Transform normal apples into Sliced Baked Apples, free from refined sugar, with this super simple method that takes just 5 minutes to prep. They’re a healthy topping for oatmeal, yogurt, and pancakes—and are perfect for baby-led weaning!

Sliced Baked Apples

I tend to have an apple or two left at the end of the week, and while my kids don’t always love to eat them fresh, they do love them turned into baked apples! This super simple method transforms apples into sweet slices of goodness without any need for extra sugar or fancy ingredients.

The slices of these simple baked apples are tender and soft, so they’re a perfect texture for babies starting solids with baby led weaning, toddlers, or even us parents. We love them as a snack cold out of the fridge, warmed slightly, served with oatmeal or yogurt, or as a side with dinners like roasted chicken and pork chops.

Plus? They require only three basic ingredients.

TIP: You can add extra flavor to this recipe by adding ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger or Chinese five spice powder.

Best Apples for Roasting

I prefer to use harder cooking apples in this recipe including Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Jonagold, and Jonathan, BUT it works with any apple. Apple varieties such as Gala and Golden Delicious may cook slightly faster and be softer, but they still work well.

Ingredients You Need

To make this recipe you’ll need:

• Fresh apples: I usually go with Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Jonagold, and Jonathan, but you can use any apple you have. Some softer varieties, like Gala and Golden Delicious, may cook slightly faster and be a little softer in the end. (You can also make this with frozen apples.)
• Coconut oil or butter: You can use whichever one you prefer. I use unsalted butter if going with butter.
• Cinnamon: This adds a hit of nice extra flavor and goes so well with the apples.

TIP: To make this recipe dairy-free, use the coconut oil option.

Step-by-Step Isntructions

Here’s a look at the simple process involved in making this recipe. Scroll down to the end of the post for the specifics.

1. Preheat your oven and slice your apples to an even thickness of about 1/2-inch.
2. Place baking pan into oven with oil or butter to warm and melt. Add apples.
3. Add cinnamon; toss to coat. Bake.
4. The apples are done when they are very tender when poked with a fork or paring knife.

TIP: You can also dice the apples before roasting if you prefer to have smaller pieces of apples.

What should I serve these roasted apples with?

We like these apples cold straight out of the fridge as a snack, warmed with oatmeal, over pancakes or yogurt, or served alongside roasted chicken or pork chops.

Apples for Baby-Led Weaning

These tender slices of apples are perfect for the baby-led weaning style of starting solids. They are large enough for a baby to easily hold, soft for sucking on, and easy to make ahead.

TIP: Be sure to let the slices cool before serving to a baby or toddler. Bite into one yourself to make sure that the inside is totally cooled.

How to Freeze Sliced Baked Apples

You can freeze leftover baked apple slices to use later by simply allowing them to cool, then placing into a zip-top freezer bag. Press the apples flat into one even layer and freeze flat to avoid the apples freezing together in a large clump. Then, when you want to serve up a few, simply break them off and thaw at room temperature, in the fridge, or quickly in the microwave.

TIP: You can also add frozen slices directly to smoothies.

How to Store

• Store leftovers, once cooled, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Serve cold or warmed.
• To freeze, let apples cool completely and store in a single layer in a zip-top freezer bag in the freezer for up 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature.

Best Tips for Success

• You can add frozen baked apples directly to smoothies.
• Serve warm apples over yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes.
• Serve alongside savory dinners such as roasted chicken or pork chops.
• Use Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Fuji, or any other slightly firm apple you like.
• Add ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger or Chinese five spice powder for additional flavor.

I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe, so please comment below to share!

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

• Place the butter or oil into a pie plate or baking dish. Warm in the oven for a few minutes to melt. Remove from oven.

• Slice the apples into approximately 1/2-inch slices and discard the cores. Place into the baking dish with the oil.

• Add the cinnamon and toss to combine.

• Bake for 28-34 minutes, or until tender when poked with a fork.

• Serve in slices or cut into smaller pieces and add to yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes.

• Store leftovers, once cooled, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Serve cold or warmed.
• To freeze, let apples cool completely and store in a single layer in a zip-top freezer bag in the freezer for up 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature.
• You can add frozen baked apples directly to smoothies.
• Serve warm apples over yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes.
• Serve alongside savory dinners such as roasted chicken or pork chops.
• Use Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Fuji, or any other slightly firm apple you like.
• Add ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger or Chinese five spice powder for additional flavor.

 

Calories: 97kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 148mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 162IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 12mg, Iron: 1mg

This post was first published November 2018.