Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Baked Apples: A Spoonful of Cozy
As the crisp air rolls in and leaves crunch underfoot, it’s time to embrace the flavors of fall. This Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Baked Apples recipe is your ticket to cozy evenings and festive gatherings. With gooey caramelized centers, warm spices, and pantry staples like Nielsen-Massey vanilla bean paste and cinnamon, these baked apples are a spoonful of seasonal comfort.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a quick fall dessert, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence.
Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Baked Apples – A Spoonful of Cozy Fall Flavor
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apples
- Uses simple ingredients like fresh apples, cinnamon, and vanilla
- Quick prep and bake time—ready in just 30 minutes
- Customizable with raisins, walnuts, or your favorite mix-ins
- The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla baking is pure autumn magic
Ingredients
- 4 baking apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon brandy (or substitute with fruit extract or brandy extract)
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a shallow baking dish with nonstick spray. Slice a thin layer off the bottom of each apple so they stand upright. Use a melon baller to core the apples without piercing the bottom.
2. Make the Filling
In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and vanilla bean paste over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, allspice, brandy, raisins, walnuts, and salt.
3. Assemble and Bake
Spoon the filling into each apple cavity and arrange them in the baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until fork-tender and caramelized. Serve warm—vanilla ice cream optional but highly recommended.
Expert Tips
- Choose firm apples like Pink Lady or Granny Smith for best texture.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a non-alcoholic twist, use ½ teaspoon of apple or apricot extract.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Prep the apples and filling separately, then bake just before serving.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of paste? Absolutely. Substitute with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What’s the best way to core apples? A melon baller offers the most control and clean results.
More Fall Apple Recipes
Celebrate the season with even more cozy apple creations:
- Apple Cinnamon Pecan Baked Oatmeal – hearty, warm, and perfect for chilly mornings
- Applesauce Cake – moist and spiced with nostalgic flavor
- Instant Pot Apple Butter – smooth, rich, and ready in a flash
- Apple Pie Bars – all the flavor of pie, none of the fuss
- Apple Streusel Muffins – tender crumb with a crunchy topping
- Apple Wedge Nachos – a fun, kid-friendly snack
- Mini Baked Apple Pies – bite-sized and bursting with flavor
- Homemade Apple Pie Spice – your go-to blend for fall baking
- Peanut Butter Applesauce Dog Treats – because pups deserve fall treats too
- Best Apple Pie – classic, flaky, and unforgettable
- Caramel Apple Tart – elegant and indulgent
- Easy Caramel Apples – a nostalgic favorite
- Green Apple Guinness Melt – savory and unexpected
- Kielbasa Apple Pasta Bake – hearty and satisfying
- Country Apple Dumplings – rustic and comforting
- Green Apple Tea – refreshing with a fall twist
Explore even more seasonal favorites on the More Apple Recipes page.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Cinnamon Baked Apples recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fall’s finest flavors. From the rich aroma of cinnamon and vanilla to the gooey, caramelized filling, every bite is a warm hug in apple form. Whether you’re baking for guests or indulging solo, this cozy treat is sure to become a seasonal staple.
Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Baked Apples – Gooey Fall Dessert
These Easy Vanilla Cinnamon Baked Apples are filled with gooey caramelized goodness, warm cinnamon spice, and a hint of vanilla bean. A quick fall dessert made with pantry staples—perfect for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or a sweet seasonal treat.
Ingredients
- 4 firm baking apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste (or vanilla extract)
- 1 ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon brandy (or substitute with fruit extract or brandy extract)
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Lightly coat the bottom of a shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each apple so it will stand upright.
- Scoop out the core of each apple from the top down with the small end of a melon ball cutter, making sure not to core all the way through the apple.
- Combine the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla paste in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat until the butter is melted, stirring frequently.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cinnamon, allspice, brandy, raisins, walnuts, and salt.
- Fill the apples with equal amounts of the filling using a teaspoon.
- Place the apples in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until caramelized and fork-tender.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 313Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 143mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 2gSugar: 44gProtein: 2g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.