Prepare the Apples:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Choose firm apples that will hold their shape while baking, such as Boskoop, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp.
• Using a paring knife or a melon baller, carefully core each apple from the top, making sure to leave the bottom intact. This will create a cavity for the filling. Be cautious not to cut through the apple base.

Make the Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) with the raisins or currants.
• Add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the bowl.
• Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the nuts and dried fruit are evenly coated with the sugar and spices. This mixture will add texture and flavor to the baked apples.

Stuff the Apples:

• Take each cored apple and gently spoon the nut and raisin mixture into the cavity. Press down lightly to pack the filling tightly but be careful not to overstuff; the filling should be heaping but not overflowing.
• After stuffing, place a few small pieces of butter on top of the filling in each apple. This will melt during baking, adding richness to the dish.

Arrange in Baking Dish:

• Choose a baking dish that is deep enough to hold the apples upright and allows some space around them for even baking.
• Place the stuffed apples upright in the baking dish. Make sure they are stable and not toppling over.
• Pour the apple juice or cider around the apples in the dish. This liquid will help keep the apples moist during baking and create a delicious sauce as they cook.

Bake the Apples:

• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to create a steamy environment. This will help the apples cook through without drying out.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing the apples with a fork or knife; they should be tender but not falling apart.
• If you prefer a caramelized topping, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. This allows the tops of the apples to brown slightly and enhances the flavors.

Cool and Serve:

• Once the apples are baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the apples cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time allows the filling to settle and makes them easier to handle.
• When ready to serve, place each baked apple on a dessert plate and spoon some of the baking juices from the dish over the top. This will add moisture and flavor.
• For an extra treat, serve the Bratapfel with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess pairs wonderfully with the warm, spiced apples.