Imagine a dessert so elegant and simple that it transforms ordinary apples into a culinary masterpiece. Our Poached Apples with Maple Cream is not just a recipe; it's a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a cozy autumn evening with just one bite. Tender, maple-infused apples nestled under a cloud of silky cream will make you feel like a gourmet chef without hours of complicated preparation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the apples by washing them thoroughly and peeling them carefully, keeping the stem intact. Use a melon baller or small spoon to core the apples from the bottom, creating a hollow center while maintaining the apple's shape.
- In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, water, and ground cinnamon. Whisk the mixture until well blended and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Carefully place the peeled apples into the simmering liquid, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Reduce heat to low and poach the apples for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork but not falling apart.
- While the apples are poaching, prepare the maple cream. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Fold in 2 tablespoons of the poaching liquid to enhance the maple flavor.
- Once apples are cooked, carefully remove them from the poaching liquid using a slotted spoon and place on serving plates.
- Reduce the remaining poaching liquid by simmering for an additional 5 minutes until it becomes slightly thickened and syrupy.
- Drizzle the reduced syrup around the poached apples and top each apple with a generous dollop of maple cream.
- Serve immediately while the apples are still warm, garnishing with a light dusting of additional cinnamon if desired.
Tips
- • Choose firm, slightly underripe apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best poaching results. • Keep the apple stems intact for a more elegant presentation. • Use a melon baller to core the apples carefully to maintain their shape. • Ensure the poaching liquid is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to keep the apples tender. • Chill your mixing bowl before whipping cream for the fluffiest maple cream. • For extra flavor, you can add a vanilla bean or orange zest to the poaching liquid. • Serve immediately while the apples are still warm for the best texture and taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
