Baked Apples with Cinnamon: 5 Steps to Cozy Delight

Name: Baked Apples with Cinnamon: 5 Steps to Cozy Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium apples; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup raisins; 1/4 cup chopped nuts; 1/2 cup water

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 18, 2025

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There’s something undeniably heartwarming about baked apples with cinnamon that makes them the perfect dessert for any occasion. I mean, who can resist the aroma of sweet, tender apples mingling with warm spices wafting through the kitchen? This simple dessert transforms basic ingredients into a comforting treat that feels like a hug in every bite. The beauty of baked apples lies in their versatility—each apple becomes a cozy little package, stuffed with a delightful mixture of brown sugar, raisins, and nuts, all topped off with a pat of butter. It’s a dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and lazy Sunday afternoons. Plus, it comes together in just 45 minutes, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all day. Trust me, once you take that first forkful, you’ll understand why baked apples with cinnamon have earned a special place in my heart (and my dessert rotation!).

Baked Apples with Cinnamon - detail 1

Ingredients List

4 medium apples, cored (any variety you love)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup raisins, roughly chopped if large
1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
1/2 cup water

How to Prepare Baked Apples with Cinnamon

Getting ready to make these delicious baked apples with cinnamon is a breeze! I’m excited to walk you through the process step by step because trust me, it’s easier than you might think! Just follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert ready in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want those apples to bake evenly and become perfectly tender!
Core the apples: Carefully core the apples, making sure to remove the seeds and creating a nice hollow center for the filling. I like to use a melon baller or a paring knife for this, but just be cautious, as it can get a bit tricky!
Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and chopped nuts. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. This mixture is going to be the star of the show, so make sure it’s evenly blended!
Stuff the apples: Now for the fun part! Stuff each cored apple with the sweet filling mixture. Don’t be shy—pack it in there! It should overflow a bit because it’s going to melt and bubble while baking.
Add the butter: Place a small piece of butter on top of each stuffed apple. This little addition will melt and create a delicious sauce as the apples bake.
Prepare the baking dish: Pour the water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps to create steam, keeping the apples juicy and preventing them from drying out during baking.
Bake: Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the apples are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!

Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them warm on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra touch of indulgence. Yum!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked apples with cinnamon are truly a dessert that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. Here are a few reasons why this recipe has a special place in my heart:

Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time.
Warm and Comforting: The delightful aromas of cinnamon and sweet apples fill your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that feels like home.
Customizable: You can easily adapt the filling with your favorite nuts or dried fruits, making each batch uniquely yours!
Perfect for Sharing: This dessert is ideal for gatherings, bringing smiles to faces as everyone digs into their sweet apple treat.

Tips for Success

To make your baked apples with cinnamon truly shine, here are a few pro tips that I swear by:

Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold up beautifully during baking and provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness.
Enhance the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with spices! A pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract can elevate the filling.
For Extra Crunch: Toast your nuts lightly before adding them to the filling. This brings out their flavor and adds a delightful crunch!

With these tips, your baked apples will be nothing short of perfection!

Variations of Baked Apples with Cinnamon

One of the best parts of making baked apples with cinnamon is how easy it is to switch things up! Here are some fun variations to try:

Different Apple Varieties: While I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, you can also experiment with sweeter options like Fuji or Gala for a different flavor profile.
Spice it Up: Add a hint of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for a warm and cozy twist. You can even sprinkle a little ginger for some zing!
Stuffing Alternatives: Swap out raisins for cranberries or dried cherries, and try different nuts—almonds or pecans are fantastic choices.
Drizzle of Honey: For a touch of natural sweetness, drizzle honey over the apples before baking!

Let your creativity run wild, and make these baked apples truly your own!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying baked apples with cinnamon, knowing the nutritional breakdown can help you indulge mindfully. Each serving, which is one delicious baked apple, contains approximately:

Calories: 180
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 15mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the ingredients used and can vary depending on your specific choices. Enjoy these baked apples as a delightful treat that strikes a balance between sweetness and nutrition!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious baked apples with cinnamon is super simple! Just let them cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the apples in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and warm them for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, just pop one apple on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 30-45 seconds. Enjoy that sweet aroma all over again!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I often use Granny Smith apples for their tartness, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Each type brings its own unique flavor, so choose what you love!

Q2: How can I make these baked apples with cinnamon healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up the recipe, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar or using a sugar substitute. You can also skip the butter on top or use a small amount of coconut oil for a different flavor. Adding extra nuts or oats can boost the fiber content, too!

Q3: What should I serve with baked apples?
While baked apples are delicious on their own, serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes them to the next level! You could even drizzle some warm caramel sauce for a treat.

Q4: Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the apples and filling ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just stuff the apples and bake them when you’re ready to enjoy this warm dessert!

Q5: How do I know when the baked apples are done?
The best way to check is by inserting a fork into the apples. They should be tender and easily pierced but not falling apart. If they’re still firm, give them a few more minutes in the oven!

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this apple pie recipe that will also bring warmth to your home.

Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of apples, you can read more here.