Baked Cinnamon Apples

In the ultimate fall dish, crisp baked apples partner with sugar and cinnamon to create a versatile side dish or dessert. Your mama might have called them "fried apples" and made these tender sliced apples for a side dish at the holidays. Served simply, they are a sweet and cozy relish for a fall or winter meal.

Top them with toasted pecans or walnuts, and crunchy nuts add even more appeal. Apples are a classic pairing with pork, and these elevate simple pork chops or roasts. With just the right amount of butter to make them luxurious, Baked Cinnamon Apples feel indulgent but are secretly pretty respectable. 

What You'll Need To Make Baked Cinnamon Apples

The ingredient list short, which is a great reason to keep this on rotation for weeknight dinners.

• Apples: McIntosh apples are recommended, but you can also use Haralson, Fuji, and Gala apples.
• Brown sugar: Light brown sugar gives the apples a hint of molasses, for depth. 
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices to pair with apples
• Butter: A pat of unsalted butter adds the touch of rich flavor that takes it over the top.
• Water: Helps to quickly tenderize the apples once cooking.

How To Make Baked Cinnamon Apples

This is a fast recipe, ready to go when you finish the rest of the meal. Here's a brief outline. The full recipe is further below:

• Step 1. Peel and slice the apples. No need to make the slices too thin, One quarter- to half-inch thick slices will be easier to pick up with a fork when served.
• Step 2. Place apple slices in a gallon zip-top plastic bag, and add the light brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Seal the bag and toss to coat the slices.
• Step 3. Place the water and butter in a medium saucepan, and turn the heat to medium. Add the apple slices and stir gently to avoid breaking the slices.
• Step 4. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes. When the apple slices are tender, but not falling apart, transfer to a bowl or storage container.

How To Serve Baked Cinnamon Apples

These spiced, buttery baked apples can fulfill your craving for apple pie, without the time and effort of making a crust-or turning on the oven. Keep them on hand to make a bowl of vanilla ice cream or a slice of pound cake into a special treat. If you start your day with oatmeal or yogurt, adding warm baked apples will get you off to a delicious start.

Cooking Tips for Warm Cinnamon Apples

• Select an apple variety that is firm and sweet. A soft apple, like Rome, will fall apart in the pan. A tart apple, like Granny Smith, will need a little extra sugar. McIntosh, Haralson, Fuji, and Gala are good options.
• Use a heat-safe rubber spatula or wooden spoon the stir the apples, to avoid breaking them in the pan.
• Test by piercing with a paring knife, and take the apples off the heat as soon as they are tender, to avoid overcooking.

Baked Cinnamon Apple Variations

Cinnamon and nutmeg are perfect for this dish, but you can always play with other flavors. Replace them with pumpkin pie spice, for a little more complexity. Try them with garam masala or chai spice blends, for a little Indian flair. Or try subbing with a heaping teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary, for a hint of Mediterranean flavor.

How To Store Leftover Apples

This is a great make-ahead dish and reheats well. Simply cook your apples, then transfer to a storage tub to cool completely. Store, tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Reheat by placing in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often, until heated through, or by microwaving.

Editorial contributions by Robin Asbell.