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These old fashioned Baked Apples are filled with a sweet cinnamon filling and baked until caramelized and tender. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it's the coziest Fall dessert.
Old Fashioned Baked Apples that HIT every time!
These baked whole apples are one of those desserts that makes the whole house smell like Fall the second it goes in the oven. This is a great dessert you can prep in advance, and I love serving it to a crowd because it's naturally gluten-free and a healthier dessert that everyone loves. It's like a healthier version of apple pie and made much quicker and easier.
Try more apple recipes, like Broccoli Apple Salad, How to Can Applesauce, Apple Bundt Cake, Fresh Apple Cake, Applesauce Muffins, Caramel Apples, and Apple Coffee Cake!
How to make Baked Apples:
Core the Apples: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, then use a paring knife or apple corer to remove the stem and seeds, making a deep hole for the filling.
Fill and Bake: Mix the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nuts, then spoon into each apple. Place the apples in a baking dish with ¼ cup water and bake 40 to 45 minutes, until tender.
Serve: Spoon the sauce drippings from the pan over the baked cinnamon apples and serve warm with ice cream, if desired.
Baked Apples
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 good-quality apples, (I like to use red apples, but baking apples, such as Granny Smith, work great to!)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, , or pecans
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, , packed
- 2 Tablespoons butter, , room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
- vanilla ice cream, , for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Use a paring knife or apple corer to remove the stem and seeds from the apples, making a deep hole where the filling will go.4 good-quality apples
- Combine the brown sugar, butter and cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well to combine. Add the nuts. Spoon mixture evenly into each of the apples.¼ cup light brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons butter, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- Add ¼ cup of water to a baking dish and place apples on top.¼ cup water
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the sauce drippings from the pan over the apples. Serve with ice cream, if desired.vanilla ice cream
Notes
- Baked Apples in Microwave: Baking in the oven is preferred, but for the microwave, place prepared apples in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, or until tender.
- Sliced Baked Apples: Try my Apple Crisp!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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*I originally shared this recipe September 2015. Updated October 2018, December 2021, August 2024 and September 2026.
Bake covered or uncovered?
Uncovered. Enjoy!
What temperature to cook apples
Hi Frances,
You can find all the instructions in the recipe card. Cook the baked apples at 350 degrees!
Hmmm…..breakfast or dessert? Hard to decide! Going for dessert…..a needed change from Christmas cookies! Also, I had an epiphany on coring……cut out the stem per usual, then…..a grapefruit spoon to dig out core!
Why does the recipe call for 1/2 cup water but the directions say add a 1/4 cup? Sorry Im confused
Hi Becky,
Thanks for pointing out the typo. The recipe should call for just ¼ cup water!
Try a few raisins or dried cranberries in the sugar/nut filling. Adds a little complementary flavor.
Love that idea!
I make these with golden raisins instead of pecans, skip the water in the bottom of the bowl and microwave them. I eat them for breakfast, either plain or with a little milk poured over. I’ve never tried topping them with yogurt, but thats an option. And I will try adding the pecans.
I have made these for years they are always popular, I even put sultanas inside the apples too, nice with custard if you want something hot
We were really looking for something to satisfy our sweet tooth, without a ton of calories, and decided on your baked apples recipe. They were exactly what we were looking for, and sooooo good.
Looks delicious! I feel silly asking, but do you make two holes to scoop out the seeds or just one so the filling doesn’t fall out?
Made these tonight. Even made the caramel sauce (my husband dove into the sauce with a spoon!!!) Served with ice cream and it was heavenly. The apples baked while we painted pumpkins. I think we have a new family fall tradition.
Sounds like the perfect night! I’m so happy you liked them!