Baked apples with cinnamon are a healthy option for snacks and for breakfast.  If you can manage to core an apple while leaving the base of it intact, apples are a beautifully delicious shell for any number of stuffing options.  The cinnamon soaks in and creates an aroma no candle can emulate filling your house with the sweet, comforting scents of apple pie!

Favorite baked apple fillings:

• oats or low-sugar granola/cereal
• chopped nuts
• coconut
• low-fat, low-sugar yogurt

Through my experience coaching and through getting to know myself better, however, I’ve learned that breakfast is hands down The most important meal of the day (in my opinion!).  People who start their day with a well-rounded, nutritious breakfast tend to make good choices throughout the day.

After fasting all night while we sleep we need to jumpstart our metabolisms.  Getting used to eating a good breakfast also regulates hunger levels throughout the day and reduces evening snacking.  Lastly, it is mentally a boost to start out the day feeling good about what we’re putting into our bodies, fueling us for the day ahead.

We are blessed with good neighbors.  One in particular shares the fruits of her bountiful garden.  I’ve come to look forward to the crisp, tangy, sweet Pippin apples from Candace’s garden.

See this big bag of Pippins? I ate all of them prepared/’baked’ in the microwave with cinnamon – yum! Store in the fridge and have one a day – ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away!’

Over the last several years Candace’s apples have inspired me to bake and create using apples.  This season Candace herself had a great suggestion.  She shared how she likes to core the apples, fill them with cinnamon and oats, then microwave them on high for 3 minutes.  When I tried this for the first time I was blown away.

Making ‘baked’ apples in the microwave is so easy!  This post is more of an inspiration and a reminder than a recipe.  To start, pick your favorite variety of apples.  We love Pink Ladies, HoneyCrisp, and of course Candace’s Pippins!

After coring the apple shell, simply fill it up with healthy cereal, grains, and nuts, turning your favorite apple into a hearty breakfast of champions.

Microwave cooking method (for single apple):

•  wash and core the apple leaving the base of the apple intact
• fill cored apples with cinnamon
•  place the apple in a microwave-safe bowl
•  place the bowl on a plate so as not to burn fingers when removing – the bowl with the food heats up and the dish supporting it stays cool
•  cover with a plate

Oven baking method (4 apples):

• wash and core apples leaving the base of the apple intact
• fill cored apples with cinnamon
• fill a baking pan with about 1 cup of water
• Place apples on a steaming tray
• bake in a 350-degree oven for 60 minutes

If you like this easy, healthier dessert recipe, you’ll also love Instant Pot Cinnamon Apple Sauce.

Yield: 4

Baked Cinnamon Apples

Print

Baked apples with cinnamon are a healthy option for snacks and for breakfast.  If you can manage to core an apple while leaving the base of it intact, apples are a beautifully delicious shell for any number of stuffing options.  The cinnamon soaks in and creates an aroma no candle can emulate filling your house with sweet, comforting scents of apple pie!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 apples
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2. Wash and core apples leaving the base of the apple intact
3. Fill cored apples with cinnamon
4. Fill a baking pan with about 1 cup of water
5. Place apples on a steaming tray
6. bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 6o 60 minutes (poke a fork in the side of the apple to test for doneness)

Notes

To test for doneness when cooking in the oven, remove after about 45 minutes - poke the side of an apple with a fork. If it is soft it is cooked through. If it is still firm or hard, continue cooking for up to 60 minutes, checking every 5 minutes or so.

Microwave cooking method (for single apple):

• wash and core the apple leaving the base of the apple intact
• fill cored apples with cinnamon
• place apple in a microwave-safe bowl
• place the bowl on a plate so as not to burn fingers when removing - the bowl with the food heats up and the dish supporting it stays cool

cover with a plate or a hover cover

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 101Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 6gSugar: 19gProtein: 1g