Description
Enjoy this simple and wholesome dessert with these Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh ginger, these baked apples are naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and come together quickly for a comforting treat that’s gluten-free, grain-free, and vegan-friendly. Perfect served warm with coconut whipped cream or vanilla bean coconut ice cream.
Ingredients
Apples
- 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
For Serving (Optional)
- Coconut Whipped Cream
- Vanilla Bean Coconut Ice Cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar size.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and quarter the apples, then use a paring knife to thinly slice them lengthwise. Aim for consistent thin slices to ensure even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the sliced apples in the baking dish. Add lemon juice, coconut oil (if using), coconut sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cornstarch or arrowroot starch, apple juice or water, and a pinch of sea salt. Toss gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender and slightly caramelized on top.
- Serve: Enjoy the baked apples warm as is or serve topped with coconut whipped cream or vanilla bean coconut ice cream for an extra special treat.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance and texture.
- Thinly slicing the apples ensures even cooking and tender results.
- Coconut oil is optional but adds richness and helps caramelization.
- You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot starch for a gluten-free option.
- Sweetness can be adjusted by mixing coconut sugar with stevia for lower sugar content.
- Serve with coconut whipped cream or vegan vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- Leftover baked apples can be reheated gently with added liquid to restore sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegan
