As autumn arrives, bringing crisp air and vibrant foliage, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples baking in your kitchen. If you’ve recently enjoyed a day of apple picking and find yourself with a bounty of fresh apples, this easy baked cinnamon apples recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a simple yet incredibly delicious way to transform those orchard-fresh apples into a golden-brown, bubbly dessert that will have everyone asking for more.

Our recipe features tender Granny Smith apple slices, baked to perfection in a sweet, spiced, caramelized sauce. Served warm with a dollop of melting vanilla ice cream, each bite is a harmonious blend of tart apple, sweet cinnamon, and creamy vanilla – pure autumn bliss!

Why These Baked Cinnamon Apples Are a Fall Favorite

This dessert isn’t just easy; it’s a celebration of fall flavors that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight treat, a festive addition to holiday gatherings, or simply a delightful way to enjoy the season’s harvest. The sweet and tangy flavor profile, combined with the soft texture of the baked apples and the rich, buttery sauce, makes this dish a standout. Plus, the heavenly scent that fills your home while these apples bake is an added bonus, instantly making your space feel warm and inviting.

Fall is synonymous with apple-flavored delights, and while we adore classics like apple crisp bars, cake mix apple cobbler, and gluten-free apple crisp, these baked cinnamon apples offer a simpler, equally satisfying experience. They capture all the best elements of a classic apple pie without the need for a crust, making them a lighter and quicker option.

Simple Ingredients for a Spectacular Dessert

One of the best things about this baked cinnamon apples recipe is that it relies on common pantry staples. You likely have most, if not all, of these ingredients in your kitchen right now! This means you can whip up this delightful dessert on a whim, whenever the craving strikes or you have a surplus of fresh apples. Next time you’re inspired by the autumn season, grab your apples and let the magic begin!

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor. While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, don’t hesitate to experiment with other varieties, as discussed below. The combination of sweet brown sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice creates a balanced, irresistible sauce that coats every apple slice in pure deliciousness.

Ingredients Needed to Make Baked Cinnamon Apples

• Granny Smith Apples: Approximately 2 pounds (5-6 large apples). These are ideal for baking due to their tart flavor, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the dish, and their firm texture, which holds up well during baking without turning mushy. Remember to peel and thinly slice them for even cooking.
• Brown Sugar: A generous ⅓ cup of brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and contributes significantly to the beautiful caramelized sauce.
• Corn Starch: Two teaspoons of corn starch are crucial for thickening that yummy caramelized sauce, ensuring it clings to the apples and isn’t watery.
• Salted Butter: Three tablespoons of salted butter add a rich, creamy element and help in creating a glossy, luscious sauce. If using unsalted butter, simply add a pinch of salt to the apple mixture.
• Cinnamon: Two teaspoons of ground cinnamon are the heart of this dish, infusing the apples with that classic warm, inviting fall spice.
• Lemon Juice: One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, prevents the apples from browning too quickly, and adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness.

Choosing the Best Apples for Baking

While Granny Smith apples are our top recommendation for baked cinnamon apples due to their tartness and ability to maintain their shape, several other apple varieties also perform beautifully in the oven:

• Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and holds its shape well.
• Fuji: Sweet and firm, great for a sweeter baked apple.
• Braeburn: A good balance of sweet and tart, with a firm texture.
• Golden Delicious: Sweet and softens nicely, though it might become a bit mushier than Granny Smiths.
• Gala: Mildly sweet and holds its shape, good for a softer baked apple.

You can even mix and match different varieties to create a more complex flavor profile!

How to Make Cinnamon Apples in the Oven

Preparing these baked cinnamon apples is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for both novice and experienced bakers. Follow these simple steps to create a delightful dessert:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, wash, peel, and thinly slice your Granny Smith apples. Aim for slices that are about ¼ inch thick; this ensures they cook evenly and become tender without turning to mush. Place the prepared apple slices in the bottom of a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Greasing the dish prevents sticking and helps with cleanup.

