Cinnamon Baked Apples—The Healthy Dessert Your January Needs

January may imply the tip of cookie szn (for awhile), however I for one at all times have room for an after-dinner chunk that satisfies my cravings for one thing candy. And since my children positively really feel the identical, I’ve constructed up a set of some favourite wholesome desserts that style like a deal with with out sending our blood sugar skyrocketing. On the listing? Fresh strawberries with a dollop of whipped cream, a handful of blended nuts and darkish chocolate, and most frequently currently: this extremely simple cinnamon baked apples recipe. It’s a one-bowl recipe that’s precisely the nice and cozy, cozy, and really wholesome dessert all of us want in our lives proper now.

1 of 10

Why you’ll love these cinnamon baked apples

This is such a easy recipe to have in your again pocket. Here are only a few of my favourite issues about it:

Tender and scrumptious.

As the apples bake slowly within the oven, they launch their pure sweetness, making every chunk completely tender.

Caramelized sauce.

The honey, brown sugar, spices, and liquid from the apples caramelize to create a flavor-packed sauce, effortlessly.

Naturally grain-free and gluten-free dessert.

This means nearly everybody can indulge.

How to make the best cinnamon baked apples

A handful of ingredients and a baking dish are all you need to make this easy recipe. Here’s the simple step-by-step:

Start by coring your apples, then slice thinly. Many recipes say to peel the apples first, but I say do yourself a favor and skip it. The peel becomes super tender and sweet in the oven (and it adds some extra nutritional value.)
Add to your baking dish, then top with lemon juice, water, sugar, honey, cinnamon, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine the mixture, then scatter your butter pieces over the top.

Tent with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered.

That’s it—seriously!

ingredients for cinnamon baked apples, fall and winter dessert, ice cream

What to serve with cinnamon baked apples

I love how versatile this recipe is—you can keep it simple and eat the baked apples on their own, or you can dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. They even make an amazing fall or winter breakfast. Try serving them over yogurt or oatmeal, or top the baked apples with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts, almonds, or a handful of granola. These would also be pretty amazing on French toast with a drizzle of maple syrup—just sayin’.

easy cinnamon baked apples with ice cream, cozy dessert

Tips for success

This recipe really doesn’t get easier, but I learned a few keys to success during my recipe testing.

Choose the right apples

What apples should you use for baked apples? Many different apple varieties will work, both tart and sweet. Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are always a solid choice for baking, and I used Honeycrisp here with great results. As a rule, the best apples for baking are crisp, firm, and can stand up to heat without getting mushy.

Watch your baking time

The first time I tested these, I actually didn’t bake them long enough, and my apple slices were a bit too firm and hadn’t fully released their natural sweetness. You’ll want to test a couple slices before taking them out of the oven—if they’re fully tender but still holding their shape, you’ll know they’re ready.

How to store and reheat.

This recipe is a perfect make-ahead dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I made a batch of baked cinnamon apples in advance of a recent dinner party, and just before serving, I popped them in the oven for about 10 minutes until hot, and they tasted every bit as fresh as the day I made them. You can also reheat in the microwave on 50% power.