Baked Apple with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night, you’re in for a treat with this Baked Apple with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. It’s one of those cozy, simple desserts that instantly lifts your mood and fills your kitchen with the most comforting aromas. I absolutely love this because it’s easy to make, but tastes like you’ve been baking all afternoon. Plus, the vanilla ice cream melting over the tender baked apples? Pure magic—trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create that signature warm and nutty flavor you want from a baked apple dessert. When shopping, pick firm, tart apples—they bake better and hold their shape nicely.

• Tart apples: Granny Smith or similarly tart apples give a great balance of sweetness and tang.
• Sugar: Use regular granulated sugar to sweeten up the apples just right.
• Apple cider or juice: Adds moisture and a subtle extra apple flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken any juices that bubble out, so no soggy mess.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth throughout.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch boosts the complexity without overpowering.
• Ground ginger: Adds a gentle spicy kick.
• Butter: Dotting this over the apples creates a rich, golden finish.
• Walnuts or raisins: For softness, crunch, and natural sweetness—whichever you prefer.
• Vanilla ice cream: The perfect cool contrast and creamy finish.

Variations

I love making this dessert my own depending on the season or what we have in the pantry. Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or mix things up with dried fruits—don’t be shy about experimenting, that’s how I discovered some of my favorite twists!

• Nut variation: I often use pecans instead of walnuts for an extra buttery crunch that my whole family adores.
• Dried fruit alternative: Adding dried cranberries or chopped dates gives a lovely chewiness and a bit of tart contrast.
• Spice twist: Sometimes I like to add a dash of cardamom or cloves for a slightly exotic depth, especially around the holidays.
• Make it vegan: Just swap the butter with coconut oil and choose your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream to keep it plant-based.

How to Make Baked Apple with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Baking Dish

Start by peeling and slicing 3 large tart apples. I like to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate, but don’t stress about perfect slices—rustic is charming here. Grease a 1-quart baking dish well with butter or non-stick spray so nothing sticks, and then spread your sliced apples out evenly inside. This setup makes sure every bite gets that tender, juicy texture you want.

Step 2: Mix Your Spiced Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, apple cider (or juice), all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This combo not only sweetens the apples but also thickens the juices and fills the dessert with cozy spice notes. Pour this mixture over the apples, making sure they’re evenly coated. The flour here is a game-changer to avoid watery fruit that drags down texture.

Step 3: Add Butter and Nuts

Dot the top with butter in small bits, which will melt into the apples creating that irresistible golden finish. Sprinkle the walnuts or raisins over the top—both add their own lovely texture and flavor. I like to lightly toast the nuts first to deepen their flavor, but that’s optional. Now everything is ready for baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender and Golden

Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll want the apples to be tender and bubbling, with the top slightly caramelized. I usually check around the 45-minute mark just to peek and make sure nothing is drying out—if the top looks ready but the apples are still firm, give it a bit longer. The smells coming from the oven will tell you you’re on the right track.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream

The absolute best part: scoop some warm baked apple into bowls and top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cool ice cream melts over the spiced apples creating an irresistible combination. You’ll find that this contrast between hot and cold, soft and creamy, is what makes this dessert a fan favorite every time.

How to Serve Baked Apple with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts on top for a beautiful finishing touch and a bit more texture. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and fresh flavor if you want to get fancy!

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of hot tea or coffee. If you want to turn it into a larger meal, a light salad or roasted chicken makes the baked apple a deliciously sweet finale.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual baked apples in ramekins, topped with an ornate swirl of whipped cream alongside the vanilla ice cream. Drizzling a touch of caramel sauce elevates it further—your guests will think you spent hours preparing this!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re still super tasty cold or gently reheated—perfect for a quick dessert or breakfast topping.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dessert, I recommend baking the apples first, then cooling completely before freezing. Place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy within 2 months. When defrosted, the texture may soften, but the flavor remains fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or oven until just warmed through before adding fresh vanilla ice cream. Avoid overheating to keep the apple slices from becoming too mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Apple with Cinnamon, Nuts, and Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is special to me because it’s a simple pleasure that never fails to bring smiles at the table. It’s a recipe that turns ordinary apples into a dessert that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family night or an effortless holiday dessert, I encourage you to give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is. Grab your favorite scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy every warm, spiced bite!

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