Baked Apples with Cinnamon, Ginger, and Nutmeg Recipe
This comforting baked apples recipe features tender apple slices infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom, baked to perfection with a buttery brown sugar glaze. Perfect as a wholesome dessert or a cozy snack, these baked apples offer a nostalgic taste with a hint of citrus from lemon juice and a thickened syrupy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1½ teaspoons lemon juice
Glaze and Spices
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons freshly grated ginger or ginger paste
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1-2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples evenly. Toss the slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance the brightness of the fruit.
- Mix the Glaze: In a bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, grated ginger (or ginger paste), ground nutmeg, ground cardamom, and sea salt. Stir thoroughly to create a fragrant, spiced glaze.
- Coat the Apples: Add the apple slices into the spiced glaze mixture and toss until all slices are evenly coated with the buttery sugar mixture.
- Prepare the Thickening Mixture: In a small separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water until smooth and no lumps remain. This will help thicken the sauce during baking.
- Combine and Arrange: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the spiced apple mixture and toss gently to ensure even coating. Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish, spreading the apples out evenly.
- Bake the Apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the apples for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Bake until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened and is bubbling.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the apples from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a delightful dessert.
Notes
- Choose firm but ripe apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for best texture.
- Adjust the water used with cornstarch depending on the desired sauce consistency; start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed.
- Peeling the apples is optional; leaving the peel on adds color and fiber but may alter texture slightly.
- For a gluten-free recipe, ensure the brown sugar and spices are uncontaminated.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.