Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (2024)

Published: by Elena · 4 Comments

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Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert)- Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with our Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples recipe. Sliced apples are bathed in a luscious caramelized cinnamon sauce and baked to tender perfection, creating the ultimate autumn dessert.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (1)

The perfect way to celebrate apple season is with this easy recipe! It's basically the inside of an apple pie with much less work ;).

Enjoy these warm cinnamon apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, over French toast, or even on top of pork chops! Make these baked apple slices, and your home will smell like delicious cinnamon and sweet apples.

More apple recipes to try: Apple Pie and Italian Apple Cake.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (2)
Jump to:
  • Simple Ingredients
  • How to Make Baked Cinnamon Apples (Step-by-Step Photos)
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Storage and Reheating
  • Top tips
  • FAQs
  • More Apple Recipes
  • What to Serve with Baked Apples
  • Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Simple Ingredients

This easy-baked apple recipe will become a favorite fall dessert. You only need a few fresh ingredients for a yummy treat the whole family will love.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (3)
  • Apples (such as Granny Smith)
  • Unsalted butter
  • Light brown sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Apples (Step-by-Step Photos)

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (4)

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it with butter.
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even, thin slices. Use a paring knife to slice lengthwise thinly.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (5)

You can adjust the thickness to your preference. Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking pan.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (6)

Make the Cinnamon Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (7)

Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the spices are evenly distributed.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (8)

Coat the Apples: Pour the cinnamon sauce over the sliced apples. Toss the apples gently to ensure they are coated evenly with the sauce.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (9)

Arrange in Baking Dish: Transfer the coated apple slices to a baking dish. You can use an 8x8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish. Arrange the apple slices in an even layer and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (10)

Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula once or twice during baking. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Bake until the apples are tender and the sauce caramelizes. You can check the doneness by inserting a fork into the apples; they should be soft but not mushy.
Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven once the apples are baked to your desired tenderness. Let the apples cool slightly before serving. You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Add a sprig of fresh mint for color.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (11)

Substitutions

Here are a few substitutions you can consider for the Baked Cinnamon Apples to make a slightly healthier recipe:

  • Butter:
    • Substitution: Coconut Oil or Margarine
    • Reason: If you're looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, coconut oil or a vegan margarine can replace butter in the recipe.
  • Brown Sugar:
    • Substitution: Coconut Sugar or Maple Sugar.
    • Reason: Coconut or maple sugar can be a healthier alternative to brown sugar. They add a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Cinnamon Apples, a perfect treat for the fall season! This recipe is quite flexible. Feel free to adjust the sugar and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Variations

  1. Maple Pecan Baked Apples: Enhance the flavor with a touch of maple sweetness and nutty crunch.
    • Substitute two tablespoons of brown sugar with pure maple syrup in the cinnamon sauce.
    • Mix in ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts and apple slices.
    • Bake as usual. The nuts will toast and add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
  2. Cranberry Orange Baked Apples: Infuse your apples with a burst of citrus and tangy cranberries.
    • Add the zest of 1 orange to the cinnamon sauce for a citrusy note.
    • Toss in ½ cup dried cranberries or fresh cranberries (halved) with the apple slices.
    • Bake as usual. The cranberries will provide a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness.
  3. Chai Spiced Baked Apples: Create a warming, aromatic dessert with chai-inspired flavors.
    • In the cinnamon sauce, add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon each of ground cardamom, ground cloves, and ground allspice, in addition to the cinnamon.
    • You can also include a chai tea bag in the sauce while it's melting to infuse the flavors even more (remember to remove it before tossing with the apples).
    • Bake as usual. The spices will give the apples a rich and cozy chai taste.
Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (12)

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

  • Allow the baked apples to cool to room temperature before storing.
  • Transfer any leftover apples to an airtight container. You can separate them into individual portions or keep them together. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

  • There are a couple of ways to reheat the Baked Cinnamon Apples:
    • Microwave: Place a portion of the apples in a microwave-safe dish. Heat them in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until they are warmed.
    • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the apples to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until they are heated to your liking.
  • While reheating, you might notice some of the sauce has thickened or solidified. To restore the sauciness, you can add a small amount of water or apple juice and gently stir while reheating.

