Why You’ll Love Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

The blend of sweet and tart apples baked with cinnamon and a hint of ginger creates a rich, homey dessert or comfort snack.
It uses minimal ingredients you likely already have: apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, etc.
It’s versatile: serve it as a dessert, breakfast topping, or snack.
It’s easy to prep and bake with minimal fuss—perfect for a relaxed weekend or when you want something warm and satisfying without hours of work.
The finished dish offers tender, caramelized apples in their own flavorful juices, which adds a luxurious feel despite the simplicity.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples (peeled and sliced)
Lemon (juice)
Water
Vanilla extract
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Cornstarch
Pinch of salt
Butter (cubed)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Place peeled and sliced apples into a large bowl. Add the juice of half a lemon, water, and vanilla extract; mix to combine.
Add brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well coated and the mixture is uniform.
Pour the apple mixture into a large casserole dish and top with pieces of cubed butter.
Cover the dish with foil (or a lid) and bake at 375 °F for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the top is golden and caramelized.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes (30 minutes covered + 10 minutes uncovered)
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use a mix of apple varieties (e.g., tart Granny Smith plus sweet Honeycrisp) to balance flavor and texture.
Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different type of sweetness.
Add extra warming spices such as nutmeg, allspice, cloves, or cardamom for more depth.
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter alternative.
Serve the baked apples over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for breakfast instead of dessert.
Skip the cornstarch if you prefer a looser sauce (though it will be more liquidy).

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Microwave individual portions until warmed through.
- Reheat in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 10–15 minutes or until heated to your liking.
These apples can also be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

Yes! A mix of sweet and tart apples is ideal to balance flavors and texture, but any apple variety will work well.

Do I have to peel the apples?

No. Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds texture and fiber, while peeling gives a softer result.

Can I skip the sugar or use a sugar alternative?

Yes. You can omit sugar or use maple syrup, honey, or another sweetener of choice.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes — you can make it in advance, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.

What should I serve these baked cinnamon apples with?

They’re great on their own or with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or waffles.

Will the apples become too mushy if I bake them too long?

They might if baked too long or if softer apples are used. Use firmer apples and stick to the recommended bake time.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free or vegan?

Yes. It’s naturally gluten-free. Use a dairy-free butter for a vegan option.

What if I don’t have a casserole dish with a lid?

Cover the dish tightly with foil during baking, then uncover as directed.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Yes — double the ingredients and use a larger dish or two smaller ones. Bake time remains similar.

Could I add other fruits or mix-ins?

Absolutely. Try berries, chopped pears, or nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Baked cinnamon apples are a timeless, heartwarming dish that brings the essence of fall into your home. Whether served as dessert, breakfast, or a quick snack, their caramelized sweetness and soft texture make them a cozy favorite. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.