Apples and peanut butter are a timeless pairing—comforting, simple, and satisfying. This recipe transforms that familiar bite into an indulgent, yet easy-to-make warm dessert: roasted apples finished with a cinnamon peanut butter sauce that tastes like apple pie in spoonable form.
My household goes through apples quickly. We usually buy a large bag at the store and they disappear faster than I expect. While some of us love crisp raw apples, I prefer them cooked: the flesh and skin soften, the flavors concentrate, and they become gentle on teeth and easier to enjoy.
The idea for this upgrade came from a friend who suggested roasting the apples and pairing them with a creamy peanut butter sauce. Roasting the apple slices with a touch of butter and brown sugar brings out their natural sweetness and adds caramelized notes. The sauce—made by melting peanut butter and whisking in cinnamon, brown sugar, and a splash of milk—adds warmth, sweetness, and a silky texture that complements the tender apples.
This dessert hits familiar flavor notes: cinnamon, caramel, and roasted apple mingle with the nutty richness of peanut butter. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and works well as a healthy-ish snack or a light, comforting dessert after dinner.
For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples—Granny Smith plus one or two sweeter varieties creates balance. Slice the apples about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick so they roast through but still hold their shape. Toss them in melted butter and brown sugar before baking; this creates little caramelized morsels that taste just like apple pie but are faster and lighter to serve.
The peanut butter sauce is effortless: warm peanut butter in a small skillet over low heat until smooth, whisk in cinnamon and brown sugar, remove from heat, add milk and whisk until the sauce becomes glossy and pourable. It takes only a minute or two and yields a sauce that’s rich in flavor without being heavy.
Serve the warm roasted apples with the sauce either drizzled on top for a pretty presentation or spooned into a bowl for dipping. Both approaches work—drizzling makes for nicer photos and plating, while a dip-style setup is fun and casual for sharing.
This is a super-simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s great for weeknights or weekend treats. It’s also gluten-free as written, and easily adaptable: swap in almond butter for a different nut flavor, use dairy-free milk to make it vegan, or sprinkle with chopped nuts for added texture.
Roasted Apples with Cinnamon Peanut Butter Sauce
- Author: Annie Chesson
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 3-4 servings
Ingredients
- For the apples:
- 3 apples (use a mix; at least 2 should be Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- For the sauce:
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 2 3/4 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2/3 cup 2% milk (or dairy-free alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Core the apples and slice them into 1/4–1/2 inch thick pieces.
- Arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
- Melt the butter and pour it over the apples, then sprinkle with brown sugar and toss until well coated.
- Bake for 10 minutes, remove and turn the apples, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- While the apples bake, make the sauce: place peanut butter in a small skillet over low heat and whisk until smooth and warm.
- Whisk in the cinnamon and brown sugar. Remove from heat and stir in the milk, whisking until the sauce is glossy and combined (about 30 seconds).
- Serve the roasted apples warm with the cinnamon peanut butter sauce either drizzled over the top or served alongside as a dip.
*This recipe is gluten free*
If you enjoy quick, wholesome desserts with bold flavor, this roasted apple and cinnamon peanut butter sauce combination is an easy recipe to keep in your repertoire. It’s ideal for fall and winter, but delicious any time you crave something warm, comforting, and fruit-forward. Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat, or enjoy it as a lighter snack straight from the pan.