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.