If you are searching for a warm and comforting dessert that feels like a cozy hug from your oven, the Easy Baked Apples Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, cinnamon-kissed apples baked to perfection with just a handful of simple ingredients. It’s wonderfully straightforward, yet the combination of buttery cinnamon sauce and naturally sweet apples creates a dessert that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a charming ending to a dinner party, this Easy Baked Apples Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients will show you how uncomplicated yet essential each component is to achieving the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and color in this beloved dessert. Every item plays a key role, making the apples sing with warmth and sweetness.
- Apples (4-5, chopped into ½-inch cubes): Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a wonderful balance of tartness and texture that holds up beautifully during baking.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Butter adds a rich, creamy mouthfeel and helps carry the cinnamon and sugar flavors over the apples.
- Ground cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): A classic warming spice that infuses the dish with cozy, aromatic notes.
- Brown sugar (½ tablespoon): Gives a subtle molasses sweetness that caramelizes slightly to create depth and shimmer on the baked apples.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch to enhance the sweetness and balance the cinnamon’s warmth.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): A hint of citrus brightness to lighten the flavors and prevent the apples from browning before baking.
How to Make Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your apples will cook evenly and develop that perfectly tender, slightly caramelized top we all love. Having the oven ready from the start helps your baking time stay consistent, so nothing dries out or undercooks.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Chop your apples into uniform ½-inch cubes and spread them out in an 8×11 inch baking dish. Spreading the apples evenly allows the heat to circulate and cook each piece just right, creating a tender yet intact texture without turning mushy.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sauce
In a small bowl, melt the butter completely, either over low heat or in the microwave. Then whisk in the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and perfectly combined. This sauce is the key to coating the apples with that irresistible flavor and richness.
Step 4: Coat the Apples
Pour your cinnamon butter sauce all over the chopped apples. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to make sure every apple cube gets an even coating of the buttery, spiced mixture. This step infuses every bite with flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and let the apples bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they become tender and develop a slight golden-brown color on top. That caramelization brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delightful aroma filling your kitchen.
How to Serve Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra something, sprinkles of crushed pecans or walnuts bring a lovely crunch alongside the soft baked apples. A dollop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream adds a cool, creamy contrast that feels like pure comfort in every bite.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a mug of hot coffee. If you want something more substantial, serve it alongside a slice of pound cake or a few buttery shortbread cookies to create a cozy autumn spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, spoon the baked apples into small ramekins and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Another fun twist is layering the apples over oatmeal or yogurt for a breakfast treat inspired by the Easy Baked Apples Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the leftovers perfect for a quick snack or to top off your morning cereal.
Freezing
If you want to save your Easy Baked Apples Recipe for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the apples to cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and thaw nicely without losing texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a little fresh butter or a splash of cream while reheating helps revive that fresh-baked richness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji can create a more complex flavor profile. Just be sure they’re firm apples so they hold their shape during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil to keep the rich taste without any dairy.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon sauce?
Definitely. Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice can complement the cinnamon nicely and add warm depth to your baked apples. Just use them sparingly so they don’t overpower the dish.
How do I know when the baked apples are done?
They should be tender when pierced with a fork and have a light golden-brown color on top. The juices should be bubbling gently around the edges.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved easily?
Yes, the Easy Baked Apples Recipe is very flexible. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger or smaller baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Easy Baked Apples Recipe feels like handing you a little slice of warmth and simplicity. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these apples bring comfort and joy in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever got by without this easy, delicious classic.
Print
Easy Baked Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Baked Apples recipe offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked in a buttery sauce. Perfect as a warm dessert or side dish, it requires minimal ingredients and prep time, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4–5 apples (roughly 4 cups), chopped into ½-inch cubes
Cinnamon 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 ensure even baking of the apples.
- Prepare Apples: Chop the apples into ½-inch cubes and place them evenly in a small baking dish approximately 8×11 inches in size to promote consistent cooking.
- Make Cinnamon Sauce: In a small bowl, melt the butter completely. Whisk in the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and the lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Coat Apples: Pour the cinnamon butter sauce over the chopped apples and toss gently to coat all apple pieces evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender and slightly browned on top, indicating they are perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- If desired, add nuts or raisins before baking for extra texture and flavor.
- Serve warm as a dessert or alongside breakfast dishes like pancakes or oatmeal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
