Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon

Name: Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith and Honeycrisp); 1/4 cup honey; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional); Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Highlighted under: Oven Kitchen

I absolutely love making honey baked apples with cinnamon, especially during the fall season. The combination of sweet honey and warm spices turns simple apples into a comforting dessert that's perfect for cozy evenings. The aroma that fills my kitchen as these bake is simply irresistible! It's a quick and easy recipe that I can whip up in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to treat when I want something delicious yet uncomplicated. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors that reminds me of home.

Created by

Winifred Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-15T12:59:35.686Z

When I first made honey baked apples, it was a chilly evening and I had a craving for something sweet yet wholesome. I decided to experiment with the ingredients I had on hand, and the results were better than I could have imagined! Using honey instead of sugar brought out the natural sweetness of the apples while adding a hint of richness and moisture.

One tip I've discovered is to use a mix of sweet and tart apples to create a balanced flavor. My favorite combo is Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This adds complexity to the dish and keeps it interesting. Plus, baking them with cinnamon takes the comfort factor to a whole new level!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet, caramelized flavor enhanced by honey and cinnamon
Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
A healthy dessert option that satisfies your sweet tooth

Choosing the Right Apples

When making honey baked apples, the choice of apple variety greatly influences the flavor and texture of the final dish. Granny Smith apples provide a perfect balance of tartness and firmness, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet crunch. Mixing these two varieties adds depth to the dish. Ensure the apples are firm and free of blemishes to avoid mushy results when baked. If you're looking for alternatives, Fuji or Braeburn also work well, as they hold their shape during cooking.

For those who prefer a less tart flavor, Honeycrisp apples alone can suffice. Cutting your apples into quarters instead of leaving them whole can also yield quicker baking times, but be cautious as they might lose too much structure without sufficient time in the oven.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

The combination of honey and cinnamon creates a caramelized glaze that enriches the natural sweetness of the apples. When mixing the honey with the melted butter, whisk until fully emulsified; this helps to create a glossy finish when baked. If you're looking for an extra depth of flavor, consider also adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the mixture. These spices can complement the cinnamon beautifully, adding warmth without overwhelming the dish.

To further enhance the honey baked apples, you might consider drizzling a touch of balsamic vinegar over them midway through baking. The acidity can brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness of the honey, resulting in a more refined dessert.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your own honey baked apples:

Ingredients

4 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Make sure to have these on hand before starting!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your honey baked apples:

Prepare the apples

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

Mix the topping

In a small bowl, mix together the honey, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined. If using walnuts, add them to the mixture.

Fill the apples

Spoon the honey mixture into the center of each apple, ensuring they are nicely filled.

Bake the apples

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the apples are tender.

Serve

Allow the apples to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired!

Enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as the apples bake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the filling. It enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to serve this dish for a special occasion, you can prepare the apples in advance. Core and fill them with the honey mixture, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply bring them to room temperature while preheating your oven; this helps to ensure even baking.

You can also bake the apples a day ahead of time. Allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes to bring back their warm, comforting texture.

Serving Suggestions

These honey baked apples can be served as a stand-alone dessert, but they shine even brighter when paired with sides. I love serving them warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which adds creaminess and a delightful contrast to the honeyed apples. For a crunchier texture, sprinkle some granola over the top before serving.

For gatherings, consider transforming this recipe into a communal dish by slicing the apples and layering them in a trifle bowl with layers of whipped cream or yogurt. Not only does it add visual appeal, but it also allows guests to serve themselves easily.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! You can use any variety of apples, but a mix of sweet and tart apples will provide a more complex flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use maple syrup in place of honey.

→ What should I serve with honey baked apples?

These apples are delicious on their own or served with vanilla ice cream. You can also top them with whipped cream for added creaminess.