Brown Sugar Baked Cinnamon Apples
Tender baked apples coated in a warm cinnamon and brown sugar glaze, served warm for a comforting dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers brown sugar, ground cinnamon, unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp) large apples
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Core 4 large apples and peel a 1-inch strip around the center to prevent splitting. Place the apples in a 9x9-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup brown sugar with 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Stuff the mixture evenly into the hollowed centers of the apples.
- Step 3: Dot each apple with about 3 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the apples and pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Step 4: Bake the apples uncovered for 35-40 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork and the sugar has caramelized, spooning pan juices over the apples every 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Serve warm alone or with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brown Sugar Baked Cinnamon Apples take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Brown Sugar Baked Cinnamon Apples?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Brown Sugar Baked Cinnamon Apples?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Brown Sugar Baked Cinnamon Apples for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Brown Sugar Baked Cinnamon Apples?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
