Red Hot Baked Apples: A Crock Pot Marvel

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the aroma of warm, spiced apples begins to waft through the house on a crisp autumn day. For me, it always brings me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, a place where laughter mingled with the scent of simmering fruit. This recipe, adapted from a cherished cookbook and tweaked to perfection by a dear friend, is more than just a dessert; it’s a cozy embrace in a bowl. The secret ingredient, those iconic red cinnamon candies, transforms the humble apple into something truly extraordinary, a delightful blend of sweet and spicy that feels both nostalgic and delightfully modern.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-8 hours (depending on setting)
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yields: 8 baked apples
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible baked apples:

• 8 medium apples (firm varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Jonagold work beautifully)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup red cinnamon candies (also known as Hot Tamales or similar)
• 1/2 cup water

Equipment Needed

To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll want to have these on hand:

• A crock pot (slow cooker)
• A melon baller or apple corer
• A vegetable peeler
• A small bowl for mixing the stuffing
• A measuring cup and measuring spoons

Instructions

Let’s transform simple apples into a delightful, spiced treat using the effortless magic of your crock pot.

1. Prepare the Apples: Begin by coring your apples. The goal is to create a nice, wide opening at the stem end, going deep enough to remove the core and seeds, but be careful not to pierce all the way through the bottom of the apple. You can use a melon baller or a dedicated apple corer for this. Next, peel the skin down about one inch from the top of each apple. This creates a lovely presentation and a slightly tender edge.

2. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, raisins, and red cinnamon candies. Give this mixture a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

3. Stuff the Apples: Now, it’s time to fill those prepared apples. Stuff the mixture tightly into the cored opening of each apple. Don’t be shy; you’ll likely have a little extra stuffing mixture, which is perfect for mounding at the opening, creating a delightful little hat of sweetness.

4. Add Butter: For an extra touch of richness and to help the flavors meld, dot the top of the stuffing in each apple with a small piece of butter.

5. Assemble in the Crock Pot: Pour the water into the bottom of your crock pot. If you have any leftover stuffing mixture that didn’t fit into the apples, add it to the water in the crock pot. This will infuse the cooking liquid with delicious apple and cinnamon flavors. Carefully arrange the stuffed apples in the crock pot, nestled in the water.

6. Cook to Perfection: Cover the crock pot and cook on one of the following settings:

   • Low: 7-8 hours
   • Medium: 6 hours
   • High: 3-4 hours

   Please note that crock pot cooking times can vary significantly based on the model and how full it is. To ensure your apples are perfectly tender, fork test them about an hour before you expect them to be finished. They should be tender but still hold their shape.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Choosing Your Apples: The type of apple you select will significantly impact the final texture and flavor. Firmer apples will hold their shape better during the long cooking process, preventing them from becoming mushy. Varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Jonagold are excellent choices. Softer apples like McIntosh might break down too much.
• The Cinnamon Candy Magic: Those red cinnamon candies are the star here, providing a delightful spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the apples and sugar. If you can’t find them or prefer a milder spice, you can substitute with a pinch of ground cinnamon, but you’ll miss that signature “red hot” zing.
• Don’t Waste the Sauce: The liquid that collects at the bottom of the crock pot is pure gold! It’s a wonderfully flavored, spiced apple syrup. Be sure to spoon some of this delicious sauce over the apples when serving.
• Even Cooking: To ensure your apples cook evenly, try to select apples that are similar in size. If there’s a significant size difference, the smaller apples may become too soft before the larger ones are done.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Red Hot Baked Apples are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm directly from the crock pot. They make a fantastic accompaniment to a pork roast or any savory main dish, adding a touch of sweetness and spice. For a truly decadent dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While they are best enjoyed warm, they can also be served chilled. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or in a low oven until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Red Hot Baked Apples:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	143 kcal	–
Total Fat	3.1 g	4%
Saturated Fat	1.9 g	9%
Cholesterol	7.6 mg	2%
Sodium	22.6 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	31 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	3.5 g	13%
Sugars	25.3 g	101%
Protein	0.5 g	1%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the size and type of apples used, as well as specific ingredient brands.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is wonderful as is, feel free to experiment with a few variations:

• Nutty Filling: For added texture and flavor, incorporate a tablespoon or two of chopped walnuts or pecans into the sugar and raisin mixture.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bolder spice profile, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or ground cloves to the filling.
• Dried Cranberries: Swap out some of the raisins for dried cranberries for a tart counterpoint to the sweet apples.
• No Red Hots? If you absolutely cannot find red cinnamon candies, you can achieve a similar spiced flavor by using ground cinnamon (about 1 teaspoon) and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat. However, the texture and visual appeal of the candies are unique.

FAQs

Q: What kind of apples are best for baking in a crock pot?
A: Firmer apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Jonagold are ideal because they hold their shape well during the slow cooking process.

Q: Can I prepare these apples ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can core and stuff the apples a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Add them to the crock pot when you’re ready to cook.

Q: What if I don’t have a crock pot?
A: You can bake these apples in a conventional oven. Place the prepared apples in a baking dish with the water, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.

Q: Are red cinnamon candies spicy?
A: Yes, red cinnamon candies, often found in the candy aisle, have a distinct sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor. They provide a delightful “kick” to the recipe.

Q: How do I make sure the apples don’t get mushy?
A: Using firmer apple varieties and fork testing them about an hour before the expected finish time will help you achieve the perfect tender-but-not-mushy consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Red Hot Baked Apples recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients transformed through slow cooking. It’s a dish that evokes comfort, warmth, and the joy of shared moments. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dessert on a chilly evening or as a delightful side dish, the sweet, spicy aroma and tender, flavorful apples are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to savor that delicious, spiced sauce at the bottom of the crock pot – it’s the perfect finishing touch. Gather your loved ones, fire up your crock pot, and let the magic unfold.