If you love the cozy flavors of fall or just want a simple, heartwarming dessert any time of year, you’re going to adore this Easy Baked Apples Recipe. This dish turns everyday apples into something irresistibly warm, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced, all with minimal effort and ingredients you likely have on hand. Whether you serve it for dessert, breakfast, or as a sweet snack, it’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a hug and brings everyone running for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this Easy Baked Apples Recipe is how it transforms humble, familiar ingredients into something extraordinary. Each element brings its own special magic—whether it’s the natural sweetness of apples or the cozy depth of cinnamon—so don’t skip a thing!

Apples: Use 4-5 apples (about 4 cups), chopped into ½-inch cubes—choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best texture and tang.
Butter: 3 tablespoons, melted—this adds a rich, silky mouthfeel and helps caramelize the apples beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons—cinnamon is the heart of this recipe, infusing each bite with irresistible warmth.
Brown Sugar: ½ tablespoon—a little goes a long way, balancing the tartness of the apples with just the right touch of caramel sweetness.
Salt: Pinch—don’t skip the salt, it sharpens all the flavors and keeps the dish from being too sweet.
Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon—this brightens the apples and keeps their color vibrant as they bake.

How to Make Easy Baked Apples Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you do anything else, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Starting with a hot oven ensures the apples bake evenly, caramelize nicely, and come out perfectly tender every time.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Chop your apples into ½-inch cubes for the best combination of soft centers and slightly crisp edges. Place them in a small baking dish (about 8×11 inches). The size helps the apples cook through while still leaving enough room for the sauce to coat every piece.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sauce

In a small bowl, melt your butter—either on the stovetop or in the microwave. Whisk in the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and lemon juice until you’ve got a smooth, fragrant sauce. This mixture is what turns simple apples into the star of the show.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour your cinnamon sauce over the chopped apples, then toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for apples that are tender, with golden edges and a bubbling, syrupy sauce that smells absolutely heavenly.

How to Serve Easy Baked Apples Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, try sprinkling your baked apples with a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra pinch of cinnamon. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this dish into a crave-worthy dessert, while toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch and contrast.

Side Dishes

This Easy Baked Apples Recipe pairs beautifully with a warm breakfast spread—think pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. For dessert, serve alongside buttery pound cake or a slice of simple angel food cake to let those apple flavors shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by spooning the baked apples into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party treat. Or, use them as a topping for yogurt parfaits, pancakes, or even French toast. For a brunch crowd, set up a “baked apple bar” with toppings like granola, caramel sauce, and dried cranberries for everyone to customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (a big if!), transfer the cooled baked apples to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 4 days, making them a handy option for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, let the apples cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or using in other dishes.

Reheating

Warm your Easy Baked Apples Recipe in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until heated through. If they look a little dry, add a splash of water or apple juice to bring back their saucy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fruit in this Easy Baked Apples Recipe?

Absolutely! Pears work especially well and can be mixed with apples for a delicious twist. Stone fruits like peaches or plums also hold up nicely in this recipe, though you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

What kind of apples are best for baking?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are perfect for the Easy Baked Apples Recipe. They hold their shape during baking and offer a lovely balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The result will be just as rich and comforting, with a subtle twist in flavor.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish and keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes. The Easy Baked Apples Recipe scales beautifully for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a big-batch treat.

How can I reduce the sugar?

If you prefer a less sweet version, you can cut back on the brown sugar or even omit it altogether; the apples themselves provide plenty of natural sweetness. You can also try using maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Apples Recipe is the kind of dish that feels nostalgic and comforting, yet is incredibly simple to pull together. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it solo, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite go-to treat. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with those irresistible sweet and cinnamon-spiced aromas—you won’t regret it!

Easy Baked Apples Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This easy baked apples recipe offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfect as a healthy dessert or comforting snack, the apples are coated in a buttery cinnamon sauce and baked until golden and soft.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
Prepare Apples: Chop 4-5 apples into ½-inch cubes and place them evenly in an 8×11 inch baking dish to allow for even cooking.
Make Cinnamon Sauce: In a small bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ tablespoon brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine and Bake: Pour the cinnamon sauce over the chopped apples and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender and slightly browned on top.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of yogurt for extra indulgence.
You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
Ensure apples are uniformly chopped to cook evenly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American