If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s both comforting and effortlessly delightful, the Easy Baked Apples Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, cinnamon-kissed apples baked to perfection with just the right touch of sweetness and buttery warmth. This simple, homey dish is not only incredibly easy to make but also fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, these baked apples offer a delicious way to enjoy the natural sweetness of fruit with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your baked apples. You’ll find that the combination is as simple as it is satisfying.
- 4-5 apples (roughly 4 cups), chopped into ½-inch cubes: Choose your favorite variety for a mix of sweet and tart flavors that become wonderfully tender when baked.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, silky texture and helps the cinnamon sauce blend beautifully with the apples.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice here, cinnamon infuses a warm depth that elevates the natural sweetness of the apples.
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar: Provides just enough caramel-like sweetness to balance the tartness and deepen the flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors while keeping the overall taste balanced and well-rounded.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and a subtle tang, preventing the apples from turning too sweet or mushy.
How to Make Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the apples cook evenly, becoming tender without losing their shape or developing bitterness. While it heats up, you’ll prepare the apples and sauce, so everything is ready to go in the oven perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare Apples
Chop the apples into ½-inch cubes. This size is just right—it lets the apples bake through quickly while still holding some bite and texture after baking. Place them in an 8×11-inch baking dish, making sure they’re spread out evenly so each piece cooks beautifully.
Step 3: Make Cinnamon Sauce
In a small bowl, melt the butter gently, then whisk in the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth. This simple sauce is pure magic when poured over the apples—it coats them with a luscious blend of spice, sweetness, and a hint of tang that brings everything together.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the cinnamon sauce over the chopped apples and toss them gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated. This step guarantees every bite bursts with flavor. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and lightly browned. The result is a warm, inviting dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft baked apples beautifully. For extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top turns this simple dish into an irresistible treat that guests will rave about.
Side Dishes
These baked apples pair beautifully with a scoop of oatmeal for a cozy breakfast, or alongside roasted pork or chicken for a comforting dinner. Their natural sweetness adds a fresh fruity touch to savory plates, balancing salty or smoky flavors with ease.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the baked apples in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Alternatively, use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles to elevate your brunch game. You can even stuff the mixture into puff pastry or crepes for a creative twist that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen over time, making the leftovers even tastier the next day, perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked apples by placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently for best results.
Reheating
To warm up your leftovers, place the baked apples in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore some of the crispness in the topping.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice tang, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala work beautifully too. Feel free to mix apple types for a more complex flavor.
Is it possible to make the Easy Baked Apples Recipe vegan?
Yes, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and you’ll have a delicious vegan-friendly dessert.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?
Definitely! Stir in some chopped nuts or raisins after coating the apples with the cinnamon sauce for added texture and bursts of flavor.
How can I make this recipe sweeter without adding more sugar?
Choose naturally sweeter apple varieties or add a splash of maple syrup or honey to the cinnamon sauce for a natural sweetness boost.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover baked apples without drying them out?
Reheat gently in the microwave with a cover to trap moisture or in a low oven to keep the apples tender and prevent drying.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Easy Baked Apples Recipe is like inviting a little warmth and sweetness into your day with hardly any effort. It’s a versatile dish that fits every occasion, from a cozy solo night in to impressing friends at a casual dinner. I hope you find as much joy in baking this simple recipe as I do sharing it with you. Happy baking and savor every delicious bite!
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Easy Baked Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Baked Apples recipe features tender, cinnamon-spiced apple cubes baked to perfection with a buttery cinnamon sauce. It’s a simple, comforting dessert or snack that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and delivers a naturally sweet and lightly spiced treat perfect for any season.
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 prepare for baking the apples.
- Prepare Apples: Chop the apples into ½-inch cubes and place them evenly in a small baking dish measuring roughly 8×11 inches.
- Make Cinnamon Sauce: In a small bowl, melt the butter completely. Whisk in ground cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and lemon juice until a smooth sauce forms.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cinnamon sauce over the chopped apples. Toss gently to coat all the apple pieces evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and slightly browned, indicating they are perfectly baked.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tangy flavor.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity to taste or substitute with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- If you prefer softer apples, bake a few minutes longer until desired tenderness is reached.
- Serve warm as a dessert alone or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
