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-sized apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith); 1/4 cup honey; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Collection

I absolutely love making Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon during the fall season. The sweet aroma of honey and warm spices fills my kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere. Each bite of these baked apples offers a delightful combination of soft, tender fruit with a rich, caramelized glaze. It's an effortless yet impressive dessert that never fails to warm my heart and please my family. Whether served on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these apples are the perfect way to celebrate autumn's bounty.

Created by

Serena Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-01-15T19:17:58.525Z

When I first experimented with baking apples, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could transform into a stunning dessert. As the apples bake, the honey seeps into the flesh, enhancing their natural sweetness while the cinnamon adds that warmly spiced kick. I learned that allowing the apples to bake slowly is key to achieving that perfect soft yet firm texture. It's a delightful treat that easily elevates a regular weeknight dinner into something special.

One of my favorite tips is to use a variety of apples for different flavor profiles. Mixing tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter ones like Honeycrisp creates an incredible balance. Plus, serving these baked apples warm out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream is nothing short of heavenly. It's an experience I highly recommend every fall!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The natural sweetness of baked apples combined with honey.
A hint of warm cinnamon makes each bite comforting.
Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying at home.

The Role of Honey in Baking

Honey not only serves as a natural sweetener in this recipe but also contributes to the rich, glossy glaze that forms as the apples bake. When heated, honey caramelizes, adding a deep, complex flavor that elevates the dish beyond just sweet. It's important to choose a high-quality honey for the best results; varieties like clover or wildflower can complement the apples beautifully. This can transform the simple baked apple experience into something luxurious and satisfying.

Additionally, the acidity of lemon juice in the filling balances the sweetness of honey. This contrast enhances the overall flavor of the dish, making each bite feel balanced and refreshing. If you're looking for a different twist, you might experiment with maple syrup or agave nectar, but keep in mind that this will alter the final flavor profile.

Texture Transformation

The baking process is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your apples. As they bake, the heat causes the apples to soften, while the honey and butter mix into a syrup that coats the fruit. Look for a texture that's tender yet still holds its shape. To ensure even cooking, try to choose apples that are similar in size to avoid some being undercooked while others are mushy.

Baking them uncovered allows the surface to caramelize beautifully, developing a golden color and enticing scent. If you notice they are browning too quickly or starting to burst, you can loosely cover them with foil during the later stages of baking. This will help retain moisture while allowing them to finish cooking to the desired tenderness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While these Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon are delicious on their own, serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates them to a whole new level of indulgence. The cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the warm, spiced apples. You can even drizzle a little extra honey or caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of decadence.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding variations like dried fruits or spices such as nutmeg or cloves to the filling. For a nut-free version, you can omit the chopped nuts or substitute them with granola for an added crunch. These adaptations can enhance the dish's texture and flavor while still staying true to the spirit of the recipe.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious dessert.

Ingredients

4 medium-sized apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Honey Baked Apples.

Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core the apples and create a small hole in the center of each apple to hold the filling.

Make the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the honey, cinnamon, lemon juice, and nuts (if using).

Fill the Apples

Drizzle the honey mixture into the hole of each apple, then place them in a baking dish.

Add Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the apples to help them caramelize.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the syrup is bubbling.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm, preferably with ice cream.

Enjoy your freshly baked apples!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the honey mixture.

Ingredient Storage Tips

When it comes to storing leftover baked apples, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This preserves the delightful texture and flavor while making sure you enjoy the leftovers just as much as the first serving.

For those who want to prepare in advance, you can assemble the apples a few hours ahead of baking. Just make sure to cover them with plastic wrap to prevent them from browning. You can drizzle the honey mixture over just before baking, allowing the flavors to mingle while you wait to cook them.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're entertaining a larger crowd, this recipe can be easily scaled up. Just ensure that you have a suitably sized baking dish to hold all your apples comfortably. As a guideline, each apple requires about 2 tablespoons of the honey mixture. If you increase the number of apples but wish to keep the same flavor intensity, consider adjusting the honey and spices accordingly — keeping them proportionate will yield consistent results.

When working with more than four apples, be mindful of baking time; larger batches may take a few extra minutes to achieve that tender texture. It's a good idea to check for doneness a few minutes earlier to avoid overbaking and mushiness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your apples turn out too firm after baking, it could be due to using a variety that doesn’t soften well under heat, such as Fuji or Gala apples. For future attempts, stick with tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which break down nicely while still holding their shape, providing that ideal texture we’re aiming for.

On the flip side, if your apples are mushy, you may have overcooked them. To rescue slightly over-baked apples, consider turning them into a warm apple compote by chopping them up and mixing them with a little more honey and cinnamon on the stovetop. This can be a delicious topping for pancakes or yogurt!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Mixing different apples will give you a nice balance between sweet and tart flavors.

→ How do I store leftover baked apples?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute honey with maple syrup and use a vegan butter alternative.

→ What can I serve with baked apples?

They are delicious on their own, but I recommend serving them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.