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bratapfel recipe

Bratapfel Recipe

They say, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away". Why not make that apple extra appealing by filling it with nuts and raisins, then baking it until it's tender. The juicy apple and flavorful filling will warm you up on a cool evening.  Put Bratäpfel in the oven while the rest of your dinner cooks... and by the time you are ready for dessert, they are ready to be eaten. 
I love serving them with Vanillesoße (Vanilla Sauce) or Vanilla Ice Cream, but you can also enjoy them just plain. 
4 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Cuisine German
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium sized Apples
  • 1/4 cup 50 gr Chopped Almonds
  • 1/3 - 1/2 cup 50 gr Raisins
  • 4 Tablespoons Honey
  • 4 Tablespoons Rum OPTIONAL
  • 1/2 Lemon
  • 2 1/2 Tablespoons Butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven to 400 ° F
  • Generously butter the bottom of an 8 inch baking dish with 1/2 Tablespoon Butter.
  • In a small bowl. Combine the chopped almonds, raisins, and honey. Add rum if you like it (I do.) Mix well. Set aside.
  • Wash the apples, then slice the top off... down to where the stem starts. (Set aside the tops)
  • Slice 1/4 inch off of the bottom of the apple, just to level it.
  • If you have a corer, press it in, and pull out the apple core. Don't go all the way through.
  • You can also use a knife. Cut around where the core is, then spoon the seeds and core out. (I used a Grapefruit spoon, but a regular spoon will work as well)
  • Rub the cut edges of the the apple with the lemon to keep it from browning.
  • Place the apple into the baking pan, and repeat with the rest of the apples.
  • Fill the center of the apples with the filling. Divided between them as evenly as possible. Let any extra just pile up.
  • Cut a tablespoon of butter into 4 pieces. Place one piece on top of the filling.
  • Put the other tablespoon of butter into the pan.
  • You can top the filling with the Apple Lid (the part you sliced off the top)... or just eat that while you work. (I like mine topless....)
  • NOTE- If you put the tops back on, your raisins won't get hard/dark. I don't mind crunchy raisins, but they can be bitter.
  • Bake for25 to 30 minutes. Apples will be soft... a paring knife inserted should go in easily.
  • When apples are done, let them sit in the baking pan to cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Place an entire Bratapfel on a plate, and spoon some of the caramel colored liquid from the pan over it.
  • Serve with Vanillesoße (Vanilla Sauce) or Vanilla Ice Cream for a extra special treat.

Notes

I used chopped Almonds, but Hazelnuts are a fabulous substitute. 
Don't like raisins? Use dried Cranberries!
Honestly, Bratäpfel are a fun desert to experiment different flavors with. Tuck in some Marzipan, or maybe a few chocolate chips. Dried cherries with chocolate would be AWESOME! 
Let me know what you come up with!