When fall hits, I crave simple, cozy recipes that fill the kitchen with warm spices. This one? It’s an all-time favorite in our home. These easy baked apple slices with cinnamon deliver everything I love: they’re quick to prep, smell like heaven, and disappear within minutes. Whether you’re planning a casual dessert, a side for breakfast, or a healthy snack, this recipe’s got you. It uses everyday pantry ingredients and transforms basic apples into something nostalgic, buttery, and just sweet enough. If you love simple seasonal recipes like my baked peaches, this one will definitely hit the same sweet spot.
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Why You’ll Love These Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices
There’s something incredibly comforting about pulling a pan of baked apple slices from the oven. For me, it instantly takes me back to chilly evenings, fuzzy socks, and the smell of cinnamon drifting through the house. This recipe was born during one of those moments when I wanted dessert, but not the effort that usually comes with it.
You only need a few ingredients, a little slicing, and the oven does the rest. These cinnamon apple slices come out tender with just the right caramelization. They’re not too soft, not too crisp, just right for spooning into bowls or piling over pancakes, oatmeal, or even ice cream.
My husband? He calls them “dangerously good.” That’s his way of saying he can’t stop at one serving. And honestly, I don’t blame him. They’re naturally sweet, warmly spiced, and make the whole kitchen smell like a fall candle (but better).
Even better, this recipe works with just about any kind of apple you have on hand. Plus, there’s zero need to peel them unless you want to. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free if you skip the butter, and incredibly easy to double for a crowd.
If you’re like me and love recipes that let the ingredients shine without fuss, these baked cinnamon apple slices are your new go-to.
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Easy Baked Apple Slices with Cinnamon
These baked cinnamon apple slices are warm, tender, and filled with sweet, spiced flavor. Perfect for dessert, breakfast, or snacking, and made with just a few pantry staples.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
1–2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice or ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Wash and slice apples into ¼-inch wedges (peel if desired).
3. Toss apples with butter, cinnamon, sweetener, salt, and optional add-ins.
4. Spread evenly in the prepared dish.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
6. Serve warm, or cool and refrigerate for later.
Notes
Use any apple variety you like; Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work well.
To add crunch, sprinkle oats or chopped nuts before baking.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be dairy-free using coconut oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 22mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Simple Ingredients for Baked Apple Slices
What I love most about this recipe is that you don’t need anything fancy. Just apples, cinnamon, a little fat, and a touch of sweetener, that’s it. These few pantry staples turn everyday apples into something warm and indulgent, with golden caramelized edges and a flavor that screams fall.
Everyday ingredients, extraordinary flavor
Here’s what you’ll need to make these baked cinnamon apple slices:
- Apples – About 4 medium apples. Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Golden Delicious all work beautifully. Want something tart? Go with Granny Smith.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon is the heart of this recipe. It adds warmth, depth, and pairs perfectly with the natural apple sweetness.
- Butter or coconut oil – Just a few tablespoons melt into the apples, helping them brown and soften without getting soggy.
- Brown sugar or maple syrup – Either option works well to lightly sweeten and add that hint of caramel flavor. Use what you have!
- Salt – A tiny pinch makes the other flavors pop.
- Optional: lemon juice – Adds brightness and prevents browning if you’re prepping in advance.
You can toss everything in one bowl, layer it in a baking dish, and pop it in the oven. That’s it; no peeling (unless you want to), no mixer, no flour. Just real ingredients doing what they do best.
If you enjoy simple fruit-forward recipes like Apple Cobbler, this one will definitely earn a spot in your fall rotation.
Ingredient swaps & additions to spice it up
Want to dress these baked apple slices up a bit? Try adding:
- A dash of nutmeg or clove for deeper spice.
- A splash of vanilla extract for a cozy twist.
- A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
- A handful of raisins if you’re feeling nostalgic.
- A drizzle of honey at the end for added shine and sweetness.
All of these variations play well with the soft, cinnamon-kissed apples, and you can easily customize them based on what you have on hand.
How to Make Baked Apple Slices in the Oven
One of the best things about this recipe is how truly hands-off it is. Once your apples are sliced and seasoned, the oven does all the heavy lifting; no standing over a stove, no complicated prep. You’ll go from slicing to savoring in under an hour.
