Cinnamon baked apple slices feature hot fruit, seasonal spices, and crunchy pecans. Make this gluten free recipe for dessert or breakfast!

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When the first autumn chill hits the air, it’s the perfect time to take the family apple picking.

Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices

After an afternoon in the orchard, bring home a bushel of fresh fruit and bake it in the oven with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The next thing that happens is magical…

The aroma of warm spices and fruit fills your kitchen, then everyone rushes in to find the source of that wonderful thing they smell.

So, in other words, this recipe is a great way to gather everyone together for a delicious fall treat.

What you need to know about this baked fruit recipe:

There are a number of ways you can use baked fruit. It’s an all-purpose dish, so to speak.

Obviously, warm cinnamon apples are delicious as-is, eaten right from the spoon. But you can go a step further and serve them as a side dish, or try these ideas:

fruit topping for gluten free pancakes, French toast, or waffles
ice cream topping – fall desserts don’t get better than warm apples and vanilla ice cream
cinnamon apple cones – scoop the fruit into an ice cream cone and top with homemade whipped cream
stir into oatmeal or yogurt
fruit filling for crepes or empanadas

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Key ingredients for cinnamon baked apple slices

Ripe red or green apples – To prevent them from becoming mushy, use apples with firm flesh, like Gala or Granny Smith. For more info, be sure to read my guide; the best apples for baking.
Agave syrup – For a substitute, just combine 1/4 cup light brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of water
Unsalted butter – For a dairy-free or vegan option, you can use melted coconut oil
Spices – ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add fall flavors to the baked apple slices. An apple pie spice blend will also work perfectly
Raw nuts – Pecans are my preference but you can use any variety that you like. Walnuts and almonds are also delicious with apples

Additional mix-ins

If you want to take this paleo dessert to the next level, feel free to add other goodies to the pan. Consider adding some dairy free chocolate chips, dried fruit, or maybe a handful of gluten free granola.

Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

Equipment needed to make this recipe

Vegetable peeler
Apple corer / slicer
Cutting board
Chef’s knife or Santoku utility knife
8×8-inch square baking pan

How to make baked cinnamon apples

Step 1. Prep the apples.

Wash, peel, core, and slice the apples. Tossing them in lemon juice will prevent or slow down oxidation, which is what causes the fruit to turn brown.

Step 2. Combine with other ingredients.

Transfer the apples to a baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, except for the nuts. Pour the mixture into the baking dish of apples, then use a large spoon to combine everything.

Step 3. Bake, add nuts, then bake again.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes, Then, open the oven and stir chopped nuts into the baked apple slices. Leave the pan uncovered and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling hot.

Recipe tips and notes

Nutrient-rich option. For an extra boost of fiber and nutrients, you can keep the peel on the apples.
Size and thickness. Thin apple slices will break down during cooking. So, cut the slices at least 1/4-inch thick. Otherwise, you can end up with applesauce.
Storing the leftovers. Cover any leftovers with foil. They will be safe kept at room temperature for a couple of days. However, they will stay fresh for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.

Baked cinnamon apples are delicious eaten at any temperature. Sometimes I eat them straight from the fridge, but they are also great at room temperature.
Or, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

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Cinnamon Baked Apples

4.84 from 6 ratings

Cinnamon baked apple slices feature hot fruit, seasonal spices and crunchy pecans. Make this gluten free recipe for dessert or breakfast!

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 1 5

Total Time: 1 15

Servings: 6

By: Sharon Lachendro

Print Rate Pin

Ingredients

8 small or 6 medium red apples peeled and cored (such as Gala)
1/4 cup agave syrup see notes
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup pecans whole, raw

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 6-inch or 8x8 inch baking dish.
Peel and core apples then cut into thin slices. Transfer the apples to the baking dish. Add spices, lemon juice, agave syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and brown sugar on apples. Toss to combine.
Cover the baking dish with foil then bake in the oven for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and remove foil. Stir with a wooden spoon, add the pecans and bake for an additional 25 - 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool down for about 10 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Notes

Use coconut oil in place of the butter for dairy-free and vegan baked apples.
Be sure to read my guide to the best apples for baking.
1/4 cup light brown sugar + 1 tablespoon water can be used in place of the agave syrup.