Black Pepper Free Honey-Roasted Apples with Cinnamon and Thyme
Warm, caramelized, and fragrant with cinnamon and fresh thyme, these roasted apples are the kind of simple dessert that feels far more impressive than the effort involved. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are ideal here — their natural sweetness deepens beautifully in the oven as the honey-butter glaze pools into the cored cavities and turns golden at the edges. Ceylon cinnamon brings a delicate, floral warmth that's noticeably softer than the more common cassia variety, making it a lovely choice when you want spice without any sharpness. The fresh thyme tucked alongside each apple half adds a subtle herbal note that keeps the whole dish from tipping into cloying sweetness. A spoonful of fresh ricotta alongside the warm apples is optional but genuinely wonderful — creamy and cool against the sticky, caramelized fruit. This is the kind of recipe that works as a weeknight dessert, a brunch side, or even a cozy topping for oatmeal the next morning.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 medium apples (such as honeycrisp or fuji), halved and cored
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp water
For serving
- fresh ricotta, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the apple halves cut-side up in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 2
Combine the honey, butter, Ceylon cinnamon, salt, and water in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!