Name: Caramel Cinnamon Baked Apples (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Paleo
Ingredients: 6 large apples (Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4” slices; 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup coconut sugar; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1 1/2 Tbsp tapioca flour or arrowroot; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp fine sea salt; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 Tbsp coconut oil or ghee (if not vegan), solid and broken into pieces

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 7 reviews

There is something irresistibly comforting about warm, gooey fruit desserts, especially when they bring a nourishing twist. This Caramel Cinnamon Baked Apples (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe takes the classic baked apple to a whole new level with a luscious caramel flavor that is naturally sweetened and free from refined sugars. With a combination of perfectly tender apples, cozy cinnamon, and a rich caramel sauce made from simple wholesome ingredients, this dish will quickly become a beloved favorite for your family and friends. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with a creamy coconut vanilla ice cream, it’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with peeled apple slices coated in a light brown cinnamon spice mix. The apple slices are cut into wedges and some into sticks, all mixed evenly so each piece has a thin layer of spice on the surface. The inside of the bowl has smudges of the cinnamon mixture around the edges, showing the apples have been stirred well. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the power each ingredient has to build layers of flavor and texture. These natural components work harmoniously to create soft, tender apples enveloped in a caramelized cinnamon sauce that’s utterly dreamy.

6 large apples: I recommend Honeycrisp for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4” slices for even cooking.
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright tang that prevents browning and balances the sweetness.
1/4 cup coconut sugar: A paleo-friendly sweetener that caramelizes beautifully.
1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Deepens the caramel notes and adds a complex natural sweetness.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Infuses warm undertones that complement the cinnamon perfectly.
1 1/2 Tbsp tapioca flour or arrowroot: Helps thicken the sauce to a delicious, glossy finish.
2 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that provides cozy warmth and flavor.
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds subtle earthiness for a richer spice profile.
1/4 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 Tbsp coconut oil or ghee (if not vegan): Solid pieces dotted on top create a silky sauce and add richness during baking.

How to Make Caramel Cinnamon Baked Apples (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350° F. This moderate temperature ensures the apples will soften gently without becoming mushy. Spray a 9-inch pie dish or casserole dish with coconut oil or avocado oil spray to prevent sticking and add a subtle flavor.

Step 2: Toss the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the fresh lemon juice. This not only prevents the apples from browning but also brightens the overall flavor. Next, add the coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, tapioca or arrowroot starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Toss everything thoroughly until every apple slice is beautifully coated with this fragrant mixture.

Step 3: Arrange and Add Coconut Oil

Transfer the coated apples to your prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Dot the top with solid pieces of coconut oil or ghee, which will melt during baking to create a rich, glossy caramel sauce that beautifully coats the apples.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with foil or a lid, then place it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. During this time, the apples will soften and begin to release their natural juices, mingling with the sweet and spicy sauce.

Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking

After baking covered, remove the foil and gently stir the apples. Then bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This step allows the sauce to reduce, bubble, and caramelize into a silky coating that hugs each apple slice with irresistible flavor.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the apples cool for a few minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Then serve warm, either on their own or with a scoop of coconut vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an even more luscious experience.

How to Serve Caramel Cinnamon Baked Apples (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with thick slices of apple coated in a shiny, rich brown cinnamon sauce. The apple slices are mostly curved and soft-looking, layered in a single uneven layer that fills the dish. Some slices are slightly overlapping, and the sauce has thickly coated the apples and pooled a little at the bottom and edges of the dish. There is a silver spoon resting inside the dish on the left side, partially covered with sauce. The dish is sitting on a white marbled surface covered with a white and gray checkered cloth, and a red apple is partially visible in the lower right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Bring even more indulgence to your baked apples by garnishing with toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, a sprinkle of additional cinnamon, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup. Fresh mint leaves also add a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.

Side Dishes

This dish shines brilliantly as a dessert but can also be served alongside breakfast favorites such as paleo granola, vegan yogurt, or enjoyed atop warm coconut milk porridge or chia pudding for a naturally sweet morning treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a visually captivating presentation, serve the baked apples in individual ramekins or apple halves. Layer the apple slices with coconut cream between them for a parfait-style dessert, or pile them high as a filling for paleo-friendly tart shells for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of this tempting Caramel Cinnamon Baked Apples (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe, store them covered tightly in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it an easy treat to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, transfer cooled baked apples into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They freeze well and can be kept for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or a bit more maple syrup if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Enjoy almost as freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are perfect due to their sweetness and firmness, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples. Just make sure they are firm varieties that won’t turn mushy when baked.

Is there a substitute for coconut sugar and maple syrup?

You can experiment with date syrup or brown rice syrup if you prefer, but coconut sugar and maple syrup provide the unique depth of flavor and caramel notes that really make this recipe stand out.

Can this recipe be made nut-free?

Yes! The recipe itself is nut-free, but if you choose to garnish with nuts, simply omit them to keep it safe for anyone with nut allergies.

What if I don’t have tapioca flour or arrowroot? Is there another thickener?

If tapioca or arrowroot are unavailable, you can use corn starch as a thickener, though that would deviate from paleo guidelines. Alternatively, let the apples cook a bit longer uncovered to naturally reduce the sauce.

Can I make this dessert sweeter or less sweet?

Definitely! Adjust the amount of coconut sugar and maple syrup to your preferred sweetness level. Keep in mind the natural sugars in the apples already add sweetness, so taste your mixture before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Cinnamon Baked Apples (Paleo, Vegan) Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Its comforting warmth, natural sweetness, and effortless preparation make it a joy to keep on hand whenever you want a wholesome treat. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!