Paraben Free Honey-Roasted Apples with Cinnamon and Thyme
Warm, caramelized, and fragrant with fresh thyme, these roasted apples are the kind of simple dessert that feels far more impressive than the effort involved. A quick honey-butter glaze made with just a handful of clean, whole ingredients gets brushed over each apple half before roasting, building into a glossy, golden finish as the pan juices reduce and concentrate. Ceylon cinnamon adds a delicate, almost floral warmth that's noticeably softer than the standard supermarket variety, making every bite feel a little more refined. For anyone navigating preservative sensitivities, this recipe is a natural fit — every ingredient is straightforward and unprocessed, with no hidden additives to second-guess. The optional dollop of fresh ricotta at the end adds a cool, creamy contrast that takes the whole thing from simple to genuinely special. It works beautifully as a dessert, a cozy weekend brunch side, or even a light finish to a weeknight dinner.
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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.
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