Delicious Cinnamon Baked Apples

Butter: 1 teaspoon (to grease the baking dish)
Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor)
Vanilla Sugar: 3 teaspoons (adds a rich vanilla aroma)
Ground Cinnamon: 3 teaspoons (for a warm, spicy flavor)
Ground Nutmeg: 1 teaspoon (complements the cinnamon with a sweet, nutty taste)
Apples: 6 large, peeled, cored, and sliced (choose a variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best baking results)
Water: 3½ tablespoons (helps to create a delicious syrup and prevent the apples from drying out)

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Use the teaspoon of butter to thoroughly grease a large baking dish. This prevents the apples from sticking and adds a slight buttery flavor to the dish.

Step 2: Layering the Apples and Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, vanilla sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will infuse the apples with a sweet and aromatic flavor.
Begin to layer the sliced apples in the greased baking dish. After placing about one-third of the apples, evenly sprinkle one-third of the sugar mixture over them.
Repeat this process two more times, layering and sprinkling, until all the apples and sugar mixture are used. This layering technique allows each slice of apple to be beautifully coated with the spice mixture.

Step 3: Baking

Bake the layered apples in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and evenly pour the water over the apples. The water will mix with the melted sugar and spices to create a lightly syrupy sauce as it continues to bake.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Per Serving: 147 calories; 0.6g protein; 37g carbohydrates; 1.2g fat; 1.8mg cholesterol; 8.7mg sodium.

Choosing Apples: Select firm apples that hold up well to baking. Avoid overly ripe apples, as they can turn mushy.
Serving Suggestions: Serve warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are delicious either cold or reheated.

Enjoy your delicious cinnamon baked apples, a simple yet delightful treat perfect for any occasion!