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If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert that beautifully balances sweetness and spice, this Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Vanilla Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender apple slices infused with cozy cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and the rich aroma of vanilla, all baked to a delicate caramelized perfection. It’s simple, wholesome, and perfect for cozy evenings or anytime you want a naturally sweet treat without fuss. You’ll love how each bite feels like a warm hug, all made with easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and warmth that makes these baked apples so irresistible. Gathering fresh, quality components is all it takes to whip up this delightful treat in no time.
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These apples provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness and hold their shape beautifully when baked.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: Adds a luscious richness and helps caramelize the apple slices.
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor for depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and classic autumn flavor to every bite.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle nutty spice that enhances the cinnamon without overpowering it.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the dish with a creamy, floral sweetness that makes the apples irresistible.
- A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the overall flavors.
- Optional toppings (vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts): Perfect for adding creaminess or crunch as a finishing touch.
How to Make Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Vanilla Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your apples bake evenly and the parchment helps prevent sticking while making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Toss the Apples in Flavor
In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with melted butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until each apple slice is beautifully coated with this fragrant mixture. This step is where the magic begins, as the spices and sugar start to work their charm on the apples’ natural sweetness.
Step 3: Arrange Apple Slices on the Baking Sheet
Spread the coated apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure none of the slices overlap. Keeping them spread out ensures they bake evenly and develop a slight caramelization rather than steaming.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender and Caramelized
Bake your apple slices for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring gently halfway through the baking time. This gentle toss keeps the slices coated evenly and promotes even cooking so each bite is tender, juicy, and perfectly caramelized with little golden edges.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
Once the baking is done, let the slices cool for a few minutes. Serving warm brings out their comforting aromas and soft texture perfectly, making it easy to enjoy immediately or pair with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Vanilla Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm apple slices. For some crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top. These simple garnishes elevate the dish, making it feel extra special whether it’s a casual snack or a dessert at your next dinner.
Side Dishes
This baked apple dish pairs beautifully with oatmeal or pancakes for breakfast. It also complements pork or roasted chicken wonderfully if you want to create a cozy dinner spread with a hint of sweetness and spice on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these baked apple slices over vanilla yogurt or mixed into your morning granola bowl for an easy flavor upgrade. Alternatively, serve them as a warm topping on pound cake or freshly baked muffins to turn everyday treats into a comforting autumn-inspired experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover baked apple slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled slows down the softening process while preserving those beautiful flavors for easy enjoyment later.
Freezing
If you want to save these apple slices for longer, they freeze nicely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent clumping. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm them gently in a microwave or oven until just heated through. This helps restore their softness and brings back that fresh just-baked smell and taste. Avoid overheating to keep your baked apple slices tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples besides Granny Smith or Honeycrisp?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp offer the best balance of tartness and baking texture, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala apples. Just remember that softer apples may turn mushier after baking.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended to achieve the tender texture that characterizes this dish, but if you prefer a bit more fiber and a rustic look, you can leave the skins on—just wash the apples thoroughly first.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly and delicious.
What if I want a sweeter dessert?
If you prefer a sweeter version, you can increase the brown sugar slightly or drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the slices before baking. Just be careful not to overwhelm the warm spices that make this recipe special.
How can I add some crunch to the dish?
Sprinkling chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds either before baking or as a garnish after baking gives a wonderful texture contrast that pairs beautifully with the soft apple slices.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Vanilla Recipe is pure comfort on a plate. It’s effortless to make but impressively delicious, perfect for cozy moments and sharing with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to try it—the combination of warm spices and naturally sweet apples is a crowd-pleaser every time. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy apples!
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Print
Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Vanilla Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delightful baked apple slices recipe offers a warm, comforting treat featuring tender apple slices coated in melted butter, brown sugar, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Baked until caramelized and served warm, it’s perfect on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or chopped nuts for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the apple mixture: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced apples with melted butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until all slices are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange for baking: Spread the coated apple slices evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure the slices do not overlap to allow for even caramelization and baking.
- Bake the apples: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring the apples halfway through the cooking time to promote even tenderness and slight caramelization on all sides.
- Serve and enjoy: Once baked, remove the apple slices from the oven, allow them to cool slightly, and serve warm. Optionally, enhance the dish by adding toppings such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or chopped nuts to your taste.
Notes
- Choose firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture during baking.
- Peeling the apples is optional but helps create a smoother texture.
- Adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg according to your preference for warmth and flavor.
- For a gluten-free dessert, this recipe is naturally suitable.
- The optional toppings add richness but can be omitted for a lighter option.
