Indulge in the warmth and elegance of Poached Apples in Calvados, a dessert that perfectly blends simplicity and sophistication. This recipe showcases firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, gently simmered in a luxurious blend of water, Calvados (a flavorful apple brandy), sugar, cinnamon, vanilla bean, and a hint of lemon juice. The result is tender, aromatic apples bathed in a silky, reduced syrup that balances sweetness with a subtle boozy depth. Ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself, these poached apples can be served warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a touch of butter for extra indulgence. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave an easy yet refined dessert, this dish celebrates seasonal flavors in every bite.
Peel the apples, keeping them whole and intact. Use an apple corer or a small knife to remove the cores without cutting through the bottom of the apples.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, Calvados, sugar, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean and its seeds, and lemon juice. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
Carefully add the peeled apples to the poaching liquid. Cover the saucepan with a lid or parchment paper to help submerge the apples fully.
Simmer the apples gently for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Turn the apples occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the poached apples and set them aside on a serving dish.
Increase the heat to medium-high and reduce the poaching liquid for 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly into a light syrup.
Drizzle the warm syrup over the poached apples. Optionally, add a small pat of butter to each apple for extra richness.
Serve the apples warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Calories |
1192 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.6 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.6 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 37 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 95 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 204.7 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.2 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 177.5 g | ||
| Protein | 2.6 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 115 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 825 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.