These stuffed Baked Apples are infused with cinnamon and brown sugar from the inside out. Top them with whipped cream or caramel sauce, or enjoy them as a cozy treat all on their own. 

These stuffed baked apples taste just like the filling for homemade Apple Pie. You’ll love this easy apple recipe if you love fuss-free fall treats (that you can eat for breakfast or dessert).

Baked apples filled with cinnamon sugar in a rectangular baking dish.

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Baked Apples Video

Watch Natasha make delicious baked apples stuffed with buttery cinnamon sugar filling. You’ll love how amazing your house smells while the apples sizzle in the oven.

Cozy Stuffed and Baked Apples

These delightfully sweet and buttery baked apples are the BEST fall treat. Just like our Baked Pears Recipe, they’re easy to make, filled with caramelized cinnamon sugar and tangy cranberries, and baked until soft. Next to Apple Crisp, this is one of our favorite ways to use apples while they’re in season.

Serve baked apples for breakfast or at brunch, or as a gluten-free dessert topped with whipped cream and caramel. They never disappoint! Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Simple Ingredients – You only need 6 ingredients to make delicious baked apples. All the ingredients are gluten-free, with the option to make the recipe dairy-free and nut-free.
  • Full of Fall Flavor – Our baked apples are brimming with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cranberries, marrying the best of fall’s flavors in one easy homemade treat.
  • Easy to Scale – It’s just as easy to scale the recipe down for two as it is to scale it up for a holiday crowd.
Baked apples in a baking dish topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Ingredients

Below is a summary of what you’ll need to make baked apples. Don’t forget to scroll to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts.

  • Apples – You’ll need 6 medium-sized baking apples. Aim for varieties that are crisp and firm, like Rome Beauty or Granny Smith apples.
  • Brown Sugar – Brown sugar imparts loads of caramelized flavor to the apples as they bake.
  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg – The combination of warm spices brings major fall flavor and really lets the apple shine.
  • Dried Cranberries – You can use craisins or raisins.
  • Butter – Topping the apples with a spoonful of butter before baking causes the brown sugar filling to caramelize and deepens the flavors. Your apples will turn out extra rich and delicious.
  • Walnuts – Add finely chopped walnuts or pecans, if you’d like, to give the topping a bit of extra crunch.
The ingredients for baked apples.

The Best Apples for Baked Apples

The best apples for baking are firm, crisp, and tart varieties like Rome Beauty, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp. Other good options are Jonagold, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, and Braeburn apples.

Pro Tip: Choose round, firm, larger-sized apples. This way they’ll stand upright and you can stuff them with even more delicious filling.

How to Core an Apple

To core an apple, cut out the center using a melon baller or a small paring knife. The key to coring an apple for baking is to keep the base intact. Cutting all the way through will result in the filling leaking out!

Apples with the cores removed next to a melon baller.

How to Make Baked Apples

The process of stuffing and then roasting apples in the oven couldn’t be easier:

  1. Combine the Filling – In a bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried cranberries.
  2. Core and Stuff the Apples – Core the apples, making sure that you don’t cut all the way through the base (see above). Next, arrange the apples in a casserole dish, and divide the cinnamon filling between the apples. Top each one with butter and sprinkle on the walnuts.
  3. Add water – pour 1 cup of hot water into the bottom of the dish.
  4. Bake until the apples are softened, but not mushy. Mine usually take about 45 minutes to an hour at 375ºF.
Photo collage showing how to make stuffed baked apples.

Pro Tip: Bake the apples in a casserole dish that is large enough to hold the apples without crowding them. We use this 9×12 Casserole.

Unbaked apples stuffed with cinnamon sugar filling arranged in a baking dish.

Common Questions

How long do you bake apples in the oven?

The apples should become slightly soft after 45 minutes to 1 hour in the oven. Baking times can vary depending on the size and variety of apples you’re using.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, use dairy-free butter to make vegan baked apples instead.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely, leave off the walnuts and add more of the filling mixture in their place, if you’d like.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Scale the recipe up or down depending on how many apples you have on hand.

Close up of baked apples filled with cinnamon sugar in a baking dish.

How to Serve Baked Apples

Baked stuffed apples are a treat all on their own, but there are so many ways to serve them:

  • Baked Apples Dessert – we love them topped with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A generous drizzle of homemade Caramel Sauce makes these apples absolutely irresistible.
  • Baked Apples for Breakfast – you can slice up freshly baked apples or warm a leftover baked apple for breakfast the next day. We love to put warm baked apples on Overnight Oats, or Steel Cut Oats. They’re also great over Apple Pancakes.
A baked apple topped with whipped cream and caramel and sliced in half to reveal the cinnamon sugar filling.

Make-Ahead

Leftover Stuffed Apples? No problem! They reheat really well and are just as good if not better the following day. Here’s how to store them:

  • To Refrigerate: Store the baked apples airtight in the fridge. If you’re making these apples ahead, I recommend preparing the filling and storing it airtight, while leaving the raw apples whole until you’re ready to fill and bake them. This way the apples don’t become brown.
  • Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the baked apples, as they become too mushy once thawed.
  • To Reheat: Reheat the apples in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until warmed through.

We just know you’ll be baking apples from now until spring after you’ve tasted these. They’re seriously simple yet so tasty!

