Simple Cinnamon Baked Apple
This Simple Cinnamon Baked Apple offers a warm, comforting, and healthy way to satisfy your dessert cravings, highlighting the apple's natural sweetness with a spiced walnut filling.
For 1 serving
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the apple thoroughly and carefully core it using an apple corer or a small paring knife, ensuring you do not cut all the way through the bottom.
In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and ground cinnamon, mixing well to ensure the walnuts are evenly coated.
Carefully spoon the cinnamon-walnut mixture into the cored center of the apple, pressing it down gently to fill the cavity.
Place the filled apple into a small, oven-safe baking dish. Pour the 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the dish around the apple.
Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the apple is fork-tender but still holds its shape. Cooking time may vary based on the apple variety and size.
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the baked apple cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the warm baked apple immediately, topped with a generous dollop of plain Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose firm, sweet apple varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith for a good balance of flavor and texture that holds up well to baking.
- 2To prevent the apple from drying out, you can cover the baking dish loosely with foil for the first 15-20 minutes of baking, then remove it to allow the skin to slightly crisp.
- 3For an even softer apple, you can score the skin around the apple's equator before baking; this also helps prevent the skin from bursting.
- 4If you don't have an apple corer, use a small spoon or melon baller to carefully scoop out the core, leaving the bottom intact.
Adapt it for your goals.
Filling Swap
Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or a mix of chopped dried cranberries and oats for different textures and flavors.
Spice BoostSpice Boost
Add a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the cinnamon-walnut mixture for a more complex spice profile.
Sweetness Boost (Optional)Sweetness Boost (Optional)
For those who prefer a touch more sweetness, drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey over the filling before baking, or after serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Cinnamon and apples are both packed with antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Healthy Fats & Protein
Walnuts provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, while Greek yogurt adds a significant boost of protein, contributing to heart health and muscle repair.
Frequently asked questions
While best served warm and fresh, you can bake the apple a few hours in advance and gently reheat it in the oven or microwave. Add the Greek yogurt just before serving.
