When I think of comfort food, my mind often wanders to simple dishes that evoke warmth and home. One of my all-time favorites is easy cinnamon baked apples. These sweet, tart treats are like a warm hug after a long day.
They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and even a sprinkle of granola for crunch. Believe me when I say, there’s nothing quite like the scent of cinnamon and warm apples filling the kitchen.
Why This Recipe is Great for You
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it showcases the natural goodness of apples, which are high in antioxidants. Second, it requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
The combination of sweet and tart varieties dances on the palate, making these apples an instant hit with kids and adults alike. What’s more, they can easily fit into a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious dessert or a quick breakfast boost, these baked apples have your back.
Now, let me share my experience with the ingredients that make this recipe shine. From the sweet scent of cinnamon wafting through the air to the tartness of Granny Smith apples adding a zing, each component contributes to the magical experience of baked apples. Trust me, using a mix of sweet and tart varieties elevates these baked apples to delectable heights.
Ingredients List
- 6–7 medium to large apples: I recommend using a mix. Grab some Granny Smith for tartness, and Honeycrisp for sweetness. If you can find organic, go for them.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: A warm staple that transforms the apples into an exquisite delight.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: A pinch of this creates a depth that rounds out the flavors wonderfully.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder: Helps thicken up the luscious juices that form during baking.
- ⅔ cup coconut sugar (or organic cane sugar): Slightly caramelizes, bringing a unique richness.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup: For a subtle depth that complements the cinnamon.
- A pinch of finely ground sea salt: Just enough to enhance the natural flavors.
- ¾ teaspoon freshly grated ginger root: Offers a zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the apples.
- A small pinch of ground nutmeg: Just for that little extra warmth.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to get that heating up done before you even begin prepping the apples. Trust me, it saves time once you’re ready to pop them in.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Begin by washing and coring the apples. I like to slice them into quarters for even cooking. If you prefer them in thin wedges, that’s perfectly fine too! The goal is to have uniform pieces to ensure they bake evenly. Don’t forget to leave a little skin on; it adds texture and flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and finely grated ginger. Add the lemon juice and maple syrup. Stir everything together until the apple slices are well-coated. As I tossed in the ingredients, I could already envision the scrumptious results.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
Sprinkle the cornstarch or arrowroot powder over the apple mixture. Toss again to ensure the apples are evenly coated. This will help create a syrupy glaze as they bake.
Step 5: Place in Baking Dish
Transfer the coated apple mixture into a baking dish. Feel free to use a 9×13-inch dish, or something similar. Spread the apples out evenly to maximize cooking surface area.
Step 6: Bake the Apples
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender. Then, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking for that signature golden top. That’s when the magic happens!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, let the apples cool slightly. They’re divine served warm, but they also shine when cooled. Consider topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Your taste buds will thank you!
Recipe Notes
About Each Ingredient
- Apples: The foundation of this dish. Using mixed varieties brings out a great balance of flavors and textures.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice is a classic pairing with apples. It provides that cozy scent we all love.
- Lemon Juice: It brightens up the dish and cuts through the sweetness, making sure it’s not overwhelming.
- Cornstarch: A thickening agent for those delicious juices. It creates a syrup that coats the apples beautifully.
- Coconut Sugar: A fantastic alternative to sugar with a lower glycemic index. It adds a light caramel flavor.
- Maple Syrup: An unorthodox addition that elevates the overall taste without being overly sweet.
- Ginger: This ingredient is underrated. It adds warmth and a bit of spice that rounds out the flavor profile.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to shake things up! Here are a few playful ideas for this recipe:
- Nutty Addition: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Dried Fruits: Adding raisins or dried cranberries can introduce a new flavor dimension.
- Different Spices: Experimenting with nutmeg or cardamom can offer aromatic surprises.
- Sweeteners: Agave syrup or honey can easily replace maple syrup in this recipe.
- Savory Twist: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. It sounds odd, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
- Gluten-Free Option: While this dish is naturally gluten-free, you can pair it with gluten-free oats to create a baked apple crumble.
Conclusion
Baked apples have a nostalgic charm that never goes out of style. Making this recipe for easy cinnamon baked apples not only fills your home with a delightful aroma but also creates a memorable experience around the table.
Whether you’re hosting family, treating yourself, or impressing friends, these apples are versatile enough to shine in any setting. So, roll up your sleeves and make these comforting delights today. You won’t regret it! Enjoy the journey as much as the outcome. Happy baking!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples – Affordable Food Ideas
When I think of comfort food, my mind often wanders to simple dishes that evoke warmth and home. One of my all-time favorites is easy cinnamon baked apples. These sweet, tart treats are like a warm hug after a long day.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
-
Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to get that heating up done before you even begin prepping the apples. Trust me, it saves time once you're ready to pop them in.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
-
Begin by washing and coring the apples. I like to slice them into quarters for even cooking. If you prefer them in thin wedges, that’s perfectly fine too! The goal is to have uniform pieces to ensure they bake evenly. Don’t forget to leave a little skin on; it adds texture and flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
-
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and finely grated ginger. Add the lemon juice and maple syrup. Stir everything together until the apple slices are well-coated. As I tossed in the ingredients, I could already envision the scrumptious results.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
-
Sprinkle the cornstarch or arrowroot powder over the apple mixture. Toss again to ensure the apples are evenly coated. This will help create a syrupy glaze as they bake.
Step 5: Place in Baking Dish
-
Transfer the coated apple mixture into a baking dish. Feel free to use a 9x13-inch dish, or something similar. Spread the apples out evenly to maximize cooking surface area.
Step 6: Bake the Apples
-
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender. Then, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking for that signature golden top. That’s when the magic happens!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
-
Once baked, let the apples cool slightly. They’re divine served warm, but they also shine when cooled. Consider topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Your taste buds will thank you!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 184kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.4g1%
- Sodium 3mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 44g15%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 32g
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Apples: The foundation of this dish. Using mixed varieties brings out a great balance of flavors and textures.
- Ground Cinnamon: This spice is a classic pairing with apples. It provides that cozy scent we all love.
- Lemon Juice: It brightens up the dish and cuts through the sweetness, making sure it’s not overwhelming.
- Cornstarch: A thickening agent for those delicious juices. It creates a syrup that coats the apples beautifully.
- Coconut Sugar: A fantastic alternative to sugar with a lower glycemic index. It adds a light caramel flavor.
- Maple Syrup: An unorthodox addition that elevates the overall taste without being overly sweet.
- Ginger: This ingredient is underrated. It adds warmth and a bit of spice that rounds out the flavor profile.
