Toss whole raw unpeeled apples in the glass baking dish and 4 other everyday ingredients to get a dessert so incredibly delicious your grandkids will be begging for more.
These 5-Ingredient Baked Whole Apples are an easy, rustic dessert that turns simple fruit into a soft, caramelized delight. Baking the apples whole and unpeeled allows the skin to act like a natural barrier, locking in moisture as they cook in a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and liquid. The result is a tender apple coated in a rich, syrupy sauce that delivers all the cozy flavors of apple pie—without the extra prep work of peeling or slicing.
5-Ingredient Baked Whole Apples
Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup water (or apple juice/cider)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Wash and dry the apples, keeping them whole and unpeeled. Arrange them upright in a single layer in an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Tip: Leaving the peel on helps the apples hold their shape while baking, preventing them from breaking down too much.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and water until mostly combined. Pour the mixture over the apples, letting it collect at the bottom of the dish.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Tightly cover the dish with foil and bake for 35–45 minutes.
Tip: The foil traps steam, helping the apples soften all the way through.
Step 4: Finish Uncovered
Remove the foil after about 25–30 minutes and continue baking.
Tip: The apples are ready when the skins look wrinkled and the fruit is tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
Step 5: Let Them Rest
Take the apples out of the oven and let them sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tip: This resting time allows the cooking liquid to thicken into a glossy, flavorful syrup that coats the apples beautifully.