If you have any leftover baked apples, they will be perfect for breakfast with Swedish Pancakes.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (13)

Top tips

  • Choose the Right Apples: Opt for apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best baking results. Their texture and flavor will hold up well during baking.
  • Even Slicing: Aim for uniform apple slices to ensure even cooking. This ensures that all slices cook through at the same rate.
  • Caramel Sauce Consistency: Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved in the melted butter when making the caramelized cinnamon sauce.
  • Don't Overmix: When tossing the apples with the sauce, do so gently to avoid breaking the slices. A light toss will coat the apples without turning them mushy.
Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (14)

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular choices due to their texture and flavor, you can use a variety of apples. You can try: fuji apples, gala apples, pink lady, or other tart varieties. The sugar in the recipe will bring out the natural sweetness. The kind of apple is based on your preference and what is apple variety is available.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, I think it's better to peel the apples for the Baked Cinnamon Apples recipe. Peeling the apples will result in a smoother and more uniform texture, as the peel can sometimes be tough. Additionally, without the peel, the caramelized sauce will be able to penetrate the flesh of the apples more effectively, enhancing the overall flavor and tenderness of the dish.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (15)

More Apple Recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Simple Italian Apple Cake (one bowl)
  • Best Brown Butter Apple Pie Recipe
  • Italian Focaccia with Apples and Cheese
  • Arugula, Apple, and Pistachio Salad in Parmigiano Cups

What to Serve with Baked Apples

Make these easy-baked apples a finale to these beautiful fall-inspired recipes:

  • Authentic Italian Pasta e fa*gioli Recipe (soup)
  • Fregola Sarda Pasta Recipe with Zucchini and Cheese
  • Pasta with Black Truffle Cream Sauce
  • Classic Italian Dinner Ideas (50 Best Italian Recipes)

Make sure to leave a⭐️star ratingon the recipe card and comment below if you make the recipe. I love to connect with you through my recipes.

I would love for you to tag me on Instagram@cucinabyelena so I can see your delicious Italian recipes. To get more ideas,follow me on Pinterest.

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Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (24)

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

★★★★4 from 1 review
Print Recipe

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with our Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples recipe. Sliced apples are bathed in a luscious caramelized cinnamon sauce and baked to tender perfection, creating the ultimate autumn dessert. Enjoy!

  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 5-6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or other) peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing with butter.
  2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even, thin slices. Use a paring knife to slice lengthwise thinly. You can adjust the thickness to your preference. Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking pan.
  3. Make the Cinnamon Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the spices are evenly distributed.
  4. Coat the Apples: Pour the cinnamon sauce over the sliced apples. Toss the apples gently to ensure they are coated evenly with the sauce.
  5. Arrange in Baking Dish: Transfer the coated apple slices to a baking dish. You can use an 8x8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish. Arrange the apple slices in an even layer and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula once or twice during baking. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Bake until the apples are tender and the sauce caramelizes. You can check the doneness by inserting a fork into the apples; they should be soft but not mushy. I like them a little softer and bake for 40 minutes.
  7. Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven once the apples are baked to your desired tenderness. Let the apples cool slightly before serving. You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Add a sprig of fresh mint for color.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Cinnamon Apples, a perfect treat for the fall season! This recipe is quite flexible. Feel free to adjust the sugar and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Notes

Tips

    • Choose the Right Apples: Opt for apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best baking results. Their texture and flavor will hold up well during baking.
    • Even Slicing: Aim for uniform apple slices to ensure even cooking. This ensures that all slices cook through at the same rate.
    • Caramel Sauce Consistency: Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved in the melted butter when making the caramelized cinnamon sauce.
    • Don't Overmix: When tossing the apples with the sauce, do so gently to avoid breaking the slices. A light toss will coat the apples without turning them mushy.
  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Sweet
  • Method: American
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apples, baked apples, cinnamon apples, dessert, easy dessert

Related

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  • How to Make Classic Italian Rainbow Cookies Recipe
  • Best Pizzelle Cookies Recipe (Classic Italian Cookie)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laurie says

    Made this yesterday, was easy to make, and mixed the butter, cinnamon and other ingredients right in the dish I was baking the apples in. Got lazy and cut the apples about 1/2” so had to cook longer but it was still yummy. I prefer the apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but my husband liked it with just the apples. I thought it was not sweet enough by itself and will adjust the sugar next time. Very good.

    Reply

    • Elena says

      Yes! Feel free to adjust the sweetness. So happy you loved them!

      Reply

  2. Sandy says

    can this recipe be frozen? Thank you

    Reply

    • Elena says

      I do not recommend freezing this recipe!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe (Best Fall Dessert) (2024)

FAQs

What are the top 5 apples for baking? ›

Which apples bake best? For the best pies, crisps, and other baked treats, apples need to be firm enough to hold their own during the cooking process. We call these apples “baking apples” and to namedrop, they include Braeburn, Cortland, Honey Gold, Jonathan, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Haralson, and Newtown Pippin.

What are the best apples for baking apple crisp? ›

What Makes A Good Apple For Apple Crisp? The best apples for baking keep their structure under heat, which prevents the chunks of fruit from turning into mush after baking. The firm and crisp Granny Smith and Honeycrisp varieties are popular apples to use in apple pies and apple crisps.

