Sliced Baked Apples
I tend to have an apple or two left at the end of the week, and while my kids don’t always love to eat them fresh, they do love them turned into sliced baked apples! This super simple method transforms apples into sweet slices of goodness without any need for extra sugar or fancy ingredients. The slices of these simple baked apples are tender and soft, so they’re a perfect texture for babies starting solids as a baby led weaning food, toddlers, or even us parents. We love them as a snack cold out of the fridge, warmed slightly, served with oatmeal or yogurt, or as a side with dinners like roasted chicken and pork chops. Plus? They require only three basic ingredients. Learn how to make the yummiest apples for BLW or any age, really, with this easy method. (You may also like Apples for Babies, Baked Pears, 2-Ingredient Baby Pancakes, and more favorite baby-led weaning recipes.)
Ingredients You Need
To make this sliced baked apples recipe you’ll need to have the following ingredients on hand and ready to go. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Fresh apples: For roasting apples, I usually go with Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Jonagold, and Jonathan, but you can use any apple you have. Some softer varieties, like Gala and Golden Delicious, may cook slightly faster and be a little softer in the end. (You can also make this with frozen apples.) Coconut oil or butter: You can use whichever one you prefer. I use unsalted butter if going with butter. Cinnamon: This adds a hit of nice extra flavor and goes so well with the apples.
TIP: To make this recipe dairy-free, use the coconut oil option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the simple process involved in making this recipe as baby-led weaning apples or for older kids. Scroll down to the end of the post for the specifics. TIP: You can also dice the apples before roasting if you prefer to have smaller pieces of apples.
Serving Suggestions
We like these baby led weaning apples cold straight out of the fridge as a snack, warmed with Oatmeal with Fruit, over Apple Pancakes or yogurt for babies, or served alongside roasted chicken or Baked Chicken Tenders or pork chops. This sliced baked apples recipe also works as dessert over bowls of vanilla ice cream, apple pie, or even plain yogurt.
Apples for Baby-Led Weaning
These tender slices of apples are perfect as a baby-led weaning food for starting solids. They are large enough for a baby to easily hold, soft for sucking on, and easy to make ahead. TIP: Be sure to let the slices cool before serving to a baby or toddler. Bite into one yourself to make sure that the inside is totally cooled.
How to Freeze Sliced Baked Apples
You can freeze apples to use later by simply allowing them to cool, then placing into a zip-top freezer bag. Press the apples flat into one even layer and freeze flat to avoid the apples freezing together in a large clump. Then, when you want to serve up a few, simply break them off and thaw at room temperature, in the fridge, or quickly in the microwave. TIP: You can also add frozen slices directly to toddler smoothies.
How to Store
Store leftover baked apple slices, once cooled, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Serve cold or warmed. To freeze, let apples cool completely and store in a single layer in a zip-top freezer bag in the freezer for up 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature.
Best Tips for Success
You can add frozen baked apples directly to an Apple Smoothie. Serve warm apples over yogurt, Baby Oatmeal, Apple Raisin Oatmeal, or Baby Pancakes. Serve alongside savory dinners such as roasted chicken, turkey, or pork chops. Use Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Fuji, or any other slightly firm apple you like. Add ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger or Chinese five spice powder for additional flavor. Find more baby-led weaning breakfast foods, too.
I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe, so please comment below to share!
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This post was first published November 2018.
