Baked Cinnamon Apples with Honey

Baked apples have long been a cozy American autumn dessert, especially when cored into little cups. Here cinnamon and honey melt with butter into tender fruit for a fragrant, spoonable finish.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 40 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 245 cal
• 2g protein
• 42g carbs
• 10g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 4 large baking apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly butter a small baking dish that holds the apples snugly.
2. 2Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottoms intact so they form little cups; score the skin lightly the middle to prevent bursting.
3. 3In a small bowl stir together the cinnamon, honey, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fragrant.
4. 4Spoon the honey-cinnamon mixture into the center of each apple, letting some drip down the sides.
5. 5Scatter the chopped walnuts into the cavities and over the tops, then sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
6. 6Place the filled apples in the prepared dish and pour a splash of water into the bottom to create steam.
7. 7Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the apples are tender when pierced with a knife but still hold their shape and the tops look glossy and caramelized.
8. 8Baste once halfway through with the juices collecting in the dish so the skins stay moist and shiny.
9. 9Remove from the oven and let rest 5 minutes so the honey syrup thickens slightly.
10. 10Spoon any pan juices over the apples just before serving to highlight the fresh fruit flavor.
11. 11Serve warm in shallow bowls, optionally with a spoonful of plain yogurt if desired, keeping the focus on the baked apple.