Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Choose a baking dish that will hold your apples snugly – an 8×8 inch dish works for 4 apples, or use 9×13 inch for 6 apples. Pour ½ cup apple cider or water into the bottom of the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Wash and dry the apples. Using an apple corer or paring knife, remove the core from each apple, creating a cavity about 1 inch wide. Be careful not to cut through the bottom – leave about ½ inch intact to hold the filling. If desired, use a vegetable peeler to peel a 1-inch band around the top of each apple (this helps them cook evenly and look pretty, but it’s optional).

Step 3: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of softened butter until well combined and crumbly. If using, add raisins, nuts, or oats to the mixture. Stir in vanilla extract if using.

Step 4: Fill the Apples
Place the prepared apples upright in the baking dish. Spoon the sugar-cinnamon mixture into the cavity of each apple, dividing it evenly. Pack it down gently with the back of the spoon. Top each apple with a small piece of the remaining butter (about ½ teaspoon per apple).

Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, basting the apples with the pan juices once or twice, until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the filling is bubbling. Total baking time is 45-50 minutes, though timing varies based on apple size and variety.

Step 6: Baste and Check
The apples are done when they’re tender throughout but still hold their shape. They should be soft enough to easily pierce with a fork but not collapsed. The skin may split slightly, which is normal. The juices in the pan should be syrupy and caramelized.

Step 7: Cool Slightly
Let the baked apples cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. They’re extremely hot straight from the oven! Spoon some of the caramelized syrup from the baking dish over each apple.

Step 8: Serve
Serve warm in bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, dollop of whipped cream, or drizzle of caramel sauce. Spoon extra pan juices over the top. Enjoy!