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After polling my Instagram audience and testing different apple varieties and bake times, I created this cozy version of sliced baked apples using Gala, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith.
They are soft, spiced, and full of flavor. Whether you are new to baking or have years of experience, this recipe is a simple way to bring the comforting smell and taste of fall into your kitchen.
Baked Apple Slices
I knew I wanted to create a recipe for baked apples, but I wasn’t sure which version people were looking for – sliced or whole. So I asked my Instagram community. Sixty percent said baked apples make them think of sliced apples baked in a dish, not whole apples like the ones I grew up with.
Maybe that whole apple version is a Midwest thing? Either way, I took your feedback and created this sliced version that is easy to make, big on comfort, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell incredible.
I tested different varieties to find the best apple combination for both flavor and texture. Gala, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith were the clear winners. The mix of sweet and tart makes every bite balanced and flavorful.
After a few rounds of testing, I found that 50 minutes in my oven made them perfectly fork tender without turning to mush. I suggest checking yours around the 40-minute mark and adjusting as needed based on your oven.
These baked apples are cozy, nostalgic, and packed with flavor. You can serve them on their own, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, stirred into oatmeal, layered over pancakes or waffles, mixed into yogurt parfaits, or even as a side dish with roasted pork. However you serve them, this recipe was developed with home bakers in mind. It is easy to follow, delivers delicious results, and has been tested and refined with care so you can bake with confidence.
How to Make Baked Apples
These apples are a family favorite and always a crowd pleaser. Get the full recipe in the recipe card below. Here are the simple steps:
- Prep oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prep apples. Peel the apples. Cut each apple into quarters, remove the core, and slice each quarter into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Try to keep the slices uniform to ensure even baking. Add the sliced apples to a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Combine sugars and spices. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.
- Add butter slices. Cut the butter into four pieces and place them on top of the apples.
- Bake. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through at the 20-minute mark.
- Adjust baking time as needed. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and check for doneness. If the apples are not yet fork-tender, re-cover the pan and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until tender.
- Enjoy! Serve warm on their own, or enjoy with ice cream, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or yogurt.
Tips for the Best Baked Apples
For best results, follow my tried-and-true tips:
- Cut uniform slices: This helps to ensure even baking.
- Cut 1/4-inch-thick slices: If you cut the apples in thicker slices, you may need to increase cook time to ensure the apples fully cook and get soft.
- Stir halfway through baking: This stir helps mix all ingredients together and helps the apples cook evenly.
Baked Apples FAQ
When making baked apples, it’s best to choose varieties that are firm enough to keep their shape in the oven. Apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Jonagold, Braeburn, and Pink Lady are all excellent choices because they bake up tender without becoming overly soft.
Peeling the apples is recommended if you want the fruit to turn out soft and caramelized in the oven. When left on, the skin can become tough and chewy during baking.
Baked Apple Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
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Baked Apple Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices
- ½ cup (106g) brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp (28) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Peel the apples. Cut each apple into quarters, remove the core, and slice each quarter into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Try to keep the slices uniform to ensure even baking. Add the sliced apples to a 9×13-inch baking pan.3 pounds apples
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.½ cup (106g) brown sugar, 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground allspice, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ⅛ tsp salt, 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- Cut the butter into four pieces and place them on top of the apples.2 Tbsp (28) unsalted butter
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through at the 20-minute mark.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and check for doneness. If the apples are not yet fork-tender, re-cover the pan and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until tender.
- Serve warm on their own, or enjoy with ice cream, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or yogurt.
