Vegan baked cinnamon apples

These vegan baked cinnamon apple slices bring cozy autumn vibes straight to your table. They blend tender, spiced apple slices with a glossy maple-cinnamon drizzle, making them an easy dessert or comforting snack that fits perfectly with holiday meals or casual gettogethers. With simple ingredients and a fussfree bake, this recipe delivers warmth and sweetness without any dairy or gluten.

The balance of maple syrup cinnamon and nutmeg creates a nostalgic flavor that reminds me of crisp fall afternoons spent baking with my family. This dish quickly became a requested dessert at our holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• Honeycrisp apples: Six medium peeled cored and sliced for a perfectly tender bite with just the right amount of sweetness
• Vegan buttery sticks: Two tablespoons melted which add richness and help caramelize the apples
• Pure maple syrup: Three tablespoons offering natural sweetness and a lovely depth of flavor
• Ground cinnamon: Two teaspoons which brings warmth and classic autumn spice
• Ground nutmeg: Half a teaspoon to round out the flavors with a subtle earthy note
• Pure vanilla extract: Half a teaspoon to enhance all the spices and sweetness
• Salt: Quarter teaspoon to balance the sweetness and highlight flavors
• Cornstarch: Two teaspoons to thicken the syrupy coating ensuring it clings beautifully to each slice
• Lemon juice: Juice of half a lemon which brightens the dish and prevents the apples from browning prematurely

Instructions

Prepare the Apples:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Preparing the oven early helps create the perfect temperature for caramelization. Peel core and slice the apples evenly about quarter inch thick for uniform softness and texture.

Mix the Seasoning:

In a large bowl whisk melted vegan butter maple syrup cinnamon nutmeg vanilla extract salt cornstarch and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend will coat the apples and turn into a luscious sauce while baking.

Coat the Apple Slices:

Add the sliced apples to the bowl and toss thoroughly until each slice is fully coated with the spiced mixture. Make sure no slices are left dry so the seasoning bakes evenly into every bite.

Arrange in Baking Dish:

Lightly grease a baking dish or cast iron skillet with vegan butter or oil to prevent sticking and transfer the coated apple slices. Spread them out in a single even layer for uniform roasting and caramelization.

Bake the Apples:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Stir gently halfway through baking to ensure all slices soften evenly and the sauce thickens into a beautiful glossy coating. The apples should be tender but still hold their shape well.

Serve:

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further. Serve warm alone or as a topping for oatmeal pancakes or vegan ice cream for a cozy treat.

I love the addition of lemon juice in this recipe. It not only enhances the brightness but also helps prevent the apples from turning brown before baking which makes for a prettier presentation and fresher taste overall. This dish always reminds me of cozy afternoons spent baking with family when the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled the house and brought everyone together.

Storage tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to revive the texture and warmth. You can also enjoy the apple slices cold as a refreshing snack.

Ingredient substitutions

Feel free to swap Honeycrisp apples with Pink Lady apples if you prefer a tarter flavor and firmer texture. Maple syrup can be replaced with date syrup for a richer deeper sweetness and vegan butter can be substituted with coconut oil to add a subtle tropical aroma and help in browning.

Serving suggestions

Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the spice mix for a warming twist. Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Pair the baked apple slices with a mug of hot apple cider or chai tea for an ultra cozy fall experience.

Warm spiced and easy to make these apple slices are a cozy crowd pleasing dessert. Serve warm alone or with vegan ice cream for extra indulgence.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Why are my apples mushy instead of tender?

Slicing apples too thin or overbaking can cause mushiness. Use firmer apple types and keep slices about ¼-inch thick for ideal texture.

→ How can I prevent the apples from sticking to the pan?

Lightly coat the baking dish with vegan butter or oil to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, gently reheat the baked apples in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes before serving to refresh texture and flavor.

→ What’s a great way to serve these baked apples?

Try spooning over vegan yogurt or oatmeal for brunch, or pair with coconut ice cream for a comforting dessert.

→ Are substitutions available for key ingredients?

Use Pink Lady apples for tartness, date syrup for caramel sweetness, or coconut oil instead of vegan butter for a tropical aroma.