There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of baked apples filling your kitchen on a crisp fall day. Whether you’re craving a simple dessert, a hearty breakfast, or a showstopping treat, we’ve rounded up 18 irresistible baked apple recipes that celebrate the season’s best flavors. From classic cinnamon-spiced delights to creative twists, these dishes are sure to warm your heart—and your taste buds. Let’s get baking!
Classic Cinnamon Baked Apples
Warm, spiced, and effortlessly comforting, these baked apples taste like a hug in dessert form—no fancy techniques required.
Ingredients
- 4 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup water
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange apples upright in a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Divide the mixture evenly among the apples, packing it into the cores.
- Top each apple with a cube of butter (about 1/2 tbsp per apple). Pour 1/2 cup water into the dish around the apples.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream, drizzled with the syrupy pan juices.
The magic here? The butter and sugar melt into a caramel-like glaze while the apples soften just enough to slice with a spoon—no mushiness in sight.
Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over the top before serving.
Caramel Glazed Baked Apples
These tender baked apples are drenched in a buttery caramel glaze, making them the ultimate cozy dessert that feels fancy without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 4 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange apples upright in a baking dish just large enough to hold them snugly.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Spoon the mixture evenly into the center of each apple, letting some drip down the sides.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, basting apples with the pan juices every 10 minutes, until tender but not mushy (a knife should meet slight resistance). If using pecans, sprinkle them over the apples in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with extra glaze drizzled on top.
The magic here is in the basting—those repeated layers of caramel create a glossy, almost candied exterior while keeping the apples juicy.
Tip: For extra richness, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the warm caramel will pool around it perfectly.
Maple Walnut Stuffed Baked Apples
These cozy baked apples are like little edible bowls, packed with a crunchy maple-walnut filling that caramelizes into something magical.
Ingredients:
- 4 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Core apples (leave bottoms intact) and lightly score the skin around the middle to prevent bursting.
- In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until sticky.
- Stuff apples generously with the walnut mixture, pressing it down slightly. Place in a baking dish and pour 1/4 cup water around them.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until apples are tender when pierced with a knife but still hold their shape. Baste occasionally with pan juices.
The walnuts toast into a candy-like crunch while the apple softens just enough to cradle the spiced filling—no soggy bottoms here!
Tip: For extra decadence, drizzle with warm maple syrup right before serving.
Brown Sugar and Oat Baked Apples
These Brown Sugar and Oat Baked Apples are like a cozy hug in dessert form—warm, spiced, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent.
- 4 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored
- 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup apple juice or water
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange apples upright in a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix 1/3 cup oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp pecans, 1 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp vanilla, and a pinch of salt until crumbly. Pack mixture into the cored apples.
- Pour 1/2 cup apple juice into the dish around the apples (not over the filling). Bake for 35–40 minutes, until apples are tender when pierced with a knife but still hold their shape.
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Spoon any syrupy pan juices over the top.
The magic here? The oats stay slightly chewy while the apples turn jammy, creating the perfect contrast. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
Tip: If your apples wobble, slice a thin layer off the bottom to stabilize them before baking.
Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples
These cozy baked apples are like individual apple crisps—packed with a buttery oat filling and warm cinnamon spice.
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to create a well.
- In a bowl, mix the oats, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and pecans (if using) until crumbly.
- Stuff each apple generously with the oat mixture, pressing lightly to pack it in.
- Place apples in a baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes until tender (a knife should slide easily into the sides).
The magic here? The filling stays crisp while the apples turn jammy—no soggy bottoms! Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel or vanilla ice cream.
Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling.
Honey Almond Baked Apples
These cozy baked apples are stuffed with a buttery almond filling and drizzled with honey for a dessert that feels fancy but comes together in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup water (for the baking dish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange apples upright in a small baking dish and pour water into the bottom.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, softened butter, 2 tbsp honey, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly. Fold in sliced almonds.
- Divide filling evenly among apples, packing it into the cored centers. Bake for 30–35 minutes until apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Drizzle with extra honey while warm. Serve with a spoon to scoop up the caramelized juices.
