These Maple Cinnamon Baked Apples make a wonderful dessert. The apples are dipped in a maple and cinnamon mixture, topped with some dried cranberries, and baked to perfection! Top these sweet baked apples with some vanilla ice cream for even more deliciousness!
Like in our Cottage Cheese and Apple Pie, the apples turn out soft, yet crunchy. Full of flavor! Each bite is a delicious mix of sweet, caramelized apples and rich, creamy goodness, infused with comforting scents of cinnamon and nutmeg! The kitchen smells amazing and my always "busy" teenagers come out of their respective rooms as soon as the scents travel from the kitchen to the rest of the house.
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Reasons to love this recipe
- It's Delicious: The combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, and baked apples creates a deliciously sweet and aromatic dish!
- Health Benefits: Baked apples are a healthier alternative to many desserts. They provide natural sweetness without added sugars. Plus, apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. If you're looking for other healthier dessert alternatives, try these Chocolate Granola Cups too.
- Comforting Aroma: Like in this Honey-Glazed Apples and Blueberry Pastry Cups recipe, as the apples bake, the aroma of cinnamon and maple fills the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere.
- Family Favorite: Baked apples are a classic comfort food. Enjoy it as a dessert or a comforting snack, this recipe is sure to become one of your household favorites.
Ingredients
- Apples: I used Golden Delicious apples. They hold well when baked and turn out soft, not mushy, and slightly crispy on the outside. Any apple that holds its shape well when baked would work great. Golden Delicious (sweet, slightly tart), Crispin (Juicy, sweet, slightly tart), and Ida Red, among others. You may also like to use Granny Smith apples. They are more acidic/sour than the other apples, but they do taste great baked! That little acidity adds more flavor.
- Maple syrup and honey: Both maple syrup and honey are natural sweeteners with distinct flavors, and combining them can create a nicely balanced sweetness. Maple syrup has a rich, earthy flavor with hints of caramel and vanilla, and honey has a floral, sweet flavor.
- Seasonings: cinnamon powder, nutmeg - same seasonings that we use in our Apple Cinnamon French Toast recipe. Cinnamon adds warmth, depth, and a slightly sweet-spicy flavor to the dish. It's a classic pairing with apples. Nutmeg has a warm, slightly nutty flavor with hints of sweetness and spice. It complements the flavor of cinnamon and adds complexity to the dish.
- Dried Cranberries: I like adding dried cranberries in recipes with fruits (like in this Asparagus and Mango Salad Recipe); they add a little more tartness, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the baked apples, honey, and maple syrup. The red color of the dried cranberries adds visual appeal to the dish, creating a beautiful contrast against the golden-brown apples and creamy filling.
Substitutions and variations
- Dried Cranberries: In addition to or instead of dried cranberries, you can use other dried fruits such as raisins, chopped apricots, prunes, or chopped dates. Like in this Pork and Dried Fruit Roll, they'll add sweetness and chewiness to the dish.
- Add Other Spices: Though cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic spices for baked apples, you can, instead, add a pinch of cloves, ginger, or allspice for a little bit of a different twist.
- Add Different Fruit: Mix in other fruits along with the apples or substitute them entirely. Pears, peaches, or even berries can work well in this recipe. Just adjust the baking time as needed depending on the fruit's texture and juiciness.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add crunch and richness to the dish. Sprinkle them on top of the apples before baking or after baking.
- Make it vegan: simply omit the honey and make sure that the maple syrup you are using is pure maple syrup, without any non-vegan ingredients mixed in.
Preparation
STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
STEP 2: Prepare the mixture
In a small mixing bowl combine the maple syrup, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg and pour the mixture onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
STEP 3: Prepare the apples
Rinse the apples with warm water, pat them to dry, and place them on a cutting board. Next, slice each apple in half and core each half using a paring knife. If you are using an apple corer like I did, core the apple first and then slice it in half.
STEP 4: Coat the apples
Place the apple halves in maple/cinnamon mixture and coat both sides of the apple. Turn the apple halves skin down and sprinkle them with the dried cranberries.
STEP 5: Bake the apples
Bake the apples in the oven at 400°F for approximately 40 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender in the center. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Top Tips
- Choose apples that hold their shape well when baked, these include: Golden Delicious, Crispin, Honeycrisp, Ida Reds, McIntosh, Granny Smith (these apples are more acidic/sour than the other apples)
- Check for Doneness: After about 30-40 minutes of baking, test the apples by inserting a fork or knife into the center. They should be tender and easily pierced.
- If the apples are not fully tender after 40 minutes, continue baking and check every 5-10 minutes until they reach the desired texture.
- If the tops of the apples are browning too quickly or if you prefer a softer texture, you can cover the baking dish with foil halfway through baking to prevent excessive browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's best to keep the peel. The peel helps the apple keep its "apple" shape.
Plus, it makes them more crispy on the outside. So, for sure, keep the peel! Less work and time spent too!
Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Yes, baked apples can be frozen for longer storage. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or the microwave.
Serving suggestions
Serve the baked apples topped with vanilla ice cream, or some yogurt. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and/or some fresh berries. Some toasted walnuts. Drizzle the juice that's left over after baking. So, so good!
Try these other desserts
If you tried this Maple Cinnamon Baked Apples recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Recipe
Maple Cinnamon Baked Apples
Equipment
- Apple corer optional
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 apples *see notes section below for best apples to use
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the mixture for coating: In a small mixing bowl combine the maple syrup, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg and pour the mixture onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare the apples for baking: rinse the apples with warm water, pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel, and place them on a cutting board. Next, slice each apple in half and core each half using a paring knife. If you are using an apple corer, core the apple first and then slice it in half.
- Place the apple halves in maple/cinnamon mixture and coat both sides of the apple. Turn the apple halves skin down and sprinkle them with the dried cranberries.
- Bake the apples in the oven at 400°F for 40 minutes, or until the center is fork-tender. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- choose apples that hold their shape well when baked, these include: Golden Delicious, Crispin, Honeycrisp, Ida Reds, McIntosh, Granny Smith (these apples are more acidic/sour than the other apples)
- Check for Doneness: After about 30-40 minutes of baking, test the apples by inserting a fork or knife into the center. They should be tender and easily pierced.
- If the tops of the apples are browning too quickly or if you prefer a softer texture, you can cover the baking dish with foil halfway through baking to prevent excessive browning.
- If the apples are not fully tender after 40 minutes, continue baking and check every 5-10 minutes until they reach the desired texture.
- Serve the baked apples topped with vanilla ice cream, or some yogurt. Top with some fresh berries. Some toasted walnuts. Drizzle the juice that's left over after baking.
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