Easy Baked Apple

Ever craved a warm, cozy dessert but thought—“Ugh, too much work!”? Easy Baked Apple is pretty much my answer every time. 

Just something about that cinnamon smell filling your kitchen, and it barely takes any effort. Seriously, if you’ve never made one… trust me, it’s like a straight-up hug in a bowl. 

If you’re hunting for the ultimate guide to baked apples, including what kind of apple to get, some wild recipe twists, how to nuke one in the microwave, and what the heck to serve it with—settle in, friend.

How to Make Simple and Healthy Baked Apples

OK, I’ll shoot straight with you: making baked apples isn’t daunting. You don’t need fancy gadgets or a culinary degree. Just a couple pantry staples and your favorite apple.

Here’s the “recipe” I make all the time. Grab yourself an apple (my pick? Fuji or Honeycrisp, honestly). Don’t peel it. Slice it in half, scoop out that core with a spoon or, if you’re me, jab at it with a butter knife until it gives. Sprinkle a mix of cinnamon and a little brown sugar in the hollow. You can add a pinch of oats if you’re feeling wholesome.

Pop the apple halves in a baking dish. Add a splash of water to the bottom (seriously, it prevents sticking), cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes. When your fork glides right in, you’re done.

Want it healthier? Honestly, skip the sugar or swap with honey. Sometimes I get wild and toss in a couple raisins or a walnut or two in the center. It’s forgiving. The apple basically always turns out good. I think that’s why it’s called Easy Baked Apple, right?

“These apples were so easy to make, my 9-year-old did most of it. Tasted just like grandma’s, but way less fuss. I’m making this again soon for sure!” – Amanda J., real-life apple enthusiast

The Best Apples for Baked Apples

Not all apples act the same when you bake ‘em. Some fall apart and get mushy, others stay stubborn and barely budge. My take? Skip Red Delicious—those apples are flavorless for this. I reach for Granny Smith if I want the apple a little tart and holding shape. Fuji and Honeycrisp both get kinda jammy inside while still keeping some body. Jonagold’s pretty awesome too, though they can be harder to find.

You don’t have to overthink this, though. If there’s an apple languishing at the bottom of your fruit bowl? Use it. Most will work, especially if you follow the same baking steps. In short: firmer apples for a bite, softer ones for a meltier dessert. Trust your gut (and your nose). Oh, and if you’re baking a bunch for a crowd, mix types. Different apples mean different textures and flavors, which I weirdly love.

Recipe Variations

Alright, I have to admit—once you’ve done the basic Easy Baked Apple, you’ll want to experiment. There’s just so much room for shenanigans. Sometimes I do more of a pie filling in the middle, made with a bit of butter, chopped pecans, and plenty of cinnamon. If it’s a fancy night, I’ll drizzle over caramel and toss in a bit of sea salt. Ooh, or crumble a Nilla wafer cookie in there. Game changer!

For folks watching sugar, just stuff the cavity with blueberries (yep, trust me) and a dusting of cinnamon. Or go savory: a little goat cheese and drizzle of honey sounds totally weird, but imagine it with pork chops. Now I’m hungry again. There really aren’t rules with Easy Baked Apple, which keeps it fun. (If you come up with a weird combo, ping me. I wanna hear about it.)

How to Make Baked Apples in the Microwave

Microwaves are kitchen magic when you’re impatient. Look, if you don’t wanna wait for 30 minutes, you can make Easy Baked Apple in like five.

Just core and prep the apple like before. Stick it in a bowl (one that won’t explode in the microwave, please). Sprinkle your fixings. Add a tablespoon of water. Cover loosely with plastic wrap, poke a vent hole, and microwave for about 2-3 minutes. Check it. If it needs more time, zap it again.

The skin sometimes peels back or the apple might “explode” a bit. That’s normal, don’t panic. Tastes just as good. Plus, your kitchen smells like pie, so win-win.

Main Courses that Pair Well with Baked Apples

Not just a dessert! I’ve definitely had Easy Baked Apple alongside dinner, especially on chilly nights. Here’s what I like them with:

• Roast pork or pork chops. Classic, right? The apple cuts through the richness.
• Grilled chicken breasts. Trust me, the sweet and savory works.
• Butternut squash soup. Fall overload, and not sorry about it.

Don’t be shy—baked apples totally fit in with dinner. Try it once, and you’ll see.

Common Questions

Do I need to peel the apples first?

 Nope! Leave the skin on for texture and extra fiber. Plus, it’s lazier this way.

Can I prep baked apples ahead of time?

 Absolutely. Prep and chill in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready to eat. They’re good cold too, not gonna lie.

What if I don’t have foil or a baking dish?

 Honestly, almost any oven-safe pan works. Even a pie plate. Cover with an upside-down plate if desperate.

Are Easy Baked Apples gluten free?

 Sure are, unless you sneak in cookies or oats that aren’t gluten free. The basic recipe is super friendly for most diets.

Why is my baked apple soggy or too hard?

 Usually, too much or too little water, or the apple itself was stubborn. Try switching up the apple variety next time.

Ready to Bake Up Some Comfort?

So, if you’ve got a craving for something sweet, warm, and not a huge hassle, Easy Baked Apple is a keeper. Pick your favorite apple, stuff it however you want, and serve with dinner or own its own. Seriously, it’s cozier than flannel sheets.

Don’t be afraid to play with flavors or zap it quick in the microwave.