Thanksgiving Baked Apples

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 45 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Jun. 27, 2023
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
Thanksgiving Baked Apples Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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.