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Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon

healthy baked apples with cinnamon - featured image

A simple, comforting dessert featuring baked apples with cinnamon and no added sugar, perfect for a wholesome treat that highlights natural sweetness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
  • ½ cup unsweetened apple juice or water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wash and dry 4 medium apples. Using a paring knife or melon baller, carefully core each apple, removing seeds and creating a hollow center about 1 inch deep, leaving the bottom intact.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (if using), ¼ cup chopped nuts, and ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and stir until well combined.
  4. Spoon the cinnamon mixture into the hollowed centers of the apples, packing gently but not overflowing. Add about 1 teaspoon of butter or coconut oil on top of each filled apple if desired.
  5. Place the stuffed apples upright in a single layer in a medium-sized oven-safe baking dish (about 8×8 inches). Pour ½ cup unsweetened apple juice or water into the bottom of the dish.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking at 25 minutes by gently poking the apples with a fork to ensure they are tender but still hold their shape. Bake a few more minutes if needed.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor. Lemon juice prevents browning. Tent with foil if apples brown unevenly. Optional to broil for last 2 minutes for caramelization. Toast nuts for extra flavor. Can be adapted for slow cooker.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked apples, healthy dessert, no sugar added, cinnamon, easy dessert, vegan dessert, gluten-free dessert