Is Honeycrisp a good baking apple? ›

Honeycrisp. One of the sweetest apples around, this Midwestern favorite is good for anything—including baking. It boasts a distinctive juicy crispness and is firm enough that it won't cook down much. It complements just about any other apple variety to make a stellar pie.

Can you use pink lady apples for baking? ›

Pink Lady. Pink Ladies also known as Cripps Pinks are as crunchy and juicy as Honeycrisps, but definitely more tart. Equally great as a snack or baked, you can use them for just about anything. They're another apple that doesn't oxidize as quickly as others, so you can prep them ahead of time.

What is the sweetest apple to bake with? ›

Honeycrisp (Sweet)

They're extra juicy and very crisp with a honey-sweet flavor that translates wonderfully into baked goods. AND they are the star of the show in my Honeycrisp apple sangria.

What apples should not be used for apple pie? ›

Red Delicious and Gala are two apples that won't withstand cooking temperatures and should not be used for apple pie. Many new apple varieties, including Honeycrisp, have a flesh that fractures when you bite it. This is so appealing for snacking on an apple, but not the best feature for a good apple pie apple.

What is the most sweet and crispy apple? ›

Fuji. Due to their low acidity, these ultra-sweet, crispy and juicy apples are a go-to choice for snacking and baking, as well as homemade baby food or apple butters.

Which apples stay crisp the longest? ›

Storage quality also varies by cultivar. The best apples to store long-term have thick skin and tend to be crisp and tart. Apple varieties such as Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji, McIntosh, Winesap, Honeycrisp, Northern Spy, and Rome are known to store very well given the proper conditions.

What are the cons of Honeycrisp apples? ›

But Honeycrisps are far from perfect. The university listssome downsides, such as "bitter pit," "soft scald," the fruit's susceptibility to bruising and puncture, and its sensitive growing cycle.

What is the best apple to use in a cake? ›

According to New England Today, the best apples for baking are firm-tart apples, and firm-sweet apples. Firm-tart apples are apples like Granny Smith, Esopus Spitzenburg, Northern Spy, Ida Red, and Pink Pearl. Firm-sweet apples are Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Jazz, Jonagold, and Pink Lady.

What is the best tasting apple? ›

Honeycrisp: You might be able to tell by its name, but Honeycrisp apples are where it's at when it comes to loads of juiciness and honey-like sweetness! One unique feature of this sweet apple is its cells fracture perfectly when you take a bite out of it, resulting in the perfect crunch.

What apple tastes closest to Pink Lady? ›

Pink Lady® and Sundowner® are very similar, but we think Pink Lady® is just slightly closer to Golden Delicious in terms of flavor.

Why are Pink Lady apples so expensive? ›

Why is Pink Lady® often more expensive than other apples ? Growing Pink Lady® requires more time and more trained technicians than other varieties. Pink Lady® is the first apple to blossom and the last to be harvested. This long ripening process requires the producer to be at hand at all times.

Are Anna apples good for baking? ›

With a refreshingly sweet taste complemented by a hint of tartness, Anna Apples are perfect for snacking, baking, and creating delectable ciders. Their attractive, blush-red skin encases a firm, creamy white flesh that retains its texture and flavor remarkably well, making them a favorite among apple aficionados.

What are the top 3 best apples? ›

10 Most Popular Apple Types—and Which Ones Are Best for Baking and Snacking
  • 01 of 10. Granny Smith. undefined undefined / GETTY IMAGES. ...
  • 02 of 10. Golden Delicious. liaminou / GETTY IMAGES. ...
  • 03 of 10. Red Delicious. LiveFree / GETTY IMAGES. ...
  • 04 of 10. McIntosh. ...
  • 05 of 10. Honeycrisp. ...
  • 06 of 10. Gala. ...
  • 07 of 10. Pink Lady. ...
  • 08 of 10. Fuji.
Oct 6, 2023

Which is an excellent apple to use when baking a pie? ›

The best apples for making apple pie
  1. Braeburn. This apple is a descendant of Granny Smith, but slightly sweeter. ...
  2. Cortland. ...
  3. Crispin (Mutsu). ...
  4. Golden Delicious. ...
  5. Granny Smith. ...
  6. Honeycrisp. ...
  7. Jonagold or Jonathan. ...
  8. Northern Spy.
Oct 8, 2021

What are the top five sweetest apples? ›

If you have a sweet tooth, you're going to want to head over to the other end of the scale where you'll find the Fuji, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia™, Gala, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious apples. These sweeter apples contain more natural sugars and can hide any tart flavors even if they are more acidic!

Are Gala apples good for baking? ›

Gala: If you want extra sweetness without the soft texture, choose Gala apples for your pie. As with Golden Delicious apples, bakers sometimes reduce the sugar in their recipes due to this variety's extra-sweet flavor.

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