Baked Apple Cinnamon Slices

The aroma alone is enough to transport you straight to a cozy autumn afternoon. The first time I made these Baked Apple Cinnamon Slices, my kitchen filled with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon mingling with the sweetness of baked apples. My family, drawn by the smell like bees to honey, gathered around the oven, peering impatiently through the glass. When they finally came out, perfectly tender and glistening, they disappeared from the baking dish in minutes. It wasn’t just the taste – that perfect balance of tart apple, warm spice, and gentle sweetness – but the sheer simplicity of the recipe that made it an instant winner. It felt like a hug in a dish, comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight. Since then, these baked apple slices have become a staple in our home, perfect as a light dessert, a wholesome snack, or even a special breakfast treat. They prove that sometimes, the simplest things truly are the most satisfying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these wonderfully aromatic and delicious baked apple cinnamon slices:

• 4 medium Apples (approx. 1.5 lbs / 680g): Firm, crisp apples work best. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith (for more tartness), or Braeburn are excellent choices as they hold their shape well during baking and offer a good balance of sweet and tart flavours.
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted (or Coconut Oil for vegan): Adds richness and helps the apples soften beautifully. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. Coconut oil is a great vegan alternative that adds a subtle tropical note.
• 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (packed, or Maple Syrup/Honey): Provides sweetness and a hint of molasses depth. Maple syrup or honey can be used as natural liquid sweetener alternatives, offering slightly different flavour profiles. Adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! Provides that classic warm, comforting flavour synonymous with baked apples. Ensure your cinnamon is fresh for the best aroma and taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (optional): Adds another layer of warmth and complexity to the spice blend. Pairs beautifully with cinnamon and apples.
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional): Helps to prevent the apples from browning excessively and adds a subtle brightness that balances the sweetness.
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the other flavours, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the apple and spice notes.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your apple cinnamon slices to perfection:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (an 8×8 inch or similar size pie dish works well) with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly. You can choose to peel them or leave the skin on for extra fiber and a more rustic look. Core the apples using an apple corer or a sharp paring knife. Slice the apples into uniform rings or half-moon shapes, about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking.
3. Toss with Lemon Juice (Optional): If using lemon juice, place the apple slices in a medium bowl and gently toss them with the lemon juice to coat. This helps prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
4. Mix Spices and Sweetener: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter (or coconut oil), brown sugar (or maple syrup/honey), ground cinnamon, optional ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until everything is evenly combined into a fragrant slurry.
5. Coat the Apples: Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apple slices in the bowl. Gently toss the slices until they are all evenly coated with the spice mixture. Be careful not to break the slices.
6. Arrange in Baking Dish: Arrange the coated apple slices in the prepared baking dish. You can layer them slightly overlapping or arrange them in a single layer if your dish is large enough. Ensure they are spread out reasonably evenly for consistent baking.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Baking time may vary slightly depending on the apple variety and thickness of the slices. The apples should be soft, slightly translucent around the edges, and the kitchen should smell amazing!
8. Rest and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the baked apple cinnamon slices rest for a few minutes before serving. They will be very hot. Serve warm as desired.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: This recipe typically makes 4 servings.
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 150-200 calories (This is an estimate and can vary based on apple size, type of sweetener, and whether butter or oil is used).

Key Nutrition Highlights (Estimates per serving):

1. Fiber (approx. 4-5g): Primarily from the apple skins (if left on) and flesh, fiber aids digestion and contributes to feelings of fullness.
2. Vitamin C (Varies by apple): Apples are a decent source of Vitamin C, an important antioxidant that supports immune function.
3. Natural Sugars (Varies): Contains natural sugars from the apples, plus added sugars from the brown sugar/maple syrup. You can adjust the added sweetener to control sugar content.
4. Potassium (approx. 150-200mg): Apples provide potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid balance.
5. Low in Fat (if using oil minimally/butter): Naturally low in fat, making it a lighter dessert or snack option compared to many baked goods.

(Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate only and calculated using standard ingredients. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes (Includes washing, coring, slicing apples, and mixing ingredients).
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes.
• Total Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes from start to finish, making this a relatively quick and easy recipe suitable for weeknights or impromptu sweet cravings.

