Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Pecan Topping

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender baked apples infused with warm cinnamon and topped with a crunchy maple-glazed pecan crumble for a cozy dessert. This American-inspired Halloween recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs large apples, ground cinnamon, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 4 cored large apples upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle each apple inside and out with 2 tsp ground cinnamon evenly divided.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats, 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until crumbly.
  3. Step 3: Spoon the pecan-oat mixture generously into the center cavity of each apple, pressing lightly to fill.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish to keep apples moist.
  5. Step 5: Bake apples for 35-40 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Let cool slightly before serving warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Pecan Topping take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Pecan Topping?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large apples from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Pecan Topping?

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 Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Pecan Topping 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Baked Apples with Maple Pecan Topping?

American halloween 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.

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