The almond filling toasts into a delicate crunch while the apples soften into jammy perfection—every bite is a contrast of textures.
Tip: For extra richness, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream while the apples are still warm.
Spiced Rum Baked Apples
These boozy baked apples are a cozy dessert with a grown-up twist—warm cinnamon, caramelized sugar, and a splash of spiced rum make them irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 4 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp spiced rum
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup water (for the baking dish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange apples in a small baking dish and pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom.
- In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, pecans, 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp spiced rum, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Spoon evenly into the cored apples.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices, until apples are tender but still hold their shape.
The rum-infused syrup soaks into the apples while baking, creating a sticky, spiced glaze that’s perfect over vanilla ice cream.
Tip: For extra flair, flambé the apples with an extra splash of rum just before serving (use a long lighter and stand back!).
Pecan Pie Baked Apples
These cozy baked apples are stuffed with all the caramel-kissed goodness of pecan pie—no crust required, just tender fruit and a crunchy-spicy filling.
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange apples upright in a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix chopped pecans, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp vanilla, and a pinch of salt until sticky.
- Divide filling evenly among apples, packing it into the cores and mounding slightly on top.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until apples are tender when pierced with a knife and filling is bubbly. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
The magic here? The pecans toast while baking, adding nutty depth to the jammy apple juices pooling below.
Tip: For extra decadence, drizzle with warm caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Vanilla Bean Baked Apples
These vanilla-kissed baked apples are like a hug in dessert form—warm, fragrant, and just sweet enough to feel special without fuss.
Ingredients:
- 4 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange apples upright in a baking dish just large enough to hold them snugly.
- Scrape seeds from the vanilla bean into a small bowl (or add vanilla extract). Stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the apples, stuffing it into the cores and drizzling any extra over the tops. Pour 1/2 cup hot water into the dish around the apples.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices, until apples are tender when pierced with a knife but still hold their shape.
The vanilla bean transforms the humble baked apple into something luxe—its floral notes weave through the caramelized sugar and soften the tart fruit. Serve with a scoop of ice cream to catch all the spiced syrup.
Tip: No vanilla bean? Simmer the empty pod in milk first, then use the milk in your morning coffee for a bonus treat!
Gingerbread Stuffed Baked Apples
These cozy baked apples are filled with a spiced gingerbread crumble that caramelizes into a gooey, fragrant center—like a mini gingerbread house hiding in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange apples in a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix oats, almond flour, molasses, melted butter, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until crumbly.
- Pack the gingerbread mixture into the cored apples, mounding it slightly on top.
- Pour boiling water into the dish (around the apples, not over them). Bake for 30–35 minutes until apples are tender when pierced with a knife and filling is bubbly.
The magic here? The molasses seeps into the apple as it bakes, creating a sticky-sweet glaze that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle the tops with chopped pecans before baking.
Chocolate Drizzle Baked Apples
These cozy baked apples get a decadent upgrade with a silky chocolate drizzle—perfect for when you want dessert to feel special but still effortless.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium firm-sweet apples (like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady), cored
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil (or neutral oil)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place cored apples in a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Brush this mixture evenly over and inside the apples.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until apples are tender but still hold their shape (a knife should slide in easily).
- Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle warm chocolate over baked apples just before serving.
The contrast of juicy, spiced apples with rich chocolate makes this feel like a cross between pie and a candy bar—without the fuss of a crust.
Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted nuts over the chocolate while it’s still wet.
Apple Pie Baked Apples
These cozy baked apples taste just like apple pie but skip the fuss of crust—perfect for a quick, comforting dessert.
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup apple cider (or water)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Core apples, leaving the bottom intact to create a well.
- In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until crumbly.
- Stuff each apple with the oat mixture, packing lightly. Place in a baking dish and pour 1/2 cup apple cider around the base.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until apples are tender but still hold their shape. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
The cider steams the apples from below while the topping crisps up, giving you that pie-like contrast in every bite.