How to Serve

These Baked Apple Cinnamon Slices are wonderfully versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• Simply Warm: Enjoy them straight from the baking dish, warm and comforting on their own.
• With Ice Cream:
  • Serve a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm apple slices for a classic, irresistible contrast of temperatures and textures.
  • Salted caramel or cinnamon ice cream also pairs beautifully.
• With Yogurt or Cream:
  • Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) for a tangy, protein-rich addition, great for breakfast or a healthier dessert.
  • A spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream or heavy cream adds luxurious richness.
  • Crème fraîche offers a sophisticated tang.
• Breakfast Boost:
  • Serve over oatmeal or porridge for a flavourful and aromatic start to your day.
  • Add them to pancake or waffle stacks.
  • Enjoy alongside cottage cheese or quark.
• With Granola or Nuts:
  • Sprinkle with your favorite granola for added crunch and texture just before serving.
  • Toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds complement the flavours wonderfully.
• Drizzled Delights:
  • Drizzle with caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra sweetness and indulgence.
  • A light honey drizzle also works well.
• As a Side Dish:
  • Surprisingly delicious served alongside savory dishes like roasted pork loin or pork chops, offering a sweet and spiced counterpoint.
• In Other Desserts:
  • Use as a filling for crepes.
  • Layer in a parfait with yogurt and granola.
  • Serve alongside a simple pound cake or angel food cake.

Additional Tips

Enhance your Baked Apple Cinnamon Slices experience with these helpful tips:

1. Choose the Right Apples: As mentioned, firm apples that hold their shape are key. Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, Gala, Jonagold, and Granny Smith are excellent choices. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh, which can become mushy when baked this way.
2. Uniform Slicing is Key: Try to slice the apples as uniformly as possible (around 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick). This ensures they all cook at the same rate, preventing some slices from being too hard while others turn to mush. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for perfect consistency, but careful knife work is fine too.
3. Adjust Sweetness: Taste your apples first! Some varieties are naturally sweeter than others. Adjust the amount of brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey accordingly. You might need less sweetener for Fuji or Honeycrisp, and potentially a bit more for tart Granny Smiths. Start with a smaller amount if unsure; you can always drizzle extra sweetness on top later.
4. Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices. Add a pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg for a more complex flavour profile. A tiny pinch of cloves can also add warmth, but use it sparingly as it’s potent.
5. Prevent Browning: While optional, tossing the apple slices with a tablespoon of lemon juice immediately after slicing does help prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown, keeping their appearance fresh. It also adds a subtle brightness.
6. Add Texture with Oats or Nuts: For a slight crumble effect without making a full topping, toss in 1-2 tablespoons of rolled oats or chopped pecans/walnuts with the spice mixture before baking. They will toast slightly and add lovely texture.
7. Make-Ahead & Storage: You can assemble the dish (arrange coated apples in the baking dish) a few hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Baked leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
8. Reheating: Gently reheat the baked apple slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid overheating, which can make them mushy. They are also quite nice cold or at room temperature!

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making Baked Apple Cinnamon Slices:

1. Q: Can I use different types of apples?
   A: Yes, but choose wisely! Firm, crisp apples that hold their shape during baking are best. Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Braeburn, Jonagold, and Granny Smith (for tartness) work well. Avoid varieties like Red Delicious or McIntosh, which tend to become mushy quickly when baked. Using a mix of sweet and tart apples can also create a lovely flavour complexity.
2. Q: Can I make these Baked Apple Cinnamon Slices sugar-free or with less sugar?
   A: Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of brown sugar/maple syrup, or omit it entirely if your apples are very sweet. You could also use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia according to your preference and the product’s conversion guidelines. The apples themselves provide natural sweetness.
3. Q: How do I store leftover baked apple slices?
   A: Allow the baked apple slices to cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for 3-4 days.
4. Q: Can I freeze baked apple cinnamon slices?
   A: While you can freeze them, the texture may change upon thawing. Apples tend to become softer and potentially a bit watery after freezing and reheating. If you do freeze them, cool completely, place in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
5. Q: Why did my apple slices turn out mushy?
   A: This usually happens for a few reasons: using a soft apple variety (like McIntosh), slicing the apples too thinly, or overbaking them. Ensure you use firm apples, slice them at least 1/4 inch thick, and start checking for tenderness around the 20-minute mark. They should be fork-tender but not falling apart.
6. Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   A: Yes, you can prepare it ahead in a couple of ways. You can slice the apples, toss them with the coating, arrange them in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours (up to overnight, though they might release some liquid) before baking. Alternatively, you can fully bake the dish ahead of time and simply reheat it before serving.
7. Q: Are Baked Apple Cinnamon Slices healthy?
   A: They can certainly be part of a healthy diet! Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins. This recipe uses minimal added fat and allows you to control the amount of added sugar. Opting for less sweetener, leaving the skins on, and serving with Greek yogurt makes it a relatively wholesome dessert or snack compared to many processed treats.
8. Q: What main dishes pair well with these apple slices if served as a side?
   A: The sweet and spiced flavour profile of baked apples complements savory dishes beautifully, especially pork. Try serving them alongside roasted pork loin, pork chops, or even roasted chicken or turkey. The sweetness cuts through the richness of the meat, creating a balanced and delicious pairing often enjoyed during fall and winter meals.