If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that’s both simple and delicious, you’ve just found it with this Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe. It transforms humble apple slices into a warm, fragrant treat bursting with cinnamon and nutmeg spices, perfect for any season. Easy to make yet incredibly satisfying, this dish captures the essence of home-cooked goodness with every tender, caramelized bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the sweet warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg to the buttery coating that helps those apple slices turn golden and tender, every component is essential for that irresistible finish.
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Both varieties hold up beautifully when baked and bring a wonderful balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the spices cling to the apple slices.
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar: Provides a mild caramel sweetness that enhances the natural flavors of the apples.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Delivers that classic warm spice that pairs perfectly with baked apples.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of nutty warmth for depth.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic sweetness to round out the spices.
- A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Optional Toppings (vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts): Great for adding texture and creaminess if you want to dress it up.
How to Make Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step ensures your apple slices will bake evenly and slide right off after baking.
Step 2: Toss the Apple Slices
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every slice is coated with that flavorful blend. This step is where all the flavor magic happens!
Step 3: Arrange Apples on Baking Sheet
Spread the coated apple slices out in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. It’s important not to crowd the slices—air circulation helps them bake evenly and caramelize beautifully instead of steaming.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender and Caramelized
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the apple slices for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through, give them a gentle stir to ensure they caramelize on all sides. The result should be tender apples with just the right amount of golden, sticky sweetness.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
Once baked, allow the apple slices to cool just a bit so they hold their shape but remain delightfully warm. This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience.
How to Serve Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top for a lovely crunch that contrasts the softness of the baked apples. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can also add a subtle touch of elegance and sweetness.
Side Dishes
This recipe is wonderfully versatile as a side dish. Pair the baked apple slices with a warm slice of pound cake or alongside a bowl of creamy oatmeal for breakfast. They also work well as a light dessert after a heavy meal, offering a fresh and fruity finish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your baked apple slices layered over Greek yogurt and granola for a parfait-style treat. Or turn it into a quick apple pie by spooning the baked slices into puff pastry and folding it over for a rustic hand pie that’s perfect for on-the-go snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover baked apple slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making the leftovers perfect for a quick snack or an easy dessert you can reheat in a flash.
Freezing
If you want to keep these around longer, freeze the cooled baked apple slices in a freezer-safe container. They’ll retain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, gently warm the apple slices in a microwave or oven. Heating them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes helps keep the caramelized texture intact, while a quick zap in the microwave works well if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, but you can also try Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala. Just make sure to choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make it vegan by substituting the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
How thin should I slice the apples?
A thin slice about 1/8 inch thick is ideal. This thickness ensures the apples cook evenly and become tender without turning mushy or soggy.
Can I prepare the apple mixture in advance?
You sure can! Toss the apple slices with the butter, sugar, and spices, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. This can actually help the flavors meld even better.
Why do I need to stir the apples halfway through baking?
Stirring helps the apple slices caramelize evenly on all sides rather than just on the bottom. This keeps every bite flavorful and gives you the perfect golden color throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little warmth and sweetness into your kitchen with minimal fuss. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert, breakfast topping, or a cozy snack, it’s bound to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try—you might find yourself reaching for this treat again and again to enjoy those glorious autumnal spices and tender baked apples.
Print
Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy this simple and delicious recipe for Baked Apple Slices, featuring thinly sliced apples tossed with warm spices and baked to tender, caramelized perfection. A comforting dessert or snack that’s perfect on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or chopped nuts.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with the melted butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until all slices are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the slices do not overlap. This allows the apples to bake evenly and caramelize properly.
- Bake the Apples: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through baking, gently stir the apple slices to ensure even cooking and caramelization. Bake until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Remove the baked apple slices from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp depending on preference.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- If you prefer softer apples, bake a few minutes longer but keep an eye to prevent burning.
- These baked apple slices can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts after baking for a crunchy contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
