Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices: A Cozy & Healthy Dessert

The Comfort of Simple Pleasures

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the aroma of Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices wafting through a home. This recipe was born on a chilly autumn evening when I craved the comfort of apple pie but wanted something simpler, healthier, and quicker to prepare. The result was these baked cinnamon apple slices—a dessert that captures the essence of fall comfort food while remaining wholesome enough to enjoy without guilt.

What makes this recipe special is its beautiful simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients that most of us already have in our pantries, you can create a dessert that feels both indulgent and nourishing. The natural sweetness of the apples intensifies during baking, requiring only minimal added sweetener, while the warming spices create that familiar, comforting flavor profile we associate with traditional apple desserts.

Whether you’re looking for a lighter alternative to apple pie, a healthy dessert option for family dinners, or simply a way to use up an abundance of apples during harvest season, these baked cinnamon apple slices offer the perfect solution. They’re versatile enough to serve on their own, pair with breakfast dishes, or dress up with toppings for a more decadent dessert experience.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The Perfect Balance of Healthy and Indulgent: These Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices satisfy sweet cravings without the heaviness of traditional desserts. The natural sweetness of the apples is enhanced through baking, requiring only a minimal amount of added sweetener. This makes them an excellent option for those monitoring sugar intake or seeking healthier dessert alternatives. The absence of a buttery crust significantly reduces the calorie and fat content compared to apple pie, while still delivering that comforting, warm apple pie flavor.
• Aromatic Comfort for the Senses: Few things create a more inviting atmosphere than the scent of apples and cinnamon baking. This recipe transforms your home with an aromatic experience that evokes comfort and warmth. The combination of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a multi-layered fragrance that’s both soothing and appetite-stimulating. This sensory aspect adds an additional dimension of enjoyment beyond just the taste of the finished dish.
• Versatility for Multiple Occasions: These Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices seamlessly transition between different meal contexts. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, spoon them over oatmeal or yogurt for a nutritious breakfast addition, or pack them in a lunchbox as a healthy sweet treat. Their versatility extends to different seasons as well—comforting in fall and winter, yet light enough for spring and summer enjoyment when served with a cool topping like yogurt.
• Accessibility for All Cooking Levels: This recipe requires no special culinary skills or equipment, making it accessible to everyone from beginners to experienced cooks. The straightforward preparation involves basic techniques like slicing and mixing, with minimal active cooking time. The forgiving nature of the recipe allows for variations in apple types, sweeteners, and spices according to preference and availability, making it an ideal introduction to baking for novice cooks or a stress-free option for experienced ones.
• Dietary Inclusivity: In today’s world of varied dietary needs, these Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices offer remarkable inclusivity. They’re naturally gluten-free, dairy-free (when made with coconut oil), vegan (when made with maple syrup instead of honey), and contain no refined sugars. This makes them suitable for serving to guests with different dietary restrictions without requiring separate preparations or feeling like a “special” alternative—they’re simply delicious in their own right.
• Minimal Clean-Up: Using just one mixing bowl and one baking dish means less time spent cleaning and more time enjoying your creation. This efficiency aspect shouldn’t be underestimated—the psychological barrier of extensive clean-up often discourages us from making homemade desserts, but this recipe eliminates that concern.

Nutritional Benefits of Apples and Spices

Apples: More Than Just Delicious

Apples are nutritional powerhouses that deserve their reputation for keeping the doctor away:

• Rich in Dietary Fiber: A medium apple contains about 4-5 grams of fiber, including both soluble and insoluble types. The soluble fiber (pectin) helps lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar, while insoluble fiber supports digestive health and regularity. This fiber content contributes to the satisfying nature of this dessert, helping you feel fuller longer than many other sweet treats.
• Abundant in Antioxidants: Apples contain various antioxidants, including quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These compounds are particularly concentrated in the skin, which is why unpeeled apples (when organic) can offer additional health benefits, though this recipe calls for peeled apples for a more tender texture.
• Source of Vitamin C: While not as high as citrus fruits, apples provide a respectable amount of vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune function, collagen production, and iron absorption. A medium apple offers about 14% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
• Potassium Content: Apples contain potassium, an important mineral for heart health, blood pressure regulation, and proper muscle and nerve function. This electrolyte helps counterbalance sodium intake in our diets, potentially contributing to healthier blood pressure levels.

