Name: Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon for a Cozy Dessert Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 medium Apples (Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith) (Choose firm varieties for the best texture and sweetness.); 2 tablespoons Butter or Coconut oil (Optional, for added richness.); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Essential for flavor.); 2 tablespoons Sweetener (Optional, consider sugar-free maple syrup.); 1 pinch Salt (Balances flavors.); 1 scoop Yogurt or Ice Cream (Optional topping for serving.); 4 slices Pancakes or Waffles (Serve baked apple slices over them.)

The sweet, golden scent of baked apples fills the air, wrapping you in a comforting embrace. It’s hard to believe that something so delightful can be so quick and healthy! My Easy Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon are a fabulous twist on a traditional dessert, offering that warm, cozy feeling without the fuss of a crust or complex prep. With just a handful of ingredients, these tender slices make for a perfect dessert on busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing addition to your next brunch. Plus, they’re infinitely customizable—swap in your favorite apples or experiment with different spices! Are you ready to discover how to create this wholesome treat that feels like a hug on a plate?

Why are Baked Apple Slices the Best?

Comforting Aroma: The sweet scent of cinnamon and baked apples wafts through your home, creating an inviting atmosphere every time you whip these up.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just 20-25 minutes in the oven, this recipe is ready before you know it! Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Healthy Indulgence: Enjoy a dessert that feels indulgent yet is a wholesome option, packed with the natural sweetness of apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Customizable Delight: Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavors, or try serving them over pancakes or with yogurt for added versatility. Whether you’re serving warm or chilled, these apple slices are sure to impress!

Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon Ingredients

For the Apple Base
• Apples – Use firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith for the best texture and natural sweetness.
• Butter/Oil (optional) – Adds richness and promotes caramelization; coconut oil works for a dairy-free alternative.

For the Flavoring
• Cinnamon – This essential spice gives warmth and flavor; don’t skip it!
• Sweetener (optional) – Enhance the apples’ natural sweetness; consider sugar-free maple syrup for a healthier option if you’re using very sweet apples.
• Pinch of salt – Balances flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the baked apple slices.

Serving Suggestions
• Yogurt or Ice Cream – Add a scoop on top for a delectable dessert experience!
• Pancakes or Waffles – Serve these baked slices over your breakfast favorites for a delightful morning twist.

With these ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from creating delightful Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon that will fill your home with warmth and love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking. This step sets the stage for your Baked Apple Slices, ensuring they cook evenly and caramelize beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Wash your chosen firm apples, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, under cool running water. Next, use a sharp knife to core the apples and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. Aim for uniform slices to ensure they bake evenly, creating that luscious texture the Baked Apple Slices are known for.

Step 3: Mix the Flavoring
In a medium bowl, combine cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and your choice of sweetener if desired. If you’re using melted butter or coconut oil, add it to the mixture. Stir well until everything is nicely blended together, creating a fragrant, flavorful coating for your apple slices.

Step 4: Coat the Apple Slices
Toss the freshly sliced apples in the cinnamon mixture, ensuring each slice is coated evenly. This step is essential to maximize the flavor of your Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon. As you mix, look for the apples to gleam with the fragrant coating, enveloping them in a warm embrace of spice and sweetness.

Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish
Carefully lay the coated apple slices in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Make sure they’re not overlapping so that each slice gets the chance to bake and caramelize properly. Visually, they should fit snugly, creating a beautiful display for your delightful dessert.

Step 6: Bake the Apple Slices
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them, checking for doneness after 20 minutes. The Baked Apple Slices will be fork-tender and bubbling with juices when they’re ready, providing an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.

Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once finished baking, remove the dish from the oven and allow the Baked Apple Slices to rest for a few minutes. This step allows the flavors to settle and the juices to thicken slightly. Serve them warm, perhaps topped with a dollop of yogurt or ice cream for an extra delightful treat!

How to Store and Freeze Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon

Fridge: Store leftover baked apple slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they’re completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Make-Ahead: If you’d like to prepare in advance, slice the apples and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for a quick and hassle-free dessert!

Expert Tips for Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon

Choose the Right Apples: Select firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to ensure your slices remain tender and not mushy after baking.
Mind the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your Baked Apple Slices; checking after 20 minutes helps prevent overbaking and preserves their delightful texture.
Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger alongside cinnamon to enhance the flavor and create a twist on the classic recipe.
Mix Sweeteners Wisely: If your apples are particularly sweet, you might not need much sweetener. Starting with less allows you to adjust to taste.
Make-Ahead Prep: For ease, slice your apples and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time and makes dessert planning simpler!

