This is the most versatile (and easiest!) apple dish I make. It can be a dessert on its own, a topping for ice cream and cheesecake or a sweet side dish for the holidays. It's quick to assemble (10-15 minutes) and you don't need to peel the apples (a big plus if you ask me). It creates a delectable spiced syrup during baking that you'll want to eat with a spoon. And maybe you should.
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Quick cinnamon baked apples
The beauty of this easy apple dessert is in the simplicity: no pastry, no complicated steps, just a tray of unpeeled apple slices that transform in the oven.
You get plenty of syrup with every bite, which is something classic baked apples often lack. Many times, you're left with just the apple itself once the filling runs out. It's the same reason I prefer making candy apple slices instead of whole caramel apples; you enjoy the coating, but then you're left with plain fruit.
It's such a low-effort and high-reward idea that I urge you to add it to your apple baking recipes.
You can play around with the seasoning (classic cinnamon, warm cardamom, even a splash of bourbon or apple cider) and adjust the sweetness depending on how tart your apples are.
Use it for different occasions. It's a perfect apple side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas, an excellent topping for my cheesecake pie, for morning oatmeal or yogurt or as part of a brunch table for waffles, French toast, pancakes or classic crepes.
Testing Notes
Apple choice: A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor. I normally use Granny Smith, which is tart and holds its shape, with Honeycrisp, Gala or Fuji apples to add sweetness and variety.
Sweetness level: If using very sweet apples, reduce sugar by a tablespoon or two. For tart apples, increase slightly.
Uniform slices: Cut slices the same thickness (about ¼ inch) so they bake evenly.
Don't overbake: The apple wedges should be soft when pierced with a fork but not falling apart.
Process steps
Making this sweet casserole dish is easy and quick.
Cutting the apples
The fruit layer consists of apple slices with their skin.
You can peel them if you want to; the wedges might soften too much before the syrup thickens. But you be the judge if you don't like apple skins.
Apple mixture
Use a large bowl where you can comfortably mix everything. You want the melted butter and dry ingredients to coat the apple wedges thoroughly.
Pecans, yes or no?
It's optional, but it adds a nice crunchiness to an otherwise sweet and soft bake.
You can also add them after baking, as a topping.
Customize it
Cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon are classic flavorings that pair beautifully with baked apples and maple. For a flavoring variation, try orange zest or a hint of cardamom to bring a unique flavor to the mix.
Liquid option: Add a splash of apple cider, orange juice, bourbon or a liquor like Calvados for a sophisticated twist.
Add-ins: You can add up to ¼ or ⅓ cup of mix-ins like raisins, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries. These bring texture and a burst of flavor that works especially well for holiday versions.
Other apple recipes to try:
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Easy Baked Apple Slices with Spiced Syrup
Ingredients
- 3 or 4 medium-large baking apples, a mix of green and red is ideal
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, light or dark
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, or to taste. Only cinnamon or another mix of warm spices also work
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup coarsely chopped pecans, optional
- vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, optional, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice 3 or 4 medium-large baking apples thinly, skin-on or peeled. You want apple wedges approximately ¼ inch (6mm) thick.
- Place them in a large bowl. Add ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon), a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons flour. Mix well until all the slices are evenly coated.
- Pour the apple mixture into a medium baking dish. I use this 7x10-inch ceramic dish. Sprinkle ½ cup coarsely chopped pecans on top, if using.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, until the apples are tender and lightly browned, and the syrup is bubbling.
- Gently toss to coat the apple slices with the syrupy sauce that formed during baking. Let cool until warm on a wire rack before serving.
- Serve on its own, with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, making sure you drizzle some of the cinnamon syrup over it (the best part!).
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. I don't recommend freezing.
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