If you’re looking for a cozy dessert or a comforting treat that feels like a warm hug, then this Easy Baked Apples Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of tender, sweet apples infused with luscious cinnamon and brown sugar, bubbling gently in the oven to bring out each bite’s natural juiciness and depth. What I absolutely love about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together with just a handful of pantry staples, yet delivers a beautiful, crave-worthy dish that’s wonderful any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Baked Apples Recipe lies in its simplicity, where every ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
- Apples (4-5, chopped): Choose crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the ideal texture and tartness.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create that glossy cinnamon sauce coating the apples beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): The star spice that brings warmth and a comforting aroma to the dish.
- Brown sugar (½ tablespoon): Enhances sweetness with a hint of molasses depth.
- Pinch of salt: Balances flavors and intensifies the sweetness and cinnamon.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning too quickly.
How to Make Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, you can get your ingredients ready so the process flows smoothly without any rush.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Chop 4 to 5 apples into roughly ½-inch cubes. This size allows the apples to cook evenly and retain a delightful tender bite without turning mushy. Toss these chopped apples into an 8×11 inch baking dish—this size is just right for even baking.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sauce
In a small bowl, melt the butter gently either on the stove or in a microwave. Once melted, whisk in the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and lemon juice until you get a smooth, fragrant sauce. This blend will coat your apples and seep into every crevice, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the luscious cinnamon sauce over the chopped apples and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated. Spread them out evenly in the dish, then pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the apples are tender and the top has a slight golden brown color that hints at caramelization. The scent alone will have you eager to dig in.
How to Serve Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns this baked apples dish into a dreamy dessert. Sprinkling chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, on top adds a lovely crunch and works wonderfully with the soft, warm apples.
Side Dishes
Serve these baked apples alongside pancakes or waffles for an irresistible breakfast treat. They also pair beautifully with roasted pork or chicken, offering a sweet, spiced contrast that elevates your meal to new heights.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve your baked apples in individual ramekins or hollowed-out apple halves. Drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar to impress guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge is perfect. They will keep fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy easy snippets of fall flavor whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze baked apples, but it’s best to do so without the cinnamon sauce to maintain texture. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place your leftover baked apples in a microwave-safe dish and warm gently, or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back their tender warmth without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best to hold their shape, you can experiment with your favorites. Just keep in mind that softer apples might turn mushier after baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and the recipe remains just as delicious and comforting.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sauce?
Definitely! Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice can be added in small amounts to deepen the flavor profile, making this Easy Baked Apples Recipe your own signature dish.
How sweet will the baked apples be?
The combination of brown sugar and naturally sweet apples balances out to a moderate sweetness. You can always adjust the sugar up or down to match your taste.
Can I prepare the apples ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can chop and toss the apples with lemon juice a few hours ahead to prevent browning, then add the sauce right before baking for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Apples Recipe is a genuine little treasure in the kitchen, simple enough for a weekday treat yet special enough to impress guests. It hits every note from warm and spiced to sweet and cozy, making it a must-try whenever you crave something delightful and homey. Give it a whirl—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this deliciously easy comfort food.
Print
Easy Baked Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Baked Apples recipe offers a simple yet delicious dessert or side dish, featuring tender apples coated in a buttery cinnamon sauce and baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy treat or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4–5 apples (roughly 4 cups), chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the apples evenly.
- Prepare Apples: Chop the apples into ½-inch cubes and place them evenly in a small baking dish measuring about 8×11 inches.
- Make Cinnamon Sauce: In a small bowl, melt the butter completely. Then whisk in the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice until you create a smooth, fragrant sauce.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cinnamon butter sauce over the chopped apples and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender and slightly browned.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for the best texture after baking.
- You can add a handful of chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve warm alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
- Adjust the brown sugar based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
