Name: Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans); 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup water

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and cozy about this Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar Recipe. Perfect for crisp fall evenings or any time you want a warm, homemade dessert that feels special but is surprisingly simple. You’ll notice how the apples soften just right, the cinnamon gently perfumes your kitchen, and the brown sugar caramelizes to a satisfyingly sweet finish. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Four baked apples sit in a white dish filled with a shiny syrup. Each apple is hollowed on top and filled with a pile of walnuts that glisten with syrup, showing their nutty texture. The apple skins are a mix of warm browns and soft reds, look soft and glossy from baking. The syrup reflects light, pooling gently around the apples in the white dish, which has a smooth surface. In the background, parts of a white marbled texture are faintly visible. The image is close up, capturing the moist, rich look of the syrup and the tender apples, photo taken with an iphone --ar 1:1 --v 7 — Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar, baked apple dessert, fall apple recipes, easy baked apple treat, cozy fruit dessert

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

This Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar Recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it hits all the right notes: sweet, warmly spiced, and just a touch crunchy. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough for guests.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: Choosing the right apples and capping bake time means you get tender, not mushy, every time.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: That browned butter melting over cinnamon-nut filling creates an irresistible glaze.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You likely have all the ingredients on hand, yet the flavor feels elevated and homemade.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Prep takes under 10 minutes, so you can decide last minute to bake these up without fuss.

Ingredients at a Glance

Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar Recipe - Recipe Image — Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar, baked apple dessert, fall apple recipes, easy baked apple treat, cozy fruit dessert

Since this recipe is all about highlighting how simple ingredients transform through baking, picking quality apples and fresh spices will really elevate your dessert.

Apples: Go for firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold shape while softening beautifully.
Brown Sugar: Use dark brown sugar if possible for a richer molasses flavor.
Cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in aroma and taste.
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add just the right crunch and nuttiness; toast them lightly if you like an extra layer of flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best; it helps the filling turn golden and luscious.
Water: Keeps the apples moist in the oven without steaming them.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar Recipe

Step 1 — Prep Your Apples Carefully

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, core your apples using an apple corer or a small paring knife. The key is to remove the core and seeds but keep the bottom intact so the filling won’t spill out. You’ll notice the apples still stand firmly, making them perfect little baskets for our cinnamon, nut, and brown sugar mix.

Step 2 — Mix the Sweet, Spiced Filling

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Take a moment to smell that cinnamon — it’s such a comforting scent that sets the mood for the whole dessert. You’ll want the filling evenly mixed so every bite has that delicious balance of sweetness and spice.

Step 3 — Stuff and Butter Your Apples

Generously stuff each cored apple with the sugar-nut mixture, packing it down lightly so it fits snugly. Then, add a tablespoon of butter on top of each filled apple — this will melt during baking, creating a lovely golden glaze. Don’t skip the butter; it’s the secret for that toasty richness.

Step 4 — Bake Until Tender & Fragrant

Place the prepared apples upright in a baking dish and pour the water into the bottom of the dish to keep things moist. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the apples should be tender to a fork but still hold shape. You’ll know they’re ready when the filling is bubbling, and the tops are golden and fragrant. I love when the kitchen smells like warm cinnamon and melting butter—it’s pure comfort.

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Things to Remember

A few tips from my kitchen experiments to help you nail this Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar Recipe every time. Little tweaks go a long way in perfecting the texture and flavor.

Doneness Cue: Check tenderness with a skewer; apples should be soft but not mushy.
Temperature Trick: If your oven runs hot, drop heat by 10 degrees and add extra minutes to bake; this prevents burning sugar topping.
Make-Ahead Move: Stuff apples and keep in the fridge up to 6 hours before baking.
Common Pitfall: Avoid overfilling to prevent sugary overflow and sticky mess in your oven.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I love serving these baked apples warm with a drizzle of the pan juices spooned over the top — so simple, yet it adds a silky, sweet finish. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully, mellowing the cinnamon spice and adding that creamy cool contrast.

Plays Well With

This Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar Recipe is delicious alongside a cup of hot tea or fresh coffee. For brunch, consider serving with yogurt or oatmeal for a comfy, wholesome start. The nuttiness also complements cheeses like sharp cheddar for a delightful unexpected pairing.

Simple Plating Upgrades

If you want to make it look extra special, sprinkle a few extra chopped nuts and a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Placing the apples on a colorful dessert plate with a sprig of fresh mint brightens the presentation instantly. These little touches make even a weeknight feel festive.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture softens more the longer they sit but they stay tasty and are fantastic warmed up with a splash of milk or cream to revive moisture.

Freezing Tips

This recipe freezes fairly well if you place the baked apples in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. To thaw, move to the fridge overnight and warm gently in the oven to restore softness. Note that frozen apples won’t be quite as firm but the flavor and sweetness remain lovely.

Reheating Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar Recipe Without Drying Out

To reheat, cover the apples loosely with foil to lock in moisture and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts with a small cup of water nearby to keep air moist. An air fryer can crisp up the tops nicely but watch carefully to avoid over-drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

You can, but firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and balance tartness with sweetness when baked.

What nuts are best for Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar Recipe?

Walnuts and pecans are classic choices—they toast nicely and add a great crunchy texture that complements the softness of the apples.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and stuff the apples a few hours ahead and refrigerate them, then bake fresh when ready. It helps with time-saving on busy days.

How do I prevent the apples from drying out during baking?

Pouring water into the baking dish and covering loosely with foil during the first half of baking helps maintain moisture and keeps the apples juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Brown Sugar Recipe countless times, and it never disappoints. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cozying up for an autumn evening or need an easy dessert that’s a bit special, give this recipe a try—you’ll love how forgiving, delicious, and satisfying it is.

Full Printable Recipe