There’s just something so comforting about warm, tender fruit kissed with a cozy spice blend. My Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe is exactly that—simple, naturally sweet, and full of autumn vibes that make any day feel like a little celebration.

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

This baked cinnamon apples recipe is my go-to when I want an effortless dessert that feels fancy but is super approachable. It’s all about layering flavors with spices and bringing out the natural sweetness of the apples, plus that warm cinnamon aroma—you know, the kind that instantly feels like comfort.

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh apples, making it easy to prep anytime.
Deliciously Versatile: Can be enjoyed on its own, or jazzed up with whipped cream or ice cream.
Perfect Texture: Apples bake down to tender, slightly caramelized slices that melt in your mouth.
Make Ahead Friendly: Keeps well for days and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it all week.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right blend of apples and spices is key for this recipe. I usually mix tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor and texture. Plus, that pinch of nutmeg and fresh ginger? They add just the right amount of warmth and zing to bring the whole dish alive.

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 like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives you tartness balanced with sweetness and a nice texture blend.
Lemon juice: Keeps the apples vibrant and prevents browning while adding a fresh tang.
Coconut oil: Optional, but it helps with caramelization and adds a subtle richness.
Coconut sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that's less processed than traditional sugar.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that warms and complements the apples beautifully.
Fresh grated ginger: Adds a subtle spicy kick that brightens the flavor note.
Nutmeg: A tiny pinch enhances warmth and complexity.
Cornstarch or arrowroot starch: Thickens the sauce so it’s perfectly silky and coats every bite.
Apple juice or water: Helps make a slight sauce without overpowering the fresh fruit flavor.
Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.

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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 tossing in my own twists to keep this baked cinnamon apples recipe exciting. Sometimes I add chopped walnuts for crunch or swap coconut sugar for maple syrup if I’m feeling cozy vibes. You can really make it feel like your own—don’t be afraid to experiment!

Variation: When I want a deeper spice profile, I add a sprinkle of cardamom—it's subtle but so lovely with cinnamon and apples.
Dietary tweaks: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, but if coconut oil or sugar aren’t your thing, olive oil and brown sugar work beautifully as easy swaps.
Seasonal touches: In fall, I love scattering fresh cranberries or raisins right before baking for bursts of tartness throughout.

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 the apples just right

Start by peeling and coring your apples—this part can be a little fiddly, but using a good paring knife helps a lot. Then quarter them and slice lengthwise as thinly as you can manage. Thin slices cook evenly and create that perfect tender texture. If your slices are uneven, some bits might cook faster than others, so try for consistency here—it makes all the difference!

Step 2: Combine all the magic ingredients

Toss your apple slices in a baking dish with lemon juice, coconut oil, coconut sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cornstarch, apple juice, and a pinch of sea salt. Mixing everything well is key to ensure that every apple slice gets coated in that lovely cinnamon-spiced sauce. I usually do this with my hands—it’s easier than trying to stir with a spoon and you get everything evenly covered.

Step 3: Bake low and slow for tender, caramelized apples

Cover the dish loosely with foil to trap moisture and bake at 350°F (176°C) for 45 minutes. This slow bake softens the apples without drying them out. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes so the tops get that golden caramelization and just a little crispiness. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning, but don’t worry if it’s slightly bubbly—that means flavor!

Top Tip

From countless batches of baked apples, a few things stood out that I want to share so you nail this recipe easily and enjoy every bite.

Even Slices Matter: When your apple slices are uniform, they bake evenly. I learned the hard way that uneven pieces end up with some crunchy and some mushy bits, which isn’t as pleasant.
Foil is Your Friend: Covering the dish for most of the bake keeps the apples juicy and tender—don’t skip this step!
Fresh Ginger Over Ground: I find fresh grated ginger adds a brightness ground ginger can’t quite match, elevating the dish with subtle zing.
Try Different Sugars: Coconut sugar brings a unique caramel note, but brown sugar or maple syrup are great alternates—experiment to find your favorite!

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

baked cinnamon apples - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually serve these baked cinnamon apples warm with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean coconut ice cream on top—the cold creaminess contrasts so well with the warm spice and tender fruit. Sometimes I sprinkle on toasted pecans or a pinch of extra cinnamon to surprise guests with texture and a fresh pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe doubles beautifully as a breakfast topping when spooned over oatmeal or pancakes. For dinner, I love pairing it with roasted pork or chicken, as the lightly spiced, sweet apples create perfect balance to savory mains.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the baked apples in a pretty glass trifle bowl layered with granola and whipped cream for a show-stopping dessert. Another fun idea? Serve them warm in ramekins topped with candied walnuts and a drizzle of maple syrup—every bite feels indulgent and thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they keep well for 3-4 days. The apples soften further but the flavor deepens, making them great to enjoy all week long. I always cover them tightly to keep that lovely sauce from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prep in advance. I portion the baked apples into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to a month. When thawed, the texture softens a little more, but the flavor remains fantastic—perfect for a quick dessert or breakfast topper.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the apples with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 10-15 minutes. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, stirring in a tablespoon of water or apple juice before reheating brings back that lovely silky texture. The microwave works too, but the oven keeps the texture just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of apples for the Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe?

You can use any apples, but I recommend mixing tart varieties like Granny Smith with sweeter types such as Honeycrisp. This combo gives you a nice balance of flavor and texture. Baking time may vary slightly depending on the apple’s firmness.

Is there a substitute for coconut sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely! Coconut sugar has a lovely caramel note, but you can swap it for organic cane sugar, brown sugar, or even half maple syrup. Just remember the moisture content may change slightly depending on your choice.

Can I prepare the baked cinnamon apples ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apples ahead and refrigerate them after baking. Just cover tightly and reheat when ready to serve. They also freeze well for up to a month, making them great for meal prep.

What are the best toppings to pair with this baked cinnamon apples recipe?

My favorite toppings are coconut whipped cream and vanilla bean coconut ice cream for that perfect creamy contrast. Toasted nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup also add lovely texture and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This baked cinnamon apples recipe is a small joy I keep coming back to, especially when I want something sweet that’s wholesome and full of personality. Serving it warm, knowing the home smells like cinnamon and apples, always feels like a hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do—so simple, so good, and so worth making with a friend or just for yourself on a quiet evening.