If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful treat that’s both simple and satisfying, this Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender apple slices bursting with sweet cinnamon goodness, gently caramelized in the oven to create a warm, fragrant dish perfect for any time of day. This recipe captures the crisp freshness of Granny Smith apples, mingling with buttery sweetness and a lovely hint of spice that tastes like autumn in every bite. Trust me, once you try these baked apple slices, you’ll reach for this easy recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect blend of texture, flavor, and aroma. From the tartness of fresh apples to the cozy warmth of cinnamon, every element makes this dish shine.
- 4 large apples, preferably Granny Smith: Their natural tartness balances the sweetness and holds up beautifully when baked.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps caramelize the apples gently.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that blends perfectly with cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this dish its signature warmth and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apples fresh-looking and adds a subtle zing.
- 1/4 cup water: Creates steam in the dish, keeping apple slices tender and moist.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors in this dish.
- Optional – 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): Adds crunch and an earthy note when sprinkled on top.
- Optional – 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries: Introduces natural bursts of sweetness and texture contrast.
How to Make Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for perfect caramelization. While the oven warms, peel, core, and slice your apples into even 1/4-inch pieces, ensuring they bake uniformly without turning mushy or uneven.
Step 2: Toss Apples with Lemon Juice
Place your apple slices in a large bowl and drizzle with lemon juice. This simple step prevents browning while adding a subtle brightness that lifts the dish, keeping those apples fresh and vibrant as they bake.
Step 3: Mix in Butter, Sugar, Cinnamon, and Salt
Next, pour in the melted butter, sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt over the apples. Toss everything gently until every slice is coated in this luscious mixture, promising rich, spicy, and sweet flavors in each bite.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the coated apple slices into a baking dish, spreading them out evenly so each piece bakes beautifully. Pour in the water to add moisture during baking, which helps achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Bake Covered for Moisture
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for 20 minutes. This step steams the apples gently, softening them without drying out, building a delicate softness underneath the caramelized surface.
Step 6: Stir and Add Toppings
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and stir the apples carefully, promoting even cooking. If you love a textural contrast, now’s the time to sprinkle your optional chopped nuts and dried fruits over the top, introducing delightful crunch and bursts of natural sweetness.
Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered this time, and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the apples are tender, golden, and caramelized at the edges. The uncovered bake lets the syrup thicken slightly, creating those irresistible sticky patches.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove your apple slices from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and the texture to perfect itself, ensuring every spoonful melts effortlessly in your mouth.
How to Serve Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped nuts, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate your baked apple slices to dessert-level indulgence. Fresh mint leaves add a beautiful color contrast and a refreshing hint alongside the spices.
Side Dishes
Pair this delightful baked treat with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy tang, or alongside warm pancakes or waffles for a cozy brunch experience. It also complements roasted meats superbly as a sweet and spiced side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these apple slices in small ramekins or glass jars for an elegant touch, perfect for guests or special occasions. Layering the baked slices between granola and whipped cream turns it into a parfait, while adding it atop oatmeal offers a quick, comforting breakfast upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftovers will keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out, so you can enjoy that cozy cinnamon aroma with minimal effort later.
Freezing
If you want to preserve the magic longer, these baked apple slices freeze beautifully. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking, and enjoy within two months for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your baked apple slices in the oven or microwave. For best results, cover with foil in the oven to maintain moisture, heating at 300°F (150°C) until heated through without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, other firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn also work well, offering slightly different flavors and sweetness levels.
Do I have to add nuts or dried fruit?
Not at all. The nuts and dried fruit are optional extras for texture and sweetness, so feel free to omit them if you prefer your baked apple slices simpler or need to accommodate allergies.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap out the unsalted butter for a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil to keep the dish deliciously rich without any animal products.
How do I prevent the apples from becoming mushy?
Using firm apples and slicing them evenly helps maintain texture, and ensuring you don’t overbake is key. Following the recipe’s bake times closely will give you tender but not mushy slices.
Is this dish suitable for breakfast or dessert?
Definitely! Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon Recipe is incredibly versatile. It can star as a warm, aromatic breakfast side or shine as a comforting dessert paired with cream or ice cream.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the cozy charm of the Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon Recipe to fill your kitchen with warmth and entice your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a quick, wholesome snack or a sweet ending to your meal, this simple yet flavorful dish delivers every time. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch how it becomes a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire.
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Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 35m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these warm, tender Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon, a comforting dessert featuring crisp Granny Smith apples coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture, gently baked to caramelized perfection. Enhanced with a splash of lemon juice to maintain freshness and optional nuts or dried fruits for added texture and sweetness, this easy recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or a wholesome treat.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 4 large apples, preferably Granny Smith, cored and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Coating
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Baking
- 1/4 cup water
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the apple slices evenly.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core the apples, then slice them into even pieces approximately 1/4-inch thick for uniform cooking.
- Coat with Lemon Juice: In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice thoroughly to prevent browning and maintain their fresh flavor.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt with the apples until each slice is well coated in the spiced buttery mixture.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread the coated apple slices in an even layer in a baking dish to promote uniform roasting.
- Add Water: Pour 1/4 cup of water into the dish to generate steam during baking, helping keep the apples tender and moist.
- Initial Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to begin softening the apples gently.
- Stir Apples: Remove the foil and stir the apples to redistribute heat and juices for even cooking and caramelization.
- Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped nuts and raisins or dried cranberries evenly over the apples to add crunch and sweetness if desired.
- Final Bake Uncovered: Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until apples are tender and edges are caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the baked apple slices to cool slightly before serving, enhancing their flavors and texture.
Notes
- Using Granny Smith apples provides a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of sugar and dried fruits.
- For a softer texture, peel the apples before slicing.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet or sweeter dessert.
- Feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cloves for varied flavor profiles.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or yogurt for an indulgent treat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
