Easy Brown Sugar Baked Apples

I’m obsessed with how my kitchen smells right now—pure autumn magic! I just pulled these Brown Sugar Baked Apples from the oven, and I couldn’t wait to share this recipe.

When I had a bag of fresh orchard apples staring at me, I craved something different from my usual apple crisp.

These brown sugar baked apples became my new fall obsession—tender, sweet, and filled with caramelized goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Baked Apples Recipe

I’ve been making brown sugar baked apples for years now, and they never fail to make everyone at my table smile.

You’ll love how simple they are—no fancy techniques required, just good wholesome ingredients working their magic in the oven.

The brown sugar creates this gorgeous caramel-like coating that seeps into every bite, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add that cozy spice blend we all crave during apple season.

Before we get our hands floury, you might also enjoy my Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones for a breakfast treat, or try my Caramelized Honey Apple Tart when you want something extra special for dessert.

Ingredients You Need for Brown Sugar Baked Apples

Gathering ingredients for brown sugar baked apples is like collecting little treasures for your autumn pantry:

• 6 large firm apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Rome Beauty work beautifully—choose ones that can stand tall and proud)
• ⅔ cup packed brown sugar (I prefer dark brown sugar for deeper flavor, but light works too)
• 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon (freshly ground if you have it)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (a little goes a long way)
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or golden raisins if that’s what you have on hand)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (this creates that gorgeous caramelization)
• ⅓ cup chopped walnuts (optional, but they add lovely texture—skip if serving someone with nut allergies)
• 1¼ cups hot water (for the baking dish)

Pro tip: When selecting apples for brown sugar baked apples, choose varieties that hold their shape well during baking. You want them tender but not mushy!

How to Make Brown Sugar Baked Apples

Creating these brown sugar baked apples is one of my favorite kitchen meditations—simple, rhythmic, and so rewarding:

1. Preheat your oven to 380°F. In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Stir in the dried cranberries and set aside.
2. Prepare your apples. Wash them thoroughly, then carefully core each apple using a melon baller or small paring knife. Here’s the crucial part—don’t cut all the way through the bottom! Leave about ½ inch intact so your filling doesn’t leak out.
3. Arrange and fill. Place your cored apples in a 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure they’re not touching each other. Divide the brown sugar mixture evenly among the apples, pressing it gently into each cavity.
4. Add the finishing touches. Top each stuffed apple with pieces of butter, then sprinkle with chopped walnuts if using. Pour the hot water into the bottom of the baking dish—this creates steam that helps cook the apples perfectly.
5. Bake to perfection. Slide into your preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The brown sugar should be bubbling and caramelized around the edges.
6. Rest and serve. Allow the brown sugar baked apples to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the filling time to set slightly.

If this brown sugar baked apples recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine, I’d love for you to save it!

Pin this recipe to your Pinterest boards at Pinterest so you can find it easily when apple season calls your name.

How I Make This Brown Sugar Baked Apples Perfect Every Time

After years of perfecting brown sugar baked apples, I’ve learned a few secrets that make all the difference. First, I always test doneness by gently pressing the side of an apple—it should give slightly but not collapse.

Second, if your apples are browning too quickly on top, loosely tent them with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Finally, save some of that gorgeous caramelized liquid from the bottom of the pan to drizzle over each serving—pure autumn gold!

Can I prepare these brown sugar baked apples ahead of time?

You can core and stuff the apples up to 4 hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

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What’s the best way to store leftover baked apples?

Store your brown sugar baked apples covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re actually wonderful cold, or you can warm them gently in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with your favorite plant-based alternative. Coconut oil works beautifully and adds a subtle tropical note.

How do I know when my brown sugar baked apples are done?

The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the brown sugar filling should be bubbling and caramelized. They’ll have a gorgeous golden color and smell absolutely heavenly.

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How I Love to Serve My Brown Sugar Baked Apples

These brown sugar baked apples have become my signature fall dessert for Sunday dinners with family.

I serve them warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream, watching everyone’s faces light up with that first spoonful.

They’re equally wonderful for a cozy breakfast—just slice and serve over oatmeal or yogurt. During the holidays, I sometimes add a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top for extra festive flair.