Autumn in a Skillet : The Ultimate Easy Baked Apple Slices

Is there any aroma more comforting than that of sweet apples and warm cinnamon baking in the oven? It’s a scent that instantly conjures images of cozy sweaters, crisp autumn air, and the simple joy of comfort food. It’s the kind of wholesome sensory experience that can make any house feel like a home.

What if you could capture that perfect, soul-warming feeling with a dessert that’s ridiculously simple to make? Forget complicated pie crusts and fussy techniques. These Easy Baked Apple Slices are the answer, delivering all the flavor of a classic apple pie with a tiny fraction of the effort.

Prepare to fall in love with a simple dessert that is both wholesome and wonderfully indulgent. This is more than just a recipe; it’s your new go-to for a quick, delicious, and heartwarming treat. Let’s get baking and fill your kitchen with the scent of pure comfort.

What Are Easy Baked Apple Slices?

At their heart, Easy Baked Apple Slices are exactly what they sound like: a beautifully simple dish of fresh apples baked to tender perfection. The apple slices are tossed with a bit of butter, a touch of sugar, and a generous amount of warm cinnamon. As they bake, the apples soften, their natural sugars concentrate, and the butter and spices create a glorious, syrupy sauce.

The result is a rustic and incredibly satisfying dish that walks the line between a side dish, a breakfast topping, and a standalone dessert. It’s a celebration of the apple in its most delicious and comforting form. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and warm spice.

A Caramelized Apple Dessert for Simple Dessert Recipes

In the world of simple dessert recipes, this caramelized apple dessert is a true champion. It’s a testament to the idea that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something spectacular. The magic comes from the caramelization process, where the natural sugars in the apples deepen and enrich under the oven’s heat.

This recipe is the perfect entry point for anyone new to baking or for seasoned cooks looking for a quick and reliable treat. It’s a blue-chip stock in your culinary portfolio, a dependable recipe that always yields delicious results. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest things in life are truly the most satisfying.

What Apples Are Best for Baking?

This is the golden question for any apple recipe: what apples are best for baking? The key is to choose a variety that is firm enough to hold its shape when cooked, preventing it from turning into mushy applesauce. You want an apple that can become tender while still retaining a pleasant bite.

Excellent choices for baking include Granny Smith, which provides a wonderful tartness to balance the sweetness. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Golden Delicious are also fantastic options as they are firm and have a great sweet-tart flavor profile. Using a mix of two different types can even add a lovely complexity to your final dish.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Baked Apple Slices

First and foremost, the sheer ease of this recipe is a massive win. The preparation takes just a few minutes of slicing and tossing the ingredients together. The oven does all the hard work for you, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the incredible aroma that will fill your home.

You will also love how incredibly versatile this dish is. Serve it warm from the oven as a cozy dessert, spoon it over your morning oatmeal or yogurt, or pair it with a savory dish like roasted pork. It’s a multi-talented recipe that you will find yourself making again and again.

Nutritional Benefits

This is one of those wonderful desserts that you can feel genuinely good about eating. Apples are nutritional powerhouses, packed with dietary fiber, which is fantastic for digestion and helps you feel full and satisfied. They are also a great source of Vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants.

Because this recipe relies heavily on the natural sweetness of the apples, it requires very little added sugar compared to other desserts. By making this simple swap for a more processed treat, you’re choosing a dessert that is both delicious and nourishing. It’s a perfect example of a wholesome indulgence.

Full Recipe for Easy Baked Apple Slices

Here is the complete, easy-to-follow guide for making the most comforting baked apples you’ve ever had. Get ready for a simple and rewarding baking experience.

❖ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Yield: 6 servings | Category: Dessert, Side Dish | Method: Baking | Cuisine: American | Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Essential Ingredients for Easy Baked Apple Slices

• 4 large baking apples (about 2 pounds), such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix
• 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar (or substitute with maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Ingredients Notes

• Apples: As mentioned, using a firm baking apple is key. If you leave the peel on, which is highly recommended for added fiber and color, be sure to wash and scrub the apples thoroughly before slicing.
• Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will work perfectly here. The molasses content adds a wonderful depth and caramel flavor that complements the apples beautifully. Maple syrup is an excellent alternative for a different kind of sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Don’t skip this! A small amount of lemon juice not only prevents the apple slices from browning as you work, but its acidity also brightens and balances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Butter: A couple of tablespoons of butter dotted over the top before baking will melt down and help create a rich, bubbly sauce. For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.

