If you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, baked apples with honey and cinnamon are the answer. This classic dish combines tender apples, warm spices, and natural sweetness for a treat that’s both cozy and nourishing. It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly what you want when the weather turns cool or you need a quick guilt free dessert.
Why Baked Apples Are a Go-To Dessert
Some desserts feel fussy. Others are easy enough to whip up after dinner, and baked apples fall firmly in the second camp. They’re rustic yet flavorful, hearty yet light. One bite and you’ll wonder why you don’t make them more often.
What makes them special? For me, it’s the balance. The honey adds a mellow sweetness. Cinnamon brings warmth. The apples soften just enough to become spoonable without losing their character. Together, they create a dessert that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down.
Choosing the Right Apple Varieties
Not all apples bake the same. Some hold their shape, while others collapse into mush. That might be fine for applesauce, but for baked cinnamon apples, you want slices or halves that stay intact.
Here are a few good choices:
- Honeycrisp – Sweet, crisp, and holds up well in the oven.
- Granny Smith – Tart and firm, great if you like a little tang.
- Fuji – Naturally sugary and juicy, perfect if you want less honey.
- Gala – Mild, with a gentle sweetness that pairs well with cinnamon.
I often mix two varieties to keep things interesting. It’s like letting the apples have a conversation with each other—each bite feels slightly different.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For four servings of this baked apples recipe, gather the following:
- 4 medium apples (choose from the varieties above)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
- A pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (helps balance the sweetness)
That’s it—simple pantry staples. Nothing you’ll need to hunt for.
Step-by-Step: Easy Baked Apples
Step 1: Prep the apples
Wash and core the apples if you plan to bake them whole. If you prefer baked apple slices, peel and slice them into wedges about half an inch thick. Place in a baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the glaze
In a small bowl, stir together the honey, cinnamon, melted butter (or coconut oil), lemon juice, and sea salt. It will form a golden, fragrant mixture.
Step 3: Coat the apples
Pour the glaze over the apples, making sure each piece gets some attention. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5–10 minutes so the tops caramelize.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon the warm desserts straight from the oven. They’re delicious on their own, but if you’re in the mood for something extra, pair them with vanilla ice cream, a dollop of yogurt, or even whipped cream.
Tips for Baking with Honey
Honey behaves differently than sugar in recipes. It caramelizes faster and adds moisture. A few quick tips:
- Don’t overdo it. Apples are naturally sweet, so a little honey goes a long way.
- Use raw honey if possible—it adds depth and subtle floral notes.
- Keep an eye on the oven, since honey browns more quickly.
Once you start baking with honey, you’ll find yourself reaching for it in cakes, muffins, and even bread.
Variations to Try
This baked cinnamon apples recipe is flexible. Feel free to adapt it to your taste or what’s in your pantry.
- Stuffed Baked Apples – Core the apples and fill them with oats, raisins, and nuts before drizzling with honey.
- Spiced Twist – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a deeper flavor.
- Crispy Topping – Sprinkle granola over the apples in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Citrus Note – Swap lemon juice for orange juice for a brighter finish.
Recipes should fit your mood, not the other way around.
Serving Ideas
Baked apples are versatile enough to appear at almost any meal.
- Breakfast: Serve warm apple slices over oatmeal or pancakes.
- Dessert: Top with ice cream or custard for a crowd-pleaser.
- Snack: Enjoy plain, straight from the dish.
Sometimes, I even sneak leftovers into my smoothies. They blend in beautifully, giving that sweet-cinnamon comfort in drinkable form.
Why This Recipe Works as a Guilt Free Dessert
Desserts often get a bad reputation, but not all sweets are created equal. This dish leans lighter because:
- The apples provide fiber and natural sweetness.
- Honey is used sparingly, avoiding refined sugar overload.
- Nuts (if added) bring healthy fats and crunch.
You get the comfort of a warm dessert without the heaviness of cake or pie. It’s the kind of sweet treat you can enjoy on a Tuesday night without regret.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? Lucky you. Store cooled baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick fix or in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked feel.
Pro tip: Slice leftovers into small pieces and fold them into yogurt parfaits or overnight oats. Breakfast basically makes itself.
Final Thoughts
Baked apples with honey and cinnamon strike the sweet spot between easy and impressive. They’re simple enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for guests. Whether you enjoy them plain, dressed up with ice cream, or folded into breakfast, they’re a reminder that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most satisfying.
So grab a few apples, drizzle on that golden honey, and let the oven do the work. Sweet comfort is just a bake away.
Baked Apples with Honey and Cinnamon
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and core the apples if leaving them whole, or peel and slice into wedges about ½ inch thick. Place in a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, cinnamon, melted butter, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the glaze over the apples and toss gently so they’re coated. Sprinkle nuts on top if using.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5–10 minutes to caramelize the tops.
- Serve warm. Enjoy plain, or pair with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Mixing two types of apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) adds more flavor.
- Don’t overbake or the apples will turn mushy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and taste great over oatmeal or yogurt.
FAQs About Baked Apples with Honey and Cinnamon
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup works well. It adds a slightly different flavor, but it’s equally delicious.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Not necessarily. The skin softens in the oven. Peeling is more about preference and texture.
How do I stop the apples from becoming mushy?
Choose firm apple varieties and avoid over-baking. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are especially reliable.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake them earlier in the day and reheat before serving. Just keep them covered to retain moisture.
Are these baked apples slices or whole apples better?
It depends on what you like. Whole apples make a stunning presentation, while slices cook faster and are easier to portion.
What toppings go best?
Vanilla ice cream is the classic. Yogurt, granola, or even a drizzle of peanut butter can be fun options too.
