Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This hot temperature will create a perfect environment for the apples to soften and caramelize beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with high-heat-resistant parchment paper. This step will make cleanup a breeze and also help the apples bake evenly.
Step 3: Slice the Apples
- Take the Fuji apple and slice it into twelve ¼-inch thick pieces, ensuring you discard the core. You can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of color, you can visually appreciate those red and yellow streaks!
Step 4: Arrange the Apple Slices
- Place the apple slices in your prepared baking pan. Spread them out in a single layer, making sure they have some space between them to bake evenly.
Step 5: Coat with Butter
- Drizzle the melted butter over the apple slices. Using your hands, gently coat each slice to make sure it gets a nice buttery covering.
Step 6: Season with Cinnamon
- Sprinkle half of the ground cinnamon across the surface of the apple slices. This is where the magic really starts—those apples will soak up all that cozy flavor.
Step 7: Bake the Apples
- Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. This initial bake softens the apples and begins the caramelization process.
Step 8: Flip and Finish Baking
- After 10 minutes, carefully flip the apple slices with a spatula (or tongs if you're feeling fancy!). Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon on top. Continue to bake for another 10 minutes or until the apples turn golden and tender.
Step 9: Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and drizzle some of the pan juices over the top for extra flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
- Choosing the Right Apple: Fuji apples are sweet and hold their shape, but feel free to experiment with your favorite variety.
- Butter Alternatives: If you prefer a dairy-free option, feel free to use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Extra Sweetness: If your apples aren’t as sweet as you’d like, consider adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before baking.
- Serving Temperature: These apples are best served warm, but they're also delicious at room temperature as part of a cheese platter.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the apples in advance and store them in lemon juice in the fridge to prevent browning. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the remaining steps.
