Baked Apples with Cherries
Growing up, baked apples were often a treat in my family. They filled the house with warmth and a sweet aroma that made everyone gather around the table. Since changing my diet to support my autoimmune wellness, I’ve had to rethink many of those cozy desserts. This version of Baked Apples with Cherries keeps all the comfort but stays dairy free, refined sugar free, and gentle on digestion. It’s simple, beautiful, and one of those recipes that makes you feel cared for with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Apples with Cherries Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s quick to prepare and doesn’t need fancy ingredients. The apples become tender and caramelized, the cherries add a burst of natural sweetness, and the cinnamon ties everything together. It looks impressive on a platter but takes only a few minutes to put together. Plus, it’s naturally dairy free and refined sugar free, making it a guilt-free option for gatherings or weeknight desserts.
Health Benefits of Baked Apples with Cherries
This Baked Apples with Cherries recipe isn’t just tasty, it’s nourishing. Apples are packed with fiber, which supports digestion and helps balance blood sugar. Cherries contain antioxidants that calm inflammation and support immune health. Cinnamon has been studied for its ability to support healthy blood sugar levels and add warmth to the body. Choosing maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar makes the dessert easier on digestion and thyroid health. This dessert is a way to indulge while staying aligned with an autoimmune-friendly lifestyle.
Ingredients and Nutrient Highlights
The star here is the apple. When baked, apples soften and release natural sugars, creating a caramel-like flavor. Cherries add vitamin C, potassium, and polyphenols that protect cells. Cinnamon brings anti-inflammatory properties along with that familiar spice. Using maple syrup instead of refined sugar ensures minerals like manganese and zinc are part of the sweetness. Coconut cream on top adds healthy fats that keep you satisfied longer. Each ingredient in this Baked Apples with Cherries recipe contributes to nourishment, not just taste.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Apples with Cherries
This dish is lovely on its own, but it can also be paired with a spoonful of coconut yogurt or coconut whipped cream for extra creaminess. You can serve it warm as a dessert after dinner, or even as a comforting breakfast with a sprinkle of tigernut flour or shredded coconut. Plating the baked apples in a gold or ceramic dish makes them look festive for holidays and gatherings.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store your Baked Apples with Cherries in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them gently in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through. They taste just as good the next day, sometimes even better as the flavors deepen.
Optional Add-ins or Variations
You can drizzle a little extra maple syrup before baking if you want them sweeter. A pinch of ginger or cloves can add a deeper spiced flavor. For more texture, sprinkle shredded coconut or crushed tigernut cookies on top. If cherries aren’t available, try cranberries or raisins for a similar effect. The base recipe is versatile, so you can adapt it to what you have at home.
Allergen Notes
This recipe is naturally dairy free, egg free, gluten free, and refined sugar free. It follows the AIP guidelines, so it’s safe for people with autoimmune conditions in the elimination phase. It also works for anyone looking for a gentle and healthy dessert without common allergens.
Nutritional Information for Baked Apples with Cherries
Each serving of Baked Apples with Cherries (half an apple with toppings) contains about 90–110 calories depending on the sweetener used. You get 2–3 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and a mix of antioxidants and minerals from the fruit and spices. The coconut cream topping adds healthy fats that help with satiety.
Nutrition per serving (1 half apple with cherry + topping):
-
Calories: ~95
-
Carbohydrates: 22 g
-
Fiber: 2 g
-
Natural Sugars: ~17 g
-
Protein: 0.5 g
-
Fat: 2 g
-
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
-
Sodium: 5 mg
-
Potassium: 210 mg
-
Vitamin C: 6% DV
-
Calcium: 2% DV
-
Iron: 2% DV
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels indulgent but is actually good for your body, these Baked Apples with Cherries are the answer. Try them for your next family dinner or make a batch for yourself when you need something sweet and comforting.
Let me know in the comments how you served them, and don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more AIP-friendly recipes.
You might also like other AIP desserts, free of gluten, eggs, dairy:
Want updates when I publish new blogs or recipes?
Baked Apples with Cherries
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash apples and cut them in half. Remove the cores to make a small cavity.
- Place apples cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Brush with avocado oil or melted ghee.
- Add 2 cherries in the center of each apple half.
- Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon and coconut sugar (or drizzle with maple syrup).
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 - 60 minutes, until apples are tender but not mushy.
- Remove foil, bake another 5 minutes to let the tops caramelize.
Video
Notes
- These Baked Apples with Cherries are naturally dairy free, gluten free, egg free, and refined sugar free.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Serve with coconut cream or coconut yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Optional variations: add a pinch of ginger or cloves for more spice, or swap cherries with cranberries if desired.
- Perfect as a simple AIP dessert, a holiday platter centerpiece, or even a warm breakfast treat.
