Deserts

Baked Cinnamon Apples with Brown Sugar Filling

Name: Baked Cinnamon Apples with Brown Sugar Filling
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 large firm apples; 4 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans; 2 tablespoons rolled oats; Pinch of salt; Vanilla ice cream; Whipped cream; Caramel drizzle

Servings: 4 Total Time: 55 mins Difficulty: Beginner

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting as the smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar baking in the oven. Baked Cinnamon Apples with Brown Sugar Filling is a classic fall dessert that captures the essence of cozy, homemade comfort food. With tender baked apples filled with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar mixture, this dish tastes like apple pie without the crust — simple, rustic, and absolutely irresistible.

Perfect for when you crave something sweet but don’t want the hassle of rolling out dough, these baked apples are a fuss-free treat that’s both elegant enough for guests and easy enough for a weeknight dessert.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns the simplest ingredients — apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon — into something magical. The apples become soft and juicy while the filling melts into a gooey caramel-like center. It’s warm, cozy, and nostalgic, reminding me of classic homemade desserts my family used to make.

This recipe also gives you room to get creative: add nuts for crunch, oats for a crisp-like topping, or drizzle with caramel for indulgence. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and fills your kitchen with the best autumn aroma.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Simple and budget-friendly – requires only pantry staples.
Healthier than pie – less sugar, no crust, and fruit-forward.
Naturally gluten-free (and easily dairy-free).
Customizable – make it indulgent or light depending on your mood.
Perfect for entertaining – looks beautiful when served individually.

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 4 apples (4 servings)
Calories per Serving: ~220–250 kcal (without toppings)
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert, Snack

Ingredients

For the Apples:

4 large firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
4 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into 4 cubes)
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
2 tablespoons rolled oats (optional, for crisp-like texture)
Pinch of salt

For Serving (optional):

Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Caramel drizzle

Simple Cooking Directions

Core the apples.
Mix filling (brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and add-ins).
Stuff filling into apples.
Bake until tender.
Serve warm with toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash apples, then core them using an apple corer or paring knife, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts, oats, and a pinch of salt.
Place ½ tablespoon butter cube into the hollow of each apple.
Spoon the sugar mixture into each apple, packing it lightly.

Step 3: Bake the Apples

Place apples in a baking dish.
Add a splash of water (about ¼ cup) to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and to create steam.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until apples are tender but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm straight from the oven.
Garnish with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for indulgence.

How to Serve

As a standalone dessert with a drizzle of caramel.
With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort treat.
Alongside whipped cream and toasted nuts for extra texture.
As a breakfast treat with yogurt and granola.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use firm apples so they don’t collapse when baking.
Check halfway through baking to avoid over-soft apples.
Add liquid flavor: try apple cider or orange juice in the baking dish for extra taste.
Make ahead: prepare and stuff apples in advance, then bake right before serving.

Variations

Caramel-Stuffed Apples: Add a caramel candy inside each apple for a molten center.
Oat Crumble Topping: Mix oats, flour, and butter for a mini crisp-like filling.
Spiced Apples: Add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the cinnamon mixture.
Vegan-Friendly: Use coconut oil instead of butter.
Boozy Twist: Add a splash of rum or bourbon to the filling mixture.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store baked apples in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

Apple corer (or paring knife)
Baking dish
Foil (for baking)

Conclusion

Baked Cinnamon Apples with Brown Sugar Filling is the perfect fall dessert that combines simplicity with cozy, nostalgic flavors. It’s a healthier alternative to pie yet just as satisfying, with warm apples, gooey brown sugar, and the irresistible scent of cinnamon. Whether served as a quick family dessert, a holiday treat, or an elegant dinner party finale, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

Print Recipe