If you’re craving a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this Easy Baked Apples Recipe. It’s a simple, wholesome dish where crisp apples are transformed into tender, juicy bites doused in a luscious cinnamon-butter sauce. Perfect for cozy evenings, this recipe marries the natural sweetness of apples with a hint of spice, creating a dessert that’s both satisfying and effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family supper or a spontaneous treat, these baked apples deliver a deliciously nostalgic taste with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Baked Apples Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful selection of ingredients that bring out the best in each bite. Each component plays a vital role—from the fresh apples providing natural sweetness and texture, to the cinnamon and brown sugar adding warm, comforting notes. These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s cozy, flavorful, and truly unforgettable.
- 4-5 apples (roughly 4 cups), chopped into ½-inch cubes: Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create that glossy, inviting cinnamon sauce.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is the star spice here, infusing the apples with warmth and depth.
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness that enhances the natural sugars in the apples.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch to balance flavors and elevate the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish, preventing the apples from browning and adding a subtle tang.
How to Make Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by warming up your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature to gently cook the apples until tender and slightly caramelized without losing their shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and chop your apples into uniform ½-inch cubes to guarantee even cooking. Place these juicy cubes into an 8×11 inch baking dish, which is just the right size for the apples to bake perfectly without overcrowding.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sauce
In a small bowl, melt the butter until it’s silky smooth. Then whisk in the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and lemon juice until the mixture becomes a rich, fragrant sauce. This combination is what transforms simple apples into a flavor-packed dessert.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the luscious cinnamon sauce over the apples, tossing them gently to ensure every piece is beautifully coated. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The apples will soften and develop a slight golden browning that hints at caramelization—this is pure magic in the making!
How to Serve Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the beauty and flavor of your baked apples with simple garnishes. A dollop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream adds creaminess that pairs wonderfully with warm apples. Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts introduce a delightful crunch, while a sprinkle of fresh chopped mint can add a surprising burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
While these Easy Baked Apples shine brightly on their own, serving them alongside oatmeal or a hearty bowl of yogurt can turn them into a gorgeous breakfast or brunch component. They also make a charming companion to roasted pork or grilled chicken, bringing a naturally sweet contrast to savory mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the baked apples in hollowed-out apple halves for an adorable edible bowl effect. Alternatively, layer the apples into parfait glasses with granola and yogurt for a breakfast parfait. For a more decadent option, drizzle warm caramel sauce or honey right before serving to amp up the indulgence factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover baked apples to an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 4 days. This helps preserve their tender texture and delightful flavor, giving you a quick dessert option anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze these baked apples if you want to enjoy them later. Portion them into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your apples in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave a serving for 30-60 seconds if you’re in a hurry! Reheating brings back that freshly-baked warmth and softness perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! However, firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape best and balance sweetness and tartness wonderfully in this recipe.
What can I substitute for butter if I want a dairy-free version?
Feel free to use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Both melt well and bring a subtle flavor that complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for making in large batches?
Yes! You can easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Just adjust the baking time slightly, checking until the apples are tender and the top is nicely browned.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sauce?
Definitely! Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice can be added in small amounts to deepen the warm spice profile. Just be cautious not to overpower the natural apple flavor.
How can I make this dessert more festive for holidays?
Add dried cranberries or chopped nuts to the apples before baking, and finish with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful holiday touch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Baked Apples Recipe enough for those moments when you want something deliciously simple but incredibly comforting. It’s a little dose of happiness baked into a dish, perfect to enjoy year-round. Give it a try, share it with friends or family, and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Baked Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Baked Apples recipe offers a warm and comforting dessert featuring tender apples coated in a cinnamon butter sauce, baked to perfection. Ideal for a quick and wholesome treat, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a naturally sweet and aromatic flavor that enhances any meal or serves as a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4–5 apples (roughly 4 cups), chopped into ½-inch cubes
Sauce
- 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 prepare for baking the apples.
- Prepare Apples: Chop the apples into ½-inch cubes and place them evenly in a small baking dish measuring approximately 8×11 inches.
- Make Cinnamon Sauce: In a small bowl, melt the butter completely. Then whisk in the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, pinch of salt, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cinnamon butter sauce over the chopped apples. Toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender and slightly browned on top.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for best texture.
- Serve warm as a dessert or snack, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can customize sweetness by adjusting brown sugar to taste or substituting with maple syrup.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins before baking.
