Name: Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 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, enjoyed across many cultures. The simplicity of baking fruit to enhance its natural sweetness is a testament to resourceful cooking. While the exact origins of adding cinnamon to baked apples are difficult to pinpoint, the spice itself has a rich history, prized for its flavor and medicinal properties since ancient times. Combining these two elements creates a timeless classic.

What makes cinnamon baked apple slices so irresistible? It's the perfect combination of textures – the soft, yielding apples against the slight caramelization from the baking process. The flavor is a symphony of sweet and spicy, satisfying your sweet tooth without being overly rich. Plus, this recipe is incredibly convenient! It requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and impressive dessert. Whether you serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them as a healthy snack, these apple slices are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Preparing the Apple Slices and Cinnamon Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial to ensure even baking and prevent the apples from becoming mushy.
Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples. I find that a good apple peeler and corer make this process much faster. Aim for slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. This thickness allows the apples to cook through without becoming overly soft. If the slices are too thin, they'll turn to mush; too thick, and they'll take forever to bake.
Melt the butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. You can also do this in a small saucepan over low heat. Just be careful not to burn it!
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. The flour helps to thicken the sauce that forms as the apples bake, creating a lovely glaze.
Add the melted butter and vanilla: Pour the melted butter and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined and forms a crumbly mixture. This is your cinnamon-sugar topping.

Assembling and Baking the Apple Slices

Grease your baking dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This prevents the apples from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. You can use cooking spray or a little bit of butter.
Arrange the apple slices: Spread the apple slices evenly in the prepared baking dish. You can arrange them in a single layer or slightly overlap them. The key is to ensure they are distributed evenly so they cook uniformly.
Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apple slices. Make sure to distribute it well so that every slice gets a good coating. If you're using nuts, sprinkle them on top now as well.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the type of apples you use. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into an apple slice; it should be easily pierced.
Let it cool slightly: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the apple slices cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth!

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm: These cinnamon baked apple slices are best served warm. The warmth enhances the flavors and makes them even more comforting.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream: For an extra special treat, top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, spiced apples perfectly.
Drizzle with caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds another layer of sweetness and richness.
Enjoy as a dessert or side dish: These apple slices can be enjoyed as a dessert or as a side dish with breakfast or brunch. They're also a great addition to a holiday meal.
Store leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

Tips and Variations

Choose the right apples: As mentioned earlier, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples are all good choices for this recipe. They hold their shape well during baking and have a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Add other spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as ginger, cardamom, or cloves.
Use different nuts: If you don't like pecans or walnuts, you can use other nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
Make it gluten-free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Add oats for a crumble topping: For a more substantial topping, add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will create a delicious crumble topping.
Use apple pie spice: If you have apple pie spice on hand, you can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of it instead of the individual spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice).
Add lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice over the apple slices before baking can help prevent them from browning and add a touch of brightness to the flavor.
Try different extracts: Instead of vanilla extract, try almond extract or maple extract for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

Apples are too mushy: If your apples are too mushy, it could be because you used apples that are too soft or because you baked them for too long. Next time, try using firmer apples and reducing the baking time.
Topping is not golden brown: If the topping is not golden brown, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end of baking. Just be careful not to burn it!
Sauce is too thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last few minutes of baking.
Apples are browning too quickly: If the apples are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first half of baking.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving
Fat: 10-15g
Saturated Fat: 6-8g
Cholesterol: 30-40mg
Sodium: 100-150mg
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Fiber: 4-6g
Sugar: 30-40g
Protein: 1-2g

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices are truly a must-try recipe, and I'm confident they'll become a staple in your kitchen, especially during the cooler months. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the incredible depth of flavor makes them a winner every time. Forget complicated desserts that take hours; this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. The warm, comforting aroma that fills your home while they bake is an added bonus – it's pure autumnal bliss! But why are these apple slices so special? Firstly, they're incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as a light and healthy dessert, a satisfying snack, or even a delightful addition to your breakfast. Secondly, the combination of cinnamon, butter, and the natural sweetness of the apples creates a symphony of flavors that's simply irresistible. The baking process intensifies the apple's sweetness and creates a wonderfully tender texture. And finally, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. Don't have Granny Smith apples? Use Honeycrisp or Fuji! Prefer maple syrup to brown sugar? Go for it! This recipe is all about adapting to your preferences and what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving these delicious apple slices. For a classic dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans adds a delightful crunch. For a healthier option, try topping them with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. Looking for variations? Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon mixture for an extra layer of warmth. A squeeze of lemon juice before baking will enhance the apple's natural tartness. You could even try adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy texture and burst of flavor. For a truly decadent treat, drizzle them with caramel sauce after baking. Another fantastic variation is to use these baked apple slices as a topping for pancakes or waffles. They add a touch of sweetness and warmth that elevates your breakfast to a whole new level. You can also incorporate them into your oatmeal or yogurt for a more substantial and flavorful meal. And don't forget about savory applications! These Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices pair beautifully with roasted pork or chicken. The sweetness of the apples complements the savory flavors of the meat, creating a balanced and delicious meal. You can even add them to a cheese board for a sweet and savory contrast. I truly believe that everyone should experience the joy of making and enjoying these apple slices. They're a simple yet satisfying treat that's perfect for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these amazing Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices. I promise you won't be disappointed. Once you've tried them, I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] and let me know what variations you tried. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve them with ice cream or yogurt? I'm always eager to learn new ways to enjoy this classic recipe. Happy baking! I can't wait to see what you create!