12/15/2025
đThis recipe avoids hard textures and excessive sugar. Baking the apples makes them very tender, requiring minimal chewing, and the spice is soothing for cold evenings.
Ingredients
4 medium apples (such as Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds or wedges
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons water or apple cider
2 tablespoons brown sugar or sugar substitute (adjust based on preference)
For the Cream: 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or light cream cheese, mixed with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375
â
F (190
â
C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (like an 8x8 inch pan).
Toss the Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with the lemon juice immediately to prevent browning.
Spice and Sweeten: Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar/substitute over the apples. Toss gently until the slices are evenly coated.
Bake: Arrange the apples in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the water or cider over the bottom of the dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Cook Until Tender: Bake for 25â35 minutes. Check the applesâthey are ready when they are very soft and easily mashed with a fork. The cooking time will vary based on the apple type and thickness.
Serve: Spoon the warm, soft apple slices into small dessert cups. Top each serving with a small dollop of the vanilla Greek yogurt or cream mixture.
đ Serving Suggestions & Advice
Texture Modification: If the senior has swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), the baked apples can be easily mashed into a smooth applesauce consistency before serving. Ensure the apples are cool enough to avoid burns.
Hydration Alert: Many seniors experience 'winter thirst.' While this is a dessert, it's a good time to offer a small cup of decaffeinated holiday tea alongside the dish.
Safety First: Always use soft, ripe apples. Granny Smith apples tend to remain firmer and require much longer cooking or blending to achieve a soft texture.
