When you think of a dessert that’s warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, baked cinnamon apples are hard to rival. This simple yet satisfying dessert combines the natural sweetness of apples with the earthy warmth of cinnamon.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for a healthier treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is worth trying. Packed with nutrients, easy to prepare, and made with everyday ingredients, baked cinnamon apples are a winning dish that everyone will love.
Let’s explore the secrets of making the perfect baked cinnamon apples!
Cooking Time
Before we jump into the recipe, here’s a quick breakdown of the time commitment involved:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, making it ideal for busy nights. To save time, gather and measure your ingredients ahead of time and preheat your oven as you chop your apples. You’ll be amazed at how smoothly everything comes together.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
To create the perfect baked cinnamon apples, make sure to have these kitchen essentials ready:
- Apple corer or a small paring knife for removing the core.
- Mixing bowls to combine the ingredients effortlessly.
- Baking dish large enough to fit the apples comfortably.
- Vegetable peeler (optional, based on whether you prefer peeled apples).
- Measuring spoons to ensure you achieve the right balance of spices.
- Foil or parchment paper for covering the dish while baking.
These gadgets make preparation a breeze, and chances are, you already have most of them in your kitchen!
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients, many of which are probably sitting in your pantry right now. Here’s the list:
- 4 medium apples
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for an extra depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup rolled oats or chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup water or apple juice
The recipe is entirely customizable. Want a healthier option? Swap the butter for coconut oil. Avoiding sugar? Use unsweetened applesauce instead of maple syrup.
How to Make Baked Cinnamon Apples?
Making baked cinnamon apples is easier than you think. Here’s how to cook this easy recipe step by step:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking. During this time, you can prep your ingredients.
Step 2: Prep Your Apples
Wash and core each apple, leaving the bottom intact to form a small “bowl” for the filling. If you prefer peeled apples, peel them using a vegetable peeler. Place the prepared apples into the baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ground cinnamon, melted butter (or coconut oil), maple syrup, vanilla extract, and any optional add-ins like raisins or chopped nuts. Stir to create a uniform mixture.
Step 4: Fill the Apples
Spoon the filling into the cored apples, pressing it down gently. Divide the mixture evenly between the apples for a balanced flavor.
Step 5: Add Moisture
Pour the water or apple juice into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the apples from drying out during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the tops are golden. The aroma of cinnamon will fill the room!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the apples to cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Baked cinnamon apples are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert:
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for a crowd-pleasing treat.
- Drizzle with a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
- Sprinkle with extra oats or toasted nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
- Serve as a side dish alongside your Thanksgiving spread for a healthy twist on classic casseroles.
The options are endless, so feel free to get creative. Whether it’s a standalone dessert or an accompaniment to a full meal, this dish never disappoints.
Tips for a Better Recipe
Want to take your baked cinnamon apples to the next level? Try these quick cooking tips:
- Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast to the sweetness of the filling, while Gala and Honeycrisp apples hold their shape well when baked.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the filling for a more complex flavor profile.
- Make it Nutritious: Replace some of the filling mixture with a tablespoon of chia seeds for added fiber.
- Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your taste. If your apples are naturally sweet, a smaller amount will suffice.
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional benefits of this recipe? Here’s a breakdown:
- Calories (per serving): Approximately 180
- Total Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar (natural and added): 19g
- Protein: 2g
These numbers may vary slightly depending on the ingredients you use, but baked cinnamon apples are generally a healthier alternative to cakes or cookies. You can indulge guilt-free!
Storage and Leftover Tips
Baked cinnamon apples are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be just as delicious. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze baked apples for up to a month. Be sure to store them individually in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating Tips: Warm the apples in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith work perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Healthy and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey if you prefer.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for an extra depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup rolled oats or chopped walnuts optional for added crunch.
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness, and they’re an easy ingredient.
- 1/4 cup water or apple juice to keep the apples moist while they bake.
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking. During this time, you can prep your ingredients.
- Wash and core each apple, leaving the bottom intact to form a small “bowl” for the filling. If you prefer peeled apples, peel them using a vegetable peeler. Place the prepared apples into the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground cinnamon, melted butter (or coconut oil), maple syrup, vanilla extract, and any optional add-ins like raisins or chopped nuts. Stir to create a uniform mixture.
- Spoon the filling into the cored apples, pressing it down gently. Divide the mixture evenly between the apples for a balanced flavor.
- Pour the water or apple juice into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the apples from drying out during baking.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the tops are golden. The aroma of cinnamon will fill the room!
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the apples to cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze baked apples for up to a month. Be sure to store them individually in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating Tips: Warm the apples in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
