If you’re craving a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and chewy textures, you have to try this Chewy Baked Apple Rings with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. These apple rings are lovingly coated in a soft, lightly crisp batter and tossed with a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating that melts in your mouth. They are oven-baked to golden perfection, making them a fantastic option for a snack, dessert, or even a festive addition to your fall gatherings. The combination of fresh green apples with cinnamon and a whisper of butter creates a nostalgic flavor that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chewy Baked Apple Rings with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect chewiness, subtle sweetness, and that irresistible cinnamon crunch you’ll love.
- Self-Rising Flour: Provides structure and a slight lift, making the batter light yet chewy.
- Apple Juice: Adds moisture and a natural fruity sweetness that enhances the apple flavor in the batter.
- Green Apples: Tart and crisp, these slices hold their shape beautifully while offering a refreshing bite.
- Unrefined Sugar: For a richer, more complex sweetness that caramelizes nicely with cinnamon.
- Cinnamon: A warming spice that pairs exceptionally well with apples and sugar.
- Melted Dairy-Free Butter: Gives richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere while adding a subtle buttery flavor without the dairy.
How to Make Chewy Baked Apple Rings with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking. This simple setup ensures your apple rings bake evenly and don’t stick during cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour and freshly squeezed apple juice until a smooth batter forms. This mixture will coat the apple rings and bake into a soft, chewy exterior that perfectly contrasts the crisp apple inside.
Step 3: Slice and Core the Apples
Using a sharp knife, slice 3 to 4 green apples into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. Carefully remove the cores with a piping nozzle or the edge of a metallic bottle cap to form perfect apple rings. This step transforms the apples into bite-sized, ready-to-coat pieces.
Step 4: Dip the Apple Rings in Batter
Dip each apple ring into the batter, letting the excess drip off for a few seconds. Don’t worry if some batter drips back into the bowl; this helps keep the coating just right. Place each coated ring onto the prepared baking sheet and use a teaspoon to fill any bare spots with additional batter for an even finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop your apple rings into the oven on the center rack and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for around 20 minutes. Watch as the batter bakes to a gorgeous golden brown color, signaling the perfect chewy texture underneath.
Step 6: Cool and Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
After baking, allow the apple rings to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack for an additional 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the unrefined sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Brush each lukewarm apple ring with melted dairy-free butter before pressing them gently into the cinnamon sugar. This final step gives the rings a satisfyingly crunchy, sweet spice crust that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Serve Chewy Baked Apple Rings with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, dust your apple rings with a pinch of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup. A sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, adds delightful crunch and warmth to each ring. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and add a pop of color.
Side Dishes
These apple rings pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of dairy-free frozen yogurt for a comforting dessert. Serve alongside a warm cup of chai tea or spiced cider to echo the lovely cinnamon notes. For a brunch twist, offer them with a side of creamy yogurt topped with granola and honey.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the apple rings stacked vertically on a pretty platter or skewer them on decorative sticks for a fun finger food option at your next party. You can also sandwich them with a smear of nut butter or cream cheese for a unique snack. Offering a small bowl of caramel sauce for dipping turns these treats into a party favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any extra apple rings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps preserve the chewiness and cinnamon sugar crunch. If you notice any softness, re-crisp them briefly in the oven.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked and cooled apple rings in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven to regain their lovely texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed apple rings in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 5–7 minutes. This gentle reheating revives the chewiness and re-crisps the cinnamon sugar coating. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While green apples offer a nice tartness and firmness, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples. Just keep in mind that softer apples may produce softer rings, so slicing thickness and baking time might need slight adjustments.
Is it necessary to use self-rising flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour but be sure to add baking powder as instructed (about 2 1/2 teaspoons) to provide the right lift and texture. Self-rising flour simplifies the process by combining these for you.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! By using dairy-free butter in the coating step and ensuring any sugar used is vegan-friendly, you can easily keep this recipe plant-based without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How thick should the apple slices be?
About 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick is ideal to ensure the apple rings cook evenly without becoming too mushy or too hard. This thickness helps achieve the perfect balance of chewy batter and tender apple.
What if I don’t have apple juice?
While fresh apple juice adds natural sweetness and flavor, you can substitute other fruit juices or simply use water with a teaspoon of vanilla or apple extract to maintain a mild fruity essence in the batter.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Chewy Baked Apple Rings with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe that makes you want to bake it again and again. It’s a warm, comforting treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a festive dessert, these apple rings bring joy with each bite. So gather your ingredients and bake up a batch to savor the wonderful harmony of apples, cinnamon, and chewy bliss!
PrintChewy Baked Apple Rings with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Chewy oven-baked apple slices wrapped in a delicious batter and coated with a crunchy cinnamon sugar mixture, perfect as a sweet and wholesome snack or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 16 apple rings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 ¼ cup Self-Rising Flour (note 1)
- 1 cup Apple Juice, freshly squeezed
Apple Rings
- 3–4 Green Apples, sliced ¼ inch thick, cored
Coating
- ½ cup Unrefined Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
- ¾ tablespoon Melted Dairy-Free Butter (Unsalted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Make Batter: Whisk together the self-rising flour and freshly squeezed apple juice in a mixing bowl until a smooth batter forms. Set aside while prepping the apples.
- Slice Apples: Using a sharp knife, slice 3 to 4 green apples into approximately ¼ inch thick rounds. Core each slice to create apple rings using a piping nozzle or small metallic bottle cap.
- Dip Apple Rings: Dip each apple ring into the batter, lifting it out to let excess batter drip off. Do not worry if some batter falls off; it’s normal.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the battered apple rings on the prepared baking trays, filling any gaps in the batter on the rings with a teaspoon to ensure an even coating.
- Bake: Bake the apple rings in the center rack of the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color.
- Cool: Allow the baked apple rings to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack for an additional 10 minutes to set.
- Prepare Coating: Mix the unrefined sugar and cinnamon in a shallow plate for coating.
- Coat Apple Rings: Brush the warm apple rings gently with melted dairy-free butter, then press them into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Notes
- Note 1: Self-rising flour can be substituted with 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour plus 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder. For a gluten-free version, replace with appropriate gluten-free flour blend plus baking powder.
- Note 2: Use freshly squeezed apple juice from the fresh juice section for best flavor, but any juice or water with a teaspoon of your preferred extract can be used as an alternative.
