Baked Cinnamon Apples (Healthy Winter Treat) – Cozy, Simple, Delicious
When the weather turns cold, a warm, spiced dessert can make everything feel a little brighter. These baked cinnamon apples are cozy, naturally sweet, and easy enough for a weeknight. You get all the comfort of pie without the crust or the fuss.
They’re great on their own, over yogurt, or with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you want a lighter dessert that still feels special, this is it.
Baked Cinnamon Apples (Healthy Winter Treat) - Cozy, Simple, Delicious
Ingredients
- 4–5 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or a mix)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons water or apple cider
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten and prevent browning)
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins: 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans, 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger, or 2 tablespoons rolled oats for a “crisp” vibe
Instructions
- Heat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
- Prep the apples: Core and slice apples into ¼-inch wedges.Peeling is optional—keep the skins for extra fiber and texture.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk cinnamon, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, water or cider, lemon juice, melted coconut oil or butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Toss and layer: Add apples to the bowl and coat well. Stir in any optional nuts, dried fruit, or oats. Spread evenly in the baking dish, along with any remaining sauce.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.Remove foil, stir gently, and bake another 10–15 minutes until apples are tender but not mushy.
- Finish: Let rest for 5 minutes so the juices thicken slightly. Taste and add a drizzle of maple syrup if you want more sweetness.
- Serve: Enjoy warm on its own, over yogurt, oatmeal, cottage cheese, or with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What Makes This Special
This recipe brings out the best in apples with minimal ingredients and effort. It’s a smart way to use up apples that are a bit past their crisp prime.
The natural sweetness of the fruit shines, and you can control how much added sugar you use. Plus, your kitchen will smell like a bakery in under 10 minutes.
- Simple ingredients: Mostly pantry staples you likely have.
- Flexible: Works with many apple varieties and different toppings.
- Lighter dessert: No pastry, less sugar, lots of flavor.
- Great for meal prep: Reheats well for quick snacks or breakfasts.
What You’ll Need
- 4–5 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or a mix)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons water or apple cider
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to brighten and prevent browning)
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins: 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans, 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger, or 2 tablespoons rolled oats for a “crisp” vibe
Instructions
- Heat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
- Prep the apples: Core and slice apples into ¼-inch wedges.
Peeling is optional—keep the skins for extra fiber and texture.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk cinnamon, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, water or cider, lemon juice, melted coconut oil or butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Toss and layer: Add apples to the bowl and coat well. Stir in any optional nuts, dried fruit, or oats. Spread evenly in the baking dish, along with any remaining sauce.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil, stir gently, and bake another 10–15 minutes until apples are tender but not mushy.
- Finish: Let rest for 5 minutes so the juices thicken slightly. Taste and add a drizzle of maple syrup if you want more sweetness.
- Serve: Enjoy warm on its own, over yogurt, oatmeal, cottage cheese, or with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 20–30 second bursts.
- Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
The texture softens but stays tasty.
Why This is Good for You
Apples provide fiber, especially pectin, which supports digestion and helps you feel full. Cinnamon brings warm flavor without extra calories and pairs well with the fruit’s natural sugars. Using a small amount of maple syrup or honey keeps the dessert light and balanced.
Keeping the peel on adds antioxidants and texture.
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Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Overbaking: Apples can go from tender to mushy fast. Start checking at the 25-minute mark.
- Too much liquid: A little water or cider is great, but too much makes the dish soupy. Stick to the amounts listed.
- Wrong apple choice: Very soft apples (like McIntosh) may collapse.
Use firmer varieties or mix types for the best texture.
- Skipping the salt: A tiny pinch deepens the flavor and balances sweetness.
Recipe Variations
- Crumble-Style: Mix 2 tablespoons rolled oats with 1 teaspoon coconut sugar and 1 teaspoon melted butter. Sprinkle on top before baking uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Ginger Snap: Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger and a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
- Nutty Crunch: Toast chopped walnuts or pecans in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes and sprinkle on just before serving.
- Caramel Kiss: Drizzle with 1 teaspoon date syrup or a light caramel sauce at the end for a special occasion.
- Breakfast Bowl: Serve over Greek yogurt with chia seeds and a spoon of nut butter.
FAQ
What are the best apples to use?
Firm, slightly tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn hold up well. Mixing two types gives great flavor and texture.
Do I have to peel the apples?
No.
The peel adds fiber and helps the slices hold their shape. If you prefer a softer texture, peel them.
Can I make this without added sugar?
Yes. Skip the maple syrup or honey if your apples are very sweet.
The cinnamon and vanilla still make it taste great.
How do I keep the apples from turning mushy?
Slice them evenly, use firmer varieties, and don’t overbake. Covering for part of the bake keeps moisture in while finishing uncovered prevents steaming.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes. Sauté the apples with the sauce over medium heat for 8–12 minutes, stirring often, until just tender.
Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the sugars.
Final Thoughts
Baked cinnamon apples bring all the cozy winter feelings with minimal effort and clean ingredients. They’re versatile, family-friendly, and easy to customize. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for last-minute desserts, simple snacks, or a better-for-you breakfast topper.
Warm, fragrant, and satisfying—this is comfort food done right.
