Warm & Cozy: Delightful Cinnamon Apple Recipes to Bake This Season
Apples and cinnamon – a match made in culinary heaven! The comforting aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples baking in the oven is enough to evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and pure delight. Whether it’s a crisp autumn evening or a chilly winter morning, cinnamon apple recipes are a perfect way to indulge in a delicious and satisfying treat. This article delves into a variety of mouthwatering cinnamon apple recipes, providing detailed step-by-step instructions to help you create these delectable delights in your own kitchen. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and apples!
## The Allure of Cinnamon and Apples
The combination of cinnamon and apples is a classic for a reason. The sweetness of apples perfectly complements the warm, slightly spicy notes of cinnamon. This harmonious blend of flavors works wonders in countless desserts, baked goods, and even savory dishes. Cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of apples, adding depth and complexity to their taste. Furthermore, the aroma of cinnamon has a calming and comforting effect, making it a perfect spice to enjoy during colder months. The versatility of this pairing allows for endless creativity in the kitchen, making cinnamon apple recipes a perennial favorite.
## Recipe 1: Classic Cinnamon Apple Pie
No discussion of cinnamon apple recipes is complete without mentioning the iconic apple pie. This recipe offers a timeless take on the classic dessert, with a flaky crust and a filling bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Crust:**
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* ½ cup ice water
* **For the Filling:**
* 6-7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Crust:** In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat evenly.
3. **Assemble the Pie:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut into strips for a lattice top, or use cookie cutters to create decorative shapes. Alternatively, you can leave the second disc whole and cut slits to allow steam to escape.
4. **Fill and Bake:** Pour the apple filling into the pie crust. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter. If using a lattice top, weave the strips over the filling. If using a full top, place the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar (if using). Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
## Recipe 2: Cinnamon Apple Crisp
For a quicker and easier alternative to apple pie, try this delightful cinnamon apple crisp. It features a warm, tender apple filling topped with a buttery, crumbly oat topping.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Filling:**
* 6-7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* **For the Topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup rolled oats
* ½ cup packed brown sugar
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss to coat evenly.
2. **Prepare the Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the apple filling into a greased 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
4. **Cool and Serve:** Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
## Recipe 3: Cinnamon Apple Cake
This moist and flavorful cinnamon apple cake is perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or a delightful dessert. It’s packed with apples and cinnamon, creating a warm and comforting treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 3 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. **Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. **Fold in Apples:** Gently fold in the diced apples.
6. **Bake:** Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting (optional) and serving.
## Recipe 4: Cinnamon Apple Muffins
Start your day with these scrumptious cinnamon apple muffins! They’re moist, flavorful, and perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 large egg, beaten
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup peeled and diced apples (such as Gala or Fuji)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, beaten egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Fold in Apples:** Gently fold in the diced apples.
6. **Fill Muffin Cups:** Fill each muffin cup about ⅔ full.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool and Serve:** Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
## Recipe 5: Cinnamon Apple French Toast Casserole
This overnight cinnamon apple French toast casserole is a fantastic make-ahead breakfast option for weekends or holidays. It’s packed with flavor and requires minimal effort in the morning.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 6 large eggs
* 2 cups milk
* ½ cup heavy cream
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt
* 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
* ¼ cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Apples:** In a skillet, combine diced apples, brown sugar, and melted butter. Cook over medium heat until the apples are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
2. **Arrange Bread:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
3. **Whisk Egg Mixture:** In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. **Pour Egg Mixture:** Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently to ensure the bread is saturated.
5. **Add Apples:** Spread the cooked apples evenly over the bread.
6. **Refrigerate Overnight:** Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
7. **Bake:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the dish and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set.
8. **Cool and Serve:** Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and serve warm with maple syrup or whipped cream.
## Recipe 6: Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal
For a healthy and hearty breakfast, try this cinnamon apple baked oatmeal. It’s packed with fiber and flavor, making it a perfect way to start your day.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups rolled oats
* ½ cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 3 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* ½ cup maple syrup
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Fuji or Gala)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, eggs, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. **Fold in Apples:** Gently fold in the diced apples.
6. **Bake:** Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and lightly golden brown.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Let the baked oatmeal cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of yogurt.
## Recipe 7: Cinnamon Apple Sauce
Homemade cinnamon applesauce is a simple and satisfying treat. It’s perfect as a side dish, a snack, or even as an ingredient in other recipes.
