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
Scale
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.
