Name: Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced into ¼-inch thick slices; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground allspice; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping; Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices: the easiest, most comforting dessert you'll make all autumn! Imagine biting into tender, warm apple slices, infused with the sweet spice of cinnamon and a hint of brown sugar. It's like a warm hug on a chilly evening, and the aroma alone will fill your kitchen with pure bliss.

Baked apples, in various forms, have been a beloved treat for centuries. From simple roasted apples enjoyed in medieval Europe to elaborate apple pies gracing American Thanksgiving tables, the humble apple has always held a special place in our culinary hearts. This particular recipe for cinnamon baked apple slices takes that classic comfort and simplifies it, making it accessible for even the busiest weeknights.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of textures – the soft, yielding apples against the slight caramelization from the baking process. The taste is a symphony of sweet and spicy, with the cinnamon perfectly complementing the natural tartness of the apples. Plus, it's incredibly convenient! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and healthy dessert ready in under 30 minutes. It's no wonder people adore this simple yet satisfying treat. I know I do!

Ingredients:

6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well), peeled, cored, and sliced into ¼-inch thick slices
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Preparing the Apple Slices:

Alright, let's get started! First things first, we need to prep our apples. This is probably the most time-consuming part, but trust me, it's worth it. I like to use a combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, but feel free to use your favorite baking apples.

Peel the Apples: Using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel all six apples. Make sure you remove all the skin, as it can sometimes be a bit tough after baking.
Core the Apples: Next, core each apple. You can use an apple corer if you have one, or simply cut around the core with a sharp knife. I find the knife method works just as well, especially if your apples aren't perfectly shaped.
Slice the Apples: Now, slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices. This is important for even cooking. If the slices are too thick, they'll take longer to bake and might not be as tender. If they're too thin, they might become mushy. Aim for that sweet spot of ¼-inch!
Preheat the Oven: While you're prepping the apples, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is nice and hot when we're ready to bake.

Making the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

Now for the fun part – creating that delicious cinnamon-sugar coating that will make these apple slices irresistible! This is where all the warm, comforting flavors come together.

Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, or in a small saucepan over low heat. Just be careful not to burn it!
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Make sure everything is well combined so you don't end up with clumps of cinnamon in your apple slices.
Add Melted Butter and Vanilla: Pour the melted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly moistened and forms a crumbly mixture. This mixture is going to coat the apples and create a beautiful, caramelized topping.

Assembling and Baking the Apple Slices:

Time to bring it all together! This is where the magic happens, and you'll start to see (and smell!) the deliciousness taking shape.

Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the apple slices from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. You can use cooking spray or a little bit of butter.
Arrange the Apple Slices: Arrange the apple slices in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. You can overlap them slightly, but try to avoid stacking them too high, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.
Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the apple slices. Make sure every slice gets a good coating of that deliciousness! Use your fingers to gently press the mixture into the apples.
Add Optional Toppings: If you're using chopped pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them over the top of the apple slices. This adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. You can test the tenderness of the apples by inserting a fork into a slice. It should go in easily with little resistance.
Cool Slightly: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the apple slices cool slightly before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and prevent you from burning your tongue!

Serving Suggestions:

These cinnamon baked apple slices are delicious on their own, but they're even better with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, spiced apples pair perfectly with the cool, creamy toppings. You can also serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It's a simple, comforting dessert that's perfect for any occasion. And the best part? It's so easy to make!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices are more than just a simple dessert; they're a warm hug on a plate, a burst of autumnal flavor, and a ridiculously easy way to impress your friends and family. Seriously, if you're looking for a recipe that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort, this is it. The combination of the tender, slightly tart apples, the sweet cinnamon spice, and that touch of buttery goodness is simply irresistible. But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it's incredibly versatile. It's perfect as a light dessert after a hearty meal, a comforting snack on a chilly evening, or even a delightful addition to your breakfast spread. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based butter alternative. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are truly endless! For a classic pairing, serve these warm apple slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm apples and the cold creaminess is heavenly. Or, if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, try topping them with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and nutty flavor. Looking for variations? Absolutely! Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon mixture for a deeper, more complex flavor profile. A squeeze of lemon juice before baking will brighten the apples and prevent them from browning too much. You could even experiment with different types of apples – Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji all work beautifully. For a truly decadent treat, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the baked slices before serving. Another fantastic idea is to use these Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices as a topping for pancakes or waffles. Imagine starting your day with a stack of fluffy pancakes smothered in warm, cinnamon-spiced apples – pure bliss! They're also a delicious addition to oatmeal or yogurt for a healthy and satisfying breakfast. And don't forget about using them in other desserts! These apple slices would be amazing in a crumble or crisp, or even as a filling for homemade apple pies or tarts. You can even dice them up and add them to muffins or quick breads for a burst of apple-cinnamon flavor. I truly believe that this recipe is a game-changer. It's simple enough for even the most novice baker, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. It's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some apples, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices. I'm confident that you'll love them as much as I do. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you've made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you served them. Happy baking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to answer them. Enjoy!