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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both comforting and effortlessly delicious, this Easy Baked Apples Recipe is just what you need. Imagine tender, warm apples infused with buttery cinnamon goodness, baking into a soft, cozy dish that feels like a sweet hug. Perfect for autumn afternoons or anytime you crave something naturally sweet with just a hint of spice, this recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients, transforming humble apples into a memorable dessert or snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Baked Apples Recipe relies on just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in balancing the flavors and textures. From the sweetness of brown sugar to the zing of lemon juice, every component elevates the apples, making the dish beautifully aromatic and satisfyingly tender.
- 4-5 apples, chopped into ½-inch cubes: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for perfect texture and balanced sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious cinnamon sauce coating the apples.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Provides warm spice that complements the natural apple flavor beautifully.
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar: Brings a deep, mellow sweetness that caramelizes lightly during baking.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from becoming overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Gives a fresh brightness that balances the richness and keeps the apples tasting vibrant.
How to Make Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the apples will cook through nicely without drying out or burning, setting the stage for those tender, caramelized bites we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Chop your apples into uniform ½-inch cubes and place them evenly in an 8×11 inch baking dish. This size keeps the apples spread out just right so they bake evenly and absorb the cinnamon butter sauce wonderfully.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, melt the butter gently—either in a microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, whisk in the cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and lemon juice until you have a smooth, fragrant sauce. This mixture is the magic that transforms simple apples into a cozy dessert.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the cinnamon butter sauce over the chopped apples, tossing carefully to coat all the pieces. Spread them out in the baking dish so every bite is infused with flavor. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and start to brown lightly on top. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Easy Baked Apples Recipe, sprinkle a handful of chopped toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans on top for crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balance, making each spoonful feel indulgent yet comforting.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a standalone dessert but pairs beautifully with breakfast favorites like oatmeal or pancakes, lending a naturally sweet, spiced element. It also works as a charming side alongside roasted pork or chicken, where its gentle sweetness provides the perfect contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, try serving your baked apples in individual ramekins topped with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of granola. You can also spoon them over vanilla yogurt or swirl them into plain Greek yogurt for a quick, healthy parfait option that still feels like a treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cooked apples keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to enjoy your Easy Baked Apples Recipe as a quick snack or dessert later on without losing any of that fresh-baked warmth.
Freezing
If you want to keep a stash for longer, cool the baked apples completely, then freeze them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll maintain great flavor for up to 2 months and thaw quickly for a ready-to-eat comfort treat whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, simply microwave the apples until warm or reheat gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Either method revives the softness and highlights the cozy cinnamon aroma that makes this Easy Baked Apples Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can use almost any apple variety, but firmer, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best because they hold their shape while baking and balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and butter nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil to keep it dairy-free and vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor and richness.
How can I make this recipe sweeter or less sweet?
You can easily adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference. For a natural boost, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup after baking can add extra sweetness without overwhelming the warm spices.
Can I add other spices or flavors?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice can deepen the warm spice notes. You could also toss in some raisins or chopped dried cranberries before baking for a touch of chewy texture and tartness.
What can I do with leftover baked apples?
Leftover baked apples are super versatile: spoon them over pancakes, stir into oatmeal, swirl into yogurt, or mix into muffin or bread batter for a fruity twist. They’re a fantastic way to reduce waste and enjoy delicious flavors throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the simplicity of this Easy Baked Apples Recipe — it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a crisp day. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick dessert or adding a special touch to breakfast, it’s a recipe that feels special without any fuss. Give it a try, and soon it just might become one of your favorite go-to treats to brighten any day.
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Print
Easy Baked Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Baked Apples recipe is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked to perfection. Sweetened with brown sugar and enriched with butter, it’s a simple and delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4–5 apples (roughly 4 cups), chopped into ½-inch cubes
Sauce
- 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 ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the apples evenly.
- Prepare Apples. Place the chopped apple cubes into a small baking dish measuring approximately 8×11 inches to allow the apples to cook evenly.
- 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 well combined.
- Coat the Apples. Pour the cinnamon butter sauce over the apples. Toss gently to make sure all apple pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Bake the Apples. Bake the coated apples in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until they are tender and slightly browned, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
Notes
- You can serve baked apples warm on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Choose firm apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for the best texture after baking.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet dessert.
- Adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, before baking can add a nice crunch.
