I’m constantly trying to figure out gluten-free, dairy-free dishes to serve our small group that meets weekly. We share a meal each time we meet and always have dessert. Our group has many dietary needs, and this simple baked cinnamon apple recipe has been an easy treat everyone in the group can enjoy.

Made with only three ingredients and no added sugar, this easy baked cinnamon apple dessert is delicious. It’s also healthier than the average dessert. The apples can be served alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (I try to have dairy-free ice cream on hand for our small group).

These baked cinnamon apples are also a great recipe for kids. It is still delicious when served cold the next day… if you have any left. You can even throw it in some oatmeal in the morning for breakfast.

Now let’s get to the recipe!

The image shows two bite-sized easy baked cinnamon apples on a fork. The background is green and you can see the bowl blurred in the background.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

Pin it for later

A small white bowl of easy baked cinnamon apples topped with slightly melting vanilla ice cream. Text reads "Healthy cinnamon apples. messyjoyfuljourney.com, gluten-free, dairy-free"

Now put on a cute apron and tie back your hair… since there is nothing grosser than a strand of hair in your baked apples. YUCK!

Ingredients

This shows the ingredients to make easy baked cinnamon apples. It shows ground siagon cinnamon from Kirkland, Organic great value unrefined coconut oil, cold pressed, and red and green apples. Text reads "Ground cinnamon, coconut oil, about 6 apples. I used honeycrisp and granny smith."
  • Ground Cinnamon– This is an important ingredient. I like a tablespoon of cinnamon, but you can use less depending on your taste.
  • Coconut Oil– I chose just under 1/4 cup of coconut oil because it is dairy-free. I have also successfully used half a stick of butter (1/4 cup) in this recipe. I think it tastes better, but it is no longer dairy-free.
  • Apples– Any six apples work in this, but I prefer the sweeter and tarter apples. I used a mixture of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for this recipe, but you could use whatever you have. I seem to find new kinds of sweet, delicious apples every time I go to Costco.

Step-by-step Instructions

Peel your apples. You can use a peeler or slice them and peel them with a knife. Whatever you choose, be careful. I get carried away and stop paying attention and cut my knuckles every time I use a peeler.

A person is peeling an apple using a potato peeler. There are 3 apples showing and red apple skin on a cutting board.

Cut your apples into bite-sized chunks. You can leave them larger, but I enjoy them smaller. They cook faster and are easier to eat. Place them into a bowl.

An apple has been peeled and sliced. There is one red apple and two green apples in the background.
six apples have been cut into chunks and are in a clear glass bowl.

Mix coconut oil and cinnamon in a bowl or measuring cup. Make sure the coconut oil is not in solid form. If you live somewhere cold as I do, you will need to heat it up a little.

This shows about 1/4 cup melted coconut oil with a tablespoon of cinnamon on top.
Image of coconut oil and cinnamon being mixed together with a spoon.

In a 9×13 baking dish, pour the mixture over the apples and mix it together so that every apple is coated.

Apples have been poured into a 9x13 baking dish. Coconut mixture is poured over the apples.
Apple mixture in the dish coated with coconut and cinnamon.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Mix the apples after about 15 minutes. You will know that the easy cinnamon baked apples are done when they are golden in color and soft when you put a fork in them.

Baked cinnamon apples out of the oven in a 9x13 pan.

Serve this easy cinnamon apple dessert plain or with vanilla ice cream. I try to have a vegan option and a low-carb option when I am hosting friends. You can even use it as a replacement for apple pie. It is delightful with a cup of coffee.

a bite of cinnamon apples on a fork. You can see the ice cream in the background and the bowl of baked apples. The text reads, "healthy baked cinnamon apples"

***Bonus tip- Thanks to our small group, a scoop of ice cream in my coffee has become one of my favorite things in the world. Try it… you will thank me!

baked cinnamon apple bite on a fork. You can see the bowl with ice cream in the background.

Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples

Carrie
This three ingredient gluten-free, dairy-free dessert is perfect for any gathering. With no added sugar, it's perfect for kids and a lower calorie substitue for apple pie.
5 from 10 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 1 9×13 baking dish
  • 1 measuring cup

Ingredients
  

  • 6 apples I use Honeycrisp and Granny Smith
  • ¼ cup coconut oil I use a little less than this
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon adjust to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fehrenheit
  • Peel apples
  • Chop apples into bite sized chunks
  • In a measuring cup, mix ¼ cup coconut oil (Make sure the coconut oil in not in the solid form. You may need to heat it.) and 1 tbsp cinnamon together.
  • Coat the apples with the coconut oil mixture. I do this in the baking dish, so I have fewer dishes to wash. I'm all about easy!
  • Put it in the oven to bake for about 30 minutes. Halfway through, stir it to move everything around. You will know it is finished when it is golden and soft when you put a fork in it.
  • Serve in a bowl, plain or with vanilla ice cream.
  • Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Substitutions:
You can use butter instead of coconut oil, which is no longer dairy-free.  You can also add a few tablespoons of brown sugar to make it sweeter. It’s not necessary, but it is sweeter. 🙂
Serving Suggestions:
My favorite way to eat this is in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of coffee. I have also been known to put a scoop of ice cream right into my coffee.  It’s delicious. This can be a great gluten-free replacement for apple pie. 
It is also good served cold to eat as a snack. 
You can add some to your oatmeal for pancakes or a fruity treat at breakfast.
Storage:
This will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator, but to be honest, we have never had any leftovers!
 
 
Keyword baked cinnamon apples, dairy free apple dessert, easy baked apples, gluten free apple dessert

Looking for another festive gluten-free, dairy-free dessert option? Try our pumpkin hummus dip! Or these Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Balls.

28 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    A great recipe! Would like to chop these up and throw into some ice cream – good way to get the kids to eat some fruit.

  2. 5 stars
    I love that there’s no additional sugar in these baked apples, it’s definitely not needed as they come out deliciously sweet with just the cinnamon!

  3. 5 stars
    Very simple and effective use of the apples on my counter. I served with a keto friendly ice cream and a generous sprinkling of toasted almonds. It was delicious. The best thing, no sugar in these apples!

  4. 5 stars
    These cinnamon apples are not only delicious but also healthy. Love the choice of apples. Served with ice-cream and we have a perfect dessert. Thanks for sharing this easy sweet-treat idea.

    • Yes! I’ve become accustomed to dessert after every meal… I need something a little bit healthier!

Write A Comment

Recipe Rating