Baked apples are a fall staple, but when you infuse them with the warm, aromatic notes of Chinese five-spice and a generous touch of brown sugar, something magical happens. This recipe is an unexpected blend of East and West—a soft, spiced apple dessert that feels right at home in both a rustic farmhouse kitchen and an elegant table of Chinese New Year desserts. The five-spice blend brings depth, complexity, and a little mystery, while the brown sugar melts into a caramel-like glaze that clings to every tender bite. This dish is proof that asian dessert recipes don’t always need to be complicated to feel special.
Chinese Five-Spice Baked Apples with Brown Sugar
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Chinese
Baking Dish A standard 8x8 or 9x13-inch baking dish will do. If you don’t have one, a deep oven-safe skillet or even a pie dish works.
Apple corer or paring knife An apple corer makes quick work of prepping the apples, but a small paring knife is a fine alternative.
Small Mixing Bowl To combine the filling ingredients.
Spoon For stuffing the apples.
Aluminum foil To tent the apples while baking, preventing the tops from over-browning.
- 4 large baking apples such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, for extra warmth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional, for crunch
- 2 tablespoons golden raisins or chopped dried apricots
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup apple cider or water for the baking dish
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the apple cider or water into the bottom of the dish to help steam and soften the apples as they bake.
Core the Apples
Using an apple corer or a small paring knife, carefully remove the core from each apple, making sure to leave the bottom intact to hold the filling. You’re aiming for a hollowed-out center that’s about an inch wide and three-quarters of the way down.
Make the Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, cinnamon (if using), salt, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and sugar.
Stuff the Apples
Use a spoon to pack the filling mixture into the hollowed-out apples. Press it down gently to fit as much as you can. Top each apple with a small piece of butter—this will melt down into the filling and create a rich, syrupy center.
Bake the Apples
Place the stuffed apples upright in the baking dish. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the tops are golden and bubbling.
Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the apples cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. Spoon a little of the spiced syrup from the bottom of the baking dish over each apple. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like.
Pairings
These Chinese five-spice baked apples are versatile and can complement a variety of meal styles, from Western comfort food to more adventurous Asian-inspired spreads.
- With Tea: A hot cup of jasmine tea, oolong, or even a Vietnamese lotus tea pairs beautifully with the warm spice notes.
- With Ice Cream: Try ginger ice cream, coconut ice cream, or black sesame gelato for an Asian dessert recipe vibe.
- With Light Desserts: If you're serving this after a heavier meal, keep the pairing light with egg cake or a simple steamed sponge from a chinese sponge cake recipe.
- Part of a Dessert Platter: Serve alongside small portions of asian sweets like mango sticky rice, sesame balls, or steamed chinese cake slices for a pan-Asian dessert tasting board.
- Festive Option: This makes a fantastic finish to a holiday meal or celebration dinner like Chinese New Year. Pair it with authentic Chinese desserts such as red bean paste pastries or mochi-inspired treats.
FAQs
1. What type of apples are best for baking?
Apples that hold their shape during baking are ideal. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji, and Jonagold all work well. Avoid overly soft varieties like Red Delicious, which can turn mushy in the oven.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter. The flavor remains delicious, and it aligns with many traditional asian dessert recipes that naturally exclude dairy.
3. Can I prep these ahead of time?
You can prep the apples and the filling separately and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just stuff and bake when you’re ready. If you're assembling ahead, brush the apple interiors with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
4. Is Chinese five-spice too strong for dessert?
Not at all! While it is bold, it brings a unique, almost gingerbread-like warmth that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and apples. It’s the key ingredient that turns this into an unmistakable chinese dessert recipe.
5. Can I serve this with other traditional Asian desserts?
Absolutely. It pairs wonderfully with other Asian dessert options like banana coconut tapioca (a classic Vietnamese dessert recipe) or even alongside simpler Chinese sweets like almond cookies or rice cake. It’s a natural fit in any Asian dessert spread.
