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Cozy Maple Cinnamon Baked Apples for Two: Easy Fall Dessert

cozy maple cinnamon baked apples for two - featured image

These cozy maple cinnamon baked apples for two are the perfect fall dessert—simple, honest, and deeply satisfying. Made with tender apples, a warm oat filling, and a rich maple glaze, they’re ready in 30 minutes and ideal for a quiet evening in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup apple cider or water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving, optional)
  • Extra maple syrup (for serving, optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Wash the apples thoroughly and pat them dry. Using a paring knife or melon baller, cut out the stem and core from each apple, creating a cavity about 3/4 of the way down without going through the bottom.
  3. Peel a thin strip of skin from the top edge of each apple to prevent splitting and allow the filling to peek through.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped pecans (if using), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly and resembles a wet streusel.
  5. Place the apples in a small baking dish. Divide the filling evenly between the two apples, packing it gently into the cavities. Sprinkle any extra filling around the apples in the dish.
  6. In a small measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider (or water), and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture around the apples, not over them. Dot the tops of the apples with the remaining butter pieces.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Start checking at 20 minutes. About 15 minutes into baking, baste the apples by spooning some of the bubbling sauce over the tops.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the apples rest for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
  9. Serve warm, transferring each apple to a small bowl or plate. Spoon the pan sauce over the top. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for best results. Avoid soft varieties like McIntosh or Gala. For extra-tender apples, cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then remove for the last 10-15 minutes. Let the apples rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. The recipe can be made vegan by substituting butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked apples, maple cinnamon, fall dessert, easy dessert, small batch, for two, cozy, apple recipe