Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon

Name: Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium apples, cored; 1/4 cup honey; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces; 1/4 cup water

Highlighted under: Classic Cooking

I love making Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon because they are not only incredibly simple but also bursting with flavor. The sweet aroma that fills my kitchen as they bake is simply heavenly! Using fresh apples drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon transforms a humble fruit into a delicious dessert that both kids and adults adore. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your family will be asking for it again and again—perfect for any occasion or as a comforting snack after dinner.

Created by

Willow Harries

Last updated on 2026-01-15T16:49:43.627Z

As I worked on perfecting my Honey Baked Apples, I experimented with various spices and sweeteners until I settled on this delightful blend of honey and cinnamon that complements the apples so beautifully. Each time I bake these, I’m amazed at how the natural sweetness of the apples intensifies, creating the most deliciously tender and fragrant dessert.

I also like to serve them warm, sometimes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of warm apples and cold ice cream takes this dish to a whole new level. Remember to keep an eye on them while they bake, as every oven can be different!

        Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
        The sweetness of the honey perfectly enhances the natural flavors of the apples.
A delightful aroma fills your home as the apples bake, making it feel like a warm embrace.
Healthy and satisfying, this dessert is the perfect guilt-free treat.

      

The Importance of Choosing the Right Apples

When making Honey Baked Apples, the type of apple you select plays a critical role in the final dish. Varieties such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are excellent choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness, which helps enhance the overall flavor profile when combined with honey and cinnamon. Avoid using overly soft apples that may turn to mush during baking; instead, opt for firm apples to ensure they maintain their shape and texture throughout the cooking process.

In addition to flavor, the visual appeal of your baked apples is important. Choosing apples with vibrant skin colors can elevate the presentation of the dish. When they bake, the skins will shimmer and may caramelize slightly, adding both taste and aesthetics. If you're uncertain which apples to use, a good rule of thumb is to pick ones that are fresh, firm, and free from blemishes.

Perfecting Your Baking Technique

To achieve perfectly baked apples, consider the use of steam to keep them moist and tender. Pouring a quarter cup of water into the baking dish not only helps to create steam but also helps to maintain moisture and prevents drying out. Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil during the first half of baking to trap this steam. After 25 minutes, uncovering the dish allows for a beautiful caramelization to occur, bringing out the natural sugars in the apples.

If you're looking for a variation in texture, try cooking the apples on higher heat towards the end. After the initial baking period, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last five minutes. This additional heat can help achieve a beautifully golden top and intensify the flavors, making the dessert even more irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Honey Baked Apples

4 medium apples, cored
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup water

Instructions

Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core the apples and place them in a baking dish.

Add Honey and Spices

Drizzle honey inside each apple and sprinkle them with cinnamon and nutmeg if using.

Add Butter and Water

Place a small piece of butter on top of each apple and pour water into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the apples to soften and caramelize.

Serve

Let the apples cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a dessert or snack!

Pro Tips

For added texture, consider topping the baked apples with crushed nuts or granola before serving. The crunch complements the soft apples beautifully!

Serving Suggestions

Honey Baked Apples are wonderfully versatile and can be served in various ways. For a cozy, comforting dessert, serve them warm directly from the baking dish, optionally drizzling a bit more honey over the top. Pair these apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch. The warm apples with cool ice cream create a delightful contrast that is hard to resist.

If you're looking to serve them in a more casual setting, consider slicing the baked apples into wedges and tossing them with some granola and yogurt. This makes for a delicious breakfast or brunch option that balances sweetness with a satisfying crunch. You could also use them as a topping for pancakes or oatmeal, adding a seasonal touch to your morning routine.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the best things about Honey Baked Apples is how well they store. After baking, let them cool completely at room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

If you want to prepare these apples in advance, you can core and season them with honey and spices a day prior. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This can help save time, especially if you're hosting a gathering. Just remember to add the butter and water right before baking to ensure they remain juicy and flavorful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp work exceptionally well.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a vegan butter alternative.

→ How long do leftovers last?

Leftover baked apples can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

→ Can I freeze baked apples?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw before reheating.