- ¼ cup crystallized ginger: Adds some heat along with a sweet and tangy flavor.
- 6 marshmallows: Soft and gooey marshmallows make for the perfect topping.
- Puff pastry (store-bought): Used as an edible bowl for each apple or as an additional sweet-tooth satisfaction
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
These ingredients make a delightful marriage of sweet, spicy and tangy flavors that will keep your taste buds jumping with joy.
The Recipe How-To
- 6 Apples
- 1 cup Sweet Dulce de Leche
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tbsp Crystallized Ginger
- 1/2 cup Dried Cherries
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Remove the core from the apples, making sure not to cut completely through. This will create a pocket for the filling.
- In a small bowl, mix together sweet dulce de leche, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chili powder until well combined.
- Stuff each apple with the dulce de leche mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle crystallized ginger and dried cherries over the top of each apple.
- Bake in the oven for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and lightly browned.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Note that you can also use an air fryer instead of an oven to bake these delicious apples. Just place them in the air fryer basket, set it to about 375 degrees F, and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until done.
Enjoy these baked dulce de leche apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, yum!
Substitutions and Variations
Oh, thou curious reader! I present thee with a list of possible substitutions and variations that may pique your taste buds, and leave you beguiled with the bliss of the baked dulce de leche apples recipe.
If thou lackest dried cherries, fear not! For thou canst substitute them with raisins or cranberries for a tarty twist. Crystallized ginger may also be substituted with fresh ginger shavings or even nutmeg.
For the adventurous palate, sprinkle in a dash of chili powder to add some heat to the sweetness. A tantalizing twist to the recipe is to replace dulce de leche with marshmallows, creating an entirely different vibe to the dish. Thou canst also use sliced bananas along with some brown sugar and cinnamon for a tropical dessert.
A culinary artist must experiment with flavors with creativity and curiosity. Instead of stuffing apples, try baking them whole or slicing them horizontally topped with leche caramel sauce. If thou seeketh another dessert altogether, combine the flavors of the baked apples with a slice of apple pie or apple tart, topped with vanilla ice cream to leave thy guests amazed.
These variations will appease any mood or craving that one may have while still maintaining the essence of this beloved recipe. Be bold and daring in thy substitutions and let thy kitchen be filled with heavenly aromas.
Serving and Pairing
Oh, what delightful treats these baked Dulce de Leche apples are! But to truly indulge in their luscious flavour, I must recommend pairing them with something equally scrumptious. An ideal way to serve these delicious apples is with a scoop or two of creamy ice cream. The contrast between the warm apple and the cold, smooth ice cream is simply divine.
Another great pairing is to serve a warm slice of apple pie on the side. The cinnamon in both the pie and the baked apples will sing together in harmony, conquering your taste buds with their sweet melody. Additionally, if you have a sweet tooth, you could always sprinkle some sugar on top of the apples before baking them for an extra hit of sweetness.
The beauty of these Baked Dulce de Leche Apples is that they can be paired with almost anything! I have had them on their own, as well as with a dollop of whipped cream, and they never fail to impress. However, if you’re looking for something unique, try pairing them with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The sharpness of cheese cuts through the sweetness of the dulce de leche and perfectly balances out the baked apple’s flavours.
In conclusion, when it comes to pairing these delicious baked Dulce de Leche apples, the options are endless. Whether it’s ice cream or apple pie or even cheddar cheese, there is no wrong choice here. Just remember to enjoy your heavenly creation with your favourite hot beverage for that perfect cozy autumn evening feel.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hark! Thou art pleased with this exquisite recipe, and so mayest prepare thee thy baked dulce de leche apples ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Thee can have them ready to serve on a moment’s notice.
To make ahead, start by baking thee apples as directed in the recipe. Once they are completely cool, simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Then, when thee art ready to serve them, remove them from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about an hour before reheating.
If you want to reheat thee baked apples after storing them, thou mayest warm them up in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through.
If thou hast any leftovers, they may be stored in an airtight container in thy refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating these leftovers, be sure to heat them up in the oven as microwaving will cause the apples to lose their texture and flavor.
