Baked apples with maple-walnut sauce is like a simpler version of apple pie, but just as satisfying. I love how easy it is to throw together, and it always hits the spot.

Baked Apples with Maple-Walnut Sauce
I created these baked apples with maple-walnut sauce to capture the comfort of apple pie without the extra work. The flavors come together in such a simple way, but the result is always satisfying.
This recipe is all about getting the most flavor from just a few ingredients. Halving the apples before baking really lets them soak up all the maple syrup and cinnamon, and it cuts down on the cooking time too. It’s my favorite way to bring those cozy apple pie vibes to the table with less effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s versatile—I can easily switch up the nuts or add a drizzle of caramel for something extra.
- It works as both a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, which makes it a great go-to any time of day.
- The apples stay tender but still have a slight bite, giving a perfect texture contrast with the sauce.

Ingredients
Only seven ingredients are need to make these delicious baked apples.
- Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar both work great here; I’ve used both with delicious results.
- Ground cinnamon
- Maple syrup – Go for the best quality you can; it’s the star ingredient in this sauce.
- Salt
- Walnuts – Toasting the walnuts beforehand brings out their flavor, and I never skip this step.
- Granny Smith apples – I like using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Gala apples are a good option too if you want something sweeter.
- Lemon juice

How To Make Baked Apples with Maple-Walnut Sauce
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and get your baking dish ready.
- Brush the cut sides of the apples with lemon juice—I use about a teaspoon. Place them cut side up in the dish. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon (you might need a little more if your apples are big), and sprinkle the mixture over the apples. Pour the maple syrup into the bottom of the dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 15 minutes or until the apples are nice and tender. Move them to a serving dish.
- Pour the pan juices into a small saucepan, stir in the remaining teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Let it cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring the whole time, until the sauce thickens up.
- Drizzle the thickened sauce over the apples and finish it off by sprinkling the toasted walnuts on top.

Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your baked apples turn out just the way you want them—simple and delicious!
- If your apples are on the bigger side, you might want to sprinkle a little extra brown sugar to make sure they’re fully covered.
- Check the apples with a fork before pulling them out of the oven—they should be nice and tender.
- Using a good-quality maple syrup really kicks up the flavor, so it’s worth it if you can!
- Toasting the walnuts before adding them is key. It brings out all that great nutty flavor.
- If you don’t have a coring tool, no worries—a knife works just fine. The corer just gives it a cleaner look.

Leftovers and Storage
Here are some tips for storing any leftover baked apples you might have.
- If you have leftovers, just store the baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for a few days!
- When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
- I like to add a little extra maple syrup or a scoop of ice cream when I reheat them—it’s like giving them a second life!