More Apple Recipes to Try

Try these other tasty ways to use apples:

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Baked Apples Recipe

4.92 from 36 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Baked apples filled with cinnamon sugar in a rectangular baking dish.
These easy Baked Apples are infused with cinnamon and brown sugar from the inside out and taste like the filling for apple pie. Enjoy them as-is for a cozy fall treat, or serve them topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 baked apples

For the Baked Apples:

  • 6 medium baking apples, *
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries, (craisins or raisins)
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped, optional
  • 1 cup hot water

To serve (Optional):

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375˚F. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/8 tsp nutmeg and stir with a fork. Stir in 1/3 cup dried cranberries and set aside.
  • Wash and core the apples using a melon baller, or small paring knife, leaving the base intact to keep the filling in – don't cut all the way through! Place apples in a casserole dish just big enough to hold the apples without them touching.
  • Divide the filling evenly between apples. Top each stuffed apple with 1/2 Tbsp butter, top with walnuts if using, and sprinkle with any remaining cinnamon mixture. Set apples into a 9×13 or 9×12 casserole dish.
  • Pour 1 cup hot water into the casserole dish and bake at 375˚F for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until apples are soft (but not mushy). Baking time can vary by the type and size of apples you are using. My Jonagold apples (pictured here) were perfect after 45 minutes but I've had larger Braeburn apples take 1 hour.

Notes

*Apples should be firm, crisp and tart. Great apple options for this recipe include: Rome Beauty, McIntosh, Jonagold, Fuji, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious or even Braeburn.

Nutrition Per Serving

269kcal Calories49g Carbs1g Protein9g Fat4g Saturated Fat15mg Cholesterol10mg Sodium240mg Potassium5g Fiber41g Sugar275IU Vitamin A8.3mg Vitamin C37mg Calcium0.6mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Baked Apples Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
269
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
9
g
14
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Cholesterol
 
15
mg
5
%
Sodium
 
10
mg
0
%
Potassium
 
240
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
49
g
16
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
41
g
46
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
275
IU
6
%
Vitamin C
 
8.3
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
37
mg
4
%
Iron
 
0.6
mg
3
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked apples, baked cinnamon apples, easy apple recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 269

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Scott G
    November 4, 2023

    I used pecans, golden raisins, and for pizzazz, added 1/4 cup Brandy. Another variation is pre mixed apple pie spice. Yum!

    Reply

  • Cindi Evans
    October 12, 2023

    LOL my applesauce is very tasty! Baked too long so I have applesauce instead, which will be great with pork chops.

    Reply

  • Sue
    November 16, 2022

    Hi Natasha,
    First of all, I love looking through (a.k.a. “drooling over”) your recipes; they’re the BEST—my unbiased opinion. I’ve been searching for an apple dumpling recipe, and the closest I’ve found is your baked apple recipe. Even though I imagine it’s got to be similar to the dumpling recipe (but with a crust of some sort, and some other mysterious ingredients), it’s just not the same thing. I’m wondering if you could perhaps clue me in on what the actual differences might be, and I’ll do the rest. Thanks in advance, and how you stay so trim with all the yummies you’re always cooking!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 16, 2022

      You’re so welcome! Good to know that you like this recipe, thanks for sharing that, Sue.

      Reply

  • Julie
    November 9, 2022

    Hi Natasha – I LOVE your recipes, they are always a success!!! When I make these baked apples, instead of hot water, I use apple juice! Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 9, 2022

      Hi Julie! Thank you for the feedback. So glad you enjoy my recipes. 🙂

      Reply

  • Mumbi
    November 6, 2022

    Hi Natasha just wanted to know if that’s you giving prizes on YouTube saying to message you in telegram?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 6, 2022

      Hello there, that’s not me. I don’t have any giveaways or a telegram account for that.

      Reply

  • Oksana
    November 5, 2022

    Looks delicious! I know there are many kinds of baking apples, but I wonder what sort you used for this recipe? Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 6, 2022

      Hi Oksana, you may use Rome Beauty or Granny Smith apples.

      Reply

  • Johanna
    November 5, 2022

    I added your Baked Apples to my Thanksgiving menu. Yum. Just wondering if I’ll be able to give your new cookbook as Christmas gifts?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 5, 2022

      That’s great. They’re perfect! Unfortunately, the cookbook won’t be ready for this Christmas. Fall 2023 is the release date.

      Reply

  • Andie
    November 4, 2022

    These baked apples were the perfect fall treat. We added a drizzle of your homemade caramel sauce and a dollop of ice cream, and my kids are begging me to make these again!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 4, 2022

      That’s wonderful, Andie! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Rose Burnett
    November 4, 2022

    Have you tried these in an air fryer (perhaps at lower temp)? Hate to run big oven for 2 people. LOVE baked apples!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 4, 2022

      I have not tested it but I think it could work. Let us know if you experiment.

      Reply

  • jess
    November 4, 2022

    This is a super easy recipe and I love the flavor, thank you so much for sharing

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 4, 2022

      You’re welcome! I’m glad you loved it.

      Reply

  • Kristyn
    November 4, 2022

    Mmmm!!! They are amazing!! I’m not a big fruit dessert person, but man, I sure love these apples!! Perfectly tender & delicious!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 4, 2022

      I’m so glad to hear that, Kristyn. Thank you for the review.

      Reply

  • Angela Ciervo
    October 31, 2022

    I make baked apples and soak my raisins in rum before I put them in the stuffing. I also add a few pats of butter in the water. delicious.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 31, 2022

      Sounds good and delicious!

      Reply

      • Darlene Wilkins
        November 4, 2022

        I am diabetic but will make them this way until someone can tell me how to cut the sugar or use a sugar substitute to make them better for me.

        Reply

  • Lesley Jane Keen
    October 22, 2022

    If in UK Bramley Apples are good for this and other apple dishes

    Reply

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