Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices - These easy-baked cinnamon apples are coated in a naturally sweetened caramelized maple glaze with a hint of vanilla and almond. It's the perfect healthier fall dessert to serve during the holiday season!
When it comes to simplicity, baked apple slices are a delicious dessert or side dish that anyone can make. This easy baked apples recipe is made with simple ingredients, the whole family will love, bursting with autumnal flavors that are perfect for the fall season. These tender warm delicious cinnamon apple slices are caramelized in a naturally sweetened maple glaze with a hint of vanilla and almond extract. You get all the flavors similar to apple pie filling without the hassle of making a crust. While perfect on their own, a great way to serve these apples is with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or coconut cream.
For more Fall inspired recipes, check out The Best Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe, Homemade Pumpkin Flax Granola, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread, and Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie.
Ingredients
- Apples: For the best flavor I recommend using a combination of both sweet and tart apples. The variety of apples we chose are Granny Smith and Honeycrisp Apples.
- Lemon Juice: A tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is the acid that helps brighten this dish while preventing the apples from browning.
- Maple Syrup: These apples are naturally sweetened with organic pure maple syrup.
- Arrowroot Powder: To thicken the glaze, we use arrowroot powder, a healthier alternative to cornstarch. Cornstarch can be substituted if needed.
- Cinnamon + Cardamom: The combination of these warm spices brings a fall-like touch to the apples.
- Vanilla Extract + Almond Extract: Both vanilla and almond extract help enhance the flavors.
- Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness.
- Butter: Before baking, add a few pats of butter to the top of the apples to help richen the dish. For a dairy-free option use ghee or coconut oil.
Instructions
Here's how to make baked cinnamon apples.
Step 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 apples into ¼-1/2 inch slices. Add the apples to a large bowl and pour the lemon juice over the top. Add the remaining ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, carefully toss everything together until combined and the apples are well coated.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 4: Allow the apples to rest. Remove the dish from the oven and stir once more. Have the apples sit for ten minutes before serving to help thicken the glaze.
Variations and Substitutions
- Sweetener - Instead of maple syrup you could use honey, coconut sugar, or brown sugar.
- Spices - There are many fall-flavored spices that would pair with baked apples including nutmeg, allspice, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice.
- Fruit + Nuts - Depending on the season, a great fruit combination could include adding pears, cranberries, or cherries. Walnuts, sliced almonds, or pecans would add great texture.
- Different Types of Apples - Feel free to use different apple varieties paired with the Granny Smiths including Gala Apples, Golden Delicious Apples, Pink Lady Apples, and Fuji Apples.
- Vegan + Dairy-Free - For vegan and dairy-free options use vegan butter or coconut oil.
Tips
- Thinly slice and peel the apples. Slice the apples into ¼-1/2 inch slices. Anything larger will result in a longer bake time.
- 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.
- Baking Time. 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
The baked sliced apples pair well with both savory and sweet foods including vanilla ice cream, on top of french toast, pork chops, waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, or yogurt.
I love to use a combination of both tart and sweet apples. Feel free to use different apple varieties paired with the Granny Smiths including Gala Apples, Golden Delicious Apples, Pink Lady Apples, and Fuji Apples.
Peeling is recommended to avoid a tough chewy texture from the apple skin.
Cooked apples have a ton of nutrients that are good for the body, and this recipe uses non-refined sugar to help keep this a somewhat healthy dessert. All desserts are recommended in moderation.
You can use a knife or vegetable peeler to peel the apples.
Recipe
Easy Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices (no refined sugar)
Ingredients
- 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into ¼-1/2 inch slices *See Note*
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup maple syrup, (60ml)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (9 grams)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cardamom
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- 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.
- Make the apple filling. Core, peel, and slice the apples into ¼-1/2 inch slices. Add the apples to a large bowl and pour the lemon juice over the top. Add the remaining ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, carefully toss everything together until combined and the apples are well coated.
- 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.
- 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.
- Allow the apples to rest. Remove the dish from the oven and stir once more. Have the apples sit for ten minutes before serving to help thicken the glaze.
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