Baked Apple with Cinnamon Raisins and Brown Sugar

Introduction

A small baking apple stuffed with raisins, brown sugar, and cinnamon turns into a soft, single-serving dessert with almost no cleanup. The microwave does the work in 23 minutes, so this fits when you want something warm and sweet without turning on the oven.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 1 small baking apple
• 1 tbsp raisins
• 1 ½ tsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Core apple almost to, but not through, the bottom.
2. Mix together raisins, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stuff apple cavity with this mixure.
3. Cover apple with plastic wrap. Pierce plastic to allow for steam.
4. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) for 2-3 minutes. Test doneness with skewer. Apple will continue to cook slightly after microwaving.
5. Let apple stand several minutes or until cool.
6. Serve with sour cream if desired.

Variations

• Replace the raisins with dried cranberries if you want a sharper, less sweet filling.
• Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a softer, more syrupy center; use a little less so the filling does not run out.
• Change the cinnamon to apple pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer, more spiced flavor.
• Replace the sour cream with plain yogurt for a lighter topping with more tang, or leave it off entirely for a dairy-free finish.

Tips for Success

• Use a truly small baking apple, because the 23-minute microwave time is based on that size.
• When you core the apple, stop before you reach the bottom so the brown sugar mixture stays inside instead of leaking out.
• Pierce the plastic wrap so steam can escape; if you seal it tightly, it can balloon and trap too much moisture.
• Check doneness with a skewer right after microwaving; it should slide in easily, but the apple should still hold its shape.
• Let the apple stand before serving, since the filling and juices stay very hot even after the microwave stops.

Storage and Reheating

Store the baked apple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It does not freeze well; the apple turns overly soft and watery after thawing.

Reheat in the microwave, loosely covered, for 30 to 60 seconds or until warmed through. You can also eat it cold, but the texture is softer and the brown sugar filling is less fluid.

FAQ

What kind of apple works best for this?

Use a small apple that holds its shape when cooked, such as Rome, Fuji, or Pink Lady. Very soft apples can collapse before the filling settles.

How do you know when the apple is done?

Test it with a skewer as directed. It should slide in with little resistance, and the apple should look slightly wrinkled but not split wide open.

Do you have to use the sour cream?

No. It adds a cool, tangy contrast to the sweet filling, but the apple works fine without it.

Can you make this without plastic wrap?

Yes, if you use another microwave-safe cover that allows some steam to escape. The cover helps the apple cook evenly and keeps the surface from drying out.