Meta Description: This maple cinnamon roasted apples recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious dessert. Learn how to roast apples to tender perfection with just a few simple ingredients for a comforting treat.
Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen was a place of magic, especially in the fall. The scent of cinnamon and baking apples was a constant, and it felt like a warm hug on a chilly day. While she was a master of apple pies and crumbles, my favorite treat was the simplest: just baked apples. She’d core them, stuff them with a bit of butter and brown sugar, and bake them until they were soft and caramelized. It was a simple dessert, but it was one that I still remember with so much fondness.
As an adult, I’ve tried to recreate that simple, cozy feeling in my own kitchen. I wanted a recipe that was just as easy but maybe a little healthier. I discovered that a simple combination of maple cinnamon roasted apples hit all the right notes. The maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that’s a perfect match for the earthy warmth of cinnamon. The apples, when roasted, become tender and juicy, with a beautiful caramelized exterior that’s just as good as any pie. It’s a dish that feels like a guilty pleasure but is actually a healthy, wholesome dessert. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a cozy night in, a warm blanket, and a good book all at once.
This recipe is designed to bring that simple, comforting feeling to your home. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or a lot of time to create something truly delicious. The key is in the preparation of the apples and the slow roasting process that allows the flavors to meld together. It’s a versatile dish that works perfectly as a healthy dessert, a sweet side dish, or even a delicious breakfast topping. So, let’s get cooking and create a comforting, flavorful dish that will warm you from the inside out.
🍎 The Art of Choosing and Prepping Your Apples
The success of these roasted apples depends entirely on the type of apple you use and how you prepare it. We want to choose an apple that holds its shape well when baked and doesn’t turn into a pile of mush. A few excellent choices are Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples. Granny Smith apples will give you a tarter flavor, which is a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the maple syrup. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples will be sweeter and hold their shape beautifully.
Once you have your apples, the prep is simple. We’ll be slicing them into thick wedges. This allows the apples to roast evenly and get that beautiful caramelized exterior. If you cut them too thin, they’ll become mushy and fall apart. About a half-inch thick is the perfect size.
You can also use a paring knife to core the apples and leave them whole. This gives you a beautiful, rustic look, but it can be a little more difficult to eat. Slicing them into wedges is a simpler method and is perfect for a quick, easy dessert or side dish.
🌟 Mastering the Maple Cinnamon Glaze
The glaze for these maple cinnamon roasted apples is what takes them from good to great. It’s a simple, two-ingredient glaze that is both easy to make and incredibly flavorful. The combination of maple syrup and cinnamon is a classic for a reason. The rich, earthy sweetness of the maple syrup is a perfect match for the warm, comforting spice of the cinnamon.
For this recipe, we’ll use a good quality pure maple syrup. It has a deeper, more complex flavor than a standard pancake syrup. The difference is significant. A little bit of cinnamon adds that classic, warming flavor that is so comforting. We’ll also add a pinch of salt to the glaze. This might sound strange, but it’s a secret weapon that enhances the sweetness of the maple syrup and the flavor of the apples.
We’ll toss the apple slices in this simple glaze before roasting. As the apples roast, the glaze will caramelize, creating a beautiful, sticky coating on each slice. This is where all the magic happens. The glaze will become rich and flavorful, and it will be a perfect sauce to drizzle over your apples once they’re done.
✅ Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is simple and flexible. Feel free to use your favorite type of apple and adjust the spices to your liking.
- For the Roasted Apples:
- 4 medium-sized apples, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- Pinch of salt
- For the Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- Optional Additions & Toppings:
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt
- A sprinkle of granola or toasted oats
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is incredibly easy and straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting treat in no time.
- Prep the Apples: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Core and slice your apples into 1/2-inch wedges. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with olive oil, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Make sure they are evenly coated.
- Arrange and Roast: Place the apple slices in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. This ensures the apples roast evenly and don’t stick to the pan. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 15 minutes.
- Glaze and Finish Roasting: Remove the apples from the oven. Drizzle the pure maple syrup over the top of the apples. Toss to coat them evenly. Return the apples to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and caramelized. The time will vary depending on the type of apple you use and the thickness of your slices.
- Serve: Remove the apples from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The apples are delicious on their own, but they are even better with a few toppings. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
🤔 Common Questions & Troubleshooting
This is a pretty forgiving recipe, but a few questions might come up. Here are some answers and tips to ensure your roasted apples are perfect every time.
Q: My apples are mushy. What did I do wrong?
A: This is usually because you used a type of apple that doesn’t hold its shape well when baked, or you cut the slices too thin. Use a firm baking apple like a Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Make sure you cut the slices at least a half-inch thick. You can also try reducing the cooking time.
Q: Can I use a different sweetener?
A: Yes! You can use brown sugar, honey, or a sugar-free alternative. A combination of brown sugar and a little bit of butter would also be delicious and give you that classic baked apple flavor.
Q: Can I make this a high-protein meal?
A: Yes! You can serve these roasted apples over a bowl of oatmeal or a scoop of cottage cheese for a healthy and satisfying breakfast. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a spoonful of nut butter would also add a nice protein boost.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: The roasted apples are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Variations
These maple cinnamon roasted apples are perfect on their own, but a few additions can take them to the next level.
- Breakfast: Serve these roasted apples over a bowl of oatmeal or with a side of Greek yogurt for a healthy and satisfying breakfast.
- Dessert: Top the warm apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple, elegant dessert that feels and tastes indulgent. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a spoonful of granola would also be a delicious addition.
- Side Dish: These roasted apples would be a fantastic side dish for a holiday meal. They pair beautifully with roasted pork or chicken, and they’re a great alternative to a classic cranberry sauce.
- Different Spices: You can change the flavor profile with a different spice blend. A little bit of cardamom or ginger would add a nice warmth. A sprinkle of star anise would give it a beautiful, complex flavor.
- Add a Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add some cooked sausage or bacon to the dish. The salty, savory flavor would be a fantastic contrast to the sweet apples.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | |
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary.
✨ A Simple, Healthy, and Delicious Treat
Maple cinnamon roasted apples are more than just a recipe; they’re a way to bring a little bit of warmth and comfort to your home. The simple combination of fresh ingredients and a few easy tricks gives you a dish that is healthy, satisfying, and perfectly delicious.
I hope this recipe helps you find a new favorite and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen. It’s a great way to use up fresh apples and create a meal that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding your favorite toppings and spices. Happy cooking!
