I’ve always found baked apples to be the perfect balance of simplicity and comfort, especially when the filling caramelizes into a spiced syrup. This recipe uses just a handful of pantry staples, but the result feels like something special—tender fruit with a crisp, buttery topping. If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve that ideal texture without the apples turning mushy, there’s a trick to it.
Recipe
Warm up your kitchen with these irresistible homemade baked apples—they’re the ultimate cozy dessert that feels like a hug in every bite.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to treat for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something nostalgic yet elegant.
The magic lies in the simplicity: crisp, juicy apples stuffed with a golden cinnamon-brown sugar filling, topped with a buttery oat crumble that’s just the right amount of crunchy.
What makes this recipe special? The apples caramelize perfectly while baking, creating a luscious syrup that pools at the bottom, begging to be spooned over vanilla ice cream.
It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is so easy to whip together, even on a busy weeknight.
Whether you’re serving it to guests or treating yourself, these baked apples are pure comfort in a dessert bowl.
Let’s get baking—you’re about to fall in love with this classic!
Ingredients
For the best baked apples, start with fresh, firm apples that hold their shape during cooking—this is non-negotiable. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are excellent choices because they strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart.
The filling is where you can get creative, but a few key ingredients guarantee that classic, cozy flavor. Substitutions are easy, so don’t sweat it if you’re missing something. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best—avoid overly soft varieties like Red Delicious).
- 1/3 cup rolled oats (quick oats are fine in a pinch, but old-fashioned oats add a chewier texture).
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option).
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (freshly ground cinnamon adds a more vibrant flavor).
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but it deepens the warm, spiced notes).
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cut into small pieces—this is essential for a rich, caramelized filling).
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are classics, but omit if you have allergies).
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional, but they add a chewy, sweet contrast).
- 1/2 cup water or apple juice (for steaming the apples as they bake—juice adds extra sweetness).
Little wins: A drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the end takes this dish from cozy dessert to showstopper.
And don’t forget to save the apple cores—they make for a great quick apple cider if simmered with water, cinnamon, and sugar.
How to Make the Best Classic Cinnamon Baked Apples
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. This guarantees even baking and prevents the apples from sticking.
Core the apples carefully, leaving the bottom intact to create a well for the filling. Use a melon baller or small spoon for precision. Removing too much of the bottom can cause the filling to leak out during baking.
In a small bowl, mix cinnamon, brown sugar, and oats for the filling. This combination adds warmth, sweetness, and texture. Adjust the cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.
Fill each apple evenly with the mixture, pressing gently to pack it in. Overfilling can cause the filling to spill out, so leave a little room at the top.
Top each apple with a small pat of butter for richness. This melts during baking, creating a caramel-like sauce around the apples.
Pour a splash of water or apple juice into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps steam the apples and prevents them from drying out.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. The skins will wrinkle slightly, and the filling will bubble—this is your cue they’re done.
Let the apples cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and prevents burning your mouth. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Nutrition
Baked apples are a healthy and delicious dessert option, offering a range of nutrients.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 28 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
Chef Tips
Creating the perfect baked apple doesn’t have to be complicated, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way.
Use firm apples like Honeycrisp—they hold shape better. Core deeply but leave the bottom intact to trap filling. Brush skins with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Bake at 375°F until tender, about 30 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving—juices thicken beautifully.
A sprinkle of cinnamon elevates flavor effortlessly. Enjoy!
