Pumpkin Spice is nice, but I think autumn is all about the apples! When the weather starts to change and there is a cold snap in the air, I get in the mood to bake and make my house smell wonderful. Recipes using apples and cinnamon are always my family’s favorite. I love making this easy recipe for Cranberry Apple Pie Baked Apples to get me excited for the cooler days ahead. Who can resist these cute little baked apples with fancy pie crust and buttery topping? I love the smile on my family and guests face when I give them their own decadent, little treat to enjoy. It really makes them feel special when they get to eat the whole thing themselves, no sharing required!

Apples

  • 6 medium Granny Smith Apples
  • 8 ounces Challenge Cream Cheese
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 pie crust
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 Tablespoon of sugar

Baking Syrup

  • 1 cup apple juice
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 stick Challenge Butter, cut into pieces

Directions

  • 1

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

  • 2

    Using a knife, slightly cut of the bottom of apple so that it stands on its own. Next, cut off the top ½ inch of apple. Do not peel the apple. To hollow out the centers of each apple, use a melon baller or knife to scoop out center of each apple leaving about a ¼ inch wall. Save the apple you scooped out, and dice into small pieces removing the core.

  • 3

    In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, cranberries, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in diced apples and fill the centers of each apple with this mixture.

  • 4

    Cut pie crust into strips or use a mini cookie cutter to cut out pretty shapes. Place crust on top of apple in an attractive manner. Strips can be woven to create a lattice if desired, and decorated with cut out shapes.

  • 5

    Place apples in an 8×8 baking dish. Pour in apple juice. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over juice and distribute butter pieces around apples.

  • 6

    Brush the tops of crusts with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with sugar. Place apples in oven and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until apples are soft and crust is golden brown.

  • 7

    When apples are done, serve with a drizzle of the baking syrup from the pan on top. If a thicker sauce is desired, place sauce into a sauce pan and reduce is thickened. Great served warm or cold, even fantastic with ice cream!

  • !

    Do not overbake! Remember, apples will still continue cooking when removed from oven. Overbaking will result in a mushy apple that will fall apart.