Gluten-Free Baked Apples With Cinnamon

Experience the taste of autumn with easy gluten-free baked apples. Bursting with flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla, it's the perfect fall dessert or side dish!

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Gluten-Free Baked Apples Recipe
• Gluten-Free Baked Apples Ingredients
• Ingredient Notes
• How To Make Gluten-Free Baked Apples
• Variations & Substitutions
• Expert Tips
• Storage
• FAQ
• More Fall Recipes You'll Love
• Recipe
• Reviews

Why You Will Love This Gluten-Free Baked Apples Recipe

When it comes to simplicity, baked apples are an easy and delicious dessert anyone can make. Tender warm cinnamon-spiced apples caramelized in a sweet maple syrup glaze with hints of vanilla. While perfect on their own, these apple slices pair well with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or coconut cream. For more fall-inspired recipes, check out this gluten-free apple crisp recipe, and pumpkin flax granola. Here are some more reasons why you will love these baked apples.

• Easy to make cinnamon apples. This baked apple recipe is made with simple ingredients, that the whole family will love. 
• No pie crust hassle. You get all the flavors of apple pie filling without the hassle of making a crust. 
• Healthier dessert option. These healthy baked apples are made with no refined sugar, perfect dessert.

Gluten-Free Baked Apples Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

• Apples: I recommend using a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are my favorite apples.
• Lemon Juice: A tablespoon of fresh lemon juice helps brighten this dish while preventing the apples from over-browning. 
• Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetened with organic pure maple syrup. 
• Arrowroot Powder: To thicken the glaze. we use a little arrowroot powder, a healthier alternative to cornstarch. Cornstarch can be substituted if needed. 
• Spices: The combination of warming spices ground cinnamon and cardamom brings a fall-like touch to the apples.
• Extracts: A high-quality vanilla extract and almond extract help enhance the flavors.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps bring forward all of the flavors.
• Butter: Before baking, add a few pats of unsalted butter to the top of the apples to help richen the dish. For a dairy-free option use ghee, coconut oil, or skip the butter altogether. 

Find the printable recipe card with full instructions and measurements below.

How To Make Gluten-Free Baked Apples

1. Core, slice, and coat the apples. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a medium-sized baking dish. We used an 11 x 7 oval dish, but an 8x8, 9x9, or 9x13 will work too. Set the dish aside. Core, peel, and slice the whole apples into ¼-1/2 inch slices. Add the apples to a large bowl along with the lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, arrowroot powder, and salt. Using a rubber spatula, carefully toss everything together until combined and the apples are well coated.
2. Bake the apples. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread the apples out evenly. Dot the tops with a few pats of butter, and cover the top with aluminum foil. Place the apples in the oven to bake for 40 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and stir. Remove the foil from the apples and stir the mixture. Place the dish back in the oven for 20 minutes. The apple glaze should be bubbling on the sides of the dish, and the apples should be tender, and easily pierced with a paring knife.
4. Allow the apples to rest. Remove the dish from the oven and stir once more. Have the apples sit for 10 minutes to help thicken the glaze before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

• Use a different sweetener - Honey, coconut sugar, and brown sugar are great options.
• Use different spices - Many fall-flavored spices that pair with baked apples include nutmeg, allspice, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice.
• Add another fruit combination & nuts - Depending on the season, a great fruit combination could include adding pears, cranberries, or cherries. Adding crunchy pecans, walnuts, or almonds would give these apples a delicious texture.
• Combine different apple varieties - Feel free to use different apple varieties paired with the Granny Smiths including Gala Apples, Golden Delicious Apples, Pink Lady Apples, and Fuji Apples.
• Make it vegan or dairy-free - For vegan and dairy-free options use vegan butter or coconut oil.

Expert Tips

1. Peel and thinly slice the apples. Slice the apples into ¼-1/2 inch slices. Anything larger will result in a longer bake time.
2. Use a combination of tart and sweet apples. Both the Granny Smith Apples and Honeycrisp Apples give this dish the best flavor. Pair the Granny Smiths with any other sweet apples of your choice. 
3. Baking time may vary. Every oven is different and may take more or less time than instructed. It also depends on how thick or thin you slice the apples. What you are looking for is apples that easily pierce with a knife or fork in addition to the caramelization and bubbling on the sides of the dish. 

Storage

• To Store: Store the leftover apples in the baking dish they were made in covered with foil, or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To Reheat: Cover the leftover baked apples and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can heat individual portions in the microwave using 30-second increments until warmed.

FAQ

More Fall Recipes You'll Love

I hope you love this gluten-free baked apples recipe as much as I do! If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your review will help other readers in the community.

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