**Ingredients:**
* 6-8 medium apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or McIntosh), peeled, cored, and chopped
* ½ cup water
* ¼ cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
* 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or to taste)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large saucepan, combine chopped apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
2. **Cook:** Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are very soft.
3. **Mash or Blend:** Mash the apples with a potato masher for a chunky applesauce, or use an immersion blender or regular blender for a smoother consistency.
4. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste and adjust the sweetness and cinnamon to your liking. Add more sugar or cinnamon as needed.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Let the applesauce cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or chilled.
## Recipe 8: Cinnamon Apple Butter
Apple butter is a delicious spread made from cooked apples, sugar, and spices. It’s perfect on toast, muffins, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles. The addition of cinnamon takes it to another level of comfort and flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 pounds apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
* 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground cloves
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large pot or slow cooker, combine chopped apples, apple cider or apple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
2. **Cook on Stovetop:** If using a pot, bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the apples are very soft and the mixture has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. **Cook in Slow Cooker:** If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the apples are very soft and the mixture has thickened, stirring occasionally.
4. **Blend:** Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender (in batches if necessary) and blend until smooth.
5. **Continue Cooking (if needed):** If the apple butter is not thick enough, return it to the pot or slow cooker and continue cooking uncovered on low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. **Cool and Store:** Let the apple butter cool completely before transferring it to sterilized jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or process in a boiling water bath for longer storage.
## Recipe 9: Cinnamon Apple Chips
These baked cinnamon apple chips are a healthy and delicious snack. They’re easy to make and a great alternative to store-bought chips.
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 medium apples (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
* 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Slice Apples:** Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the apples very thinly. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be.
3. **Soak in Lemon Juice:** Place the apple slices in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
4. **Arrange on Baking Sheets:** Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they don’t overlap.
5. **Sprinkle with Cinnamon and Sugar:** Sprinkle the apple slices with cinnamon and sugar (if using).
6. **Bake:** Bake for 1-2 hours, or until the apple chips are dry and crispy, flipping halfway through. The baking time will depend on the thickness of the apple slices and your oven.
7. **Cool and Store:** Let the apple chips cool completely on the baking sheets. They will crisp up further as they cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
## Recipe 10: Cinnamon Apple Smoothie
Enjoy a refreshing and healthy cinnamon apple smoothie. This smoothie is packed with nutrients and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 medium apple (such as Fuji or Gala), cored and chopped
* ½ frozen banana
* ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional)
* 1 tablespoon almond butter (optional)
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pinch of ground nutmeg
* Ice cubes (as needed)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a blender, combine chopped apple, frozen banana, milk, Greek yogurt (if using), almond butter (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. **Blend:** Blend until smooth, adding ice cubes as needed to reach your desired consistency.
3. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste and adjust the sweetness or spices to your liking. Add more cinnamon or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
## Tips for Baking with Cinnamon Apples
* **Choose the Right Apples:** Different apple varieties have different textures and flavors. For baking, choose apples that hold their shape well and don’t become too mushy, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji. For applesauce, softer apples like Gala or McIntosh work well.
* **Use Freshly Ground Cinnamon:** Freshly ground cinnamon has a more intense and aromatic flavor than pre-ground cinnamon. If possible, grind your own cinnamon sticks using a spice grinder or a microplane grater.
* **Don’t Overmix:** When making muffins, cakes, or other baked goods, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough and dense texture.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** The amount of sugar needed will vary depending on the sweetness of the apples and your personal preferences. Taste the apple filling or batter before baking and adjust the sweetness accordingly.
* **Let Baked Goods Cool Completely:** Allow baked goods to cool completely before slicing or serving. This will prevent them from falling apart and allow the flavors to meld together.
## Variations and Adaptations
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to your cinnamon apple recipes for added texture and flavor.
* **Use Different Spices:** Experiment with other warm spices like ginger, cloves, cardamom, or allspice to complement the cinnamon and apples.
* **Add Dried Fruits:** Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates to your cinnamon apple recipes for added sweetness and chewiness.
* **Use Different Sweeteners:** Substitute honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for granulated sugar or brown sugar in your cinnamon apple recipes.
* **Make it Vegan:** Replace dairy products with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, or vegan butter to make your cinnamon apple recipes vegan-friendly.
## Conclusion
Cinnamon and apples are a delightful combination that can be enjoyed in countless ways. From classic apple pie to healthy baked oatmeal, these recipes offer something for everyone. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the warm and comforting aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples. Happy baking!