Cinnamon: A Spice with Powerful Properties

Cinnamon isn’t just a flavor enhancer—it’s been used medicinally for thousands of years:

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Cinnamon contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body. The most studied of these compounds is cinnamaldehyde, which gives cinnamon its distinctive flavor and aroma.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Numerous studies have shown cinnamon’s potential to improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels. It appears to slow the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract and improve glucose uptake by cells, making it particularly beneficial in a fruit-based dessert.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Cinnamon ranks among the top antioxidant-rich spices, helping to reduce free radical damage in the body. Its antioxidant properties are so potent that it has been used as a natural food preservative.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Cinnamon has natural antimicrobial effects, including antibacterial and antifungal properties, which historically made it valuable as a natural food preservative before modern refrigeration.

Nutmeg: The Complementary Spice

Nutmeg adds depth to the flavor profile while offering its own health benefits:

• Digestive Aid: Traditionally used to soothe digestive discomfort, nutmeg can help with indigestion and stomach aches. Its compounds may help relax the digestive muscles and reduce gas and bloating.
• Rich in Minerals: Nutmeg contains manganese, copper, magnesium, and potassium, contributing to bone health, enzyme function, and electrolyte balance.
• Antioxidant Content: Like cinnamon, nutmeg contains various antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative damage and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Core Ingredients

• 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 4 cups): The star of this dish, apples provide natural sweetness, texture, and nutritional value. Different varieties offer different flavor profiles and textures. Honeycrisp apples provide a sweet-tart balance with excellent texture retention during baking. Granny Smith apples offer tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet spices. Braeburn or Pink Lady apples provide a good middle ground with reliable baking performance. For the best flavor complexity, consider using a mix of varieties.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey: This natural sweetener enhances the apples’ inherent sweetness without overwhelming it. Maple syrup offers a complex, woodsy sweetness with trace minerals and antioxidants. It creates a slightly thinner sauce and is vegan-friendly. Honey provides floral notes that complement the apples beautifully and creates a slightly thicker sauce. Raw, unfiltered honey offers additional enzymes and antioxidants. The modest amount used in this recipe allows the natural flavor of the apples to shine while providing just enough sweetness to satisfy dessert cravings.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Beyond its health benefits, cinnamon is crucial for creating the warm, comforting flavor profile associated with apple desserts. It infuses the apples during baking, creating that characteristic aroma and taste. Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) offers a more delicate, complex flavor than the more common cassia cinnamon, though either works well in this recipe.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds depth and complexity to the spice profile. Its warm, slightly sweet, nutty flavor complements the cinnamon without overwhelming it. Freshly grated nutmeg offers the most vibrant flavor, but pre-ground nutmeg is perfectly acceptable and more convenient for most home cooks.
• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or butter): This fat component serves multiple purposes. It helps conduct heat evenly through the apple slices during baking, prevents sticking to the baking dish, and creates a more satisfying mouthfeel in the final dish. Coconut oil imparts a subtle tropical note that pairs surprisingly well with apples and keeps the recipe dairy-free. Butter offers a rich, familiar flavor that many associate with traditional apple desserts. Either choice creates a light sauce that coats the apple slices.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla rounds out the flavor profile with its warm, aromatic qualities. It enhances the perception of sweetness without adding sugar and creates a more complex flavor experience. Pure vanilla extract (rather than artificial vanilla flavoring) provides the best flavor, though the difference is less noticeable in baked goods with strong spices like cinnamon.

