Festive Baked Apples with Marzipan and Pecans

Name: Festive Baked Apples with Marzipan and Pecans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 cup marzipan, crumbled; 1/2 cup pecans, chopped; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup water

Highlighted under: Seasonal Dish Recipes

Celebrate the season with these delightful Festive Baked Apples filled with sweet marzipan and crunchy pecans. A warm and cozy dessert that everyone will love!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-04T19:45:51.028Z

Festive Baked Apples are a perfect dessert for any holiday gathering. The combination of sweet marzipan and crunchy pecans creates a delicious filling that complements the tender apples beautifully. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a delightful way to showcase the flavors of the season.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet marzipan creates a delightful contrast with the tart apples
Pecans add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor
Perfectly spiced with cinnamon for a warm, festive touch

      

The Perfect Holiday Dessert

As the holiday season approaches, the search for the perfect dessert begins. These Festive Baked Apples are not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying. Their warm, inviting aroma fills your kitchen, creating an atmosphere that is undeniably festive. Plus, they are a delightful way to showcase seasonal fruits, making them a healthier choice compared to traditional sugary treats.

The combination of sweet marzipan and crunchy pecans lends a unique twist to these baked apples. Each bite offers a balance of flavors and textures that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on their own, these apples are a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Cooking Tips for Success

Choosing the right apples is crucial for this recipe. Opt for varieties like Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor. Their firm texture holds up well during baking, ensuring a tender yet structured bite. Additionally, make sure to core the apples carefully to create enough space for the delicious filling without compromising their shape.

When preparing the marzipan mixture, consider experimenting with additional spices such as nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth. You can also substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds depending on your preference. This flexibility allows you to customize the recipe to fit your taste, ensuring that every batch is uniquely yours.

Serving Suggestions

These Festive Baked Apples are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. For a delightful presentation, serve them on a platter drizzled with caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar. Pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream adds a creamy, contrasting element that elevates the dish to a whole new level of indulgence.

If you're preparing for a gathering, consider serving these apples alongside a cheese platter. The sweetness of the baked apples complements savory cheeses beautifully, making for a well-rounded dessert option. This versatile dish is not just a dessert; it can also serve as a sweet ending to a festive meal or a lovely afternoon treat.

Ingredients

For the Baked Apples

4 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 cup marzipan, crumbled
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water

Make sure to choose apples that are firm and slightly tart to balance the sweetness of the marzipan.

Instructions

Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core the apples, creating a hollow center, and place them in a baking dish.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine the crumbled marzipan, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.

Stuff and Bake

Stuff each apple with the marzipan mixture, packing it tightly. Place a small piece of butter on top of each stuffed apple. Sprinkle brown sugar over the apples and pour water into the bottom of the baking dish.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown.

Allow the baked apples to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Nutritional Benefits

Baked apples are a fantastic way to incorporate more fruit into your diet, especially during the colder months when fresh produce can be limited. Apples are rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. The addition of pecans not only adds crunch but also provides healthy fats and protein, making this dessert a more balanced option compared to many traditional sweets.

Moreover, marzipan, while often seen as a sugary indulgence, does contain almond flour, which is a source of vitamin E and antioxidants. This dessert, when enjoyed in moderation, can be a delightful treat that also offers some nutritional benefits, making it a guilt-free pleasure during the holiday season.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, you can easily store baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This makes them a convenient option for quick desserts or snacks.

For longer storage, consider freezing the baked apples before baking. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly tender apples.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with the filling! Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and extra sweetness. You can also incorporate a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Amaretto or rum, into the filling for a more adult twist on this festive dessert.

For a gluten-free option, simply ensure that your marzipan is gluten-free and pair these baked apples with gluten-free ice cream. This dessert is versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences while still delivering a deliciously festive experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds would also work well in this recipe.

→ How do I store leftover baked apples?

Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed apples and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake.

→ What type of apples work best for baking?

Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for baking.