📝 About This Recipe
Transform humble orchard fruit into a warm, comforting treat that eats like a dessert but nourishes like a healthy snack. These tender slices are gently caramelized in a light maple-cinnamon glaze, bringing out the natural sugars without the need for refined syrups. It is the perfect veggie-forward addition to a kid's meal, offering a soft texture and a nostalgic aroma that fills the entire kitchen.
🥗 Ingredients
The Fruit
- 4 large Honeycrisp or Fuji Apples (firm, sweet varieties work best)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed to prevent browning)
The Healthy Glaze
- 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup (Grade A for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (melted; can substitute with coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (high-quality Vietnamese cinnamon is excellent)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger (adds a subtle warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure extract)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Water (to create steam in the pan)
Optional Toppings
- 1 tablespoon Hemp Hearts (for a boost of Omega-3s)
- 2 tablespoons Toasted Sliced Almonds (omit for nut-free schools)
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (plain or vanilla for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center of the oven.
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2
Wash the apples thoroughly. You can leave the skins on for extra fiber and a beautiful pop of color, or peel them if your child prefers a softer texture.
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3
Core the apples and slice them into even wedges, about 1/2-inch thick. Keeping them uniform ensures they all cook at the same rate.
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4
Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl and toss them immediately with the lemon juice to maintain their bright color.
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5
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (or coconut oil). Whisk in the maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, and sea salt until well combined.
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6
Pour the spice mixture over the apples and toss gently with a spatula until every slice is thoroughly coated in the glaze.
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7
Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly. Arrange the apple slices in the dish; it’s okay if they overlap slightly, but a single layer cooks most evenly.
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8
Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of water into the corners of the baking dish. This creates a small amount of steam to soften the apples without drying them out.
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9
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the moisture for the first half of the baking process.
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10
Bake for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the foil (watch out for hot steam!) and give the apples a gentle stir.
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11
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes. The sauce should thicken into a syrup and the apples should be fork-tender but not mushy.
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12
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. The glaze will thicken further as it rests.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala; softer apples like McIntosh will turn into applesauce in the oven. Avoid slicing the apples too thin, or they will lose their shape and become stringy. If the sauce looks too thin at the end, drain it into a small saucepan and simmer for 2 minutes on the stove before pouring back over the fruit. For an extra nutrient boost, sprinkle with chia seeds or flax meal right before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; they are delicious cold or reheated in the microwave.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm over a scoop of plain Greek yogurt for a high-protein breakfast. Pair with a small glass of cold almond milk or low-fat dairy milk. Use as a side dish for roasted chicken or turkey to add a sweet element to a savory meal. Top with a sprinkle of granola for a 'deconstructed apple crisp' texture. Mix into overnight oats or warm oatmeal for a fiber-rich start to the day.