This Irresistible Apple Cinnamon recipe brings together sweet apples and warm cinnamon for a cozy treat. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, the smell of this dish baking is enough to make anyone smile. I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream for that extra yum! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, for the best flavor. If you have to substitute, pears can work too, but they will create a different texture.
Sugar: Brown sugar can replace white sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. You can also use maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness, but adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Eggs: If you’re looking for an egg-free option, you could use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) as substitutes for each egg. It makes the dish even more apple-centric!
Pecans: Feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. If you want a nut-free version, simply omit them and add an extra tablespoon of flour to maintain the consistency.
How Do I Get the Perfect Blend of Flavors?
The key to making this apple cinnamon dish delicious lies in how you mix the ingredients. Start with the grated apples; combining them with sugar and cinnamon before adding to the wet ingredients helps to draw out their moisture and flavors.
- Make sure to grate the apples instead of chopping for better distribution in the mix.
- Let the apple mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, fold gently to avoid over-mixing, which can make the dish dense.
Irresistible Apple Cinnamon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large apples (a mix of red and green recommended), peeled, cored, and grated
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
- Whipped cream (for serving)
- Ground cinnamon (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Cinnamon recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 45-50 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at about an hour total from start to finish. After that, just let it cool a bit before serving—it’s totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish:
First thing’s first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab an 8×8 baking dish. Grease it well with some butter or line it with parchment paper, so the deliciousness doesn’t stick!
2. Mixing the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss together your grated apples, sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure all the apples are nicely coated with these yummy flavors. This will really bring out the sweetness of the apples!
3. Preparing the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs. Then, add in the flour, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk it all together until everything is smooth and mixed well.
4. Combining Apple and Wet Mixtures:
Now, gently fold your wet ingredients into the apple mixture. Be careful not to over-mix—just combine until there are no dry spots. Then, toss in those chopped pecans for an added crunch!
5. Pouring into the Dish:
Pour that delicious batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly so it bakes up perfectly. It should look all warm and inviting!
6. Baking Time!
Pop it into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cooling Off:
Once it’s baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool a little bit. This will make it easier to cut into squares without falling apart.
8. Serving It Up:
Serve the squares warm or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra flair. Don’t forget a pecan half on top for a delightful finishing touch!
Enjoy your warm, comforting apple cinnamon treat that’s not just a feast for the eyes but a delight to your taste buds! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, yields the best flavor. You can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a delightful combination!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check that the other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave for a quick snack or dessert!
Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use almond milk or another plant-based milk in place of regular milk. It will still taste delicious!