Name: Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 medium apples; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (honey works too, but maple syrup brings a richer flavor.); 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil if you want it dairy-free.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth and warmth.); 1/4 cup rolled oats or chopped walnuts (for crunch – avoid pre-packaged nuts with salt.); 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (naturally sweet and chewy.); 1/4 cup water or apple juice (helps the apples bake without drying out.)

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Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe: Sweet & Comforting Dish

I made these baked cinnamon apples the other night, and honestly, they turned out way better than I expected. The smell of cinnamon baking in the oven filled my whole kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in.

I love how the apples get so soft and sweet without being overly heavy. It feels like a cozy dessert but with a healthier twist.

If you’re looking for a treat that’s easy, comforting, and full of flavor, this recipe is for you.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this warm and delicious recipe:

4 medium apples (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith – choose firm ones so they hold their shape while baking).1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (freshly opened spice gives the best aroma).
2 tablespoons maple syrup (honey works too, but maple syrup brings a richer flavor).
2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil if you want it dairy-free).
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth and warmth).
1/4 cup rolled oats or chopped walnuts (for crunch – avoid pre-packaged nuts with salt).
1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (naturally sweet and chewy).
1/4 cup water or apple juice (helps the apples bake without drying out).

Note: This recipe makes 4 servings.

Variations

Sometimes I like switching things up with different flavors. Here are some fun variations:

Use coconut oil and maple syrup for a fully vegan version.
Skip the raisins and add chopped dates for extra natural sweetness.
Sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a spiced-up flavor.
Go sugar-free by replacing maple syrup with unsweetened applesauce.
Add a spoonful of almond butter inside each apple for a creamy surprise.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long you’ll need

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Apple corer or paring knife – to remove the core
Mixing bowls – to combine your filling.
Baking dish – big enough to fit the apples.
Vegetable peeler – optional, if you prefer peeled apples.
Measuring spoons – for precise spice and syrup amounts.
Foil – to cover the apples while baking so they stay moist.

How to Make Baked Cinnamon Apples?

Baked cinnamon apples are surprisingly simple to put together. I love how they look fancy but take barely any effort. Once you prep your apples and filling, the oven does most of the work. Here’s how I make them at home.

Preheat the Oven

I always start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important because if the oven isn’t hot enough, the apples don’t bake evenly. While the oven warms up, I prep the rest of the ingredients.

Prepare the Apples

Next, I wash and core the apples, making sure to leave the bottom intact so the filling doesn’t spill out. Sometimes I peel them, but usually, I leave the skin on for texture. Then, I arrange the apples neatly in my baking dish.

Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, I mix cinnamon, melted butter (or coconut oil), maple syrup, and vanilla. If I’m feeling fancy, I add raisins, oats, or walnuts for crunch. The mixture turns into a sticky, spiced blend that smells amazing already.

Fill the Apples

I spoon the mixture into each apple, pressing it down gently. Each apple gets an even share of filling so no one misses out on the flavor.

Add Liquid for Moisture

To keep the apples tender, I pour a little water or apple juice into the bottom of the baking dish. This makes a light syrup as the apples bake.

Bake Until Tender

I cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Then I remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the apples are soft and golden on top. By now, the whole kitchen smells like fall.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, I let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re perfect warm, especially with a little ice cream or whipped cream on top.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this a few times, I picked up a few tricks that make it even better:

I always choose firm apples so they don’t collapse while baking.
Freshly ground cinnamon has a much stronger flavor than older spice jars.
If I want a gooier filling, I add a little extra maple syrup.
I sometimes double the recipe because leftovers taste just as good the next day.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Apples?

I love serving these straight from the oven while they’re still warm. For a cozy dessert, I top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.

If I’m making them for a holiday dinner, I drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra walnuts.

For a lighter snack, they taste great on their own with just a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

Nutritional Information

These apples are tasty and a little healthier than most desserts. Per serving, you’ll get about:

Calories: 180
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 7g

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

I sometimes prep the apples by coring and filling them the day before. I keep them covered in the fridge and just pop them into the oven when I’m ready.

Storage

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for about 3 days.

Freezing

These apples freeze surprisingly well! I wrap them individually and keep them in the freezer for up to a month.

Reheating

To reheat, I microwave them for 1-2 minutes or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. They taste just as good as fresh.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons I love this recipe, and I think you will too:

It’s incredibly easy – just a few ingredients and simple steps.
It’s versatile – you can make it vegan, sugar-free, or extra indulgent.
It smells amazing – your kitchen will feel instantly cozy.
It’s healthier than most desserts – you get all the sweetness without the guilt.
It’s perfect for any occasion – quick snack, holiday dessert, or even a breakfast treat.

Ash Tyrrell