If you have a soft spot for simple, comforting desserts that warm both the heart and kitchen, this Easy Baked Apples Recipe is absolutely for you. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, it transforms crisp apples into a tender, cinnamon-scented treat that’s perfect for cozy nights or whenever a sweet fix calls your name. Easy to prepare and delightfully satisfying, it’s a recipe that quickly becomes a favorite because it feels like a hug on a plate—naturally sweet, warmly spiced, and incredibly inviting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this Easy Baked Apples Recipe straightforward means focusing on ingredients that bring out the best in the apples, balancing sweetness, spice, and richness for a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- Apples: Use 4 to 5 apples chopped into ½-inch cubes for ideal baking texture and natural sweetness.
- Butter: Three tablespoons of butter adds a luscious, creamy richness that helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Ground Cinnamon: One and a half teaspoons introduce a warm, aromatic spice that’s classic with baked apples.
- Brown Sugar: Half a tablespoon enhances the apples’ sweetness with a hint of molasses depth.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a touch to brighten and balance the sweetness while rounding out the flavors.
- Lemon Juice: One teaspoon adds a slight tang, keeping the apples fresh and vibrant.
How to Make Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This steady moderate temperature ensures the apples cook through perfectly without drying out, letting them become tender and lightly caramelized.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Place the chopped apples in an 8×11 inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly. This even layer allows the heat to circulate and bake each apple chunk perfectly tender with a touch of softness but still holding shape.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Butter Sauce
Melt the butter in a small bowl, then whisk in the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and lemon juice until smooth. This sauce is where the magic begins—it’s the perfect blend that coats each apple piece in spicy sweetness with a buttery sheen.
Step 4: Coat and Bake
Pour the cinnamon butter sauce over the apples, tossing gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the apples are tender and the edges have turned a delicious golden brown, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
How to Serve Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Top your easy baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent twist. A sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a satisfying crunch and make the dish look extra inviting on the plate.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a warm slice of pound cake or a crisp biscuit to soak up the luscious juices. You can also serve it alongside oatmeal or yogurt for a wholesome breakfast feel that shines with natural apple sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the baked apples in individual ramekins for a charming presentation during gatherings. Alternatively, stir them into a breakfast parfait or spoon over pancakes or waffles for a delightful morning treat that’s bursting with flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor wonderfully and can be enjoyed cold or warmed up the next day for a quick snack or dessert.
Freezing
You can freeze this Easy Baked Apples Recipe by placing cooled apples in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While the texture softens slightly, the comforting flavor remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat your baked apples gently in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through. This quick warm-up restores their cozy softness and lets the cinnamon aroma fill your home once again.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast to the sweetness, sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp work wonderfully too. Feel free to mix types for a more complex flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to peel the apples before baking?
Not necessarily. Leaving the skin on helps the apples keep their shape during baking and adds a bit of extra fiber and nutrients. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly before chopping.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Definitely! Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice can be added in small amounts to complement the cinnamon and elevate the warm, cozy flavor profile of the baked apples.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or coconut oil. This keeps the dish rich and flavorful without using dairy, making it perfect for vegan diets.
What’s a good substitute for brown sugar in this recipe?
You can use coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey as sweetener alternatives. Just adjust the quantities slightly to maintain the right balance of sweetness and moisture in the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Apples Recipe is one of those little kitchen treasures that never fails to bring comfort and joy. It’s simple to whip up, gorgeous in flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing with friends and family, once you try it, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite on your recipe list. So go ahead, bake up some happiness and enjoy every warm, cinnamon-kissed bite!
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 is a delightful and simple dessert featuring tender cubed apples coated in a buttery cinnamon sauce. Perfect for a cozy treat, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with warm spices and a hint of lemon to brighten the flavor. Baked until tender and lightly browned, these apples can be served on their own or with ice cream for an inviting dessert.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4–5 apples (roughly 4 cups), chopped into ½-inch cubes
Spice & 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 evenly.
- Prepare Apples: Place the chopped apples into a small baking dish measuring approximately 8×11 inches, ensuring they are spread out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Make Cinnamon Sauce: In a small bowl, melt the butter fully. Whisk in the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, pinch of salt, and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Coat Apples: Pour the cinnamon butter sauce over the chopped apples and toss gently to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the apples for 25-30 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly browned on top, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a more balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Serve warm alone or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- The dish can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar if desired.
- For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
