If you’re seeking a warm, soul-satisfying treat that fills your home with the nostalgic aroma of cinnamon and apples, look no further than Baked Apple Slices. This dish is the quintessence of cozy comfort, effortlessly combining juicy apples with a simple blend of butter, brown sugar, and spices. Whether served as a quick weeknight dessert, a wholesome snack, or an irresistible breakfast topping, these sweet, tender apple slices offer a hug in a bowl that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Their beauty lies in their simplicity, and with just a handful of ingredients and a single baking dish, you’re on your way to pure apple bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how these few simple ingredients, each with a deliciously specific job, come together in harmony to create a dish that’s much more than the sum of its parts. Baked Apple Slices rely on these pantry staples to deliver perfect flavor, texture, and just the right touch of sweetness.
- Apples: Choose juicy, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for the best balance of sweetness and texture; peeling them ensures a silky-soft finish.
- Melted Butter: Rich butter coats the apples and helps them caramelize beautifully as they bake.
- Brown Sugar: For a deep, molasses-like sweetness that enhances the natural flavor of the apples.
- Ground Cinnamon: The essential spice for classic apple desserts, lending warmth and aromatic charm.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a subtle, earthy depth and pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses the apple slices with a lovely fragrance that rounds out the dessert’s aroma.
- Pinch of Salt: Don’t skip this — it sharpens all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
How to Make Baked Apple Slices
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of butter or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step ensures that the apples won’t stick and creates those crave-worthy caramelized edges everyone loves.
Step 2: Slice and Toss the Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples into tablespoon-thick wedges — the evenness ensures all the pieces bake at the same rate. Gather them in a large mixing bowl and pour the melted butter right over the top. The apples soak up the butter, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Add All the Flavorful Goodies
Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together thoroughly so each apple slice gleams with the buttery-spiced mixture. This is the moment when the Baked Apple Slices start to look truly irresistible, even before hitting the oven!
Step 4: Lay Out the Apples
Spread the coated apple slices into a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Laying them out evenly is key; it allows the slices to bake consistently and prevents any pieces from turning mushy while others remain firm.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, remembering to give the apples a gentle stir halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and gives every slice a chance to caramelize. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the warm, inviting scent of apples and spice, signaling that your Baked Apple Slices are ready.
How to Serve Baked Apple Slices
Garnishes
Dress up your Baked Apple Slices with a scattering of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra decadence. A sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top feels festive and looks stunning, especially for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Baked Apple Slices are delicious on their own, but they’re also made to be paired. Serve alongside crisp granola and yogurt for breakfast, next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon gelato for dessert, or even beside fluffy pancakes for a brunch treat that tastes like autumn on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching twist, layer the warm apples over oatmeal in individual jars, tuck them between slices of buttered brioche for a dreamy French toast filling, or spoon them into mini tart shells and top with a crumble for handheld treats everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Apple Slices keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers just as tempting — if not more — the next day.
Freezing
To extend the life of your Baked Apple Slices, place completely cooled slices in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag; they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using as a topping or snack.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth again, simply reheat Baked Apple Slices gently in the microwave or in a baking dish covered with foil at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Add a splash of water or apple juice if needed to bring back their moisture and shine.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala are favorites for their balance of sweetness and texture, any firm, crisp apple such as Braeburn or Pink Lady works beautifully in this recipe. Mixing varieties adds complexity, too.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling gives the Baked Apple Slices a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, but if you prefer more bite or extra nutrients, feel free to leave the peels on. Just be sure to wash the apples thoroughly.
How can I make this dish vegan?
It’s easy to make vegan Baked Apple Slices: just swap the melted butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The result is every bit as luscious and satisfying.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe scales up perfectly for gatherings. Just use a larger baking dish or divide between two dishes, ensuring the apples remain in a single layer so they bake evenly.
What’s a good way to add extra flavor?
Try tossing in a handful of golden raisins before baking for a burst of sweetness, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. A few gratings of fresh ginger can add a fun, zesty twist to the classic Baked Apple Slices.
Final Thoughts
Few treats are as heartwarming and fuss-free as Baked Apple Slices. Every spoonful delivers cozy flavors that you’ll crave all year long. Give this recipe a try, and let it become your go-to for satisfying that apple dessert craving whenever the mood strikes!
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Baked Apple Slices Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the sweet, comforting flavors of these Baked Apple Slices. Perfectly spiced and caramelized, these apples make a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side, dessert, or topping.
Ingredients
Apples:
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish.
- Prepare Apples: In a large bowl, coat apple slices with butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
- Bake: Spread apples in a dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm as desired.
Notes
- For a softer texture, cover the dish with foil while baking.
- Enhance with lemon juice for brightness or raisins for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
