There’s something irresistibly cozy about warm fruit spiced just right, and this Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. With tender, cinnamon-kissed apples that fill your kitchen with the sweetest aroma, it’s a simple treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with soft apple slices cooked in a rich brown sauce that covers the bottom and sides. There are two dollops of white creamy topping on the apple filling, one near the top left and one near the bottom right. A silver serving spoon rests inside the dish on the right side, partially covered with the sauce and apple slices. Around the dish on a white marbled surface, there is a green apple on the top left, two small slices of ginger near the bottom left, an apple slice on the right, two cinnamon sticks positioned horizontally near the top right, and a white measuring cup filled with brown sugar. A soft mauve-colored cloth is underneath the dish on the left side. 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

I’ve made this Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe more times than I can count, especially on chilly afternoons when I want a fuss-free dessert that’s both wholesome and delicious. It’s just one of those recipes that feels like magic—transforming simple apples into a dessert that’s bursting with warmth and flavor.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry, which means no last-minute runs to the store.
Comfort Food Vibes: The cinnamon and warm spices bring out the best in apples, making it perfect for cozy nights in.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want it dairy-free, sweeter, or with a little extra zing, it’s easy to tweak.
Healthy but Indulgent: Uses natural sweeteners and spices, so it feels like a treat that’s actually good for you.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances tart and sweet apples, warm spices, and just enough natural sweetness to bring everything together in a luscious, thick sauce. Choosing the right apples and spices makes all the difference! Here’s why each ingredient earns its place:

Flat lay of six whole crisp Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples with shiny skins, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl holding solid coconut oil, a small white bowl filled with light brown coconut sugar, a small white bowl of fine ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl containing freshly grated ginger, a small white bowl with a pinch of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of white cornstarch, a small white bowl with clear fresh apple juice, and a small white bowl containing a pinch of sea salt, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: I use a mix of tart Granny Smiths and sweeter Honeycrisp for a nice balance, but you can adjust based on what’s ripe or your taste preference. Using organic apples when possible just makes it taste cleaner and fresher.
Lemon Juice: This bit of acidity keeps apples from browning and brightens the overall flavor.
Coconut Oil (optional): Adds a subtle richness and helps the spices bloom, plus it keeps things dairy-free if you want.
Coconut Sugar: I love this natural sweetener because it caramelizes beautifully and pairs wonderfully with cinnamon. You can swap in cane sugar or cut down with stevia for fewer calories.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice here, cinnamon adds warmth and depth—don’t skimp!
Fresh Grated Ginger: Adds a subtle spicy brightness that complements the cinnamon. Ground ginger works too if you’re in a pinch.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds complexity and rounds out the spice profile.
Cornstarch or Arrowroot Starch: This thickens the delicious syrupy sauce as the apples bake—don’t skip it or you’ll miss out on that perfect texture.
Apple Juice or Water: Helps create the sauce and keeps everything moist while baking.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and spices.

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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

One of the best things about this Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe is how flexible it is. I like to play around with the sweetness level or the spices depending on the mood of the day—and honestly, it rarely disappoints no matter what I do.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in raisins or chopped nuts like walnuts just before baking for extra texture and surprises in each bite. It adds a lovely contrast, and my family loves it!

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

A white bowl is filled with cooked apple slices that are a warm golden brown color with a shiny surface showing they are coated in sauce. On top of the apples is a scoop of white ice cream starting to melt a bit, blending into the edges of the fruit. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, positioned on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a whole green apple slightly blurred in the background. The overall feeling is warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Apples Thinly

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). Peel and core your apples, then slice them as thin as you can—trust me, the thinner, the more tender and evenly baked they’ll be. I like to lay the slices out in a 9×13-inch baking dish, and they almost look like flimsy little ribbons of apple before baking.

Step 2: Toss with Spices and Sweeteners

Sprinkle the apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh-looking, then drizzle your coconut oil if you’re using it. Add the coconut sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cornstarch or arrowroot, apple juice or water, and a pinch of sea salt. Toss gently but thoroughly—make sure every slice gets coated with the spice mixture.

Step 3: Cover, Bake, and Finish

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This steam bath helps the apples start softening while the flavors meld. Then carefully remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the apples are fork-tender and just beginning to caramelize. You’ll see a gorgeous syrup bubbling around the edges—that’s the magic happening!

Top Tip

After making this Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe dozens of times, I've gathered some little tricks that really help it shine. These are the kinds of tips that aren’t obvious at first but make a world of difference.

Thin Slicing: Taking the time to slice your apples thinly and evenly ensures they cook through perfectly, without drying out or leaving some pieces underdone.
Don't Skip the Lemon Juice: It prevents browning and adds a fresh note that keeps the baked apples from tasting too heavy or mushy.
Cover in the First Stage of Baking: This traps steam and helps the apples soften gently, while uncovering at the end lets the natural sugars caramelize beautifully.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on your apples and preference, feel free to use less sugar or add a pinch of stevia to keep things balanced but still sweet enough.

How to Serve Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

baked cinnamon apples - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love spooning warm baked apples over a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla bean coconut ice cream. It cuts through the spice warmth with cool, smooth richness—utter perfection. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup are also great ways to jazz it up.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with cozy breakfasts like oatmeal or alongside a scoop of yogurt to add a touch of sophistication. I've also served it as a light dessert after a wholesome roast chicken dinner; it’s a natural palate cleanser that doesn't feel heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try serving these baked cinnamon apples in individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick for garnish. They make a charming gift or centerpiece at fall gatherings and celebrations. You can even stuff the apples back into halved cored apples for a rustic look that’s impressive but easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked apples store beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I find the sauce thickens as it cools, so just give it a quick stir before reheating to bring back that luscious texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these apples in airtight containers with great results—the texture remains tender, and the flavor holds up well. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and pop it into a 350°F (176°C) oven until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. If the sauce looks too thick after warming, stir in a teaspoon or two of water or apple juice to loosen it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix tart and sweet varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady. Just keep in mind that some apples hold their shape better while others become softer, so adjust baking time as needed.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free especially if you skip the optional coconut oil or use plant-based alternatives. Serve it with coconut whipped cream or your favorite vegan ice cream to keep it vegan friendly.

How do I make the sauce thick without cornstarch?

Arrowroot starch is a great substitute for cornstarch and keeps the sauce nice and thick. If you prefer to avoid starches, you can reduce the apple juice or let the apples bake uncovered a bit longer to thicken the sauce naturally.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the apples and spice mixture a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving. It makes entertaining easier and lets those flavors marry nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe is genuinely one of my go-to favorites when I want comforting sweetness without fuss. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and so rewarding with every bite. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it fills your kitchen with the same warmth and joy it brings to mine.