Jamie Oliver Baked Apple Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s baked apple recipe is a warm, comforting dessert that captures the simplicity of wholesome ingredients. It’s a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients-like apples, butter and brown sugar-can come together to create a satisfying treat. The apple is hollowed out and stuffed with a sweet mix of oats, dried fruit and spices, then baked until soft and fragrant. What makes Jamie’s version stand out is his clever use of flavors and his focus on using good-quality, fresh ingredients. It’s a great balance of sweet, tart and spicy, all wrapped in that lovely, caramelized aroma you get when it’s baking.

Jamie Oliver Baked Apple Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s baked apple, you’ll need a few basic but impactful ingredients:

• Apples: Choose large, firm apples like Bramley, Honeycrisp or any variety that holds its shape well during baking. They should be sweet-tart, giving the right balance once baked.
• Butter: A bit of butter adds richness to the filling and helps create that gooey texture as it melts while baking.
• Brown Sugar: This adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness. You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on how intense you want the flavor.
• Oats: Rolled oats provide a nice texture to the stuffing, making it almost like a crumble inside the apple. They absorb some of the juices from the apple while baking, creating a delicious, hearty filling.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices are the backbone of the flavor. Cinnamon brings sweetness and nutmeg adds that little bit of earthiness.
• Dried Fruit: Typically raisins or sultanas, these add extra sweetness and chewy texture inside the apple. You can also use dried apricots or figs for variety.
• Honey: A drizzle of honey on top before baking can enhance the apple’s natural sweetness and give the dish a lovely glaze.
• A splash of lemon juice: It brightens up the flavor and cuts through the richness of the butter and sugar.

Equipment Needed

You won’t need too many gadgets or fancy tools for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Baking dish: A simple oven-safe dish or tray to hold your apples while they bake. A shallow one works best so the apples cook evenly.
• Spoon or corer: To hollow out the apples, a melon baller, spoon or apple corer works well. You want to remove the core but leave the bottom intact, creating a small cavity for the filling.
• Knife and chopping board: For prepping your dried fruits and any other ingredients you want to chop up before stuffing the apples.
• Oven: Preheated to around 180°C (350°F), to bake the apples perfectly.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Baked Apple

Now for the fun part-assembling and baking. Here’s how you do it:

1. Prepare the Apples: Start by cutting off the top of each apple, just enough to create a little “lid” that you can later use to cap the apples. Core the apples, leaving a bit of a base to hold the filling in place.
2. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Chop up your dried fruit and add it to the mix. You can also add a little butter (about a tablespoon per apple) to the filling mixture if you want it richer.
3. Stuff the Apples: Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out apples, pressing it down gently so it fits snugly. If you like, you can drizzle a bit of honey or a sprinkle of more brown sugar on top of the filling for extra sweetness.
4. Bake: Place the apples in a baking dish and drizzle a little bit of melted butter over the top. Add a small splash of water (or apple juice, if you have it) in the bottom of the dish to help steam the apples as they bake. Cover the dish loosely with foil.
5. Bake for 40-50 minutes: The apples will start to soften and the filling will get golden and bubbly. Check on them about halfway through. If they look dry, you can add a little more water.
6. Serve: Once they’re soft and aromatic, take them out of the oven. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s baked apple taught me a lot about how simple ingredients can work together to create something delicious. The process isn’t fussy at all but it’s about giving each element the right amount of care. For example, I realized that the texture of the oats inside the apple is essential for creating that perfect bite. When they soak up the apple juices, they become slightly chewy and add a comforting heartiness to the dish. Also, I learned that you can play around with different fillings based on what you like. if you’re into nuts or want to use fresh fruit instead of dried, it’s all about tailoring it to your taste. And the best part? The smell. The whole house fills with this warm, sweet aroma that makes everything feel cozy.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Baked Apple

Jamie Oliver’s baked apples are delicious as they are but there’s always room for a little customization, right? If you’re looking to switch things up or add your own flair, here are some fun tweaks.

1. Spices and Flavors: While Jamie typically goes for cinnamon, nutmeg and a bit of vanilla, you could amp things up with a few variations. Try adding cardamom for a more exotic twist or a pinch of allspice for extra warmth. A splash of bourbon or dark rum in the filling will give it a lovely depth of flavor.
2. Stuffing Variations: The traditional mix of brown sugar and oats can be customized depending on what you’re in the mood for. Try adding crushed nuts like walnuts, almonds or pecans for crunch. For a more indulgent filling, you could add dark chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a healthier alternative, swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup and add a few raisins or dried cranberries.
3. Fruit Combinations: While apple is the classic choice, you can experiment with other fruits. Pears, especially the firm ones, work great in this recipe. You could even mix apples and pears together for a combo that offers a balance of tartness and sweetness.
4. Toppings and Garnishes: After baking, top your apple with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra richness. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of toasted coconut can add sweetness and texture.
5. Vegan Twist: If you’re looking for a vegan version, simply swap the butter for coconut oil and use a plant-based yogurt instead of cream. It still delivers that cozy baked fruit experience without the dairy.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover baked apples (or you simply made extra for meal prep), here’s how to store them so they stay delicious.

1. Cooling Down: Before storing, let the baked apples cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container which could make them soggy.
2. Refrigeration: Place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors might even deepen as they sit which is a nice bonus.
3. Freezing: You can freeze baked apples too. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. If you froze them with the filling inside, make sure to check if the filling is fully heated through.
4. Reheating: For reheating, the oven is the best option to maintain that crisp exterior and tender interior. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine but you’ll lose some of that “baked” texture.
5. Serving Again: If you’re planning to serve leftovers for dessert later, consider adding fresh toppings to elevate the dish. A scoop of ice cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh berries can bring it back to life.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Baked Apple?

While baked apples are often thought of as a dessert, they pair really well with savory dishes, too. If you’re serving them for a meal, try these combos:

1. With Roast Meats: The sweetness of the baked apples contrasts beautifully with savory meats like pork, turkey or chicken. Try serving them alongside a roast for a touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the meat.
2. Cheese: Apples and cheese are a classic pairing. Serve your baked apple with a creamy brie or a sharp cheddar for a mix of textures and flavors. For a more gourmet touch, a bit of blue cheese adds a punch that goes surprisingly well with the sweetness.
3. Crispy Bacon or Pancetta: For a savory-sweet combo, try serving baked apples with crispy bacon or pancetta. The saltiness and crunch of the bacon enhance the apple’s soft, tender texture and sweetness.
4. Yogurt or Cottage Cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter option, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of cottage cheese adds creaminess to the dish. Add a bit of honey and cinnamon to the yogurt for a more indulgent topping.
5. Grain Bowls: For a hearty, healthy meal, serve your baked apples with a grain-based bowl. Quinoa or farro with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil can complement the apples’ sweetness. Add a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
6. Salad: A simple, peppery arugula salad with goat cheese and walnuts works really well with baked apples. The tanginess of the goat cheese and the bite of the arugula balance the sweetness of the apples.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Baked Apples?

You’ll need apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of water. Optional: raisins or nuts.

How Long Do You Bake Jamie Oliver’s Apples?

Bake them for around 30-40 minutes at 190°C (375°F), until they’re tender and golden.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Baked Apples Ahead Of Time?

Yes! You can prep them earlier and store in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready to serve.