How to Make Buttery Cinnamon Sugar Baked Apples
There’s something magical about the sweet and cozy smell of apples baking in the oven, especially when they’re coated with cinnamon sugar and topped with butter. Baked apples are a simple, classic treat that feels both comforting and fancy. Whether you’re planning a dessert for a family dinner or just craving a little sweetness, buttery cinnamon sugar baked apples are the perfect solution.
Follow this easy recipe for baked apples that will leave your kitchen smelling wonderful and your taste buds happy. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a treat that’s great on its own, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside whipped cream. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work best; they hold their shape and balance sweetness nicely)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark, depending on your taste)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- ⅓ cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional, for extra texture and flavor)
- ⅔ cup apple juice, cider, or water (this will help the apples bake evenly and create a delicious sauce at the bottom of the dish)
Tools:
- A baking dish large enough for your apples
- A paring knife, apple corer, or spoon for hollowing out the apples
- Foil or a lid to cover the baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start with clean apples. Wash them thoroughly under cool water to remove dirt or wax. Using a paring knife, apple corer, or spoon, carefully remove the core from the apples. Be sure to scoop out the seeds without cutting all the way through the bottom of the apple—you want the filling to stay inside as the apples bake. If the hollow looks too small, widen it a little to make room for the buttery cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). If you’re adding raisins or chopped nuts, toss them in now. This is a great way to add a little extra crunch or chew, but if you prefer plain sugary apples, feel free to skip this part.
Now, take the butter and cut it into small pieces—about 1 tablespoon for each apple. You’ll be adding the butter directly into the apple later.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
Place the cored apples into your baking dish so they sit upright. Divide the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly among the apples, filling each hollowed-out center. Press the filling gently with a spoon to pack it down. Then, place one piece of butter on top of the filling in each apple. As the butter melts, it will mix with the sugar and create a gooey, caramel-like center.
Step 4: Add Liquid to the Baking Dish
Pour the apple juice, cider, or water into the baking dish around the apples. This liquid will add moisture as the apples bake, preventing them from drying out. It will also create a light sauce that you can spoon over the apples before serving.
Step 5: Bake the Apples
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil or a lid to help the apples cook evenly and stay moist. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. After that time, remove the foil or lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the apples are tender when poked with a fork. The skin will become soft, and the filling will bubble beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the apples are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Be careful—it’s tempting to dig in right away, but the filling can be very hot!
Transfer the apples to individual plates or bowls. Spoon some of the sauce from the baking dish over the top of each apple. For an extra-special touch, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess perfectly balances the warm, gooey apple.
Tips and Variations:
- Choose the right apple: Apples like Granny Smith are tangy, while Honeycrisp and Gala are sweeter. Decide what flavor you prefer and choose your apples accordingly.
- Spices: Don’t stop at cinnamon and nutmeg! You can add ginger, cardamom, or even a few drops of vanilla extract to customize your baked apples.
- Filling alternatives: Try stuffing the apples with granola, crushed cookies, or oats for a different texture.
- Make it vegan: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like margarine or coconut oil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked apples are sweet, warm, and full of flavor. They require only a few ingredients and are incredibly easy to make. Plus, they give you all the satisfaction of pie or cobbler without needing to prepare a crust. Whether you’re serving it to guests or treating yourself, buttery cinnamon sugar baked apples are a delightful dessert that anyone can enjoy.
Try this recipe today and bring a little bit of autumn into your home no matter the time of year!