Optional Additions

• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds): Adding 2-3 tablespoons of chopped nuts introduces a contrasting crunchy texture and boosts the protein and healthy fat content. Walnuts offer omega-3 fatty acids, pecans provide a buttery flavor, and almonds add a subtle sweetness and excellent crunch.
• Raisins or dried cranberries: A small handful (about 2 tablespoons) of dried fruit adds chewy texture contrast and concentrated fruity sweetness. Raisins become plump and juicy during baking, while dried cranberries add a tart-sweet element that complements the apples.
• Lemon juice: A teaspoon of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor profile and helps prevent oxidation (browning) of the apple slices. It’s particularly useful when using sweeter apple varieties to add balance.
• Pinch of salt: Just a small pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) enhances all the other flavors without making the dish taste salty. It creates a more balanced flavor profile by contrasting with the sweetness.

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish (2 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature is ideal for baking apples—hot enough to soften them relatively quickly without burning the sugars or spices.

Select an appropriate baking dish. An 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) square dish or a 9-inch (23 cm) pie plate works well for this amount of apples. The dish should be large enough to hold all the apple slices in a layer that’s not too crowded (which would steam rather than bake them) but not so sparse that they dry out.

Lightly grease the baking dish with a small amount of coconut oil or butter. This prevents sticking and makes serving and cleanup easier. You can use a paper towel to spread a thin layer evenly across the bottom and sides of the dish.

2. Prepare the Apples (5-7 minutes)

Wash the apples thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave some skin on for added nutrition and color contrast.

Peel the apples using a vegetable peeler or paring knife. While nutritional value is higher with the skin on, peeling creates a more tender, dessert-like texture. For a compromise, you can peel them partially, creating striped apples that retain some nutritional benefits of the skin while improving the texture.

Core the apples using an apple corer or by cutting them into quarters and slicing out the core portion with a paring knife.

Slice the apples thinly, about 1/4-inch (6mm) thick. Uniform thickness ensures even cooking. Thinner slices will cook more quickly and become very soft, while thicker slices retain more texture but require longer baking time. Adjust based on your preference.

Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl. If not baking immediately, toss them with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.

3. Season and Coat the Apples (2 minutes)

In the bowl with the apple slices, add the maple syrup or honey, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract.

Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently toss the apple slices until they’re evenly coated with the spice mixture. Take care not to break the apple slices while mixing. The goal is to have each slice lightly but completely coated with the spiced oil mixture.

If adding optional ingredients like chopped nuts or dried fruit, fold them in gently at this stage.

4. Arrange and Bake (25-30 minutes)

Transfer the seasoned apple slices to your prepared baking dish. Spread them out in an even layer, or slightly overlapping if you prefer. For the most attractive presentation, you can arrange them in concentric circles or neat rows.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes of baking. This helps the apples steam slightly and become tender without drying out or browning too quickly.

After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes. This uncovered baking allows any excess moisture to evaporate and the edges of some apple slices to caramelize slightly for flavor complexity.

About halfway through the uncovered baking time (around the 20-minute mark total), gently stir or flip the apple slices to ensure even cooking and prevent the top layer from drying out.

Test for doneness by piercing a few apple slices with a fork. They should be tender but still hold their shape—not mushy. The exact timing will depend on the thickness of your apple slices and the variety of apples used.

5. Rest and Serve (3-5 minutes)

Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle.

Serve the baked apple slices warm for the most comforting experience. They can be enjoyed on their own or with various complementary toppings.

For a simple presentation, spoon the apple slices into individual bowls, making sure to include some of the spiced sauce that has formed during baking.

For a more elaborate dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt. The contrast of the warm apples with a cold, creamy topping creates a delightful sensory experience.

Variations and Adaptations

Seasonal Spice Blends

Transform the flavor profile with these seasonal variations:

• Fall Harvest Blend: Add 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice, and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger to the basic spice mixture. This creates a more complex, warming spice profile reminiscent of apple cider.
• Winter Holiday Blend: Include 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, a pinch of ground star anise, and a small strip of orange zest (removed before serving). These additions create a festive flavor perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Spring Renewal Blend: Add 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and substitute half the cinnamon with ground cardamom for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile.

