Can I make these baked apples in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! These cinnamon baked apples adapt beautifully to slow cooking. Follow the same preparation steps, then cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2 hours. The slow cooker creates an especially tender apple with minimal effort. Depending on the size of your slow cooker, you might only fit 5 apples, so adjust accordingly.

Should I peel the apples before baking?

It's entirely up to your preference. The peel helps the apples maintain their shape during baking and contains beneficial nutrients, but some people prefer the texture of peeled baked apples. If you're serving guests who might be particular about texture, peeling is a safe choice.

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Yes, different apple varieties will each bring their unique flavor and texture. Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith work wonderfully. Softer varieties like McIntosh or Gala will cook faster and create a more applesauce-like consistency, which some people prefer. You can even mix varieties for complex flavor.

Can I make this recipe with sliced apples instead of whole?

Definitely! For a quicker cooking time, slice your apples and mix them with all the filling ingredients including small pieces of butter. Add the syrup, cover the baking dish with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes. This creates more of an apple crisp-style dessert that's equally delicious but cooks in about half the time.

Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe

These Cinnamon Baked Apples are the perfect blend of cozy comfort and effortless elegance. Tender golden apples filled with a warm cinnamon-nut mixture, bathed in a sweet orange-infused syrup, and baked until perfectly soft. This recipe transforms ordinary apples into a spectacular dessert that’s impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. In under 90 minutes, you’ll have a heavenly dessert that fills your home with the most inviting aroma of autumn.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally Delicious: These baked apples highlight the natural sweetness of fresh fruit while adding just enough indulgence to make them feel special.
Minimal Prep Work: Skip the fussy pastry-making! This recipe requires just a few minutes of hands-on preparation but delivers stunning results.
Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness, spices, and nuts to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Dietary-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Equally at home as a simple family dessert or the grand finale of a dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Golden Apples: Choose firm varieties like Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith that hold their shape when baked. The natural sweetness and sturdy structure make them perfect for baking.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that gives this dessert its warm, comforting character. Fresh ground cinnamon will give you the most vibrant flavor.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Adds a wonderful textural contrast and nutty flavor to the soft apples. Toast them lightly beforehand for enhanced flavor.
Brown Sugar: Creates that rich, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the apples. The molasses content helps develop a luscious syrup.
Butter: Just a small amount creates a luxurious richness and helps the filling ingredients meld together beautifully.
Orange Juice or Apple Cider: Forms the base of your baking liquid, infusing the apples with moisture and flavor as they bake. Fresh-squeezed orange juice adds a bright citrus note.
Vanilla or Cinnamon Ice Cream: Optional but highly recommended! The cold creaminess against the warm spiced apples creates the perfect temperature and texture contrast.

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.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Spice Blend Upgrade: Add 1/4 teaspoon each of nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice to the filling for a more complex flavor profile.
Boozy Baked Apples: Add a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy to the syrup for an adult version that’s perfect for special occasions.
Maple Makeover: Replace the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a more natural sweetener with wonderful depth.

Filling Alternatives

Dried Fruit Addition: Mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots with the nut mixture.
Granola Goodness: Use your favorite granola as filling for added texture and flavor complexity.
Streusel-Topped: Create a simple streusel with oats, flour, butter, and spices to sprinkle over the top before baking.

Dietary Adaptations

Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and serve with non-dairy ice cream.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or simply omit the nuts and add extra cinnamon and a sprinkle of oats.

How to Make Cinnamon Baked Apples

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take a moment to thoroughly grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Wash your apples well. Using a sharp knife or apple corer, carefully remove the core of each apple, starting from the stem end and working down. Be sure to leave the bottom intact to create a “cup” for the filling. Place the hollowed apples in your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Create the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, chopped nuts, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Spoon this fragrant mixture into the center of each cored apple, filling the cavity completely.

Step 4: Add Butter

Cut your butter into six small pieces. Place one piece on top of the filling in each apple, where it will melt down through the filling and into the fruit during baking.

Step 5: Prepare the Syrup

In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar with the orange juice or apple cider until the sugar begins to dissolve. Carefully pour this mixture into the baking dish around (not over) the apples. This liquid will create a luscious sauce as the apples bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the apples are tender (you should be able to easily pierce them with a fork) and the syrup has thickened to a beautiful caramel-like consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the apples cool slightly before serving. For an extra special treat, top each warm apple with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream and drizzle with some of the sauce from the baking dish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Choose the Right Apples: Select apples that are uniform in size for even cooking and firm varieties that won’t collapse during baking.
Core Carefully: Leave a half-inch base at the bottom of each apple when coring to create a secure “cup” for your filling.
Prevent Dry Apples: If your apples seem to be drying out during baking, loosely cover the dish with foil for part of the cooking time.
Test for Doneness: Apples should be tender but not mushy. Test by inserting a small knife or skewer into the thickest part of an apple – it should slide in with little resistance.
Balanced Sweetness: Adjust the sugar amount based on the natural sweetness of your apples. Tart varieties like Granny Smith may need a bit more, while naturally sweet varieties may need less.
Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the apples and filling up to a day ahead, but wait to add the syrup until just before baking for best results.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

À la Mode: The classic approach – top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that slowly melts into the warm apple.
Creamy Complements: A dollop of whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or crème fraîche offers a lighter alternative to ice cream.
Sauce it Up: Drizzle with caramel sauce, maple syrup, or a touch of heavy cream for extra richness.

Serving Occasions

Breakfast Twist: Serve without ice cream alongside yogurt for a special breakfast treat.
Holiday Dessert: These apples make a lighter alternative to traditional holiday pies.
Casual Dinner Finale: After a hearty fall or winter meal, these provide the perfect sweet ending without being overly heavy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after a day as the spices continue to infuse the fruit.

Freezing

While not ideal for freezing whole (the texture can become too soft), you can freeze the prepared filling separately for up to 3 months. This makes future apple baking a breeze.

Reheating

For the best texture and flavor, reheat refrigerated baked apples in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual apples for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Add a tablespoon of water or apple juice to the container when reheating to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I make these baked apples in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! These cinnamon baked apples adapt beautifully to slow cooking. Follow the same preparation steps, then cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2 hours. The slow cooker creates an especially tender apple with minimal effort. Depending on the size of your slow cooker, you might only fit 5 apples, so adjust accordingly.
Should I peel the apples before baking?

It’s entirely up to your preference. The peel helps the apples maintain their shape during baking and contains beneficial nutrients, but some people prefer the texture of peeled baked apples. If you’re serving guests who might be particular about texture, peeling is a safe choice.
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Yes, different apple varieties will each bring their unique flavor and texture. Firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith work wonderfully. Softer varieties like McIntosh or Gala will cook faster and create a more applesauce-like consistency, which some people prefer. You can even mix varieties for complex flavor.
Can I make this recipe with sliced apples instead of whole?

Definitely! For a quicker cooking time, slice your apples and mix them with all the filling ingredients including small pieces of butter. Add the syrup, cover the baking dish with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes. This creates more of an apple crisp-style dessert that’s equally delicious but cooks in about half the time.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Baked Apples are one of those magical recipes that transform simple ingredients into something truly special. With minimal effort, you can create a dessert that not only tastes incredible but fills your home with the most comforting aroma imaginable. Whether you’re looking for a healthier dessert option, a way to use up those fresh-picked apples, or simply a cozy treat to mark the changing seasons, this recipe delivers on all fronts. I hope you’ll make these baked apples part of your regular rotation – they might just become a new family tradition!