More Apple Recipes
Take advantage of apple season with a plethora of treats!
- caramel apple crumble
- fresh apple bars
- upside down apple pie
- German apple cake
- apple cinnamon granola
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Baked Apples with Maple-Walnut Sauce
Equipment
- coring tool optional
Ingredients
- 4 large large apples, such as Granny Smith (Gala works too), halved crosswise and cored
- 2 tsps lemon juice, divided
- 2 tbsps light brown sugar (or dark)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
- 1/8 tsp table salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400o F.
- Brush cut sides of apples with 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Arrange apples, cut sides up, in a baking dish. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl (you might need more than the recipe calls for depending on the size of your apples); sprinkle cut sides of apples with sugar mixture. Pour maple syrup in bottom of dish.4 large large apples, such as Granny Smith (Gala works too), halved crosswise and cored, 2 tsps lemon juice, divided, 2 tbsps light brown sugar, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more or until apples are tender. Transfer apples to a serving platter.
- Pour pan juices into small saucepan and stir in remaining 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and salt; bring to a boil. Cook 3 to 5 minutes or until sauce is thickened, stirring constantly.1 cup maple syrup, 1/8 tsp table salt
- Pour thickened sauce over apples and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Serve the apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Lena in VT says
Oh my goodness those are beautiful.
Donna says
Ive missed reading your blog while Ive been on ‘hiatus’.
Jennifer says
What do you do with all this food you cook?! You’re too skinny to be eating yourself!
Liz C. says
I’m going to file this one under New Mexico apple season. I love to drive over the state line and buy them by the bushel. 😉
Fallon says
I love a good baked apple and this looks like a good baked apple!
Angie says
A question: Why the lemon juice? I know that it is commonly used to prevent apples from oxidizing and turning brown, but as these are going to be smothered and baked anyway, the brownness doesn’t matter.
Not that it’s a big deal, but I wonder how much it would impact the taste.
5 Star Foodie says
These baked apples were fantastic with this maple-walnut sauce!
Debbi says
My entire family drooled over this for quite awhile. It looks fantastic! Apple pie without the crust, awesome!
Miss Meat and Potatoes says
I believe you. I’m in love. In fact I’m so intrigued with these they make me wish it was fall which makes me feel sacrilegious (I don’t really wish it was fall – hello summer!) Thanks for another great one.
Culinary Cory says
The simplicity of this dish really captured my attention. It would make a great dessert of a weeknight dinner party.
June says
Imagine this with homemade cinnamon ice cream? On the other hand it looks like it needs nothing else – YUM.
Dirk in Maine says
Oh these look amazing, going to make them tonight for a small gathering served with vanilla ice cream.
grace says
undeniable fact: I funneled that sauce right down my gullet. amazing, cathy. amazing.
Paula says
Oh my, those are lovely! And, since they are gluten free, they make a great dessert in lieu of pie! Quick question: When did you add the nuts? To the maple sauce? Or did you just sprinkle them on and pour the sauce over everything? Totally yummy!
Julie says
That sauce was just scrumptious!
Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog says
I love the way the apples look with cinnamon on top, before they were baked. I bet they smelled incredible!
Jenn
HoneyB says
Yum! A nice low-fat dessert….and I love maple syrup (have 2 new gallon’s!). Will have to make this one!
Dominic says
I love the combination of maple syrup with walnuts. Yum.
Paula says
Paula-
I sprinkled the nuts on top after baking and then poured the sauce over them.
dawn says
Made these last night…OMG incredible…just like apple pie and no fuss like you said!
Daily Spud says
Oh wow, so simple yet sounds soooo good – apple desserts are my absolute favourite. This is getting bookmarked for when my mother’s apples are ripe – they make the best baked apples ever!
The Teacher Cooks says
Your baked apples look delicious. I am saving this recipe for my classes next year. It would be great for teens that tend to leave out fruits.
Marjie says
I usually quarter my apples and take out the core, and follow pretty much the same recipe as you, although sometimes I brush the apple slices with melted butter first. They are heavenly!
Rachel SdOC says
You hit it on the head when you said apple pie without the fuss. I was thinking this is perfect for when you want some apple pie and don’t feel like making the effort.
Pam says
They look amazing! Actually, so do your fried pickles down below. YUM.
lisaiscooking says
The sauce and crunchy walnuts were amazing on top. I bet a scoop of vanilla ice cream would be pretty fantastic with one of these!
tom tall clover farm says
This recipe must be from your healthy-eating category. 😉
pigpigscorner says
What a great way to enjoy apples! Love the sauce!
Kayola says
Making these tonight………..they look de-lish and I swear I can totally smell the aroma….my imagination is good…..and I imagine they are pretty dang tasty!!!!!
Helen says
With Winter fast approaching here this one is certainly going into the recipe book.
Love your recipes your family is so lucky to have such a good cook on hand to spoil them all the time.
Cheers
Helen
theUngourmet says
I love how ooey gooey and delicious these are! I’d love it with a nice scoop of vanilla bean ice cream too!
Now, if I could just get my son to eat his antioxidant rich apple skin we’d be good as gold! 😉
Anamaris says
BEAUTIFUL stuff! I StumbledUp on your site, I’ll be back.
Sarah at Candiquik says
Wow – I need a sample of one now! These look delicious. You can make them a bit “naughty” too (like the above comment) and serve w/ cinnamon ice cream or just whipped cream. Yum-my. Thanks for sharing.
Audrey at Barking Mad says
Yum! This would be perfect PERFECT on a chilly fall afternoon! Oh my gosh, I can just imagine how wonderful it smells!
Angela says
This recipe is a MUST! Just made it last night & it was delicious!
The Vicious Vegetarian says
I love baked apples and pears in many incarnations, never thought to do them thusly. Thanks for sharing, definitely giving this a shot ASAP.
Love the blog, can’t wait to try the wine!
Beth says
I tried this recipe on Sunday and it was divine! Thank you so much for posting it! 🙂 The only thing I did differently was use some sugar-free ingredients.
Nopalea says
Those look absolutely delicious! We just went apple picking yesterday and I was looking for something yummy to make. Thanks for the idea!
val says
These were incredibly delicious. A perfect Fall treat!
Toni says
My kids really loved these baked apples!
wilhelmina says
These baked apples are the perfect Fall treat! So cozy and comforting, and the sauce is to die for! Yum!
Cathy says
Yep, baked apples with sauce is definitely a fave!
Lindsay says
These baked apples with sauce were a big hit! I’ll definitely be making them again!
Cathy says
Yeah I can’t think of anything more delicious and easy to make than baked apples! Glad you enjoyed them.
Jane says
So so good..who knew baked apples were so amazing..but the sauce..OMG.
Cathy says
It really is yummy.