Baked Apples
Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by Kiersten James
These easy baked apples are baked until tender in a rich cinnamon sauce. Serve with whipped cream or alongside pork, chicken, or turkey.
My grandmother made these baked apples exactly the way her mother made them…which is also the same way her mother made them.
Since the recipe has survived 5 generations, I’ve never felt the need to change anything about it. It’s definitely one of those family recipes that proves simple is usually best.
Apples are layered in a baking dish, sprinkled with brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, then finished with a little water before going into the oven.
As they bake, the apples become perfectly tender while the juices thicken into a rich cinnamon sauce that coats every piece.
If you’ve never had baked apples this way before, they’re somewhere between homemade applesauce and apple pie filling but simple enough to make any night of the week.
You can serve them warm with homemade whipped cream for dessert, but for us, it usually appears as a side dish alongside roasted chicken, Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, pork chops, or schnitzel.
The kids love applesauce made with fresh apples, but when I run out, baked apples are a perfect swap.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apples
- A family recipe of ours passed down for generations.
- SO easy to make – my daughter is currently 8, and does it herself with only oven supervision.
- Creates its own rich cinnamon sauce while baking.
- Delicious as either a dessert or a savory side dish.
- Easy to prepare ahead for holidays or Sunday dinner.
Leftover baked apples are delicious spooned over oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or vanilla Greek yogurt.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use firm baking apples that hold their shape, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady.
- Cut the apples into fairly large chunks (quartered or eighths), so they stay intact during baking.
- Bake until the sauce turns deep amber and glossy – it should be thick and syrupy, not watery. The extra baking time develops the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples for baked apples?
Firm, slightly tart apples work best because they soften without falling apart. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Jonagold, Pink Lady, and Fuji are all great choices.
Can I make baked apples ahead of time?
Yes. Bake them a day ahead and reheat gently before serving. The flavor is just as good the next day.
Why is flour added to the recipe?
The flour lightly thickens the juices released by the apples, creating a silky cinnamon sauce rather than a thin syrup.
Can I freeze baked apples?
Yes. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Are these served as a dessert or a side dish?
Both. Many families serve baked apples with whipped cream for dessert, while others enjoy them alongside roasted chicken, turkey, pork roast, or schnitzel.
How to Make Baked Apples
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into large chunks
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Peel, core, and cut the apples into large bite-sized pieces. Spread them evenly in a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples.
Pour the water evenly over the top. Do not stir.
Bake the apples uncovered for 60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened and caramelized.
Serve warm with whipped cream or alongside your favorite roasted meats.
Storage & Freezing:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
- Homemade Applesauce
- Apple Crumble
- Apple Pie Bars
- Apple Cinnamon Bread
- Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Homemade Apple Butter
Baked Apples
These easy baked apples are baked until tender in a rich cinnamon sauce. Serve with whipped cream or alongside pork, chicken, or turkey.
Ingredients
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into large chunks
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Peel, core, and cut the apples into large bite-sized pieces. Spread them evenly in a 9x13-inch glass baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples.
Pour the water evenly over the top. Do not stir.
Bake the apples uncovered for 60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened and caramelized.
Serve warm with whipped cream or alongside your favorite roasted meats.
Storage & Freezing:
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
