Thanksgiving Baked Apples

Total Time Prep: 30 min. Bake: 45 min.
Yield 8 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
We have always loved applesauce but wanted to do something a little bit more elegant for Thanksgiving. Over the years, I have adjusted this recipe, using different fruits and alcohols, but this is the most enjoyable combination. —Heather Edwards, Hopewell, New Jersey

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cranberry-apple juice
  • 1/2 cup whiskey
  • 2 chopped ripe pears
  • 1/2 cup pitted dried plums (prunes), chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 8 medium Gala apples

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, juice and whiskey until blended. Stir in the pears, dried plums and raisins.
  2. Cut a 1/2-in. slice off the top of each apple. Hollow out remaining apple, reserving centers and leaving a 1/2-in. thick shell. Chop centers, discarding center cores and seeds. Add chopped apple to pear mixture; toss to combine.
  3. Place hollowed out apples in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Fill with pear mixture; spoon remaining mixture around apples.
  4. Bake at 350°, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes or until apples are tender. Remove apples to dessert plates. Transfer remaining fruit mixture to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook for 10-15 minutes or until liquid is syrupy. Spoon over apples.
We have always loved applesauce but wanted to do something a little bit more elegant for Thanksgiving. Over the years, I have adjusted this recipe, using different fruits and alcohols, but this is the most enjoyable combination. —Heather Edwards, Hopewell, New Jersey
Recipe Creator

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