Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples: Your Ultimate Comforting Fall Dessert

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked apples mingling with warm spices to signal the arrival of fall. These Cinnamon Baked Apples are a perfect embodiment of cozy comfort, featuring thinly sliced apples lovingly tossed in a rich brown sugar and autumn spice medley, then baked until they reach an irresistible fork-tender perfection. Imagine the taste of a classic Apple Crisp, but without the crunchy Crumble Topping, allowing the natural sweetness and spice of the apples to truly shine. Even if you embarked on this culinary adventure simply for the incredible scent that will fill your home, trust us, it would be utterly worthwhile!

The versatility of these cinnamon baked apples is truly remarkable. Enjoy them as a standalone dessert, perhaps crowned with a scoop of creamy Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream for an exquisite contrast of warm and cold. They make an excellent, flavorful filling for an apple pie, especially when paired with our easy-to-make food processor Pie Crust Recipe. You can also elevate your homemade Spice Cake by incorporating these tender apples as a luscious filling. For those who adore a textural contrast, you can even bake them with our delightful Streusel Topping, transforming them into a quick apple crisp. Beyond these ideas, they are absolutely delicious eaten simply by themselves, served warm over a bowl of oatmeal for a hearty breakfast, or drizzled with a decadent salted caramel sauce – truly, the options for enjoying this dish are endless!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Apple Recipe

This recipe for cinnamon baked apples isn’t just another dessert; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Irresistibly Spiced Apples: There’s an undeniable magic in the careful blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This harmonious trio infuses the apples with a deep, comforting warmth that’s perfectly complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar and a hint of buttery richness. The moment you toss the thinly sliced apples in this aromatic mixture, you’ll be tempted to eat them straight from the bowl! We can attest, it takes real willpower to get these seasoned apples into the oven – a delicious struggle indeed!
• Incredibly Versatile & Easily Adaptable: One of the best aspects of these baked apples is their chameleon-like ability to fit any occasion. Enjoy them as a wholesome dessert on their own, or transform them with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of Greek Yogurt Whipped Cream, or a luxurious Coconut Whipped Cream. They serve as a fantastic base for more elaborate desserts or a simple, satisfying snack. The possibilities truly are endless, making this a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
• Effortlessly Simple to Make: Forget complicated steps and lengthy prep times. This easy baked apple recipe requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. You simply slice your apples, toss them with the spices, brown sugar, a touch of cornstarch for thickening, and butter, then let your oven do the rest. It’s an ideal dessert for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or whenever you want to fill your home with the inviting aroma of apple season. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, it guarantees a delicious outcome every time.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Apples

Creating these delightful cinnamon baked apples requires just a handful of common ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in developing the rich flavor and tender texture you’re after. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Apples: The star of the show! It’s essential to peel, core, and slice your apples thinly. While a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith) creates the most complex flavor, any good baking apple will work. The key is thin slices for even cooking and a tender texture. Avoid baking with the skins on, as they tend to become tough and chewy, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the dish.
• Brown Sugar: This provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that white sugar simply can’t match. Whether you opt for light or dark brown sugar depends on what you have on hand and your preference for a richer molasses flavor. Dark brown sugar will give a more intense, deeper caramel note, while light brown sugar is subtly sweet.
• Spices: Our signature blend features ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cinnamon is the dominant warm spice, while nutmeg adds a subtly sweet and earthy undertone, and cloves contribute a pungent, aromatic kick. Together, they create that classic “fall spice” profile that is both comforting and irresistible.
• Cornstarch: This unassuming ingredient is vital for achieving the perfect consistency. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring that the juices released from the apples during baking transform into a luscious, slightly thicker sauce rather than a watery liquid. This creates a beautifully saucy, caramelized apple mixture.
• Lemon Juice: More than just adding a pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, a splash of lemon juice is a secret weapon. It helps to brighten the overall flavor profile, prevents the apples from browning too quickly, and encourages the apples to release their natural juices, contributing to that delightful sauce.
• Butter: Whether you use salted or unsalted butter, its inclusion is non-negotiable. Butter melts into the apples as they bake, adding a luxurious richness and a delicious buttery flavor that perfectly complements the spices and sugar. It contributes to the overall melt-in-your-mouth experience of this comforting dessert.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Perfect Cinnamon Apples

