Baked Cinnamon Apples are a comforting and delicious dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of apples with warm, aromatic cinnamon, and the rich texture of brown sugar, nuts, and raisins. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for fall but can be enjoyed any time of year. The apples are tender and flavorful, and the buttery topping adds an indulgent touch. Whether served on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The apples are cored and filled with a delicious blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and raisins, creating a sweet and spicy flavor combination that’s hard to resist. A pat of butter melts over the top, helping the apples bake to a soft and tender texture while infusing the dish with richness. Perfect for an easy family dessert or an impressive side dish for a dinner party, these Baked Cinnamon Apples will warm you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Warm and Comforting

The combination of cinnamon, apples, and butter creates a comforting dessert that’s perfect for cold days or cozy nights in.

2. Simple Ingredients

Made with easy-to-find ingredients like apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, this recipe is affordable and quick to prepare.

3. Versatile

You can adjust the nuts and raisins to your liking, or add other spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a personalized touch.

4. Healthy Twist

While this is a dessert, apples are full of fiber and vitamins, making it a healthier choice compared to other sugary treats.

5. Impressive Presentation

This dish looks as impressive as it tastes. The baked apples are visually stunning, making them an excellent choice for a dinner party or holiday meal.

Ingredients

Large apples
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Chopped nuts
Raisins
Butter

Variations

Add More Spice: Spice things up by adding nutmeg, cloves, or ginger along with the cinnamon for a more complex flavor.
Different Nuts: Swap out the nuts for chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to suit your taste.
Maple Syrup: For a touch of maple flavor, drizzle some maple syrup over the apples before baking.
Add Oats: For a more substantial filling, add rolled oats to the brown sugar mixture for a crumble-like texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Core the apples, making sure to remove the seeds but leaving the bottoms intact. Place the apples in a baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins.

Step 4: Stuff the Apples

Fill each apple with the sugar mixture, pressing it down lightly to ensure it’s packed in.

Step 5: Add Butter

Top each stuffed apple with a small pat of butter for extra richness.

Step 6: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the apples in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Uncover and Continue Baking

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 8: Serve

Allow the apples to cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm as a delicious dessert.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Choose Firm Apples: Select firm apples, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala, so they don’t turn mushy when baked.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the apples up to a day in advance, stuff them with the filling, cover with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve the baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or drizzle some honey over the apples before baking.

How to Serve

Baked Cinnamon Apples are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some warm custard for a more decadent treat. They also make a delicious addition to breakfast or brunch, served alongside pancakes or French toast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Cinnamon Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stuffed apples before baking. Place the stuffed apples in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the baking instructions.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover baked apples in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer, but firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for baking.

2. Can I add other fruits to the filling?

You can experiment by adding dried cranberries, chopped pears, or figs for a different flavor profile.

3. How do I prevent the apples from getting too soft?

Be sure to use firm apples, and don’t overbake them. Check the apples for tenderness by gently poking them with a fork.

4. Can I make these apples without raisins?

Yes, you can omit the raisins or substitute them with other dried fruits like currants, apricots, or cranberries.

5. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

6. How can I make the sugar filling less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like stevia or coconut sugar.

7. Can I make a larger batch of these baked apples?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re serving a larger group. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.

8. Can I add oats to the filling for a crumble effect?

Yes, adding oats to the filling will create a crumbly texture and make the filling more hearty.

9. How do I know when the apples are done baking?

The apples are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. They should be soft but not falling apart.

10. Can I serve these apples for breakfast?

Yes, these Baked Cinnamon Apples make a delicious and healthy breakfast option when served with yogurt or oatmeal.

Conclusion

Baked Cinnamon Apples are the perfect dessert for cozy nights or fall gatherings. With their sweet, warm, and spiced flavor, they offer a simple yet indulgent treat that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of ice cream, they are sure to become a favorite dessert in your home. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors, this recipe is a must-try!