Dietary Adaptations

Modify the recipe to accommodate various dietary needs:

• Lower Sugar Option: Omit the maple syrup or honey entirely and instead add 1/4 teaspoon of pure stevia extract or monk fruit sweetener. The natural sweetness of the apples, enhanced by baking, often provides enough sweetness on its own, especially when using naturally sweeter apple varieties.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace the maple syrup with 1 tablespoon of a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or allulose. Use butter instead of coconut oil for added richness without carbs. Serve with unsweetened whipped cream flavored with vanilla and a keto sweetener.
• Extra Protein Boost: Add 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds or chopped walnuts to the apple mixture before baking. Serve with a side of Greek yogurt for additional protein, creating a more balanced snack or breakfast option.

Creative Serving Ideas

Transform this simple dessert into various culinary creations:

• Apple Crumble Shortcut: Top the apple mixture with a simple streusel before baking (mix 1/4 cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons almond flour, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup). Bake as directed for an easy apple crumble.
• Breakfast Parfait: Layer cooled Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices with Greek yogurt and granola in a glass for a nutritious breakfast parfait. The apples can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for quick morning assembly.
• Pancake or Waffle Topping: Use these Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices as a healthier alternative to syrup on pancakes or waffles. The spiced sauce creates a delicious flavor without the refined sugar of traditional syrups.
• Oatmeal Enhancement: Stir Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices into morning oatmeal for a fiber-rich, satisfying breakfast that feels like a treat. The spices in the apples infuse the oatmeal with flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerator Storage

These baked apple slices keep well in the refrigerator:

• Allow the apple slices to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• The flavor often improves after a day as the spices continue to infuse the apples.
• The texture will soften slightly during storage, making refrigerated leftovers perfect for oatmeal or yogurt toppings.

Freezer Instructions

For longer storage, these apple slices freeze surprisingly well:

1. Cool the Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices completely.
2. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
5. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, adding a tablespoon of water if needed to restore moisture.

Make-Ahead Strategies

Prepare components in advance for quick assembly:

• Spice Blend Preparation: Mix the dry spices (cinnamon and nutmeg) in larger batches and store in an airtight container for quick use in this and other recipes.
• Partial Preparation: Peel and slice the apples up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in water with a squeeze of lemon juice in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Drain and pat dry before proceeding with the recipe.
• Complete Advance Preparation: Prepare the entire dish up to 2 days ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apple varieties for baking?

Different apple varieties create different results in this recipe:

• Honeycrisp: Offers an excellent balance of sweetness and tartness with a texture that holds up well to baking. They create a flavorful dish that doesn’t require much additional sweetener.
• Granny Smith: Provides a tart contrast to the sweet spices and maintains a firmer texture when baked. Ideal if you prefer apples that hold their shape well.
• Braeburn or Pink Lady: Deliver a balanced flavor and good baking performance. They soften appropriately without becoming mushy.
• Golden Delicious: Becomes quite soft when baked but offers a honey-like sweetness that works well in this simple preparation.
• For best results: Consider using a mix of varieties—perhaps a tart Granny Smith with a sweeter Honeycrisp—to create a more complex flavor profile.

How can I make the apple slices softer or firmer?

Texture can be adjusted several ways:

• For softer apples: Slice them thinner (about 1/8-inch), use naturally softer varieties like Golden Delicious, and bake covered for a longer portion of the cooking time.
• For firmer apples: Cut slightly thicker slices (about 3/8-inch), choose firmer varieties like Granny Smith, and reduce the overall baking time by about 5 minutes, checking frequently for your desired texture.
• The baking dish matters: A deeper dish with the apples more stacked will create softer, more steamed apples, while a wider dish with apples spread in a thinner layer will yield firmer slices with more caramelization.

Can I make this recipe without peeling the apples?

Yes, you can leave the peels on:

• Leaving the peels on increases the nutritional value, adding fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
• The texture will be slightly different—you’ll notice the peel’s presence in each bite.
• If choosing to leave peels on, wash the apples thoroughly and consider using organic apples to avoid pesticide residues.
• Cutting the apples into smaller pieces can make the unpeeled version more pleasant to eat.
• The visual appearance will be different, with the peels adding color contrast to the dish.

How do I prevent the apples from turning brown before baking?

