If you’re craving a warm, cozy dessert that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, this Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe is exactly the treat you need. Imagine tender slices of Honeycrisp apples, their natural sweetness enhanced by the fragrant spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, all baked to juicy, bubbly perfection with just the right hint of butter and brown sugar. It’s a simple dish, yet full of depth and comfort that will have you reaching for seconds and sharing this delight with friends and family throughout the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of straightforward ingredients can come together to create such a magical dessert. Each element works harmoniously to balance sweetness, spice, acidity, and richness, bringing out the best in the Honeycrisp apples and making this baked dish truly irresistible.
- 6 Honeycrisp apples: Their natural crispness and sweetness make them the ideal apple for baking, holding shape but softening beautifully.
- â…“ cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and richness that pair perfectly with the fruit’s tartness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavor while preventing the apples from turning brown during prep.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps the mixture simmer gently and develop luscious juices as it bakes.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the cooking juices into a delightful syrupy glaze.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The warm spice that complements apples like no other, giving the dish its cozy aroma.
- â…› teaspoon nutmeg: Adds just a hint of nuttiness and spice for extra depth.
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Cubed and dotted on top, it melts into the apples creating a rich, silky finish.
How to Make Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to a low and slow temperature of 250°F. This gentle heat is key to softening the apples evenly while drawing out their natural juices without burning the spices or sugar.
Step 2: Peel, Core, and Slice
Take the Honeycrisp apples and carefully peel, core, and slice them thinly. Thin slices ensure the apples cook through perfectly and allow the flavors to meld beautifully in the baking dish.
Step 3: Mix the Magic Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, water, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Toss everything gently so the apples are evenly coated and infused with the wonderful blend of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors.
Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and to allow the apples to release their juices and caramelize perfectly as they bake.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Transfer the coated apples into the prepared casserole dish, spreading them out evenly. Scatter the cubes of unsalted butter on top; as it melts, it will create a luscious, rich layer that enhances every bite.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven to bake for 35 minutes. Covering it traps steam, gently softening the apples and marrying the spices with the fruit.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered to Finish
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step allows the top to lightly caramelize and thicken the juices, giving the baked apples a beautiful glaze and a slightly crisp finish on top.
How to Serve Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe
Garnishes
This baked apples dish shines on its own, but you can elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for crunch. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely touch of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Serving these baked apples with warm oatmeal or alongside roasted pork makes a cozy meal. They’re also wonderful as a sweet ending to a fall dinner party or as a standalone comforting snack during chilly evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the baked apples in individual ramekins topped with granola for a parfait-style treat. Alternatively, stuff the apples into crepes or swirl them into pancakes for a surprising and delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover baked Honeycrisp apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify with time, making the next-day dessert even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat later, freeze the baked apples in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When freezing, spread the apples out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually before transferring to a container for best texture preservation.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option, just be careful not to overcook and dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use other apple varieties besides Honeycrisp?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples have the perfect balance of sweetness and crispness, you can also try Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith apples depending on your taste preference. Just remember that tart apples may need a bit more brown sugar.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make it vegan by substituting the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The flavor will still be rich, and the apples will bake just as beautifully.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses fresh apples and corn starch instead of flour. Just make sure your brown sugar and any toppings are certified gluten-free.
How long does it take to bake the apples?
The total bake time is about 50 minutes—35 minutes covered to let the apples soften, and 15 minutes uncovered to caramelize and thicken the juices. This slow baking allows the flavors to develop fully.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger baking dish or divide the apples between two pans so they bake evenly. Adjust the bake time slightly if needed, checking for tenderness in the apples.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe is such a heartwarming dessert that effortlessly blends simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re cozying up on a cool evening or serving guests at a festive gathering, these baked apples will bring smiles and a touch of sweetness that lingers. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy autumn’s best apple harvest!
Print
Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Apples recipe features tender Honeycrisp apples baked with a flavorful blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. The apples are thinly sliced and gently cooked until soft and caramelized, making a perfect warm dessert or side dish that’s comforting and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 Honeycrisp apples (900 grams)
Apple Mixture
- â…“ cup brown sugar (71 grams)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (14 grams, from ½ lemon)
- 2 tablespoons water (28 grams)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (7 grams)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (3 grams)
- â…› teaspoon nutmeg
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt
For Baking
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 grams, sliced into small cubes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C) to prepare it for slow baking the apples.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core the apples thoroughly, then slice them into thin, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: Place the sliced apples into a large bowl. Add the brown sugar, lemon juice, water, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Toss everything together well to evenly coat the apple slices with the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Assemble and Add Butter: Transfer the coated apple slices into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly distribute the small cubes of unsalted butter over the top of the apples.
- First Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to allow the apples to soften gently and absorb flavors.
- Final Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking the apples uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to let the top caramelize slightly and the mixture thicken.
Notes
- For best results, use Honeycrisp apples or another crisp variety that holds shape well during baking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your apples or your taste preference.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
