Easy Baked Cinnamon and Sugar Apples Recipe

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Are you craving a simple yet irresistible dessert or side dish that embodies the cozy flavors of fall? Look no further than our Easy Baked Cinnamon and Sugar Apples Recipe.

This delightful recipe takes humble apples to a whole new level of deliciousness. With just a handful of readily available but simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary apples into a warm, aromatic, and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

The combination of sweet, tender apples, fragrant cinnamon, and caramelized sugar creates a symphony of flavors that will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma. It will be hard to resist taking a bite straight from the oven.

Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a quick dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth or planning a cozy gathering with loved ones, this recipe is a surefire winner. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on a journey to bake the tastiest Easy Baked Cinnamon and sugar Apples you’ve ever had.

Baked Cinnamon Apples vs. Fried Apples

You may be wondering, what is the difference between baked cinnamon apples and fried apples? The simple answer is how they are cooked.

Easy Baked Cinnamon and Sugar Apples and Southern Fried Apples are both incredibly straightforward and uncomplicated recipes. While this particular recipe focuses on the baked version, you also have the option of preparing Southern Fried Apples in a skillet. Both methods are refreshingly simple to execute. 

In my personal experience, the flavor profile remains quite similar in both cases. However, opting for baking is the easier choice as it demands less time spent tending to the stove, allowing you to enjoy these delightful treats with minimal fuss.

Side dish or dessert?

You may ask yourself, is this recipe a side dish or dessert? Well, I am here to confuse you even more. If you are not aware, many dishes in the South are labeled as side dishes or (vegetables) that may not be considered in other parts of the United States. For instance, this Old Fashioned Southern Sweet potatoes Casserole is sometimes served as a side dish. 

If you ever go to a diner or Southern-style restaurant that serves country cooking and what we call a “meat and three” type of restaurant, many of the side dishes are labeled as vegetables that are not vegetables, such as Southern Mac and Cheese or corn pudding. Cracker Barrel would be a prime example of this, they serve fried apples as a side dish rather than dessert. 

If you want to find more awesome desserts, check out our dessert recipes here.

Fun for the whole family

Exploring an apple orchard located near apple-growing regions can be a delightful adventure for the entire family. Whether you opt for a day trip or extend it into a weekend getaway, apple picking offers an opportunity to not only enjoy the outdoors but also to educate children about the origins of their food.

It’s a hands-on experience that takes them from the bountiful fields to the kitchen table, connecting them with the journey of food from orchard to plate.

Why you will love this recipe

People are likely to love a Baked Cinnamon apple recipe for several compelling reasons:

1. Delightful Aroma: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and sugar creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen and triggers feelings of comfort and nostalgia.
2. Warm and Cozy: Baked cinnamon apples are the epitome of warm, comforting, and cozy desserts, making them perfect for the fall and winter seasons.
3. Ease of Preparation: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients and minimal effort. It’s accessible to both novice and experienced cooks.
4. Minimal Ingredients: With just apples, cinnamon, sugar, and optionally some butter and lemon juice, this recipe relies on simple pantry staples.
5. Versatility: Baked cinnamon apples can be enjoyed in various ways. They can be served as a side dish or a standalone dessert. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, french toast, oatmeal, or yogurt. It also makes a great topping for pork chops. 
6. Natural Sweetness: The natural sweetness of the apples, enhanced by the cinnamon and sugar, provides a healthier alternative to overly processed desserts.

In summary, people are likely to love the Baked Cinnamon Apples recipe for its simplicity, comforting qualities, delightful flavors, and versatility, making it a beloved dessert for various occasions.

Apple Variety

One of the most important decisions when making this recipe is the apple variety you will use.

