These baked apple slices are a simple yet indulgent treat, blending naturally sweet apples with warm cinnamon and buttery caramel notes.
Packed with fiber, they support digestion and help keep you full, while the moderate use of healthy fats adds richness without being overpowering.
Quick, easy, and versatile, this recipe works beautifully as a dessert, snack, or a side for savory dishes, making it perfect for everyday cooking.
Baked Apple Slices
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 9″ oval casserole dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 5 each Fuji apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 each Granny Smith apple peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential because it ensures your apples start baking immediately at the correct temperature, giving them a tender, caramelized texture. While the oven warms, you can prep your ingredients to save time.
- Prepare the Apples: Take 5 Fuji apples and 1 Granny Smith apple. Peel each one carefully to remove the skin; this step is important to achieve a soft, jammy texture. After peeling, remove the cores using a small knife or an apple corer. Slice the apples thinly and evenly—about 1/4-inch thick—so they cook uniformly and develop a consistent caramelization. A sharp chef’s knife works best for clean, precise slices.
- Melt the Butter: Place 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Gently melt it until fully liquid, making sure it doesn’t burn. Melted butter coats the apple slices evenly and helps the sugar and spices stick, creating that deliciously buttery, golden finish.
- Combine Apples and Flavorings: In a large mixing bowl, add all the apple slices. Pour in the melted butter and toss gently to coat each slice. Next, add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix thoroughly, making sure every slice is evenly covered in the buttery, spiced sugar mixture. The cornstarch will thicken the juices released during baking, creating a luscious, syrupy coating.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully move the coated apples into a 9-inch oval casserole dish. Spread them out evenly in a single layer if possible. This ensures each slice gets maximum heat exposure, allowing them to soften and caramelize evenly without sticking together.
- Begin Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and set a timer for 45 minutes. The oven’s steady heat will slowly soften the apples and allow the sugars to melt into a golden, sticky syrup.
- Stir for Even Caramelization: Every 15 minutes, open the oven and gently stir the apple slices using a spatula or wooden spoon. This step ensures that all slices cook uniformly, preventing the edges from over-browning and the middle from undercooking. You’ll notice a rich, buttery aroma as the cinnamon and sugars caramelize—a sign that your dessert is transforming beautifully.
- Check for Doneness: After 45 minutes, test the apples with a fork. They should be tender but still hold their shape, coated in a glossy, caramel-like sauce. If you prefer them slightly softer or more caramelized, you can bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Serve Warm: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Serve the apple slices immediately while they’re warm and fragrant. They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or even as a side to roasted meats for a sweet-savory combination.
- Store Leftovers: If you have any leftover slices, allow them to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, these apples freeze well for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Notes
- Always peel apples before baking for a smooth, jammy texture.
- Thinly slice apples evenly to ensure uniform cooking and caramelization.
- Stir apples every 15 minutes while baking to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Substitute Fuji or Granny Smith apples with any firm, sweet-tart varieties if desired.
- For a lighter version, reduce butter and sugar by half without compromising flavor.
- Add warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to enhance depth and aroma.
- Slice apples ahead of time and submerge in pineapple juice to prevent browning.
- Use a 9–10” oval casserole dish for even heat distribution.
- Serve warm for maximum flavor; leftovers can be reheated or used in other dishes.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Apples
The key to perfectly baked apple slices lies in balance and technique.
Start with firm, crisp apples like Fuji or Granny Smith—they hold their shape and provide a sweet-tart flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and butter.
Peeling ensures a tender, jam-like texture, while evenly slicing helps each piece cook at the same rate.
Don’t skip stirring during baking; this prevents edges from over-browning and promotes an even caramelization.
For extra depth, consider adding a splash of bourbon, rum, or a pinch of warm spices such as nutmeg or cardamom.
These small touches elevate the flavor profile, making your baked apples taste gourmet without extra effort.
Serving Suggestions For Any Occasion
Baked apple slices are wonderfully versatile. Serve them warm as a classic dessert, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
They also make an elegant side dish for roasted poultry or pork, adding a sweet-savory twist to your meal.
For brunch, pair them with pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a naturally sweet, spiced topping.
Garnish with chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey for extra texture and flavor.
These apples are equally delightful as a snack, offering a comforting treat anytime you crave something warm and lightly sweet.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Proper storage ensures your baked apple slices remain flavorful and safe to eat.
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the apples to an airtight container.
Refrigerated, they will last up to four days and can be enjoyed as quick snacks or reheated for desserts.
For longer-term storage, freeze the slices in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until heated through.
Avoid microwaving, as it can make the apples mushy and affect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different apple varieties?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Jonagold work well. Avoid overly soft varieties, as they may become mushy when baked. A mix of sweet and tart apples adds depth to the flavor.
2. Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes! Slice the apples a day ahead and store them in pineapple juice to prevent browning. You can also prepare the apple-butter-sugar mixture and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
3. How can I reduce sugar without losing flavor?
Reduce granulated and brown sugar by half, and consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or warm spices like nutmeg and cardamom. The natural sweetness of Fuji apples helps maintain a rich taste.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute unsalted butter with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter or coconut oil. The flavor remains rich and the apples still caramelize beautifully.
5. How do I prevent apples from sticking to the dish?
Use melted butter to coat the baking dish lightly before adding the apples. Stirring every 15 minutes also prevents sticking and ensures even caramelization. Using an oven-safe non-stick dish helps as well.
