Baked Apple Slices

Ingredients

• 1 mediumapple
• 1.25 ml (¼ tsp), optionalground cinnamon

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven

   Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. 2

   Prepare the apple

   Peel and core the apple, then cut it into thick half-moon slices.

3. 3

   Arrange the slices

   Lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. 4

   Add the cinnamon

   If using it, sprinkle the apple lightly with cinnamon; do not add sugar.

5. 5

   Bake until tender

   Bake for 12–15 minutes, until very soft and tender. Let the slices cool completely before serving.

What are baked apple slices?

This is a straightforward way to cook apple until soft, rather than a traditional dish with a specific regional origin. It suits a baby-food preparation because the ingredient list is short and the fruit is baked without added sugar.

The method works by cutting the apple into pieces of similar thickness and baking them until tender. Cinnamon is optional, so the apple can be served plain.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 95 calories, 1g protein, 25g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of this portion’s energy and carbohydrates come from the apple’s natural sugars; it also provides a little fibre. It contains very little fat or protein, so for an older child or adult you could serve it alongside a protein-containing food such as plain yoghurt to make a more balanced snack.

Choosing and preparing the apple

Apple: A medium apple provides the whole portion. Peel and core it before slicing, as directed in the method.

Slices: Cut thick half-moons and aim for a fairly even thickness so they soften at a similar rate.

Getting the texture right

Tenderness: The slices are ready when they are very soft, as specified in the recipe. Check a piece before taking the tray from the oven.

Cooling: Allow the apple to cool completely before serving. The slices will be hot straight from the oven.

Cinnamon is optional

Plain apple: The recipe needs no seasoning to bake successfully, so you can leave out the cinnamon.

Cinnamon: If you use it, add only a light sprinkle and skip the sugar, as the method specifies.

Timing and oven setup

Oven: Preheat to 190°C (375°F) before baking so the slices go into a hot oven.

Baking: Allow 12–15 minutes, then judge by softness rather than relying on the timer alone. The recipe gives a range because the final texture is the key cue.

Serving the slices

Serve the apple plain once it has cooled completely, or add the optional cinnamon before baking. For a baby, follow the texture and serving guidance appropriate to their stage of eating.

Recipe notes & tips

• Line the baking sheet with parchment before arranging the apple.
• Keep the slices in a single layer so they bake evenly.
• Cut the slices to a similar thickness for a more consistent texture.
• Check tenderness at 12 minutes and continue baking if needed.
• Leave the cinnamon out for a plain version.

Variations

• Use another apple: Choose a different variety and bake until the slices are very soft.
• Skip the cinnamon: Bake the apple plain for a simple, unseasoned option.
• Make extra: Bake additional apples on another tray, keeping the slices in a single layer.
• Change the cut: Cut the apple into similarly thick wedges instead of half-moons, checking for tenderness before serving.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Uneven slices: Pieces of different thicknesses soften at different rates; cut them as evenly as you can.
• Crowded tray: Overlapping pieces may not bake evenly; arrange them in a single layer.
• Not checking softness: The stated time is a guide; bake until the apple is very tender.
• Serving too soon: Freshly baked slices are hot; cool them completely before serving.
• Adding sugar: The method calls for no sugar; use only a light sprinkle of optional cinnamon.

How to store

Refrigerate cooled slices in a covered container and use within 3 days. Reheat gently until warm, then cool completely again before serving.

Frequently asked questions