Step-by-step instructions with minimal cleanup
1. Preheat your oven
Set it to 375°F (190°C). A slightly lower temperature like this lets the apples bake slowly so they soften and caramelize without turning mushy.
2. Prepare the apples
Wash and slice about 4 apples into ¼-inch thick wedges. You can peel them if you prefer, but I like the texture and color the skins add. Plus, it’s faster!
3. Toss with flavor
In a large bowl, toss your apple slices with:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
- A small pinch of salt
Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract here if using.
4. Bake until tender
Spread the apples into a single layer on a parchment-lined baking dish or sheet pan. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft, lightly golden, and fragrant.
5. Serve warm (or cold!)
Serve them straight from the oven for dessert, or cool them and store for later. These cinnamon apple slices taste amazing the next day too!
They’re especially good spooned over yogurt, pancakes, or even oatmeal, and they pair like a dream with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you like soft, caramelized fruit, you’ll love this just as much as my 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Dump Cake.
What makes these cinnamon apple slices so irresistible
It’s the contrast. The apples stay soft but never soggy. The edges caramelize slightly. The cinnamon warms everything up. And that smell? Absolutely cozy. You get sweet, spiced, buttery goodness in every bite.
Want a little crunch? Pop the pan under the broiler for the last 2 minutes and you’ll get lightly crisped edges that are unbelievably good.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Apple Slices
Making baked apple slices is simple, but a few extra tricks can take them from good to “please make this again tomorrow.” Whether you’re keeping it classic or adding a twist, these tips ensure you’ll get tender, flavorful results every time.
Tips for success every single time
- Slice evenly: Try to keep your apple slices around ¼ inch thick. Thinner slices can turn mushy; thicker ones may take longer to soften.
- Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking, makes cleanup easier, and helps the apples caramelize better.
- Stir halfway: Gently tossing the apples halfway through baking helps them cook evenly and brown on all sides.
- Don’t overcrowd: If you’re doubling the recipe, use two pans or bake in batches. Crowding causes steaming instead of roasting.
- Taste test your apples: If your apples are extra sweet, reduce the sugar slightly. If they’re tart (like Granny Smith), you might want a bit more sweetness.
Also, this recipe keeps well in the fridge. You can store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days and reheat in the microwave or oven. (Spoiler: they’re amazing cold, too.)
If you enjoy fruit-based bakes that balance soft textures and bold flavors, my Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins have that same “you made this from scratch?” vibe.
Fun variations for every occasion
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, try mixing it up:
- Add oats: Sprinkle old-fashioned oats and a little extra brown sugar before baking for a crisp-like topping.
- Chopped nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add crunch and make it feel extra indulgent.
- Spice it up: Try a dash of cardamom, clove, or pumpkin pie spice instead of plain cinnamon.
- Cranberries or raisins: Add dried fruit halfway through baking for pops of sweet-tart flavor.
- Top it off: Serve with whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or vanilla ice cream for dessert. Or drizzle with almond butter for a cozy breakfast bowl.
This recipe is so adaptable; sweet enough for dessert, light enough for snacking, and simple enough to make any day of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bake apple slices with the skin on?
Yes, absolutely. Leaving the skin on not only saves time, but it also adds texture and a slight chew that many people enjoy. Just be sure to wash your apples well before slicing.
How long does it take to bake apple slices at 350?
At 350°F (175°C), baked apple slices take around 30–35 minutes. The key is to stir them halfway through so they cook evenly and develop that soft, caramelized texture.
What apples are best for baking slices?
You can use almost any apple, but firmer varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith work best. They hold their shape without turning to mush and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
How do you keep baked apples from getting mushy?
To avoid mushy baked cinnamon apple slices, slice apples evenly, don’t overcrowd the pan, and bake at 375°F. Stir halfway and avoid overbaking; once they’re fork-tender and golden, they’re ready.
Final Note
These easy baked cinnamon apple slices are the kind of recipe that brings comfort to the table without making a mess in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving them warm with breakfast, as a simple dessert, or right from the fridge as a snack, they’re always a hit.
They’ve become a staple at our table; the kind of thing my husband asks for again before the baking sheet even cools. And that’s exactly why I love sharing these everyday wins with you. So go ahead, grab those apples sitting on your counter and make something warm, cozy, and completely delicious.
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