Easy Roasted Apples No Added Sugar

Roasted Cinnamon Apples

There’s no arguing that biting into a fresh, crisp apple, especially during the fall season, is one of those simple things in life that can truly make you happy. But have you tried roasting one?!? Magic happens in the oven as the roasting process caramelizes the apples bringing out their natural flavor and sweetness, just like with these Korean sweet potatoes that come out tasting like honey. Just imagine warm, tender apples blended with cinnamon. It is next level, pure bliss! Your nose will thank you too ;). It’s also a wonderful way to enjoy this nutritious fruit with your baby. Baking until nice and soft will make them safe for your baby to eat, as raw apples are one of the top choking hazards. While most baked recipes require brown sugar, there’s really no need for any added sugar, just like with my apple baked oatmeal and ALL of my baby and toddler-friendly muffins! The best part is it requires just 3 ingredients and very minimal effort. Oh and you can enjoy them in so many ways! Now let’s put your oven to work!

The Best Apples for Baking/Roasting

While I always use ones that my family enjoy snacking on the most, which are honey crisp and fuji apple, feel free to experiment with different varieties if you are up for it! And just like when making homemade unsweetened applesauce, you can use a combination of sweet and tart apples for a variety of different flavors and textures. Here are some suggestions:

Braeburn – tart Honeycrisp – sweet Fuji – sweet Cameo – sweet, slightly tart Jonagold – sweet, slightly tart Gala – Mildly sweet Golden delicious – sweet Granny Smith – very tart Pink lady -tart, slightly sweet

Ingredients

Apples – Be sure to give it a good wash. There’s no need to peel but you can if that’s your preference Butter – you can also use olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil Lemon juice – Helps bring out the natural flavors of the apples and balance their sweetness. Don’t worry! You won’t taste it. Cinnamon – will add a lovely warmth to the apples

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cut the apples in half and remove the core using a spoon, sharp paring knife , or melon baller. Place cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and cinnamon. Rub over the apples. Bake until caramelized and the flesh is fork-tender, about 30 minutes.

Healthy Baked Apples for baby

Roasting apple halves will provide you with more choices when it comes to serving apples to your baby or young toddler. Once baked you can serve the entire apple half or slice into large wedges for your baby to suck and mash with their gums. You can peel the apples or leave the skin on. Your baby will most likely spit it out, which is an important skill to learn from early on. It’s also a great exposure to texture.

Serving Suggestions

While I have a feeling you’ll have no problem snacking on the baked apples as they are, here are some ways to invite more fun and variety into your breakfast, snack, or dessert!

Add to oatmeal or quinoa Mix in to overnight oats or chia pudding right before eating Add to plain yogurt Stuff into croffles Add to pancakes (sub out strawberries) Spread onto toast along with cream cheese, ricotta, or peanut butter (or nut/seed butter) Drizzle maple syrup or honey Top warm apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce (such a simple dessert!)

They also make for a great side dish for family meals and are perfect for school lunch boxes. Ultimate Guide to Apples for Baby

Storage

You can safely leave out the roasted apples at room temperature for about two hours. Refrigerate: After that, you will need to transfer leftover apples to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can enjoy cold or warm it up slightly, if desired. Freeze: transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container in a single layer and freeze for up to 6 months. The apples will get quite mushy upon thawing so it will be best to add to smoothies, yogurt, or try adding to milk, like this banana milk.