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of the most delicious cinnamon baked apples your taste buds have ever encountered:

1. Prepare Your Apples: Begin by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing your apples. Aim for slices about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick to ensure they cook evenly and become perfectly tender. A good apple peeler, corer, and slicer can be a real time-saver, or you can peel them with a regular vegetable peeler and use an apple slicer for consistent cuts.
2. Create the Flavorful Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples (from about 6-7 medium-sized apples), ½ cup of packed brown sugar, 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, a small pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until all the apple slices are beautifully coated in the aromatic spice and sugar mixture. Make sure every slice gets some love!
3. Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish (or an equivalent size, such as an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch dish, depending on your apple quantity) with butter. Transfer the coated cinnamon apples into the prepared dish, spreading them out as evenly as possible. Take 3 tablespoons of cold butter, cut it into 6 small pieces, and dot these butter pieces over the top of the apples. This will melt down and create pockets of delicious richness. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the foil-covered dish into an oven preheated to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake for 35-45 minutes. It’s important to stir the apples every 15 minutes during baking; this ensures even cooking, prevents sticking, and helps distribute the glorious sauce. The cinnamon baked apples are ready when a fork easily slides into the apple slices, indicating they are wonderfully tender. Remove from the oven and serve warm. They are fantastic on their own or with accompaniments like Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, Greek Yogurt Whipped Cream, or even a dairy-free Coconut Whipped Cream!

Expert Tips for the Best Cinnamon Baked Apples

Achieving perfectly tender, flavorful baked apples is easy with a few insider tips:

• Choose the Right Apples: While many apples work, a mix of varieties can offer a more complex flavor. For a balance of sweet and tart, try Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn. If you prefer a tarter profile, Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice. Avoid apples that break down too easily, like Red Delicious, as they can become mushy.
• Thin Slices are Key: The thinner your apple slices, the more quickly and evenly they will cook. Uniform slices also ensure every bite has that delightful fork-tender texture. If slices are too thick, they may not soften properly, or the edges might burn before the center cooks.
• Customize Your Sweetener: To make these baked apples a bit healthier or to suit dietary needs, feel free to swap out the brown sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey, agave nectar, or coconut sugar. Adjust the quantity to your preferred level of sweetness.
• Monitor Bake Time: The exact baking time can vary based on the thickness of your apple slices and your oven’s calibration. Start checking for tenderness around the 35-minute mark. If apples are not quite done, continue baking in 5-minute increments until they reach your desired softness.
• Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stirring the apples every 15 minutes is crucial. This step ensures that all apple slices are evenly coated in the delicious brown sugar and spice mixture, prevents them from sticking to the bottom of the dish, and helps create a smooth, rich caramelized sauce.
• No Peeling Shortcuts: While it might seem tempting to leave the apple skins on for added fiber, we strongly recommend peeling them. Apple skins become tough and chewy during baking, detracting significantly from the delightful texture of the tender apples.
• Utilize Your Harvest: This simple baked apples recipe is a fantastic way to use up an abundance of apples, whether from a large harvest in your garden or a fun family apple-picking outing. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that makes the most of fresh seasonal produce.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Options

These cinnamon baked apples are fantastic when freshly baked, but they also keep well, making them an excellent make-ahead option:

• Storing: Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover baked apples to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
• Freezing: For longer storage, allow the baked apples to cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty ziplock bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating from Frozen: To enjoy, simply remove from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can then warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Baked Apples

Discover More Delicious Apple Recipes

If you’re an apple enthusiast, you’re in luck! Apples are incredibly versatile and perfect for a wide range of desserts and treats. Don’t miss out on exploring other fantastic ways to enjoy this beloved fruit:

• Apple Cinnamon Scones: Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon tea.
• The Best Caramel Apple Dip: A crowd-pleasing appetizer or dessert for any gathering.
• Donut Apple Slices: A fun and creative way to enjoy apples, especially for kids!
• Easy Apple Crisp Recipe: For when you crave that comforting crumble topping.
• Apple Pie Caramel Apples: A gourmet treat for serious apple lovers.
• Cranberry Apple Cider: A warm and inviting beverage for chilly days.