Baked Cinnamon Apples are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. They’re warm, sweet, and spiced just right, making them a popular choice for cozy family gatherings, holiday dinners, or just a comforting dessert on a chilly evening. The combination of tender apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg creates a dish that’s not only mouthwatering but easy to prepare. Whether you enjoy them on their own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these baked apples are sure to bring joy to your taste buds.
Gather Your Baked Cinnamon Apples Ingredients
To make these delicious Baked Cinnamon Apples, here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooking spray
- 3 pounds (about 1.36 kg) fresh apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup (about 60 ml) water
Step-by-Step Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures your apples cook evenly and get that perfect tenderness.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat a 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 cm) baking dish with cooking spray. This will help prevent the apples from sticking.
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Toss the Apples: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and nutmeg. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated in the mixture.
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Transfer to Dish: Spoon the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Add Water: Drizzle 1/4 cup of water over the apple mixture. This will create a lovely sauce as the apples bake.
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Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This helps steam the apples, making them tender.
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Stir and Bake Again: After 30 minutes, uncover the dish and give the apple mixture a good stir. Bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the apples are nice and soft.
How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Apples
Serving Baked Cinnamon Apples is just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert game:
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On Their Own: These apples are delightful straight from the dish, warm and fragrant.
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With Ice Cream: Serve your baked apples topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess paired with the warm spices is simply heaven.
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In a Sandwich: For a fun twist, pile the apples between two slices of toasted bread or on top of pancakes for a delicious breakfast treat.
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Garnish with Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a crunchy texture and added flavor.
Expert Tips for Baked Cinnamon Apples
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Choose the Right Apples: Not all apples are created equal! For baking, opt for firmer varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These hold their shape well and add a nice tartness to counter the sweetness.
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Customize Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you love ginger, add a bit of ground ginger to the mix for an extra kick!
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Make It Ahead of Time: You can prepare the apple mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the water and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Baked Cinnamon Apples: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before baking, as frozen apples can release extra moisture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Baked Cinnamon Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I use less sugar?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of brown sugar according to your preference. The natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through.
These Baked Cinnamon Apples are a simple, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Try them out, and enjoy the warm, delightful flavors that evoke cozy memories. Happy baking!