How to Make Easy Baked Apple Slices (Detailed)

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter an 8×8 inch baking dish, a 9-inch pie plate, or a cast-iron skillet.
2. Core and Slice the Apples: Wash your apples well. Core them and slice them into uniform wedges, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. There is no need to peel them unless you prefer them without the skin.
3. Toss with Flavor: Place the apple slices in a large bowl. Sprinkle them with the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Use your hands or a large spoon to gently toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated.
4. Arrange in the Dish: Transfer the coated apple slices to your prepared baking dish. Spread them out into a relatively even layer, though some overlap is perfectly fine.
5. Dot with Butter and Bake: Scatter the small pieces of butter over the top of the apples. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes.
6. Check for Doneness: The baked apples are ready when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork and the sauce at the bottom of the dish is bubbly and slightly thickened. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

Alternative Recipe: Cranberry Orange Baked Pear Slices

For an elegant and slightly more festive twist, this baked pear recipe uses the same simple technique.

• The Fruit: Use 4 large, firm pears (like Bosc or Anjou), cored and sliced. Pears are more delicate, so handle them gently.
• The Flavor Profile: In a bowl, toss the pear slices with 1/4 cup of maple syrup, the zest and juice of one orange, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.
• The Process: Arrange the coated pear slices in a buttered baking dish. Dot with 2 tablespoons of butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the pears are just tender.
• The Garnish: This version is wonderful served with a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.

Storage Options

To store leftover baked apple slices, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days.

You can easily reheat the apples in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. Alternatively, you can warm them in a saucepan over low heat or even enjoy them cold straight from the fridge, spooned over yogurt or cottage cheese.

Variations and Substitutions

This simple recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own creativity. Here are a few ideas to change things up. These cinnamon apple recipes are easy to adapt.

• Add a Crunchy Topping: About 10 minutes before the apples are done baking, sprinkle a mixture of 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, and a tablespoon of melted butter over the top to create a delicious crisp-like topping.
• Mix in Dried Fruit: Add a handful of raisins, dried cherries, or chopped dates to the apple mixture before baking for extra sweetness and texture.
• Warm Spice Blends: Feel free to experiment with other warm spices. A pinch of cardamom, allspice, or ground ginger would be a wonderful addition to the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Practical & Valuable Tips

For the best results, try to slice your apples into a consistent thickness. This ensures that all the slices cook evenly, so you won’t have a mix of mushy and undercooked pieces. A simple apple slicer/corer tool can make this job quick and easy.

Don’t overcrowd your baking dish. You want the apples to have enough space to bake and caramelize rather than just steam. If you need to double the recipe, it’s better to use a larger 9×13 inch dish or two smaller dishes.

Finally, always taste your apples before you start. If you’re using a particularly sweet variety like Gala, you might want to slightly reduce the amount of sugar. If you’re using a very tart apple like Granny Smith, you might want to add a little extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to peel the apples for this recipe? Not at all! Leaving the peel on is easier, and it adds fiber, nutrients, and a lovely rustic color to the finished dish. Just be sure to wash the apples thoroughly before slicing.
2. Can I make these baked apples on the stovetop? Yes, you can. Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the coated apples and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.
3. How can I make this recipe with a sugar substitute? You can easily substitute the brown sugar with a brown sugar alternative blend, such as those made from erythritol or monk fruit. You could also omit the sugar entirely and rely on the natural sweetness of the apples, perhaps adding an extra dash of cinnamon.
4. What are some creative ways to serve these baked apples? They are heavenly served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re also fantastic spooned over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a decadent breakfast. For a savory twist, serve them as a side dish with roast pork or chicken.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh and warm from the oven, you can absolutely prepare it ahead. Simply bake the apples as directed, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave, just before serving.

This Simple Dessert: Easy Baked Apple Slices recipe is proof that delicious desserts don’t need to be complicated.

Ready to fill your home with the coziest aroma imaginable? Pin this Easy Baked Apple Slices recipe to your favorite fall baking board and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort anytime!