Nothing says “cozy” like the aroma of baked apples with cinnamon on a crisp-air day when leaves begin falling. This simple dessert celebrates simplicity – the natural sweetness of apples complimented by warmth from cinnamon and other spices. Easy to prepare and endlessly customisable, baked apples are the perfect treat for cozy evenings, holidays, or just as a slightly healthier dessert choice.
We will take you through everything that you would need to know on how to make baked apples with cinnamon, from choosing the right apples, to creative variations, and to serving suggestions in this blog.
Table of Contents
Why Baked Apples Are a Classic Dessert
Health Benefits of Baked Apples
Choosing the Best Apples for Baking
Key Ingredients for Baked Apples
Step-by-Step Recipe
Tips for Perfect Baked Apples
Creative Variations to Try
Serving Suggestions
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Conclusion and FAQs
Why Baked Apples Are a Classic Dessert
Baked apples have been the favorite of generations; it is not hard to understand why:
Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this dish beginner-friendly.
Comforting and Nostalgic: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness evokes memories of home-cooked meals.
Versatile: Baked apples can be enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even for breakfast.
Healthier Option: A sweet delight with natural sweetness and not high in creams or sugars.
Nutritional Benefits of Baked Apples
Baked apples are so yummy but nutrient-rich too:
Dietary Fiber: Apple is high in dietary fiber. The diet fibers facilitate the process of digestion, helping in controlling satiety.
Antioxidants Loaded: The fruits have flavonoids and vitamin C that helps guard the human body from free radicals.
Low-Calorie Goodie: It’s an excellent low-calorie dessert for those watching their calories.
Blood Sugar Control: Cinnamon keeps the blood sugar balanced.
Heart Health: Apples and cinnamon are heart healthy because they lower inflammation and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Best Apples for Baking
The variety of apple you use will make or break your baked apple. Look for ones that will hold their shape nicely when they are baked and that bring an equal balance of sweetness and tartness into the mixture.
Best Baked Apples
Granny Smith: Tart, firm; good for those who want fewer sweets.
Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp; great for baking
Fuji: Sweet, juicy, and more natural.
Braeburn: Equally balanced in sweetness and acidity.
Cortland: Soft, mild flavor; great for stuffing.
Key Ingredients for Baked Apples
You will need these to make your perfect baked apples with cinnamon:
Apples-Choose firm, flavorful apples
Cinnamon gives warmth and depth to the dessert
Brown sugar sweetens the apples. It caramelizes well in baking.
Butter adds richness, which will then help in forming a luscious sauce.
Optional Add-ins: Raisins, chopped nuts, oats, or granola adds texture and flavor
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients
4 medium-sized apples- Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji
4 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
¼ cup water or apple juice
Optional: ¼ cup raisins or chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare the Apples:
Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to create a cavity for the filling. Peel the top third of the apples if desired for presentation. - Mix the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional add-ins like raisins or nuts. - Fill the Apples:
Stuff the filling mixture into the cavity of each apple. Top with a small piece of butter. - Add Liquid:
Place the apples in a baking dish and pour water or apple juice into the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and create a sauce. - Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake until the apples are tender but still firm, around 20 to 25 more minutes. - Serve:
Spoon the sauce from the dish over the apples and serve warm.
How to Bake Perfect Apples
Select the Perfect Apples:
Use firm apples that will not collapse during the baking process.
Do Not Overfill:
Keep some space within the cavity as the filling may flow out.
Bake Until Cooked:
Check the apples frequently to make sure they’re tender but still hold their shape.
Add Some Oomph to the Sauce:
Stir in a little vanilla or maple syrup for extra flavor.
Creative Twists to Try - Streusel Topped Apples
Mix oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar for a crumbly topping. Sprinkle on top of the apples before baking for a crisp texture. - Caramel Apple Delight
Drizzle baked apples with caramel sauce for a decadent dessert. - Spiced Baked Apples: Mix in nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cinnamon mixture to add the spiced flavor profile.
- Chocolate-Filled Apples: Put some dark chocolate inside the cavity of the apple before baking for a rich surprise.
- Savoury Twist: Substitute brown sugar with cheese and herbs, for instance goat cheese with rosemary for the savory version.
Serving Tips
With Ice Cream: Baked apples pair well with a warm scoop of either vanilla or caramel ice cream.
Yogurt Topping: Serve over Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
Granola Topping: Sprinkle granola on top for crunch.
Holiday Presentation: Top with a cinnamon stick and fresh mint for a holiday flavor.
Leftover Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Keep leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze in a single layer, then pack frozen product into a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from refrigerator overnight.
Reheating:
Oven: warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes
Microwave: heat on low power until warmed through.