Picture this: crisp autumn air, your kitchen filled with the heavenly scent of warm cinnamon, and those first tender bites of Roasted Apple Cinnamon that taste like pure comfort. This recipe holds a special place in my heart – it reminds me of childhood afternoons when my mom would pull a tray of caramelized apples from the oven, filling our whole house with that irresistible aroma. What I love most? You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create magic. The apples transform into something extraordinary – soft, spiced, and just sweet enough. Whether you’re craving an easy dessert or a cozy snack, this Roasted Apple Cinnamon delivers pure nostalgia in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Apple Cinnamon Recipe
This Roasted Apple Cinnamon recipe is my go-to comfort dessert for so many reasons – let me count the ways!
- Effortless prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time before popping them in the oven
- Pantry-friendly ingredients: Only 6 simple items you probably already have
- Totally customizable: Adjust the sugar to your taste (I sometimes cut it in half!)
- Fall gathering perfection: That warm cinnamon aroma makes your whole home smell inviting
- Endless serving options: Equally amazing over ice cream, yogurt, or straight from the pan
The hardest part? Waiting for them to finish roasting – trust me, your patience will be rewarded!
Ingredients for Roasted Apple Cinnamon
Grab these simple ingredients – you might already have most in your kitchen! The magic happens when ordinary items transform into something extraordinary:
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples (cored, sliced into 1/2-inch wedges – don’t peel them, the skins add great texture!)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted – it coats the apples beautifully)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (dark brown if you have it for that caramel depth)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (the star of the show!)
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (just a whisper – it makes the cinnamon pop)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (the secret flavor booster)
See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that work together perfectly. Now let’s make some magic!
Equipment Needed
You barely need any special tools for Roasted Apple Cinnamon – just a rimmed baking sheet, a large mixing bowl, and your trusty oven. I always line my pan with parchment paper – makes cleanup a breeze when that delicious caramelized sugar sticks!
How to Make Roasted Apple Cinnamon
Alright, let’s get roasting! This simple process turns ordinary apples into caramelized, cinnamon-spiced perfection. I’ll walk you through each step – promise it’s foolproof!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Apples
First, crank your oven to 375°F (190°C) – this sweet spot gives us perfect caramelization without burning. While it heats, core and slice those apples into nice, even wedges (about ½-inch thick). Pro tip: Don’t crowd the baking sheet – leave space between slices so they roast instead of steam!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now the fun part: toss those apple slices with melted butter in a big bowl until they’re all shiny and coated. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Really get in there with your hands – I like to massage it all together until every slice wears its cinnamon-sugar coat!
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Spread your apples in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes – you’ll know they’re done when the edges curl slightly and turn golden, with sticky caramelized juices bubbling around them. The smell? Absolute heaven! Resist eating them straight from the pan (okay, maybe just one slice…).
Tips for the Best Roasted Apple Cinnamon
After making this Roasted Apple Cinnamon recipe countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks to make it absolutely foolproof:
- Sweetness matters: Taste your apples first! Tart Granny Smiths need the full sugar amount, but sweeter Honeycrisps can use half
- Crunch is key: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans halfway through roasting for heavenly texture contrast
- Don’t skip the vanilla: Just that tiny splash makes all the warm spices sing together
- Serve warm: Top with vanilla ice cream and watch it melt into the caramelized juices – pure magic!
My secret? Leftovers (if you have any) taste even better the next day – the flavors deepen beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities with these Roasted Apple Cinnamon beauties! My absolute favorite way? Piled high over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream – the warm-cold combo is pure bliss. For breakfast vibes, try them swirled into creamy Greek yogurt or spooned over steaming oatmeal. Feeling fancy? A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it over the top!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Any leftover Roasted Apple Cinnamon (ha – like there will be any!) keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes – microwaving makes them soggy, and nobody wants that!
Elevate Your Apple Game
Looking to explore more comforting apple-based treats? Pair this roasted dish with Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread for a perfect brunch spread.
Craving a baked good that combines texture and spice? Try Baked Cinnamon Crumb Donuts for a delightful breakfast.
For something more decadent, the Jamie Oliver Apple Pie Cake blends classic pie with the fluffiness of cake.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (about 1 cup) contains roughly 150 calories. Remember, these values are estimates and will vary slightly based on your exact ingredients and apple sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other apple varieties besides Granny Smith?
Absolutely! While Granny Smiths are my go-to for their perfect tartness, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn too. Just adjust the sugar slightly – sweeter apples need less. The key is using firm apples that hold their shape during roasting.
Can I prepare Roasted Apple Cinnamon ahead of time?
You bet! Prep the apples up to 4 hours in advance – just toss them with all the ingredients and keep covered in the fridge. Roast them right before serving for that perfect warm, caramelized texture.
Can I freeze leftover roasted apples?
Yes! They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the oven. Perfect for quick desserts or stirring into morning oatmeal all week long!
Why do you leave the peels on?
The peels add wonderful texture and extra fiber, plus they help the slices hold their shape. But if you prefer peeled apples, go for it – just know they’ll be extra tender!
For more inspiration follow me on Pinterest
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Irresistible Roasted Apple Cinnamon in Just 6 Ingredients
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and comforting dessert featuring roasted apples with warm cinnamon flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, cored and sliced
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss apple slices with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Spread apples on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Adjust sugar to taste based on apple sweetness.
- Add chopped nuts or oats for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
