If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious, you’re going to adore this Easy Baked Apples Recipe. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples, enhanced with just the right touch of cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a cozy treat that’s ready in under an hour. Whether you’re craving something homestyle or need a quick dessert for a weeknight dinner, these baked apples deliver a burst of flavor with minimal effort and maximum love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, and each one plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and buttery richness that makes these baked apples irresistible.
- Apples: About 4 to 5 apples chopped into ½-inch cubes provide the fresh, juicy base for this dish.
- Butter: Three tablespoons melt into a luscious sauce that coats the apples beautifully and adds depth of flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Just the right 1 ½ teaspoons bring warmth and spice, lighting up the apple’s natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar: A half tablespoon gives a hint of caramel sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavors by balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Lemon juice: One teaspoon brightens the dish and keeps the apples from browning too quickly.
How to Make Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Get your oven ready by setting it to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right to soften the apples perfectly while caramelizing the cinnamon and sugar topping without burning.
Step 2: Prep the Apples
Chop your apples into half-inch cubes and place them evenly in a small baking dish, about 8 by 11 inches. The uniform size ensures they cook evenly, giving you tender, juicy bites in every spoonful.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Butter Sauce
Melt the butter in a small bowl, then whisk in the cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and lemon juice. This smooth mixture will coat the apples, infusing them with rich, spiced flavor and a subtle tang.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the cinnamon butter sauce over the chopped apples and toss them gently until every piece is glazed. Then bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and show a light golden brown on top. The aroma alone will have you excited to dig in!
How to Serve Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over the warm apples, making each bite extra special.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from creamy oatmeal for breakfast to savory pork chops or roasted chicken for dinner. The sweet and spiced apples add a beautiful contrast to hearty mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your baked apples in individual ramekins or hollowed-out apple shells to impress guests. You can also drizzle warm caramel or a drizzle of honey over the top for an upscale twist that’s still incredibly easy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked apples store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They make a quick snack or topping for yogurt, pancakes, or even toast.
Freezing
If you want to save your baked apples for later, freeze them in a freezer-safe container once completely cooled. They can stay fresh for up to three months, perfect for easy desserts on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your baked apples gently in the microwave or in a low-temperature oven to preserve their texture and flavor. Adding a splash of water or apple juice before reheating can restore some moisture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking, you can experiment with your favorite varieties to find the sweetness and texture you love most.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter to keep all the flavor while making it vegan-friendly.
How do I know when the baked apples are done?
The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork and have a slight golden color on top. The juices will also be bubbling gently around the edges of the dish.
Can I add other spices or ingredients?
Certainly! Nutmeg, cloves, or a splash of vanilla extract can add wonderful depth. You can also mix in raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
What can I do with leftover cinnamon butter sauce?
Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a delicious breakfast boost or add it to warm toast to enjoy the spiced butter flavor any time.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Apples Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like home in every bite. It’s effortless enough to whip up during the week but special enough to serve on the weekend or a holiday. I hope you dive into this recipe soon and discover just how cozy and satisfying simple baked apples can be!
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 deliciously simple way to enjoy a warm, comforting dessert or snack. Chopped apples are tossed in a cinnamon-spiced butter sauce, then baked to tender perfection, resulting in a naturally sweet and fragrant treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4–5 apples (roughly 4 cups), chopped into ½-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the apples.
- Prepare the apples: Place the chopped apples into an 8×11 inch baking dish, spreading them evenly.
- Make the cinnamon sauce: In a small bowl, melt the butter completely. Then whisk in ground cinnamon, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice until you achieve a smooth sauce.
- Coat the apples and bake: Pour the cinnamon butter mixture over the apples and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples become tender and slightly browned, stirring once halfway through for even cooking if desired.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for the best texture.
- Serve warm for a comforting dessert, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar levels according to your taste preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