Step 2: Combine with Spices and Sweeteners. In the baking dish with the apples, add the brown sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Gently toss everything together until the apples are thoroughly coated. This ensures every slice is infused with the sweet and spicy flavors, and the corn starch is evenly distributed to create a thick sauce.

Step 3: Add Butter and Cover. Cut the salted butter into half-tablespoon sized pieces and dot them evenly over the top of the apple mixture. The butter will melt as the apples bake, enriching the sauce and adding a wonderful flavor. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam, helping the apples soften beautifully without drying out.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. During this initial baking period, stir the apples gently every 15 minutes. Stirring helps distribute the melting butter and bubbling sauce, ensuring all apples are coated and cook evenly. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. The apples should be starting to soften and the sauce will be simmering. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until the apples are golden brown, tender, and the sauce is wonderfully thick and bubbly. This final uncovered baking stage allows the flavors to concentrate and the sauce to caramelize beautifully.

Serving and Variations for Your Baked Cinnamon Apples

Baked cinnamon apples are incredibly versatile! They can be served as a delightful side dish with a savory meal, or as a decadent dessert. For the ultimate dessert experience, we highly recommend serving your warm baked apples with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream slowly melts into the hot, spiced apples, creating a divine contrast in temperature and texture that truly tastes like a homemade apple pie without the fuss of making a crust.

Delicious Variations and Toppings:

• Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture before baking for extra texture and flavor.
• Extra Spice: Enhance the warmth with a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or a tiny dash of ground cloves along with the cinnamon.
• Caramel Drizzle: A swirl of warm homemade caramel sauce over the top takes this dessert to another level.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream offers a lighter, airy alternative to ice cream.
• Oat Crumble: For a twist, mix rolled oats with a bit of butter, flour, and brown sugar and sprinkle it over the apples during the last 15-20 minutes of baking for a “crisp” topping.
• Breakfast Treat: Serve cold baked apples over yogurt or oatmeal for a comforting breakfast.

The mouthwatering smell of the apples baking is an added bonus to this recipe. Make your house smell like fall with the cozy aroma of fresh picked apples mingling with warm spices – it’s an experience in itself!

Tips for Perfect Baked Cinnamon Apples Every Time

• Consistent Slices: Ensure your apple slices are uniform in thickness (about ¼ inch). This guarantees even cooking, so you don’t end up with some mushy and some still firm apples.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for 2 lbs of apples. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in a less caramelized finish.
• Stirring is Key: Don’t skip stirring the apples during the first part of baking. This helps distribute the butter and sugar mixture evenly, creating that rich, thick sauce.
• Know When They’re Done: Apples should be fork-tender but still retain a bit of their shape. The sauce should be bubbly and thickened. If your sauce isn’t thick enough, you can add another half teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water, stir it in, and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference, you can slightly adjust the amount of brown sugar. If using sweeter apples like Honeycrisp, you might reduce the sugar slightly.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover baked cinnamon apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are delicious served cold, but can also be gently reheated in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven until warm. Add a fresh scoop of ice cream for the best experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make baked cinnamon apples ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apples and sauce ahead of time and store them in the baking dish, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for holiday meal prep.

Can I use other sweeteners?

While brown sugar provides a unique depth of flavor and aids in caramelization, you can substitute it with granulated sugar, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute if preferred. The flavor and texture of the sauce might vary slightly.

Why are my baked apples mushy?

Mushy apples usually result from overcooking or using an apple variety that doesn’t hold its shape well (like Red Delicious). Ensure you’re using firm baking apples and check for tenderness frequently during the last few minutes of baking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as all ingredients used (apples, brown sugar, corn starch, butter, cinnamon, lemon juice) are gluten-free.

More Fall Recipes to try

• No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
• Cake Mix Spice Cookies
• Mini Pumpkin Muffins
• Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Indulge in the Flavors of Autumn

We truly adore these baked cinnamon apples for their ease, incredible flavor, and comforting embrace of the autumn and holiday seasons. They’re a simple yet elegant dessert that brings joy to any table. So, don’t wait for a special occasion – treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dish. We encourage you to try this amazing recipe and let the sweet, spiced aroma fill your home and your heart this autumn season!