Baked Apple Slices Delight (Printable)
Caramelized apple slices baked with warm spices for a comforting seasonal dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
→ Sweetener
02 - 3 tablespoons brown sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
→ Spices & Flavorings
04 - 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
05 - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Fats
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Add-Ins (Optional)
08 - ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
09 - ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries
→ Garnish (Optional)
10 - Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
# How-to Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
02 - In a large bowl, mix sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Add maple syrup if using and toss until apples are evenly coated.
03 - Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins or dried cranberries, if desired.
04 - Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
05 - Bake for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until apples are tender and caramelized.
06 - Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- It's ready in just 35 minutes, which means you can go from craving dessert to having it on the table before you know it
- The apples transform into something tender and naturally sweet, with edges that caramelize and turn almost jammy in the oven
- It tastes impressive enough to serve guests but honest enough to eat straight from the baking dish on a Tuesday night
02 -
- The apples will release water as they bake, and that's exactly what you want—it mingles with the sugar and spices to create a natural sauce. Don't drain it away thinking it's a mistake, because it's the best part.
- The difference between apple slices that are tender and those that are mushy comes down to oven temperature and timing. Use an oven thermometer if you have one, and don't skip the halfway stir. It matters more than you'd think.
03 -
- Slice your apples just before assembling the dish so they don't oxidize and turn brown. If you need to prep ahead, toss them with a bit of lemon juice to keep them bright.
- Don't skip the halfway stir—it ensures even caramelization and prevents the bottom from burning while the top stays undercooked.