Name: Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Gluten-Free
Ingredients: 6-7 medium to large apples (2 tart like Granny Smith, 4 sweet like Honeycrisp; organic when possible); 2 Tbsp lemon juice; 1 Tbsp coconut oil (optional); 2/3 cup coconut sugar (or substitute organic cane sugar; can substitute up to half with stevia to taste); 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 tsp fresh grated ginger; 1 pinch nutmeg; 3 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot starch (for thickening the sauce); 3 Tbsp fresh apple juice or water; 1 pinch sea salt; Coconut Whipped Cream; Vanilla Bean Coconut Ice Cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 202 reviews

If you’re craving a delicious, comforting dessert that’s both simple and soul-satisfying, let me introduce you to the Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe. This dish is a lovely balance of tart and sweet apples, warmed through with fragrant spices like cinnamon and ginger, all baked to tender, caramelized perfection. Whether you’re serving it up on a chilly evening or anytime you want a naturally sweet treat, this recipe is a standout for its ease and incredible flavor. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free, making it perfect for many dietary needs without sacrificing the cozy vibes of a classic baked apple dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round wooden board sits on a white marbled surface, holding a group of apples arranged in layers. The bottom layer has two halved apples showing their creamy light yellow inside and dark seeds. Above them are three whole apples, two red with yellow touches, and one yellow-red apple with smooth skin. At the top are two green apples with small water droplets on their shiny skin and short brown stems. Everything is centered on the round wooden board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tang of lemon juice keeping the apples bright to the warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg working together to create that classic cozy dessert feel. These pantry staples come together to bring out the natural sweetness and tender texture you’ll love.

6-7 medium to large apples (2 tart like granny smith, 4 sweet like honeycrisp): Using a mix of tart and sweet apples gives depth and complexity to your baked dish.
2 Tbsp lemon juice: Helps prevent browning and adds a bright note that balances the sweetness.
1 Tbsp coconut oil (optional): Adds a subtle richness and helps the apples caramelize beautifully.
2/3 cup coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that enhances caramelization with a hint of molasses flavor.
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice here, bringing warmth and that unmistakable baked apple vibe.
3/4 tsp fresh grated ginger: Adds a gentle zing that brightens the flavor profile.
1 pinch nutmeg: Just a sprinkle adds cozy depth.
3 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot starch: Thickens the sauce for a luscious finish.
3 Tbsp fresh apple juice or water: Helps create that beautiful syrupy glaze on the apples.
1 pinch sea salt: Balances sweetness and lifts all the flavors beautifully.
For serving options (optional): Coconut whipped cream or vanilla bean coconut ice cream add a dreamy finishing touch.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and readying a baking dish roughly 9 by 13 inches. Then, peel and core your apples, quarter them, and slice them as thinly as you can along the length. The thinner slices mean your apples will cook evenly and become perfectly tender and luscious inside the oven.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Baking Dish

Once your apple slices are ready, place them in the dish and drizzle with lemon juice. Add the optional coconut oil along with coconut sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cornstarch or arrowroot starch, apple juice (or water), and a careful pinch of sea salt. Toss everything together gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated with those wonderful spices and sugar, creating that irresistibly fragrant base for your baked apples.

Step 3: Bake Covered, Then Uncover

Cover your dish loosely with foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 45 minutes. This stage lets the apples steam and soften beautifully inside their own juices. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. This extra time will caramelize the apples slightly and make them fork tender, giving you that perfect balance of softness with just a hint of golden crispness on top.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe

In a white rectangular baking dish with handles on both sides, thin pale yellow and green apple slices are layered unevenly. On top, there is a generous sprinkle of cinnamon powder that is dark brown with some orange tones, creating a dusted effect. A silver spoon rests inside the dish on the right side, partially covered by the apple slices and cinnamon. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a piece of fresh ginger and a cinnamon stick placed nearby. The overall texture shows soft fruit edges with rough cinnamon spread unevenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the baked apples are delicious on their own, adding a scoop of creamy vanilla bean coconut ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream takes this dessert to a whole new level. The creamy coolness contrasts beautifully with the warm spices and tender fruit, making every bite feel like a comforting hug.

Side Dishes

Serve these baked apples alongside a cozy cup of spiced tea or a bold coffee to round out your dessert experience. They also pair wonderfully with a simple oatmeal breakfast or a bowl of vanilla yogurt if you want to enjoy this treat any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering the baked apples in a parfait glass with granola and coconut yogurt, or use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles. You can even stuff the warmed apples into a whole-grain crepe for a festive brunch option. The possibilities are endless with this versatile Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked apples keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, so they actually taste even better the next day, making for easy grab-and-go snacks or quick dessert fixes.

Freezing

If you want to save them for longer, freeze your baked apples in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When properly wrapped, they maintain their texture and flavor, ready to warm up whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your apples in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven, covered, until they’re heated through. If the sauce thickened too much in storage, stir in a tablespoon or two of water before reheating to bring back that smooth, caramel sauce consistency.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the combination of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is recommended for balance, you can experiment with your favorites. Just keep in mind that firmer apples tend to hold their shape better during baking.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans and those with gluten intolerance?

Yes, this Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free. Using coconut sugar and plant-based oils keeps it allergy-friendly and accessible without sacrificing flavor.

Can I substitute the coconut sugar with other sweeteners?

Yes, coconut sugar works great here for its caramel-like notes, but you can swap it with organic cane sugar or even a blend with stevia to reduce calories. Just adjust sweetness to taste, as stevia is much sweeter than sugar.

What if I don’t have cornstarch or arrowroot starch?

If you don’t have these starches on hand, you can skip the thickening step, but the sauce will be thinner. Alternatively, a small amount of all-purpose flour can be used if gluten is not a concern, but the texture will be less silky.

Can I make these baked apples ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the apples fully, bake them, and store covered in the fridge until serving. Just warm them gently before guests arrive and add your favorite garnishes for a hassle-free dessert that feels freshly made.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both homey and special without any fuss. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate apples in all their cozy, spiced glory and impress friends and family with minimal effort. Give it a try soon—you might just find it becoming your go-to dessert for every season!

Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need