Simple Baked Apples

Ingredients

• 5–6 mediumapples, peeled and cut into chunks
• 30 ml (2 tablespoons)butter or coconut oil, melted
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon)cinnamon

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven

   Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. 2

   Coat the apples

   Place the apple chunks in a small to medium baking dish. Mix the melted butter or coconut oil with the cinnamon, pour it over the apples and toss until they are evenly coated.

3. 3

   Bake until soft

   Bake in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, stirring once during baking, until the apples are soft. Serve and enjoy.

What are baked apples?

Baked apples are a simple American-style dish of apples softened in the oven, often served as a side or an uncomplicated dessert. This version keeps the ingredient list short and gets its warm, spiced flavour from cinnamon rather than added sugar.

The apples bake in a coating of melted butter or coconut oil, which helps carry the cinnamon over the fruit. A mid-bake stir spreads that coating around as the pieces soften.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 170 calories, 1g protein, 31g carbs, 4g fat.

The apples provide most of the carbohydrates, while the butter or coconut oil contributes most of the fat; this dish supplies very little protein. For a more balanced plate, serve it alongside a protein-rich main or add a suitable protein-containing accompaniment.

Choosing the apples

Apple chunks: Use 5–6 medium apples, peeled and cut into similarly sized pieces so they soften at a similar pace. The recipe does not specify a variety, so use apples you enjoy cooked.

Coating with cinnamon

Cinnamon mixture: Stir the cinnamon into the melted butter or coconut oil before adding it to the apples. Toss thoroughly so the spice and fat are distributed across the chunks.

Fat choice: Butter or coconut oil both work as the coating in this recipe. Melt your choice before mixing it with the cinnamon.

Checking for doneness

Texture cue: Begin checking around 20 minutes; the apples are ready when they are soft. If they still feel firm, continue baking and check again within the stated 20–30-minute range.

Even baking: Stir once during baking, as directed, to move the pieces around and redistribute the cinnamon coating.

Timing and the baking dish

Dish size: Use a small to medium baking dish, as specified, and spread the apple chunks inside it. Avoid packing them into a much smaller dish, which can make it harder to stir them evenly.

Oven time: The recipe gives a total time of 32 minutes and a baking time of about 20–30 minutes. Allow for the oven to preheat and judge the finish by softness.

Serving ideas

As a side: Serve the apples warm alongside a family meal for a gently spiced fruit option. Their simple cinnamon flavour can sit comfortably beside a range of savoury dishes.

As a dessert: You can also serve them warm after a meal. Keep the portion in mind if adding anything alongside them.

Recipe notes & tips

• Cut the apples into evenly sized chunks to help them soften at a similar rate.
• Mix the cinnamon into the melted fat before pouring it over the apples.
• Toss until the cinnamon mixture coats the apple pieces evenly.
• Stir once during baking as instructed.
• Check for softness from about 20 minutes, since the recipe gives a 20–30-minute baking range.

Variations

• Choose coconut oil: Use melted coconut oil instead of butter for the other option listed in the recipe.
• Keep the cinnamon simple: Use the stated teaspoon of cinnamon for a straightforward spiced flavour.
• Serve as a side: Bring the warm apples to the table alongside a savoury meal.
• Serve as dessert: Offer the baked apples warm after the main course.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Uneven chunks: Cut the apples to a similar size so they soften more evenly.
• Patchy coating: Toss the apples thoroughly after pouring over the cinnamon mixture.
• Unmelted fat: Melt the butter or coconut oil before mixing it with the cinnamon.
• Skipping the stir: Stir once during baking to redistribute the coating.
• Baking by the clock alone: Check that the apples are soft, using the 20–30 minutes as a guide.

How to store

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions