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Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples

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. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 184
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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.
  • 11/2 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.
  • 1/4 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.
  • 2/3 cup coconut sugar or organic cane sugar
  • 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.
  • 3/4 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.

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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!
  1. 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!

Notes

  • 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.