Apple browning can be prevented several ways:

• Work quickly once the apples are cut.
• Toss sliced apples with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, which prevents oxidation.
• Prepare the spice mixture before slicing the apples so you can immediately coat them, as the cinnamon also helps prevent browning.
• If you need to slice the apples well in advance, keep them in a bowl of cold water with a tablespoon of lemon juice until you’re ready to continue with the recipe. Drain and pat dry before proceeding.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Complementary Toppings

Enhance your Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices with these delicious toppings:

• Creamy Additions: A dollop of Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) adds protein and a tangy contrast. Whipped cream or whipped coconut cream creates a more indulgent dessert experience. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this into a proper dessert with the hot-cold temperature contrast.
• Crunchy Elements: A sprinkle of granola adds textural contrast and additional fiber. Toasted nuts (particularly walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds) provide healthy fats and protein. A light dusting of crushed graham crackers creates a pie-like experience without the full crust.
• Sweet Drizzles: A light drizzle of caramel sauce for special occasions (try date caramel for a healthier option). A spoonful of almond or peanut butter, slightly warmed for drizzling. A light dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal and subtle sweetness.

Beverage Pairings

Complete the experience with these complementary beverages:

• Hot Drinks: Herbal tea, particularly cinnamon, chai, or chamomile varieties, enhances the cozy experience. Coffee, especially with a splash of cream, complements the warm spices. Hot apple cider creates a double-apple experience that’s perfect for fall evenings.
• Cold Options: Vanilla almond milk provides a creamy counterpoint without dairy. Sparkling water with a slice of lemon offers a refreshing palate cleanser. A small glass of dessert wine like ice wine or late-harvest Riesling makes this a more sophisticated dessert experience.

Complete Meal Suggestions

Incorporate these apple slices into various meal contexts:

• Breakfast Menu: Serve alongside plain Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a balanced breakfast. Include as a side with savory breakfast options like eggs and whole grain toast for a sweet contrast. Spoon over whole grain pancakes or waffles as a healthier alternative to syrup.
• Brunch Spread: Offer as part of a brunch buffet alongside quiche, fruit salad, and whole grain muffins. The warm spices complement many savory brunch dishes.
• Dinner Finale: Serve as a light dessert following a hearty winter meal like roast chicken or vegetable stew. The simplicity and lightness make it perfect after a substantial main course.

Chef Mya’s Notes

These baked cinnamon apple slices represent what I love most about cooking—transforming simple, wholesome ingredients into something that feels special without being complicated or indulgent to the point of guilt. I often prepare them on Sunday evenings as a comforting treat to end the weekend and welcome the new week.

What I find most satisfying about this recipe is its versatility. During apple season, when I have an abundance of fresh-picked fruit, I might make a double batch—enjoying some warm from the oven for dessert, then repurposing the leftovers throughout the week as oatmeal toppings or yogurt mix-ins for breakfast.

I encourage you to think of this recipe as a template rather than a strict formula. The basic technique of baking sliced apples with warming spices creates a canvas for your own creativity. Some days I might add a handful of fresh cranberries for tartness and color; other times, I’ll include a sprinkle of cardamom or ginger for a different aromatic profile.

For those watching sugar intake, I’ve found that using naturally sweet apple varieties often allows me to reduce or even eliminate the added sweetener entirely. The baking process intensifies the apples’ natural sugars, especially when using varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji.

Remember that the simplest recipes often rely the most on quality ingredients. When possible, seek out locally grown, in-season apples for the best flavor. The difference between a freshly harvested apple and one that’s been in cold storage for months is remarkable in a recipe with so few ingredients.

Detailed Nutrition Information (Per Serving – approximately 1/4 of recipe)

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g (from coconut oil)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Natural Sugars: 19g
  • Added Sugars: 3g (from maple syrup/honey)
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2mg
• Potassium: 195mg
• Vitamin C: 8mg (9% DV)
• Vitamin A: 98 IU (2% DV)
• Calcium: 20mg (2% DV)
• Iron: 0.5mg (3% DV)

*DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet

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