Granny Smith apple slices are tossed with sugar and warm spices, then baked until tender in this Baked Apples recipe. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or spoon them over waffles or pancakes for a comforting breakfast.
If you love the flavor of apple pie filling but don’t want to bake a full pie, these baked apples deliver the same warm, spiced taste without the fuss. The sugars caramelize as they bake, creating a rich sauce that’s delicious spooned over ice cream, pancakes, or oatmeal. They’re simple to prepare and perfect for cozy fall mornings or an easy dessert.
Why I Make This Baked Apples Recipe Every Year
- Easy fall dessert. These apple slices require minimal prep—just peel, core, slice, and toss—so they’re a quick, comforting dessert when apples are in season.
- Short ingredients list. The recipe uses fresh apples and common pantry staples like butter, sugar, and spices, so you can make it on short notice.
- Versatile. Serve them warm with ice cream for dessert, or use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles at breakfast.
Recipe Ingredients
Below is an overview of the ingredients used. Exact measurements are included in the recipe card.
- Apples – Tart Granny Smiths are ideal, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, or Pink Lady also work well.
- Butter – Unsalted is preferred so you can control the salt level.
- Sugar – A mix of granulated and light brown sugar gives depth and caramelization.
- Spices – Ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg add warmth.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
- Sea salt – A small amount balances sweetness.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the juices released during baking into a glossy sauce.
How To Make Baked Apples
This is a low-effort dessert with straightforward steps. The printable recipe card below contains the full details.
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prep the apples. Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly but not paper-thin. Place the slices in a large bowl.
- Make the sugar mixture. Combine melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt. Pour over the apples and toss to coat.
- Add cornstarch. Sprinkle cornstarch over the apples and toss again so the slices are evenly coated; this will thicken juices into a sauce as they bake.
- Bake. Spread the apples in an even layer and bake 35–40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender and the sauce is caramel-like.
- Rest and serve. Let cool 5–10 minutes, then serve warm.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few easy ways to customize the baked apples.
- Add-ins. Stir in raisins or dried cranberries before baking for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it sweeter. Increase the sugar slightly or drizzle honey over the apples after baking.
- Dairy-free. Substitute melted butter with coconut oil or another plant-based alternative.
- Mix apples. Combine two or three apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp with Granny Smith, for a more complex flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These baked apples are excellent served warm with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. They also pair beautifully with pancakes, waffles, or a bowl of oatmeal for a sweet, seasonal breakfast.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat. Warm gently in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Baked Apples
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Ingredients
- 5 large Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced (thin but not too thin)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
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Peel, core, and slice the apples, keeping the slices thin but sturdy. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
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In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until combined.
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Pour the mixture over the apples and toss to coat them well.
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Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apples and toss again to make sure it’s coated well.
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Spread the apples in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the apples are tender and the sauce is thick and caramel-like.
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Let the apples cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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More Apple Recipes To Try
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- Mock Apple Pie