Name: Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 Honeycrisp apples (900 grams); ⅓ cup brown sugar (71 grams); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (14 grams, from ½ lemon); 2 tablespoons water (28 grams); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (7 grams); 1 teaspoon cinnamon (3 grams); ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 grams, sliced into small cubes)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 30 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious, then you’ve got to try my Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe. This warm and fragrant dish fills your kitchen with the kind of aroma that makes you want to wrap up in a blanket and savor every bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and truly fan-freaking-tastic—you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Apple Choice: Honeycrisp apples keep their shape while softening and bring a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the spices.
Balanced Spices: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth without overwhelming the fresh apple flavor.
Tender and Juicy Texture: The brown sugar and cornstarch mixture creates a luscious sauce that thickens gently, making every forkful irresistibly moist.
Simple Yet Elegant: Just a few ingredients come together for a dessert that looks and tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

The image shows two white bowls filled with cooked apple slices covered in a warm brown cinnamon sauce. Each bowl has a small swirl of white whipped cream on top, positioned slightly to one side. The apple slices are soft and shiny, layered unevenly inside the bowls. Around the bowls, there is a larger white serving dish also filled with the same cooked apples in sauce. Near the bowls and dish, there is a small white bowl of extra whipped cream and two cinnamon sticks placed on a light beige surface with a white marbled texture. A woman's hand is holding the side of one bowl, and a gray-striped cloth is nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe is chosen for its role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and warm flavors. When combined, they transform humble apples into a dessert that’s bursting with cozy fall vibes.

Honeycrisp apples: These apples are my go-to because they hold their shape while baking and have a natural sweetness and juicy crispness that’s hard to beat.
Brown sugar: Adds rich caramel notes and sweet depth to the filling that enhance the apple’s flavor.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity helps balance the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning before baking.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugars and cornstarch, creating a smooth, thick sauce around the apples.
Cornstarch: This is key—it thickens the juices released by the apples into a luscious glaze without making the dish gummy.
Cinnamon: The star spice for baking apples; it adds a comforting warmth that pairs perfectly.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings complexity and a subtle hint of nuttiness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness from being one-dimensional.
Unsalted butter: Dotted on top, it melts into the apples, adding silky richness and a beautiful gloss.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe is super flexible, so feel free to make it your own. Personally, I like to boost the spice a bit or toss in some extras to match the mood or occasion.

Variation: Once, I stirred in a handful of chopped pecans before baking—gave it a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that my family adored.
Dietary Adjustments: For dairy-free, swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter; it works just as well.
Sweetness Level: If you prefer less sugar, reduce the brown sugar slightly or try maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Seasonal Twist: Adding a few dried cranberries or raisins before baking gives it a nice tart contrast perfect for the holidays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the apples just right

First things first, preheat your oven to a low 250°F. This slow baking will ensure the apples soften evenly without turning to mush. Then, peel and core your Honeycrisp apples carefully—this keeps the texture perfect. Slice them thinly but not paper-thin; about ¼-inch thick works well. I find that thinner slices cook faster but can become mushy, so this thickness keeps a nice tender bite.

Step 2: Mixing the magic sauce

In a large bowl, toss your apple slices with brown sugar, lemon juice, water, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Don’t skip tossing well here—this coating ensures every slice is infused with flavor and will bubble up into that luscious syrup. I always give it a few minutes to let the lemon juice start working and the sugar dissolve a bit.

Step 3: Baking to perfection

Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray to keep the apples from sticking. Spread the apple mixture evenly in your dish and then dot the top with small cubes of unsalted butter. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and keep the apples moist. Bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes so the apples start to brown and more of that buttery, spiced syrup thickens on top. Keep an eye for bubbling juices—that’s your cue it’s ready.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe

Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg take this recipe to the next level—you’ll notice the aroma is so much brighter.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It keeps your apples from turning gray and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Cut Apples Uniformly: Even slices ensure the apples bake evenly, preventing some from burning while others stay too firm.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Giving the dish 5-10 minutes to cool lets the sauce thicken and flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with thick slices of apple coated in a glossy, light brown sauce with visible cinnamon specks. The apple slices are layered in a slightly overlapping way, filling the dish almost to the top, with a wooden spoon resting on the right side inside the dish. The dish sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and a gray striped cloth is placed nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a bit of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a little crunch and earthy contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic and irresistible. For holiday dinners, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely snow-like effect and extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

This baked apple dish pairs wonderfully with a simple cheese plate or alongside roast pork or turkey for a cozy autumn meal. For dessert, serve it with a warm cup of spiced chai or a mug of hot cider for the full seasonal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake the apples in individual ramekins for a fancy touch that feels personal and elegant. You can also layer the baked apples into a parfait glass with granola and Greek yogurt for a breakfast or brunch twist that’s just as satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked apples keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend storing them separately from any ice cream or whipped cream toppings to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the apples into freezer-safe containers. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat mine in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through—this brings back some of that fresh-baked texture better than the microwave. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine, just watch closely to avoid overheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp is my favorite for this recipe due to its balance of sweetness and firmness, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn apples will also work well. Just note that some apples might produce more or less juice, which may affect baking time slightly.
Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling gives a softer texture and smoother sauce, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a bit more texture and nutrients. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly!
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?

You sure can! Prepare and toss the apples with the sugar and spices, then cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. This actually lets the flavors develop even more.
How do I prevent the apples from becoming mushy?

Baking at a low temperature and slicing the apples evenly helps maintain some texture. Also, baking uncovered for the last 15 minutes allows excess moisture to evaporate, preventing mushiness.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings together simple ingredients to create something truly heartwarming. It’s my go-to when I want to impress guests effortlessly or just treat myself on a chilly day. I hope you give this recipe a whirl and find that same cozy joy with every bite—you might just end up making it a seasonal staple too!