There’s something undeniably cozy about warm baked fruit that fills the kitchen with comforting smells. This Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe is one of those simple treats that feels like a warm hug, especially on a chilly day. It's not only easy to make but also totally satisfying with a mix of sweet, tart, and spicy notes that you’ll want to savor spoonful after spoonful.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with soft apple slices cooked in a rich brown sauce that covers the bottom and sides. There are two dollops of white creamy topping on the apple filling, one near the top left and one near the bottom right. A silver serving spoon rests inside the dish on the right side, partially covered with the sauce and apple slices. Around the dish on a white marbled surface, there is a green apple on the top left, two small slices of ginger near the bottom left, an apple slice on the right, two cinnamon sticks positioned horizontally near the top right, and a white measuring cup filled with brown sugar. A soft mauve-colored cloth is underneath the dish on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This baked cinnamon apples recipe is a favorite in my kitchen because it takes minimal effort but delivers big on flavor and warmth. Plus, it works magic as both a wholesome dessert or a cozy snack anytime you need that little pick-me-up.

Flavor Harmony: Tart and sweet apples combined with cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg create a perfectly balanced, naturally sweet dessert.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand, making this recipe super convenient.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy it warm alone or dress it up with coconut whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent touch.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores well and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days without losing its charm.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this baked cinnamon apples recipe plays its part to create a cozy and flavorful dish. Choosing the right apples and balancing spices is key, so let me walk you through what works best and why.

Flat lay of six whole crisp Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples with shiny skins, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl holding solid coconut oil, a small white bowl filled with light brown coconut sugar, a small white bowl of fine ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl containing freshly grated ginger, a small white bowl with a pinch of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of white cornstarch, a small white bowl with clear fresh apple juice, and a small white bowl containing a pinch of sea salt, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Apples: Using a mix of tart granny smith and sweet honeycrisp apples gives a lovely contrast that’s not overly sweet or one-note.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning before baking.
Coconut oil (optional): Adds a subtle richness and helps the apples caramelize.
Coconut sugar: A natural sweetener with a caramel-like depth that complements cinnamon beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and aroma to every bite.
Fresh grated ginger: Adds a gentle spicy kick and brightness; if unavailable, ground ginger will do.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the warmth and depth without overpowering.
Cornstarch or arrowroot starch: Thickens the juices into a luscious sauce.
Apple juice or water: Helps create the sauce and keeps the apples juicy.
Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this baked cinnamon apples recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or dietary needs. I’ve played around with different sweeteners and spice combos, and you’ll find it delicious no matter how you dress it up.

Variation: For a lower-sugar option, I swap half the coconut sugar for stevia—it keeps the sweetness without the extra calories, and you’d never miss it!
Dairy-Free Toppings: Coconut whipped cream or vanilla bean coconut ice cream are my go-to toppings to keep this dessert vegan-friendly and extra creamy.
Spice It Up: When I want more warmth, I add a bit more freshly grated ginger or even a dash of cardamom for a unique twist.
Apple Selection: Feel free to use all tart or all sweet apples—just make sure to adjust sugar gently to keep it balanced.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

A white bowl is filled with cooked apple slices that are a warm golden brown color with a shiny surface showing they are coated in sauce. On top of the apples is a scoop of white ice cream starting to melt a bit, blending into the edges of the fruit. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, positioned on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a whole green apple slightly blurred in the background. The overall feeling is warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Apples Thinly

Peeling, coring, and slicing the apples thinly is key for even cooking and that luscious melt-in-your-mouth texture. I use a sharp paring knife to cut the apples into quarters, then slice each quarter lengthwise as thin and evenly as I can. This step takes a little time, but trust me—it’s worth it. Also, don’t skip the lemon juice here; it keeps those slices from turning an unappetizing brown while you prep.

Step 2: Toss Together Your Flavorful Mixture

Place your apple slices in the baking dish, then sprinkle over the coconut sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Drizzle the lemon juice and optional coconut oil, then add the cornstarch and apple juice or water. Toss gently but thoroughly so every slice is coated with that enchanting spice and sugar blend. This is where the flavors start to meld, and the kitchen begins to smell incredible.

Step 3: Cover and Bake Until Tender

Cover your baking dish loosely with foil to trap moisture and prevent the top from drying out. Pop it in a 350°F (176°C) oven and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes to let the apples caramelize and get that yummy golden edge. You’ll know they’re done when they’re fork-tender all the way through and the sauce is thickened nicely.

Top Tip

From my many attempts with this baked cinnamon apples recipe, I’ve gathered a few nuggets that really make a difference in the end result. These tips helped me get tender, flavorful apples without any mushy or undercooked surprises.

Thin is In: The thinner your slices, the quicker and more evenly the apples bake—aim for consistent thickness.
Don’t Skip Lemon Juice: It’s a simple step that preserves the fresh color and adds subtle brightness to balance the sweetness.
Loosely Cover, Then Uncover: Covering traps steam so the apples cook through, but uncovering near the end helps them caramelize beautifully.
Watch Your Oven: All ovens bake a little differently—start checking at 55 minutes to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

baked cinnamon apples - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a scoop of vanilla bean coconut ice cream on top—that cold creaminess contrasted with the warm apples is dreamy. Coconut whipped cream is another heavenly choice that keeps it light and dairy-free. Sprinkling a little toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This baked cinnamon apples recipe often stars as a cozy dessert on its own but pairs wonderfully with hearty breakfasts like oatmeal or pancakes. I also love serving it alongside a scoop of yogurt for a refreshing balance. During holiday spreads, it makes a great warm fruit side to pork or roasted chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered these baked apples in parfait glasses with granola and coconut yogurt for a pretty brunch treat. Another fun idea is warming apple-stuffed crepes with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of cinnamon—it’s like a little celebration on a plate! Presentation can be as simple or as elegant as you want.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for about 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but if the sauce thickens too much, just stir in a splash of water when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover baked cinnamon apples a few times with great success—just cool them completely, pack into a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep up to a month. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheating is easy: I like to warm mine in the oven at 350°F (176°C), covered, until heated through to keep the texture just right. You can also use the microwave for convenience—just add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of apples works best in baked cinnamon apples?

A combination of tart and sweet apples works wonderfully, such as granny smith paired with honeycrisp. The tartness balances the sweetness and keeps the flavor vibrant. You can also experiment with your favorites, but avoid overly soft apples that may turn mushy.

Can I make this baked cinnamon apples recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan if you use coconut oil and coconut sugar. Serve it with coconut whipped cream or a dairy-free vanilla ice cream to keep it fully plant-based and delicious.

Can I prepare the apples ahead of time?

Yes, you can slice and prepare the apples a few hours ahead of baking. Just toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning and cover well. However, for the best texture and flavor, I recommend baking shortly after prepping.

How to avoid mushy baked apples?

Slicing the apples thinly and evenly helps them cook through without becoming mushy. Also, baking covered for the initial time retains moisture while uncovering towards the end allows caramelization without over-softening. Keep an eye on your oven’s timing since baking times can vary.

Final Thoughts

This baked cinnamon apples recipe holds a little piece of autumn and winter magic for me. It’s the kind of treat that’s as wholesome as it is comforting, and I love how it brings that sweet, spiced aroma filling the house. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dessert, a snack, or a special breakfast topper, this recipe will quickly become a favorite you reach for again and again. Give it a try—and I bet you’ll find yourself making it your own in no time!