Tip: Drizzle with caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Berry Compote Baked Apples
These tender baked apples are stuffed with a jammy berry compote, creating a cozy dessert that feels fancy but comes together with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 4 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Core apples, leaving the bottom intact to create a well.
- In a small saucepan, combine mixed berries, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, mashing gently until thickened.
- Stuff apples with berry compote, then top each with 1/2 tbsp butter cubes. Place in a baking dish with 1/4 cup water.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until apples are tender when pierced with a knife but still hold their shape.
The contrast of the warm, soft apple with the bright, tangy compote makes every bite exciting—especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the juices.
Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted chopped nuts over the baked apples before serving.
Cranberry Walnut Baked Apples
These Cranberry Walnut Baked Apples are like little edible hugs—warm, spiced, and stuffed with a sweet-tart filling that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven.
- 4 large baking apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup apple cider (or water)
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Core the apples, leaving the bottoms intact to hold the filling.
- In a bowl, mix the walnuts, cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stuff the mixture into the apples.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffed apples, then place them in a baking dish. Pour the apple cider into the dish around the apples.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the apples are tender but not mushy.
The cranberries add a tangy pop against the toasty walnuts, while the cider keeps the apples juicy—no dry, sad baked apples here!
Tip: For extra decadence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of the warm pan juices.
Pumpkin Spice Baked Apples
These cozy baked apples are stuffed with a buttery pumpkin spice filling—like mini apple pies without the fuss!
Ingredients:
- 4 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp pumpkin purée
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Core apples, leaving the bottom intact to hold filling.
- In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp pumpkin purée, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 tsp vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Fold in pecans if using.
- Divide filling evenly among apples, packing it into the centers. Place in a baking dish with 1/4 cup water at the bottom.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until apples are tender when pierced with a knife but still hold their shape.
The pumpkin filling caramelizes into a spiced custard, while the apples soften just enough to slice with a spoon. Perfect for serving warm with a drizzle of caramel!
Tip: For extra flavor, baste apples with the pan juices halfway through baking.
Apple Cider Glazed Baked Apples
These tender baked apples soak up a spiced cider glaze, creating a cozy dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive.
Ingredients:
- 4 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange apples upright in a baking dish just large enough to hold them snugly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Pour evenly over apples.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, basting apples with the pan juices every 10 minutes, until tender but not mushy (a knife should meet slight resistance).
- Transfer apples to plates. Simmer the remaining pan juices over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened, then drizzle over apples. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.
The glaze reduces into a glossy, spiced syrup that clings perfectly to each apple—no fancy pastry skills required!
Tip: For extra richness, stir a splash of bourbon into the glaze before baking.
Chai Spiced Baked Apples
These warmly spiced baked apples are like a hug in dessert form—tender, fragrant, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 4 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp raisins
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange apples upright in a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar, pecans, raisins, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cardamom, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp cloves, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Divide filling evenly among apples, packing it into the cores.
- Top each apple with a piece of butter (1 tbsp total). Pour 1/2 cup hot water into the dish around the apples.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices, until apples are tender but still hold their shape.
The cardamom and cloves add a subtle chai-inspired depth, while the buttery pan juices turn into a glossy, spiced syrup—perfect for drizzling.
Tip: For extra richness, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
Imagine biting into a tender baked apple only to find a creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling—this dessert is pure magic in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place cored apples in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter.
- Spoon cheesecake filling into each apple, then top with the crumb mixture.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce while warm.
The contrast of warm, spiced apple with cool cheesecake filling is downright irresistible—serve these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
Tip: For easier coring, use a melon baller to scoop out the centers, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the bottom.
Conclusion
With 18 cozy baked apple recipes, there’s something here for every fall craving! Whether you’re after a classic dessert or a creative twist, these dishes are sure to delight. Don’t forget to try your favorites, leave a comment below, and share the love on Pinterest. Happy baking!

I’m Brandon, the face behind the recipes. As a dedicated food enthusiast, I love experimenting with flavors and sharing my culinary adventures with you.