Thus I implore thee, do not fret over leftovers as they can certainly be saved and enjoyed once again with ease.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making the Baked Dulce de Leche Apples recipe, there are some tips I’d like to share to ensure you achieve perfect results every time. While this recipe is quite forgiving, taking these steps will elevate its flavor and texture to an even higher level.
Firstly, be sure to choose the right type of apple. A tart apple such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will hold up better during baking and provide a nice contrast with the sweet dulce de leche caramel. If you prefer a sweeter apple, Gala or Fuji can also work well.
After slicing off the tops of the apples and scooping out their centers, brush them with butter and sprinkle them with cinnamon and brown sugar for added warmth and depth of flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch or two of chili powder can add a subtle kick.
When filling the apples with dulce de leche, be sure to spoon it in slowly to avoid overflowing. If you’re looking to make this recipe even richer in flavor, consider adding some chopped crystallized ginger or dried cherries to the filling.
While the recipe calls for baking the apples for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees F, baking time may vary depending on oven temperature and size of apples. To test doneness, pierce an apple with a fork after 30 minutes. If it’s not soft enough yet, bake for another 10-15 minutes.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings! Marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate can take this dessert to the next level. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
By following these tips and putting your own spin on this delicious recipe, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family at your next gathering.
FAQ
As with any recipe, it’s natural to have questions or concerns along the way. Below are some frequently asked questions about the Baked Dulce De Leche Apples Recipe that can help you navigate through the process with ease. Read on for answers to some of your queries and make sure you’re perfectly prepared to tackle this delicious recipe.
How do you keep caramel from sliding off apples?
Before dipping the apples in caramel, it’s important to prepare them properly. Start by soaking them in a mix of hot tap water and vinegar for a few minutes to improve adhesion. Then, wipe off any wax residue with a kitchen towel. Once the apples are ready, pour the caramel into a tilted pan and twirl the apples to ensure they are evenly coated, allowing any excess caramel to drip off.
How long does it take for condensed milk to turn into dulce de leche?
To make a deliciously sweet dulce de leche, simmer a can of condensed milk in a pot of boiling water for 2 to 3 hours. The longer you cook it, the darker and thicker the caramel becomes. For a lighter caramel, stick to 2 hours, but if you prefer a deep, rich taste, go for 3 hours. Remember to check on the water level in the pot and add more if necessary to keep the can submerged while cooking.
Can you peel apples before making caramel apples?
For best results, it’s essential to use apples that are at room temperature when making caramel-coated apples. Cold apples will cause the caramel to cool and harden too fast, making it difficult to get a uniform coating. Before starting, remember to remove the stem from each apple and leave the skin intact – this helps the caramel adhere to the fruit better.
What is the difference between dulce de leche and caramel?
Although caramel and dulce de leche appear to be comparable in appearance and flavor, they are two distinct creations. Caramel requires gradually heating a mixture of water and sugar until the sugar melts and contains a golden color. Contrastingly, dulce de leche necessitates a prolonged simmering process of milk and sugar until a rich, creamy texture develops.
Bottom Line
Dear readers, it is my sincere hope that this recipe for Baked Dulce de Leche Apples has left your taste buds tingling with excitement. I urge you to give this a try and let yourself be transported to a realm of sweet and savory wonders.
The combination of apples and sweet dulce de leche caramel will leave you craving for more. As a chef, I assure you that this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You can even adapt it to your liking by adding ingredients such as marshmallows, cinnamon, brown sugar or crystallized ginger.
I recommend serving these delicious baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence, but they are also great on their own. The possibilities are endless!
Finally, if you have any doubts or questions about the recipe, do not hesitate to check out the FAQ section. Be sure to read up on the tips and tricks mentioned so that you can achieve perfect results every time.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope that you enjoy making these baked Dulce de Leche Apples as much as I have enjoyed sharing this recipe with you.
Baked Dulce De Leche Apples Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 apples, halved, cored, and hollowed slightly
For the filling
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup dried apricot
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup crystallized ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- marshmallows
Instructions
- Chop and mix filling, then stuff the apples and wrap in tinfoil. Place on semi-hot coals and cook for about 20 minutes.
- After cooking, place one or two marshmallows in apple center. Close tinfoil over apples for a few minutes. Then, open and eat.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.