There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking together—it wraps around you like a cozy hug on a chilly day. These healthy baked apples with cinnamon have been my go-to winter dessert for years, ever since I discovered how simple it is to turn a few basic ingredients into something warm and comforting. What I love most is that it feels like a treat without any guilt—just sweet, tender apples with a hint of honey and a crunch of walnuts. My kids call them “apple cups,” and honestly, watching them scoop out every last bit is half the fun. You’re just five ingredients and 30 minutes away from a dessert that tastes like home.
Table of Contents
5-Ingredient Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon You’ll Crave
A simple and healthy dessert featuring baked apples with cinnamon, perfect for a warm winter treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, cored
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Core the apples and place them in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle cinnamon inside each apple.
- Drizzle honey over the apples.
- Top with chopped walnuts.
- Pour water into the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Adjust honey to taste.
- Add raisins or oats for extra texture.
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Trust me, this recipe is about to become your winter staple—here’s why:
- Quick & easy: Just core, fill, bake—no fancy skills needed
- Naturally sweet: The apples caramelize beautifully, and a drizzle of honey is all it takes.
- Warms you up: That cinnamon-spiced aroma? Instant coziness.
- Healthy-ish dessert: No refined sugar, packed with fiber, and those walnuts add a nice protein boost.
Oh, and did I mention kids go crazy for these? Mine beg for “apple cupcakes” all season long.
Ingredients for Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Grab these simple ingredients—you probably have most in your pantry already. The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is, so don’t stress if you need to swap something out.
- 4 medium apples – cored but leave the bottom intact (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best—they hold their shape)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon – the star of the show. I sometimes sneak in an extra pinch because… why not?
- 1 tablespoon honey – adjust to your sweetness preference (maple syrup works too if you’re vegan)
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts – for that lovely crunch (pecans or almonds would be delicious too)
- 1/4 cup water – just enough to keep things moist without making the apples soggy
See? Nothing fancy—just real, wholesome ingredients that come together like magic in the oven. Pro tip: If your apples are on the sweeter side, you can even reduce the honey by half. The natural sugars caramelize so nicely as they bake.
How to Make Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Okay, friends—let’s get baking. This is one of those “set it and forget it” kind of recipes (well, almost—you’ll want to check on them because the smell is irresistible). Here’s how I make mine:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). No rushing this step—a properly heated oven means evenly baked apples.
- Core those apples like you’re scooping out little bowls. Leave about 1/2 inch at the bottom so the filling doesn’t escape. I use a melon baller for this, but a paring knife works too.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon inside each apple. I go heavy-handed here—the spice mellows as it bakes.
- Drizzle with honey, letting it pool in the centers. It’ll bubble up and mix with the apple juices—yum.
- Top with walnuts for crunch. Press them lightly so they stick to the honey.
- Pour water into the baking dish—this keeps everything moist without steaming the apples.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender when poked with a fork but still hold their shape.
That’s it, The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool enough so you don’t burn your tongue.
Tips for Perfect Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon
After making these dozens of times (and yes, a few flops along the way), here’s what I’ve learned:
- Apple choice matters: Too soft, and they’ll collapse. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my ride-or-dies.
- Don’t overbake: Check at 25 minutes—you want them tender but not mushy. They keep cooking a bit after coming out of the oven.
- Honey alternatives: Maple syrup works great, or skip sweetener entirely if your apples are super ripe.
- No soggy bottoms: That little water in the dish? Just enough to prevent sticking, not enough to steam them.
Variations for Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Feeling fancy? Try adding a spoonful of oats or raisins to the filling, or swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice. A sprinkle of nutmeg before baking adds warmth. My neighbor swears by a tiny dab of butter on top—I won’t tell if you try it.
Serving Suggestions for Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon
These baked apples shine all on their own, but oh—the possibilities. I love them warm with a scoop of vanilla yogurt melting into the cinnamon-spiced center. For a real treat, top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream (the contrast of hot and cold is magic). Or keep it simple—just grab a spoon and dive right in.
Storing and Reheating Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon
These baked apples keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—just pop them in an airtight container. To reheat, I usually microwave them for 30 seconds (quick fix) or warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Pro tip: The walnuts stay crunchier with oven reheating.
Nutritional Information for Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Now, let’s talk about why these baked apples make me feel zero guilt about dessert (Okay, maybe a little when I add that extra drizzle of honey.) Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on your specific ingredients—like how big your apples are or if you go wild with the walnuts.
- Serving size: 1 apple (because who stops at half?)
- Calories: 120 – practically a snack
- Sugar: 18g (mostly from the apple itself—nature’s candy)
- Fat: 3g (thank you, heart-healthy walnuts)
- Fiber: 4g (that’s 14% of your daily needs—dessert that helps digestion? Yes please.)
- Protein: 1g (not bad for fruit)
And here’s the best part—zero cholesterol and no sodium. My doctor actually smiled when I told her this was my “indulgence.” Though fair warning—these numbers don’t account for that extra scoop of vanilla ice cream I sometimes sneak on top. Ahem.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about these baked apples over the years—here are the ones that pop up most often:
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Absolutely, Maple syrup works beautifully—just use the same amount. I actually prefer it sometimes for that deeper, caramel-like flavor. Agave nectar works too if that’s what you have on hand.
How do I prevent sogginess?
Two secrets: First, don’t skip coring the apples properly (leave that 1/2 inch base). Second, that 1/4 cup water in the dish is plenty—any more and you’ll steam them instead of bake them. Oh, and always use firm apples—soft ones turn to mush.
Can I make these ahead for a dinner party?
You bet, Prep them up to the baking step, cover with foil, and refrigerate for 4-5 hours. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be cold. The cinnamon scent will still wow your guests.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
No stress—pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds make great substitutes. Or skip nuts entirely and add rolled oats for texture. Once I used crushed graham crackers in a pinch—shh, don’t tell the health police.
Why do my apples sometimes split while baking?
This usually means they’re either overripe or the oven was too hot. Next time, try reducing the temperature by 25°F and check them earlier. A little split isn’t the end of the world though—just call it “rustic charm”
Try These Healthy Baked Apples with Cinnamon Today
There you have it—my foolproof recipe for baked apples that taste like a hug in dessert form. I can’t wait for you to experience how something so simple can be so incredibly satisfying. The first time I made these, I was shocked at how such basic ingredients could transform into this warm, cinnamon-kissed treat. Now I keep apples stocked all winter just so I can whip up a batch whenever the craving hits (which is… often). You can find more inspiration for simple, satisfying recipes like this on my Pinterest board.
Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, your family will think you’re a baking wizard, and your taste buds will thank you. So grab those apples and get baking—then come back and tell me how yours turned out. Did you stick with the classic version or try a fun twist? I’m always looking for new ideas to test out next time. If you are looking for other easy, healthy desserts, check out my apple cinnamon overnight oats for a breakfast twist, or perhaps try my chocolate chip cookie bars recipe if you need something richer.
