Baked Apple Slices

ByLaura January 16, 2024April 13, 2024

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Made with everyday pantry staples, these cinnamon-baked apple slices are a delicious and healthy dessert option that can also be used as a topping for breakfast waffles. This recipe is easy to make and only requires a few ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something sweet. No pie crust needed!

Make the best baked apple slices for a healthy and delicious treat!

Is there anything better than the smell of something warm and delicious baking in your kitchen? Especially if it has cinnamon in it!

When I smell cinnamon, I immediately think of giant cinnamon rolls or a classic pumpkin pie. Even after all of the holidays are over, I still crave the comforting and warm flavors of cinnamon… just not all the work that comes with it.

That’s why I love this recipe for baked apple slices. It’s like eating mom’s apple pie but without the extra work of making the flaky pie crust!

Sliced apples coated in a sugary and cinnamon-y sauce, baked until tender and caramelized, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.

And the best part? It’s super easy to make! No pie crust or rolling pins are needed here. Just some simple ingredients and an oven.

Serve for breakfast or dessert (or both – no judgment here!) and surprise your family with a warm, fruity dish.

Ingredients needed to make baked cinnamon apple slices

Making baked apple slices is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy apples, no matter what time of year! Here is everything you need to make them right at home…

Apples: The star of the show! You can use any type of apple you like, but I personally prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. I like a bit of tartness since there is sugar in the recipe. To make a large batch, you’ll need 5-6 apples peeled, cored and sliced.
Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a bit of tanginess but, most of all, helps prevent the apples from browning while they are being cooked. One tablespoon should be plenty!
Sugar: For this baked apple recipe, I used two different types of sugar – granulated white and light brown sugar. Using white sugar helps balance out the tartness of the apples, while brown sugar adds a bit more depth and caramel flavor. You’ll need a 1/4 cup of each.
Cinnamon: No baked apple slices recipe is complete without cinnamon! It adds a warm and cozy flavor to the apples. Use about two teaspoons of ground cinnamon for this recipe.
Cornstarch: To help thicken up the sauce and make it cling to the apples, you’ll need one tablespoon of cornstarch. It also helps soak up any excess liquid from the apples while they are being baked.
Butter: Using unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to the apple slices. The butter helps bind all the sugar and spices to the outside of the apples so they stick while baking.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt is all you need to bring out the sweetness in the apples.

Kitchen equipment needed

Apple Corer
Paring Knife
Mixing Bowl
9×13 Baking Dish

Tip: You can also use a 10-inch cast iron pan or pie plate!

Tips for making cinnamon sugar baked apple slices

To save time and avoid slicing your finger, use an apple corer to easily remove the cores of each apple and slice it for you.
The thinner you slice the apples, the faster they will cook. Aim for slices that are 1/4 inch thick or at least evenly cut.
Make sure to use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. Fresh lemon juice has a brighter flavor and helps prevent browning in the apples.
When coating the apple slices with the sauce, be careful not to overmix them, or they will become mushy and fall apart. Gently toss the apples until they are evenly coated.
These baked apple slices are best served warm, straight out of the oven!

How to store leftover apple slices

If you have any leftover slices, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

Frequently asked questions apple slices with cinnamon

Whenever I share this recipe, I get some of the same questions. Here are the most popular ones that people ask!

If you have a question that isn’t listed here, please leave them in the comments, and I’ll answer them as soon as possible. Thank you!

What are the best apples to use for baked apple slices?

Like I mentioned before, you can use any type of apple for this recipe. However, some apples just work better than others.

Personally, I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith because they have a bit of tartness and hold their shape well when baked.

Oh, and I’ve tried Fuji and Pink Lady apples too, and they turned out great as well!

Ultimately, it’s all about personal preference, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!

Can I use these baked apples as a topping for waffles or pancakes?

Yes! These baked cinnamon apple slices are delicious on their own, but they also make a fantastic topping for homemade waffles or pancakes.

You can even try them as a topping for homemade apple pizza or served over ice cream with homemade whipped cream.

What other spices can I add besides cinnamon?

While cinnamon adds a delicious warmth and flavor to these baked apples, feel free to get creative and try other spices like nutmeg, ginger, or allspice.

Just keep in mind that some spices can easily overpower the dish, so use them in moderation.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can totally get a head start by slicing the apples and keeping them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days before you’re ready to cook.

When that time comes, just put everything together and follow the baking instructions on the recipe card below.

More Grandma-Approved Recipes To Try

If you enjoyed this recipe for baked apple slices, take a look at some of these other yummy recipes: