Baked Apple Recipe

If you’re craving a simple yet comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then you’re going to adore this Baked Apple Recipe. I absolutely love how effortlessly it comes together with pantry staples, yet delivers rich layers of cozy flavors you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to sweet treat to whip up whenever you want something homemade, comforting, and totally satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this baked apple recipe is in its approachable ingredients that combine classic autumnal flavors — tart apples balanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little ginger warmth. Make sure to choose crisp apples that hold up well to baking so you get that perfect tender-but-not-mushy bite.

• Apples: Look for tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to provide a nice balance to the sweetness.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works great to caramelize the apples while baking.
• Apple cider or juice: This adds moisture and amplifies that fresh-apple flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the sugary sauce formed during baking so it’s silky, not runny.
• Ground cinnamon: A must-have spice that gives warmth and that unmistakable apple pie aroma.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and a delicate spiciness.
• Ground ginger: I love how just a pinch gives a perfect hint of zing without overpowering.
• Butter: Dotted over the apples, butter melts and adds a rich, luscious finish.
• Walnuts or raisins: I often use walnuts for a crunchy contrast, but you can switch it up depending on what you like.
• Vanilla ice cream: Totally optional but highly recommended—warm baked apples and cold ice cream? Yes, please!

Variations

I love how flexible this baked apple recipe is, so feel free to make it your own. You can add things to suit your mood or dietary needs. I’ve tried a few versions myself — sometimes spicing it up, sometimes simplifying it — and it all turns out delightful.

• Add Fresh Cranberries: I tossed in fresh cranberries once for a tart burst; it brought a lovely pop and festive color that my family adored.
• Use Maple Syrup Instead of Sugar: For a richer sweetness, swap sugar with pure maple syrup and skip the apple juice to keep it balanced.
• Make it Vegan: Simply use coconut oil instead of butter and serve it with vegan ice cream — still amazing!
• Spice it Up More: If you love spices, add a pinch of cloves or allspice; I found it adds a lovely warmth without overwhelming the apples.

How to Make Baked Apple Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples Perfectly

Start by peeling your apples and slicing them evenly. I learned the hard way that uneven slices bake unpredictably — some pieces get mushy while others stay a bit tough. Place your apple slices into a greased baking dish, spreading them out so they’re evenly distributed for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet Spice Blend

In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, apple cider, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until combined. This mixture is the magic behind that luscious sauce — the flour thickens it up, while the spices bring a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen. Pour this evenly over the apple slices.

Step 3: Add Butter and Toppings

Dot the top of the apples with small pieces of butter. This ensures the dessert stays moist and adds a buttery richness you’ll love. Then sprinkle walnuts or raisins on top — I’m partial to walnuts for the crunch, but raisins add a nice chewiness and natural sweetness.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender and Bubbling

Bake your apples uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for tender apples that still hold their shape and a bubbly sauce that’s thickened nicely. If you like, check them at 45 minutes but sometimes I let it go a bit longer for an extra caramelized touch.

Step 5: Serve Warm with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

This is where the magic really happens: serving your baked apples warm alongside cold vanilla ice cream. That creamy contrast is sheer bliss. I’ve found that the ice cream slowly melting into the apples creates a heavenly sauce that my whole family goes crazy for.

How to Serve Baked Apple Recipe

Garnishes

I love a simple garnish of chopped toasted walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Sometimes I add a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and flair. These small touches elevate the presentation and flavor without fuss.

Side Dishes

This baked apple recipe stands well on its own, but if you want to make it a full autumn-themed feast, pair it with warm cinnamon-spiced oatmeal or a scoop of creamy vanilla yogurt. For dinner parties, I serve it alongside spiced roasted nuts or a rich cheese board to keep the cozy vibes going.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I sometimes bake individual apples stuffed and serve them in cute ramekins, topped with a sprig of fresh mint. Another fun idea is layering the baked apples with granola and whipped cream in clear glasses to make a quick parfait style dessert that’s both elegant and easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor actually deepens overnight, but I find the apples soften slightly, so they’re best gently reheated rather than served cold.

Freezing

If I want to freeze leftovers, I let the apples cool completely before portioning them into freezer-safe containers. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I recommend skipping the ice cream if freezing servings ahead.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish loosely with foil and warm the baked apples in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes. This helps preserve the texture without drying them out. Microwaving works too but can make the apples a bit softer.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This baked apple recipe feels like a hug from the inside out. I love how it takes simple ingredients and turns them into a cozy dessert that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. It’s perfect for those days when you want something homemade but fuss-free. Give it a try—you’ll probably find yourself making it more often than you expect! I’m already looking forward to the next time I whip up this delightful treat and share it with friends and family.

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