Honey Cinnamon Baked Apples
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love making Honey Cinnamon Baked Apples for a cozy dessert that fills the house with warmth and sweetness. The combination of tender baked apples with a fragrant blend of honey and cinnamon creates an aroma that pulls everyone into the kitchen. This recipe is incredibly simple, needing just a few ingredients, and takes only 40 minutes total. It's perfect for a quick family treat, yet impressive enough for guests. When the apples come out bubbling and golden, I can't help but feel a sense of joy and nostalgia.
When I first baked these Honey Cinnamon Baked Apples, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying they turned out. The joy of biting into a warm, sweet apple filled with honey and cinnamon is nothing short of heavenly. I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples to create a perfect balance of flavors.
As I experimented with different toppings, I discovered that a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a delightful crunch that enhances the texture. This dish is not only delicious but serves as a great way to impress your loved ones with minimal effort!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly baked apples with a sweet and spicy aroma
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- A warm, cozy dessert that's loved by all
Choosing the Right Apples
Selecting the right apples is key to achieving the perfect flavor and texture for this dish. Gala and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices due to their natural sweetness and firm flesh, which holds up well during baking. Other varieties like Fuji or Braeburn can also work, but be mindful that some apples may be softer and require shorter cooking times to prevent them from becoming mushy.
If you're feeling adventurous, consider mixing different types of apples in your dish. This can create a delightful blend of flavors and textures, enhancing the overall experience. Just remember to keep the apple sizes similar for even baking, ensuring all of them are tender by the time the timer goes off.
Perfecting Your Filling
The filling for your baked apples can be customized to suit your taste preferences. While honey and cinnamon create a classic duo, you can also incorporate other spices like nutmeg or ginger for an added depth of flavor. Mixing in a dash of vanilla extract can elevate the sweetness of the honey, making the overall dessert even more fragrant and inviting.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options still provide sweetness but with unique flavor profiles. If you're reducing sugar, consider adding some chopped dried fruits to the filling mix, which also helps retain moisture during baking, resulting in juicy apples.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create this delightful dish.
For the baked apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (Gala or Honeycrisp work well)
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Enjoy the process of preparing these baked apples!
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your Honey Cinnamon Baked Apples.
Prepare the apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core the apples and create a small hollow space at the center of each. Place them in a baking dish.
Mix the filling
In a small bowl, mix honey and cinnamon together until well combined. Spoon the mixture into the hollow centers of the apples.
Add butter and nuts
Cut the butter into small pieces and place a piece on top of each filled apple. If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the apples.
Bake the apples
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbling.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These apples are delightful on their own or served with vanilla ice cream!
Enjoy your deliciously baked apples!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle some more honey over the apples just before serving. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
Make-Ahead and Storage
If you're planning to serve these Honey Cinnamon Baked Apples for a special occasion, you can prepare them ahead of time. Core the apples and fill them with the honey-cinnamon mixture up to 2 hours before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you're ready to pop them in the oven.
Leftover baked apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, just until warmed through. For an extra treat, consider serving them alongside yogurt or granola for breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
These baked apples are truly delightful on their own, but there are endless serving possibilities to enhance your dessert experience. A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm apples, creating a contrast in temperatures that is irresistible. You could also dust a bit of powdered sugar on top or drizzle additional honey for an elegant finish.
For a more gourmet touch, serve the apples with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Adding fresh berries or a mint leaf not only adds color but also a refreshing aspect to the dish. These accents will impress your guests and create a visually appealing dessert presentation.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different varieties of apples like Fuji or Granny Smith, but keep in mind that tart apples may alter the sweetness of the dish.
→ How can I store leftovers?
You can store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for best results.
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apples in advance and store them in the fridge unbaked. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
→ What can I serve with baked apples?
Baked apples pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Honey Cinnamon Baked Apples
I absolutely love making Honey Cinnamon Baked Apples for a cozy dessert that fills the house with warmth and sweetness. The combination of tender baked apples with a fragrant blend of honey and cinnamon creates an aroma that pulls everyone into the kitchen. This recipe is incredibly simple, needing just a few ingredients, and takes only 40 minutes total. It's perfect for a quick family treat, yet impressive enough for guests. When the apples come out bubbling and golden, I can't help but feel a sense of joy and nostalgia.
What You'll Need
For the baked apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (Gala or Honeycrisp work well)
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core the apples and create a small hollow space at the center of each. Place them in a baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix honey and cinnamon together until well combined. Spoon the mixture into the hollow centers of the apples.
Cut the butter into small pieces and place a piece on top of each filled apple. If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These apples are delightful on their own or served with vanilla ice cream!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle some more honey over the apples just before serving. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 1g