Name: Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or mix; about 2 lbs), cored and thinly sliced (skins on for fiber); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted; 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness; or omit for no added sugar); 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or more to taste); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavors); Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, dash of nutmeg

This Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices Recipe is an easy, healthy treat featuring tender apple slices spiced with cinnamon and lightly sweetened for a guilt-free dessert or snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this recipe because it’s incredibly simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers the cozy, comforting flavors of classic apple pie without the heavy crust, added fats, or excessive sugar. The natural sweetness of the apples shines through as they bake, enhanced by warm cinnamon that fills your kitchen with an irresistible autumn aroma.

It’s naturally gluten-free, can be made dairy-free or vegan with easy swaps, and feels indulgent while remaining light and nutritious—packed with fiber from the apple skins and antioxidants. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests with a wholesome dessert that tastes decadent but supports healthy eating goals.

Whether enjoyed warm straight from the oven, chilled as a refreshing snack, or topped on yogurt/oatmeal, it satisfies sweet cravings in the healthiest way possible.

Yield: 4 servings

Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices Recipe

Warm, tender cinnamon-spiced apple slices—easy, healthy, naturally sweet treat ready in under 40 minutes.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or mix; about 2 lbs), cored and thinly sliced (skins on for fiber)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness; or omit for no added sugar)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or more to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavors)
Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, dash of nutmeg

Instructions

Get excited and preheat! Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's nice and hot, ready to work its magic on those apples. Grab a 9x9 or similar baking dish and lightly grease it or line with parchment for effortless cleanup—your future self will thank you!
Prep those gorgeous apples Wash them well, core them (no need to peel for extra nutrition and pretty color), and slice into even 1/4-inch thick pieces. Thin, uniform slices ensure everything cooks perfectly tender without any raw spots.
Brighten and prevent browning In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with the fresh lemon juice—it keeps them vibrant and adds a lovely zing that balances the sweetness.
Add the cozy cinnamon magic Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon (and any extra spices like nutmeg if using). Give everything a gentle toss so every slice gets that warm, fragrant coating—smell that? It's fall in a bowl!
Sweeten naturally Drizzle over the maple syrup or honey, plus the melted butter or coconut oil. If adding vanilla, stir it in now. Toss again until the apples are glossy and evenly coated—the mixture will start to smell irresistible!
Arrange for success Spread the spiced apple slices in an even layer in your prepared baking dish. Don't worry if they overlap a bit; they'll shrink and release juices as they bake, creating a luscious sauce.
Into the oven they go Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The aroma will fill your home—pure comfort!
Stir for even perfection After 20 minutes, carefully remove the dish, give the apples a good stir to redistribute the yummy juices and ensure even tenderness. This step is key for that perfect texture.
Finish baking Return to the oven for another 10 minutes (or until apples are soft, fork-tender, and edges are lightly caramelized). Total bake time around 30 minutes—watch closely toward the end!
Rest and enjoy Let them cool for 5 minutes—the sauce thickens slightly as it sits. Serve warm with a spoon straight from the dish, over yogurt, ice cream, or oatmeal. Dig in and savor every cozy bite!

Notes

This recipe is naturally healthy with minimal added sweetener—great for low-sugar diets. Adjust baking time based on apple variety (softer ones like Fuji cook faster). Serve as breakfast topping, healthy dessert, or side with pork/chicken.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 175Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 4gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 15mgSodium 4mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 6gSugar 23gProtein 1g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

For the best texture, slice the apples evenly (about 1/4-inch thick) so they cook uniformly—use a mandoline if available for precision. Toss the slices well to ensure even coating of cinnamon and any sweetener.

Stir halfway through baking to promote even caramelization and prevent sticking. If you prefer softer apples, extend bake time by 5-10 minutes; for firmer bite, check early. Line your baking dish with parchment for easy cleanup. Freshly ground cinnamon boosts flavor intensity over pre-ground. Taste a slice before baking and adjust cinnamon if you love extra spice.

Ingredients Notes

Apples form the star here—choose firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best balance of sweet-tart flavor and structure that holds up during baking without turning mushy. Leaving the skins on adds fiber, nutrients, and beautiful color contrast, plus it saves prep time.

Cinnamon provides warm, aromatic spice and potential blood sugar benefits. A touch of natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey enhances without overpowering; opt for pure versions for health perks.

Lemon juice prevents browning and brightens flavors with subtle acidity. Butter (or coconut oil) creates a luscious, caramel-like sauce as it melts with the apple juices—use unsalted for control.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it fully no-added-sugar by relying solely on the apples’ natural sweetness and extra cinnamon. Swap butter for coconut oil or omit for a lighter version (apples release juices anyway).

Add warmth with nutmeg, allspice, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice. For crunch, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans before baking. Stir in raisins, dried cranberries, or fresh berries for added texture and flavor. Use different apples for variety—tart Granny Smith for less sweetness, or mix varieties. For vegan, choose maple syrup and coconut oil. Add vanilla extract for depth, or a splash of bourbon/apple cider for adult sophistication.

Storage Options

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a low oven to restore warmth. They freeze well—portion into freezer bags for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Enjoy cold as a chilled snack too!