When the crisp air of autumn rolls around, nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of baked cinnamon apples filling your kitchen. This vegan recipe is a delightful treat that combines simplicity with the rich flavors of cinnamon, a touch of sweetness, and the natural juiciness of apples.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy dessert, a cozy snack, or a side dish to brighten your meal, baked cinnamon apples are the perfect choice. They are easy to prepare, wholesome, and suitable for everyone, especially those following a plant-based lifestyle.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through making soft, tender apples bursting with cinnamon-spiced goodness. Using just a handful of natural ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent without any dairy or refined sugars.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those apples sitting on your countertop!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked cinnamon apples are a classic comfort food, but this version is completely vegan, making it accessible for many dietary preferences. The recipe is:
- Simple and quick: Requires minimal ingredients and prep time.
- Healthy: Uses natural sweeteners and no added fats or dairy.
- Versatile: Can be served as a dessert, breakfast topping, or snack.
- Deliciously aromatic: The cinnamon and warming spices fill your kitchen with a cozy scent.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust sweetness and spices to your liking.
Perfect for weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests, this baked cinnamon apples recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (preferably Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (pure and organic recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional for extra warmth)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- Baking dish (8×8 inch or similar size)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
- Peeler (optional, if you prefer peeled apples)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake your apples evenly and gently.
- Wash and core the apples. You can peel them if you prefer a softer texture, but leaving the skin on adds fiber and nutrients.
- Slice the apples into thick wedges. About 1/2 inch slices work well to hold their shape while baking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all the spices are evenly distributed.
- Add the apple slices to the bowl and toss gently. Ensure every slice is coated with the syrup and spice mixture.
- Arrange the coated apples in your baking dish. Spread them evenly in a single layer for uniform baking.
- Pour the water into the bottom of the baking dish. This will help steam the apples and keep them moist.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the apples. This step is optional but adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and helps soften the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the apples caramelize slightly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. The apples will be tender, fragrant, and ready to enjoy.
Tips & Variations
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider or a sprinkle of ground ginger to the spice mix.
If you want to make this dessert even more indulgent, serve your baked cinnamon apples warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
For a lower-sugar version, reduce the maple syrup to 1 tablespoon or swap it with date syrup or agave nectar.
You can also mix different apple varieties to create a complex flavor profile—try combining tart Granny Smith with sweet Fuji apples.
Looking for more cozy dessert inspiration? Check out my Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or try the delightful Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for something sweet and vegan-friendly.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving (1/4 of recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 140 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sugars | 25 g (natural and added sugars) |
Protein | 1.5 g |
Fat | 3.5 g (mostly from nuts) |
Sodium | 50 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Baked cinnamon apples are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy them:
- Serve warm as a comforting dessert, topped with vegan ice cream or coconut whipped cream.
- Use as a topping for oatmeal, granola, or vegan yogurt to brighten your breakfast.
- Layer the apples in a vegan parfait with plant-based yogurt and granola for a healthy snack.
- Add to pancakes or waffles for a fruity, spiced twist.
- Mix into your favorite vegan bread pudding recipe to add moisture and flavor, like in this Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe.
Conclusion
Baked cinnamon apples are a timeless, heartwarming dish that’s easy to make and fully vegan-friendly. This recipe captures the essence of fall with its fragrant spices and natural sweetness, making it a perfect dessert or snack for any occasion.
The simplicity of the ingredients means you can whip it up anytime without much fuss, and the end result is a delightful treat that everyone will love.
Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or preparing a healthy breakfast, this baked cinnamon apples recipe fits seamlessly into your routine. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more fruit and wholesome ingredients into your diet.
Don’t forget to explore other delicious vegan recipes for more inspiration, like the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet breakfast option or the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe to add zest to your meals.
Enjoy your baking adventure and savor every cinnamon-spiced bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Cinnamon Apples Vegan Recipe
Description: A warm and comforting vegan dessert featuring tender baked apples infused with cinnamon and maple syrup. Perfect for a healthy treat or snack.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large apples, cored
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
- Place cored apples in a baking dish.
- Fill apple centers with walnuts and raisins.
- Drizzle the syrup mixture over the apples.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until apples are tender.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 28 g
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