Warm, tender, and bursting with natural sweetness, these Cinnamon Baked Apples are a cozy treat that feels like a hug in every bite. The apples soften to perfection in just one hour, their juicy interiors mingling with a fragrant blend of cinnamon and brown sugar.
Each spoonful offers a delightful contrast of textures—creamy, caramelized edges and a hint of crunch from the nutty topping. Perfect for chilly evenings or a comforting dessert, this dish is as nourishing as it is indulgent, with a touch of fiber and warmth from the spices.
With only 10 minutes of prep, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute cravings. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen is irresistible, promising a dessert that’s both wholesome and decadent.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of luxury, or enjoy it as a guilt-free snack. Whether shared with loved ones or savored solo, these baked apples are a timeless treat that’s sure to delight your senses.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Baked Apples
- ⅓ cup (70 g) light brown sugar (tightly packed)
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 4-5 large apples (about 1.4 kg or 3 lbs, peeled, cored, and sliced ⅓” – ½” thick; Honeycrisp or Gala recommended)
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter (cut into 6 pieces)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a deep 9×9 baking pan with butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Stir until well-mixed.
- Add the sliced apples to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with lemon juice and add walnuts (if using). Stir again to combine.
- Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking pan, scraping out all the sugar and juices from the bowl. Dot the top with the butter pieces.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir the apples every 15 minutes during baking.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with ice cream for a delicious treat.
Perfect Pairings: Toppings and Serving Ideas
Take your Cinnamon Baked Apples to the next level with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a crunchy twist, sprinkle granola or crushed graham crackers on top. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle with caramel sauce or warm maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Storing and Reheating for Later Enjoyment
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of water or apple juice to keep the apples moist while reheating.
Quick Tips for Time-Saving Success
Use an apple corer and slicer to speed up prep time. If you’re short on time, reduce the baking time by slicing the apples thinner (about ¼ inch). You can also prepare the sugar and spice mixture ahead of time and store it in a jar for future use.
Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor. Try adding raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy texture. For a boozy twist, splash in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum before baking. Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for unique flavors.
Essential Equipment for Easy Baking
A deep 9×9 baking pan is ideal for this recipe, but a pie dish or casserole dish works too. Use a sturdy mixing bowl to toss the apples evenly. Aluminum foil is key for covering the pan and keeping the apples tender while baking.
Cinnamon Baked Apples
Equipment
- 9×9 baking pan
Ingredients
Sugars and Spices
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar tightly packed
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Apples and Toppings
- 4-5 large apples peeled, cored, and sliced about ⅓” – ½” thick (this is about 3 lbs — I like to use Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter cut into 6 pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a deep 9×9 pan with butter.
- In a large bowl, stir together your sugars, cinnamon, and cornstarch until well-combined.
- Add the apples and toss until well coated. Sprinkle with lemon juice and add walnuts (if using) and stir again until well-combined.
- Transfer apple mixture into your prepared baking pan (be sure to scrape out all sugar/juice from the bowl) and dot with butter pieces.
- Cover pan with foil and transfer to 375F (190C) oven. Bake for 60 minutes or until apples are tender when pierced with a fork, stopping every 15 minutes to stir apples.
- Serve warm, top with ice cream if desired.