Variations & Substitutions for Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon

Feel free to get creative with your baked apple slices—these delightful variations will inspire culinary adventures that tantalize the taste buds!

Apple Swap: Replace traditional apples with pears for a juicy twist. Their sweetness complements the cinnamon splendidly!
Sweetener Alteration: Opt for honey or agave syrup instead of sugar for a natural touch. This can add an extra layer of flavor that harmonizes beautifully.
Cocoa Kick: For chocolate lovers, sprinkle cocoa powder over the apples before baking. This unexpected twist might just be your new favorite!
Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds on top before baking for delightful texture. The nuts will toast beautifully, enhancing the flavor.
Spice It Up: Incorporate additional spices, like nutmeg or allspice, to elevate the flavor profile. Each spice brings a unique warmth that can make your slices even cozier.
Maple Infusion: Replace the butter or oil with maple syrup for an extra hit of flavor. It creates a lovely caramelization that pairs wonderfully with apples.
Fruity Medley: Mix in other fruits like sliced peaches or berries for a burst of color and flavor. The combination can create a delightful fruit medley!
Savory Touch: Toss in a sprinkle of sea salt or bacon bits for a savory version. This contrast between sweet and savory brings a unique twist to your dessert.

With so many options at your fingertips, it’s easy to make these Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon truly your own! Whether you add a special ingredient or switch up the fruit, each bite can offer a delightful surprise. Interested in discovering a rich flavor twist? Consider a side of Lemon Sugar Baked Donuts to complement the apples, or try the uniquely satisfying Apple Cider Whoopie Pie Cookies with Caramel.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can slice the apples and toss them in the cinnamon mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the coated apple slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your dessert, just arrange the prepared apple slices in a baking dish and pop them in the oven. Bake as directed, and you’ll have warm, flavorful Baked Apple Slices just as delicious and comforting as if you made them all at once. This make-ahead approach allows for effortless meal planning while delighting your taste buds!

What to Serve with Easy Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon

The warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and apples creates the perfect opening for a delightful meal, leaving you eager to complement this comforting dessert.

Creamy Vanilla Yogurt: A dollop of creamy yogurt adds a refreshing, tangy contrast to the sweet apple slices, enhancing their warm flavors.
Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing melts beautifully over baked apple slices, offering a delightful temperature and texture contrast that feels indulgent.
Fresh Pancakes: Serving these baked slices atop fluffy pancakes makes for a delightful breakfast treat, adding both sweetness and a sophisticated touch.
Nutty Granola: Sprinkling crunchy granola adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to each bite, balancing the softness of the apples.
Warm Oatmeal: A bowl of oatmeal topped with baked apple slices creates a cozy, hearty breakfast, perfect for chilly mornings and warming your soul.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling a bit of caramel sauce over baked apple slices can elevate the dessert experience, introducing an extra layer of sweetness.
Hot Spiced Tea: Pairing these apple slices with a cup of hot spiced tea enhances the cozy vibe, making every bite feel like a warm hug in a cup.
Candied Pecans: These sweet, crunchy nuts bring in a satisfying texture and lend a delicious contrast to the tender apple slices for a gourmet touch.

Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon Recipe FAQs

Which apples are best for baking?
I recommend using firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith for your Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon. These types help maintain a nice texture and provide a delightful natural sweetness, ensuring your dessert turns out perfectly every time!

How do I store leftover baked apple slices?
Store your leftover baked apple slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing, as this prevents condensation and helps maintain their freshness!

Can I freeze my baked apple slices?
Absolutely! To freeze, lay your cooled Baked Apple Slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until solid. Then, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them directly from the freezer!

What should I do if my apple slices are mushy after baking?
To prevent mushy apple slices, stick to firm apple varieties and monitor your baking time closely. If they’re still mushy, try slicing them thicker next time, about ½ inch, or reduce the baking time to allow for a firmer texture. Properly preheating the oven and keeping an eye on the doneness are key!

Can I make these Baked Apple Slices dairy-free?
Yes, you can simply swap butter for coconut oil or any other plant-based oil of your choice. This change not only makes them dairy-free but also adds a lovely hint of coconut flavor!