There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, spicy aroma filling your kitchen when you make this Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe. It’s a simple treat that transforms everyday apples into a cozy, almost magical dessert perfect for any season.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with warm, sliced apple pieces cooked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced sauce. The apple slices are golden brown and soft, piled unevenly with some sauce pooling at the bottom. There are two small scoops of creamy white vanilla ice cream placed on top of the apples, one near the edge and one near the center. A silver spoon rests inside the dish, partially buried in the apples. Around the dish, on a white marbled surface, there are cinnamon sticks, a measuring cup with brown sugar, a few fresh green apples, and a reddish cloth napkin partially tucked under the dish. 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

Honestly, I’m always amazed at how a few simple ingredients can come together and make a dessert feel so special. This Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe has been my go-to for chilly afternoons or when I need a fuss-free way to impress guests without turning on the stove for long.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry, and that makes this recipe super accessible.
Easy Prep: No fancy tools needed—just peel, slice, toss, and bake. Perfect for busy days.
Flexible Flavor: It’s easy to tweak with different apples or spices depending on what you have.
Comfortingly Delicious: Warm, tender apples drenched in vanilla and cinnamon with a hint of ginger—pure bliss!

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe is how well the ingredients harmonize. The tartness of Granny Smith apples balances with the sweetness of Honeycrisp, while warming spices and just a touch of thickener create that perfect saucy texture at the end.

Flat lay of six medium fresh apples including two green Granny Smith and four red Honeycrisp, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl of golden coconut oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse coconut sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl holding freshly grated light yellow ginger, a small white ceramic bowl with a pinch of nutmeg powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of clear fresh apple juice, and a small white ceramic bowl with coarse sea salt, all arranged symmetrically and naturally 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 and sweet apples gives that lovely layered flavor and keeps the apples from being too mushy.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright note to cut the sweetness and prevents apples from browning too early.
Coconut oil (optional): Helps create a subtle richness and enhances caramelization, especially if you like a slightly crisp edge.
Coconut sugar: It has a deeper flavor than regular sugar, pairing beautifully with cinnamon, but you can swap with organic cane sugar or use stevia blends.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives the dish its warm, comforting base note.
Fresh grated ginger: Adds a surprising gentle heat that cuts through the sweetness—feel free to adjust or substitute with ground ginger.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch for added depth and a little autumnal flair.
Cornstarch or arrowroot: This thickens the apple juices into a silky sauce that clings to every slice.
Apple juice or water: Prevents dryness while baking and blends the spices evenly.
Sea salt: A tiny pinch elevates all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

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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

I love that this Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe invites creativity. Depending on your taste or what you have on hand, you can easily tweak it to be your perfect cozy dessert—or even a breakfast topper.

Variation: Sometimes I swap in pears for half the apples for a subtler sweetness and a softer texture that still holds up beautifully when baked.
Dietary Modifications: The coconut sugar and oil make this recipe naturally vegan and gluten-free, but if you want to lighten it further, substitute sugar with a bit of stevia and skip the oil entirely.
Seasonal Touch: Adding a splash of brandy or bourbon before baking makes for a grown-up version perfect for holiday gatherings.

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

A white bowl filled with warm apple slices layered at the bottom, showing a shiny, cinnamon-brown glaze with soft texture. On top, there is a single scoop of vanilla ice cream that is slightly melting into the fruit. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, leaning on the side. In the background, a green apple is visible on a white marbled surface. The scene is bright and clean, focusing on the warm dessert. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Apples with Care

Start by peeling and coring 6-7 medium-sized apples—my fave combo is 2 tart Granny Smiths and 4 sweet Honeycrisps. Then slice them nice and thin, lengthwise. Here’s a pro tip: keep the slices uniformly thin, so they cook at the same pace. I often use a sharp paring knife for control. It’s a little meditative prep, honestly.

Step 2: Toss with the Magic Ingredients

In a baking dish, add the sliced apples and sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice—this brightens the flavors and prevents browning. Then drizzle 1 tablespoon of coconut oil if you’re using it. Next, add ⅔ cup coconut sugar, 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, ¾ teaspoon freshly grated ginger, a pinch of nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. To thicken the sauce, sprinkle 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot) and pour in 3 tablespoons fresh apple juice or water. Mix gently to coat all the apple slices evenly.

Step 3: Bake Low and Slow for Tender Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with foil to keep steam in and bake at 350°F (176°C) for 45 minutes. This gentle heat softens the apples without turning them mushy. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes so the edges caramelize just a little—this bit gives it that irresistible golden touch and depth.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Smile

Enjoy your baked cinnamon apples warm on their own or topped with coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean coconut ice cream for a dreamy contrast. Trust me, it’s one of those simple pleasures that hits the spot every time.

Top Tip

From countless batches baked over autumns and holidays, I’ve learned these tips make a winning batch every time.

Uniform Slices: Slicing your apples evenly ensures consistent cooking; no chewy chunks or mushy portions.
Don’t Skip the Lemon: Lemon juice prevents the apples’ color from dulling and brightens the overall flavor wonderfully.
Watch Your Bake Time: Underbake slightly if you want a little bite; overbake will break them down too much.
Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a lively zing that ground just can’t replicate; if you don’t have it, adjust ground ginger carefully to taste.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

baked cinnamon apples - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My favorite garnishes include a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla bean coconut ice cream for that luscious contrast of hot and cold. Sometimes, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds just the right crunch and nuttiness. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of maple syrup or a pinch of flaky sea salt elevates the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these baked cinnamon apples with warm oatmeal or cinnamon-spiced pancakes for breakfast, or alongside a cozy bowl of vanilla yogurt. They also make a lovely complement to roasted pork or turkey when you want dessert that echoes those savory fall flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the baked apples in clear glass parfait cups with granola and coconut cream, making a stunning yet easy dessert. Another fun idea is to stuff the apples back into halved apple shells for a rustic look or serve spoonfuls nestled in cinnamon sugar-dusted tart shells for a party-ready treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your baked cinnamon apples have cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I've found they keep delicious for up to 3-4 days when well covered. When I need a quick sweet hit, they're just a fridge-door reach away!

Freezing

Freezing baked apples works well if you want to save time. Just portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags. When I’ve done this, I noticed the texture stays nicely intact after thawing. They’re great frozen up to a month and perfect to pull out for later cozy comfort food.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven method—cover the apples with foil and warm at 350°F (176°C) for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the texture intact better than the microwave, which can sometimes make them a bit mushy. Adding a splash of water helps if the sauce feels too thick or sticky.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of apples in this baked cinnamon apples recipe?

Absolutely! While a mix of tart and sweet apples makes for the best balance, you can experiment with other varieties like Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on how firm the apples are.

Is there a way to make this recipe sugar-free?

Yes, you can reduce or replace the coconut sugar with natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit. Just be sure to taste and adjust because these sweeteners can be more potent than sugar. Also, skipping the sweetener altogether works if you prefer a more tart, natural apple flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can prep the apples and spices, toss them all together, and refrigerate the mixture for a few hours or overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking for best results. This makes serving warm baked cinnamon apples at a moment’s notice really easy.

What’s the best way to serve baked cinnamon apples for dessert?

I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean coconut ice cream or a spoonful of coconut whipped cream. Sprinkling chopped toasted nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup takes it to the next level. You can also let them cool slightly and serve over oatmeal or pancakes for a delicious breakfast twist!

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward but never boring, and the flavors always remind me of family gatherings and slow afternoons spent relaxing with loved ones. I really hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. Trust me, it’s worth every delicious bite!