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; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional); 2 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup water

Highlighted under: Oven Cooking

I absolutely love making Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon, especially during the fall. The aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake is simply irresistible and takes me back to my childhood. The combination of sweet honey, warm cinnamon, and soft apple flesh creates a delightful dessert that my family can't resist. Plus, it’s effortless to whip up, making it the perfect last-minute treat. I often serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch!

Created by

Nerissa Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:09:35.725Z

When I first discovered this recipe, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The use of honey instead of granulated sugar brings a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the apples. I love experimenting with different apple varieties to find the perfect balance; Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my favorites. One tip I’ve learned is to slightly undercook the apples to keep them tender and juicy while still maintaining their shape.

As I continue to refine this recipe, I've found adding a sprinkle of nutmeg complements the cinnamon beautifully, enhancing the warming notes of this dish. It’s a simple yet delicious way to elevate the flavors. I often make these as a cozy dessert when entertaining, and they always leave a lasting impression!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The natural sweetness of honey elevates the flavor profile
Aromatic spices create a warm and inviting dessert
Easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion

Perfecting the Apple Choice

Choosing the right type of apple is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in these Honey Baked Apples. Varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith provide a beautiful balance of sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall dessert. If you prefer a sweeter result, opt for Fuji or Gala apples, which will caramelize beautifully with the honey and spices.

Make sure the apples are firm and free from any blemishes; they should feel heavy for their size. This indicates juiciness, which is essential as they will release their natural sweetness during baking. Avoid mealy apples, such as Red Delicious, which may turn mushy instead of maintaining a pleasant texture.

Baking Tips for Success

When baking the apples, remember to cover your dish with foil to trap steam, ensuring the apples cook evenly without drying out. This also helps the honey and spices thoroughly infuse into the apples. After about 30 minutes, check for tenderness by inserting a fork; it should slide in easily but still hold the apple's shape. If they need more time, continue baking, checking every five minutes.

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top of the butter before baking. Not only do these additions enhance the flavor, but they also contribute a pleasant crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft apples.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Honey Baked Apples with Cinnamon:

Ingredients

4 medium-sized apples
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup water

Once you have everything ready, it’s time to start baking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your delicious honey apples:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Apples

Core the apples, making sure to leave the bottoms intact, and place them in a baking dish.

Add the Honey and Spices

Drizzle honey over each apple, then sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg if using.

Add Butter and Water

Place a small piece of butter on top of each apple and pour the water into the baking dish.

Bake the Apples

Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes or until the apples are tender.

Serve Warm

Serve the baked apples warm, drizzled with the pan juices and a scoop of ice cream if desired.

Enjoy your warm and delicious Honey Baked Apples!

Pro Tips

For a unique twist, try adding chopped walnuts or raisins to the cavity of each apple before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Honey Baked Apples warm for the best experience. The heat helps activate the honey's sweetness and enhances the aroma. A scoop of vanilla ice cream not only adds creaminess but also contrasts beautifully with the warm spices and tender apple flesh, making each bite delightful and seasonal.

For an extra touch, try drizzling the plated apples with additional honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation and flavor profile, making your dessert look as incredible as it tastes.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the Honey Baked Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the oven at a low temperature to regain some of their warmth. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the apples overly soft and mushy.

These baked apples also freeze well! If you plan to make them ahead, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) from frozen, covered with foil, for about 45 minutes or until warmed through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples are great options.

→ Can I prepare these apples in advance?

While best served fresh, you can prep them a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until baking.

→ What can I serve with Honey Baked Apples?

They're delicious on their own, or you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

→ How should I store leftovers?

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