The best apples for baking are those that maintain their texture, flavor, and sweetness when cooked. Here are some of the best apples for baking:

1. Granny Smith: These green apples are known for their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well in baking. They add a nice contrast to sweet desserts.
2. Honeycrisp: Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy, making them a popular choice for baking. They maintain their shape and add a pleasant sweetness to baked goods.
3. Jonagold: Jonagold apples are a hybrid of Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples. They have a sweet-tart flavor and hold their shape when baked, making them excellent for pies and crisps.
4. Braeburn: Braeburn apples have a balanced sweet-tart flavor and a firm texture, making them suitable for various baked goods like pies, tarts, and crisps.
5. Fuji: Fuji apples are sweet and crisp, making them a great choice for baking. They add a pleasant sweetness to desserts without becoming overly mushy.
6. Cortland: Cortland apples have a sweet-tart flavor and are slow to brown when sliced, making them ideal for apple slices in pies and other baked treats.
7. Pink Lady: Pink Lady apples are sweet and slightly tart with a firm texture. They hold their shape well in baking and add a nice flavor to pies and crisps.
8. Gala: While Gala apples are primarily known as eating apples, they can also be used in baking when you want a sweeter flavor profile. They work well in apple cakes and muffins.

Remember that the best apples for baking can vary depending on personal preference and the specific dish you're making. Mixing different apple varieties can also create a unique flavor and texture in your baked goods. Experimentation is encouraged to find the perfect apple for your favorite recipes.

How to Make Easy Baked Cinnamon & Sugar Apples Recipe

The list of ingredients used is very simple and most people would have them on hand except for the apples. Apples can be bought year round in most cases but they are best when apple season is in which is the fall season in the US.

Ingredients

• Apples: The best apples for baking are those that maintain their texture, flavor, and sweetness when cooked.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a key ingredient and adds warmth to this dish as well as an aromatic fragrance.
• Sugar: Brown sugar is a type of sugar characterized by its brown color and unique flavor. This is distinct from the simple sweetness of white sugar. It is made from white granulated sugar combined with varying amounts of molasses. Maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar may be substituted for a more natural approach.
• Butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor to the baked apples. This complements the natural sweetness of the fruit. This buttery flavor enhances the overall taste of the dish, making it more delicious and satisfying.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy, and slightly citrusy flavor to the baked apples. This acidity provides a pleasing contrast to the natural sweetness of the apples. It also keeps them from oxidizing (turning brown). 
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract contributes a warm, sweet, and floral flavor to the baked apples.
• Sea Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of a dish by amplifying and balancing other tastes. A pinch of salt can help bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit. This makes the dish taste even sweeter without being cloying. It also complements the warmth of spices like cinnamon and the richness of ingredients like butter.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch will help tighten up (thicken the dish.) The apples will release moisture and this will create a thick sauce.

Equipment:

• 9 x13 Baking dish
• Sharp knife
• Vegetable peeler or apple peeler
• Apple coring tool
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon

Note: To find this list of products and the brands I recommend, check out this Kitchen Essentials List I have curated.

Preparation

Pro Tip: If you wish to peel the apples, there are a few different tool options that can be used to peel an apple. You can simply use a knife, you can use a vegetable peeler, or you can use an apple peeler. 

• Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
• Next, wash and peel the apples (Optional) with a sharp knife, vegetable peeler, or apple peeler. 

• Core the apples and cut the apples into slices.

• Toss the apples with the lemon juice to prevent them from browning, then place the apples in the baking dish.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt.

• In a small bowl that is microwave-safe, melt the butter in the microwave. Add in the vanilla extract and mix the two.  
• Pour melted butter-vanilla extract over the apple slices. 
• Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apples.
• Give the apples a quick stir to ensure they are fully coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. 

Baking

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake the apples in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
• Remove the foil and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into apple slices. The baked apple slices will be tender when done. 

Serving

There are a few ways to enjoy these sweet apples that have been baked. 

• Serve them as a side dish or dessert.
• Warm cinnamon apples go great with pork and make a delicious topping for pork chops. They also make a great side dish with roasted pork tenderloin.
• Place a spoonful of baked cinnamon apples on top of waffles, pancakes, or French toast then top with maple syrup. 
• Eat as a dessert topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Easy Baked Cinnamon and Sugar Apples Recipe offers a delightful and fuss-free way to enjoy the comforting flavors of fall. With just a handful of readily available ingredients, minimal effort, and a short preparation time, this recipe proves that achieving deliciousness in the kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether you’re seeking a quick dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth or planning a cozy gathering with loved ones, this recipe is a winner.

Thanks for stopping by Southern Food Junkie. It is our hope that you enjoy this recipe sharing it with friends, family, and coworkers. Make sure to take time to give thanks to the creator, God, by which all blessings flow.
John 6:35

-Ronnie | Let’s Get Food Junked

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