Pass the Health

Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts: A Warm, Wholesome Treat

If you love cozy, nourishing desserts that feel like a hug in a bowl, you’ll adore these Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts. This is one of my favorite healthy recipes for cooler months—it fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of cinnamon, and each bite brings together soft, warm apples with crunchy, buttery walnuts. These baked apples are naturally sweetened, easy to make, and perfect for dessert, a hearty snack, or even a clean-eating breakfast. They’re also gluten-free and can be adapted for dairy-free diets.

Why Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts Are a Healthy Choice

These Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts are not just delicious—they’re packed with nutritional benefits that make them a smart choice for your wellness goals. Apples are high in fiber, especially when baked with the skin on, helping to support digestion and keep you full longer. They also offer antioxidants like quercetin, which supports immune health.

Walnuts add a hearty dose of omega-3 fatty acids, known for reducing inflammation and improving heart health. Cinnamon doesn’t just taste great—it can also help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. This combination makes the recipe ideal for those following a clean-eating lifestyle or looking for a naturally sweet, wholesome alternative to processed desserts.

For more information on clean, nourishing breakfast ideas, check out this 1-bowl baked oatmeal.

Ingredients for Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts

Here’s what you’ll need to make these soft, spiced apples shine:

1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons honey
4 crisp apples (Ambrosia, Fuji, or Gala work great)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or use coconut oil for dairy-free)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 ounces chopped walnuts (about a generous 1/2 cup)

Optional swaps: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version. Pecans can replace walnuts if preferred.

How to Make Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts Step-by-Step

You won’t need much effort to whip up this warm, cozy recipe. Just follow these simple steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a glass pie dish, combine the orange juice and honey. Warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place it in the oven for a few minutes until the honey dissolves. Stir to combine and set aside.
Core the apples using a melon baller. Start from the stem end and remove the seeds and a bit of flesh, leaving the base intact. Peel a wide ring around the top opening (about a third of the way down).
In a small bowl, mash together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the chopped walnuts until evenly combined.
Stuff each apple with equal amounts of the walnut mixture.
Place the apples in the prepared pie dish. Spoon some of the honey-orange mixture over the tops to moisten the peeled area.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and soft when pressed gently.

Serve warm or cool, drizzled with the pan juices for extra flavor.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 apples (4 servings)

This recipe is easy to scale up for gatherings or meal prep. You can even enjoy them chilled the next day!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 270 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Total Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 5 g
Natural Sugars: 23 g

These baked apples deliver natural sweetness with the bonus of fiber, healthy fats, and warming spices. It’s a feel-good indulgence that aligns with your wellness goals.

Nora’s Tips for Perfect Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts

Choose firm apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala—they hold their shape beautifully.
For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
Make them ahead: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Top it off: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoon of nut butter for extra protein and creaminess.
Avoid mushy apples by checking them at the 40-minute mark—they should be tender but not collapsing.

For another breakfast-style apple treat, try my Healthy Apple Cinnamon Pancakes or this cozy Homemade Granola to sprinkle over your baked apples.

Give These Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts a Try!

These Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts are a comforting, wholesome dessert that’s easy to love and even easier to make. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or looking for a healthier treat, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments—or tag me in your photos on Instagram so I can see your delicious creation!

For more warm and nutritious breakfast or dessert ideas, don’t miss my Sweet Potato Hash or my Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Donuts.

Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts

These baked apples deliver natural sweetness with the bonus of fiber, healthy fats, and warming spices. It’s a feel-good indulgence that aligns with your wellness goals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons honey
4 crisp apples Ambrosia, Fuji, or Gala work great
2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened (or use coconut oil for dairy-free)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 ounces chopped walnuts about a generous 1/2 cup

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a glass pie dish, combine the orange juice and honey. Warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place it in the oven for a few minutes until the honey dissolves. Stir to combine and set aside.
Core the apples using a melon baller. Start from the stem end and remove the seeds and a bit of flesh, leaving the base intact. Peel a wide ring around the top opening (about a third of the way down).
In a small bowl, mash together the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the chopped walnuts until evenly combined.
Stuff each apple with equal amounts of the walnut mixture.
Place the apples in the prepared pie dish. Spoon some of the honey-orange mixture over the tops to moisten the peeled area.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and soft when pressed gently.