Cinnamon Apple Delight Bake is a warm, comforting dessert that brings together the sweet and tart flavors of apples with a cinnamon-spiced oat topping. This simple yet irresistible bake is perfect for cozy fall afternoons or any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting. The apples soften and become tender, absorbing the cinnamon and brown sugar, while the oat topping adds a delightful crunch. Whether served on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert will become a favorite in your home.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With only a few ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, it’s an easy dessert to make even on a busy day. The combination of juicy apples, cinnamon, and oats is not only delicious but also makes your kitchen smell absolutely amazing as it bakes. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just a treat for yourself, Cinnamon Apple Delight Bake is the perfect go-to dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this Cinnamon Apple Delight Bake. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time while delivering maximum flavor. The apples caramelize as they bake, creating a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced oat topping. It’s a versatile recipe, so you can enjoy it as a dessert or even as a sweet breakfast treat. It’s also a great way to use up extra apples, making it a great choice during apple season. Plus, it’s family-friendly and sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

Apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Butter (melted)
Oats
Flour
Sugar

Variations

Add nuts: Chop up some pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them over the oat topping for extra texture and flavor.
Swap the apples: While the recipe calls for standard apples, you can mix it up with different varieties like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
Add raisins or dried cranberries: For a bit of chewiness, add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the apple mixture.
Top with whipped cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the bake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top.
Gluten-free option: You can use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free oats to make this dessert gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish to prevent the apples from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir well to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spice mixture.

Step 3: Arrange the Apples

Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring the apples are distributed in a single layer.

Step 4: Make the Oat Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, oats, flour, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is crumbly.

Step 5: Add the Oat Topping

Sprinkle the oat mixture generously over the apples in the baking dish, covering them evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the oat topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve

Let the Cinnamon Apple Delight Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Choose the right apples: For the best texture and flavor, choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold up well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon.
Make sure the topping is crumbly: The oat topping should have a crumbly texture, so be sure to mix the butter, oats, flour, and sugar well until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Check for doneness: The apples should be tender and the topping should be golden brown when the bake is done. If the topping isn’t golden after 35 minutes, you can leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.
Add more spice: If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture.

How to Serve

Cinnamon Apple Delight Bake is versatile and can be served in many ways:

With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced apples.
As a Breakfast Treat: Serve a slice of this bake with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet start to the day.
Topped with Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the baked apples.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cinnamon Apple Delight Bake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

Freezing

You can freeze the Cinnamon Apple Delight Bake for later. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat the bake, place individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. If you prefer it warm in the oven, bake it at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

2. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh apples for the best texture. Frozen apples may become too mushy during baking, though they can still work in a pinch if needed.

3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple and topping mixture in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the dish when ready to serve.

4. Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

For the best texture, it’s recommended to use rolled oats. Instant oats may become too soft during baking.

5. Can I add more fruit to the recipe?

Yes, you can add other fruits such as pears or berries to complement the apples and enhance the flavor.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free butter and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative.

7. What can I use instead of flour?

You can use almond flour or coconut flour as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour.

8. How do I know when the dessert is done?

The apples should be tender, and the topping should be golden brown and crisp. You can also test by inserting a fork into the apples—if it goes in easily, the dessert is ready.

9. Can I add more spices?

Yes, you can add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the apple mixture for added warmth and flavor.

10. Can I make this in a different pan size?

Yes, you can use a larger or smaller pan depending on how thick or thin you want the layers. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Apple Delight Bake is a simple yet flavorful dessert that combines tender apples with a cinnamon-sugar oat topping for a cozy and comforting treat. Whether enjoyed as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet breakfast option, this bake will quickly become a go-to recipe. The warm, spiced apples and crunchy oat topping make it irresistible, and the versatility of this recipe means you can customize it to suit your taste. Enjoy it warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or on its own for a delightful treat.