Welcome to this fall’s low-maintenance version of apple pie or apple crisp! It has the familiar, warm spices – cinnamon and allspice – that you crave as the temperature dips. Since I cannot help myself, I even added a splash of bourbon to further ensure a warm tummy. These simple baked apples are less work than other apple desserts, yet taste like the real deal. Naturally sweet and quintessentially fall, when apples are baked, their juices concentrate. The apples become a little jammy without falling apart, making them ideal for scooping by the forkful. (For a spreadable apple treat, check out my Slow Cooker Apple Butter or Crockpot Applesauce.) Baked apples are the epitome of an easy apple dessert. As with these Hasselback Apples (another lazy efficient apple recipe), you don’t even have to peel the apples prior to baking (I didn’t—see why below), or fuss with a pie crust or crumble topping, to create a cozy fall treat that earns high marks. Enjoy these versatile baked apples for dessert (mmm, ice cream), breakfast (yogurt and granola, please), or even a side dish (they pair fantastically with pork). Just slice and bake…and live apple-y ever after! #SorryNotSorry
Why Are Baked Apples Slices a Healthy Snack or Dessert?
These healthy baked apple slices are sweet without requiring a pie crust or crumble topping. Since the crust/crumble is typically the most indulgent aspect of an apple dessert, these baked apple slices have fewer calories than their traditional counterparts. To further lighten things up, instead of making these baked apple slices with brown sugar, I naturally sweetened them with honey (you can also use pure maple syrup). I also used a more moderate amount of butter. They still taste plenty indulgent, I promise! Plus, apples have high amounts of fiber and Vitamin C. They keep the doctor away, as they say. Do note that baking the apples won’t turn them crispy in this recipe. The apples are tender, like the filling of warm apple pie. If you are looking for crispy baked apple slices as a snack, check out my crispy Apple Chips instead.
What Can I Put on Baked Apple Slices?
In addition to the obvious choice (ahem, ice cream anyone?) these baked apple slices leave plenty of room for tasty experimentation:
Greek Yogurt. Serve these for breakfast with a dollop of vanilla or plain Greek yogurt.Caramel Sauce. My husband and his father love their apple slices drizzled with warm caramel sauce—and let’s be honest, I do too. For a quick caramel fix, microwave a store-bought jar, or try making this Apple Cider Caramel Sauce.Oatmeal. Serve these warm apple slices with a bowl of wholesome oatmeal. This Steel Cut Oats recipe is my favorite classic oatmeal recipe.Granola. In addition to yogurt and oatmeal, a sprinkle of Honey Almond Flax Healthy Granola, Gluten Free Granola, or even Pumpkin Granola adds texture and crunch.Ice Cream. Vanilla is classic and perfect with these healthy baked apple slices with honey and cinnamon, but don’t be afraid to vary it up! Salted caramel anything is a solid choice.
Which Apples are Good for Baking?
Look for apples that hold their texture when cooked. A few popular options are:
Granny Smith. These apples keep their firm texture well, and I do like their tartness when mixed with other varieties.Cortland. This one is popular in Wisconsin and so yummy in baking.Golden Delicious. An under-appreciated apple, these are lovely mixed with Granny Smith.Jonathan. My Grammy’s pick for her apple pie.Honeycrisp. If I could only bake with one apple forever, it would be this one.Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady. Three other sweet-crisp apples that work nicely in this baked apple recipe.
I usually prefer a mix of apples in my apple desserts to enjoy a variety of subtle texture and flavor differences. In this recipe, my pick is a combo of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
How To Make Baked Apple Slices
To Peel or Not to Peel the Apples
If your family is sensitive to texture, you can peel the apples, but I opted to leave the peels on.
I enjoy the aesthetic of the dish with the peels’ bits of color.Since the slices are thin, you hardly notice the texture of the peels when eating.Peels offer nutritional benefits. Much of the apple’s fiber is found in the peel, along with the majority of the apple’s antioxidant Vitamin E and bone-building Vitamin K.Peeling is a pain! Skipping the peeling makes these healthy baked apple slices an ultimate easy dessert recipe.
The Ingredients
Apples. Like we discussed above, they’re delicious, healthy, and picking the right apples helps make this recipe its best.Butter. A modest amount of butter gives this recipe the perfect richness and irresistible coziness.Honey or Maple Syrup. For classic, fall-like flavor in a naturally sweetened way.Spices. Cinnamon and allspice take these apples from good to WOW!Bourbon. Feel free to swap for a splash of rum, or even water, as you desire.
The Directions
Baked Apple Slices Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate leftover baked apples in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.To Reheat. Gently rewarm baked apples in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F until hot or reheat gently in the microwave.To Freeze. Leftover apples can be frozen in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Healthy, Easy Apple Desserts
Vegan Apple Crisp. For those eager to enjoy baked apples with a familiar crunchy crumble topping (loaded with pecans, cinnamon, and coconut), try this Vegan Apple Crisp.Gluten Free Apple Crisp. This Gluten Free Apple Crisp has classic flavor with a scrumptious topping of gluten free oats and almond flour.Try My Cookbook! My favorite apple crisp dessert recipe is exclusively available in The Well Plated Cookbook. With a few surprise add-ins, you should definitely get yourself a copy!Apple Bread. This Apple Bread is an easy and delicious recipe that the entire family will enjoy.Apple Cake. Fresh Apple Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting is moist, rich, and packed with fresh apples.
Recommended Tools to Make This Recipe
Baking Dish. Perfect for making this baked apple slices recipe.Mixing Bowls. One of the most-used items in my kitchen. They’re easy to clean and store.Saucepan. This one is high-quality and will last a lifetime.
