Indulge in Nostalgia: The Ultimate Copycat Boston Market Cinnamon Apples Recipe
There’s something truly magical about recreating beloved restaurant classics in the comfort of your own kitchen. For many, the mere mention of Boston Market conjures images of their iconic rotisserie chicken and, for a cherished few, their famously delicious Cinnamon Apples. If you, like us, have longed for that sweet, warm, spiced apple side dish since its discontinuation in 2018, your search ends here. This Copycat Boston Market Cinnamon Apples recipe is designed to bring that delightful flavor experience right back to your table. Prepare for a treat that will have everyone exclaiming, “Yum, yum, and more yum!”
Recreating the Magic: Our Boston Market Cinnamon Apples Journey
For those of us living in areas where Boston Market locations have become scarce, the craving for their distinctive dishes only grows stronger. This has led me on a culinary quest to develop homemade versions of their most memorable offerings, and this Copycat Boston Market Cinnamon Apples recipe is truly a triumph. It’s my first foray into replicating their menu, but it certainly won’t be my last!
The harmonious blend of sweet apples and fragrant cinnamon creates a warmth that is both comforting and incredibly delicious. This dish shines whether served warm straight from the oven or enjoyed chilled the next day. I’ve been known to hide a container in the back of the fridge, hoping to savor the last spoonful, only to find my stealthy efforts thwarted by someone else in the family! It’s that good. Given its universal appeal, these homemade Boston Market Cinnamon Apples are quickly becoming my go-to dish for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday feasts. Imagine the delight of serving these at Thanksgiving this year – a warm, amazing, and effortlessly impressive side or dessert.
When Boston Market made the regrettable decision to discontinue their cinnamon apples several years ago, a collective sigh of disappointment echoed through many households. It’s truly fascinating how certain foods create such strong emotional connections and can even spark minor outrage when they disappear from menus. Food, after all, has a unique power to bring us together, evoking memories and shared experiences. This recipe is our way of ensuring those cherished flavors live on.
Apples: A Taste of Home and Heritage
Growing up in Washington State, apples were more than just a fruit; they were a significant part of our culture and our holiday traditions. Known proudly as “the Apple State,” Washington instilled in us a deep appreciation for this versatile produce. At every festive gathering, you could count on seeing a variety of delicious apple side dishes gracing the table. Our family has always loved highlighting our state’s favorite harvest in creative ways.
These homemade cinnamon apples offer a fantastic alternative for guests who appreciate the warm, baked apple flavor but might not be keen on the traditional pie crust. It’s a simple yet elegant treat that caters to diverse palates, providing all the comforting essence of a classic apple dessert without the added fuss.
Crafting Your Own Copycat Boston Market Cinnamon Apples
Making this beloved dish at home is surprisingly straightforward, requiring only a few common ingredients and minimal effort. The result is a comforting, aromatic bowl of tender apples bathed in a sweet, spiced glaze that perfectly mimics the original. Let’s gather what you’ll need and walk through the simple steps to create this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients for Irresistible Cinnamon Apples
- Granny Smith apples
- Water
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Unsalted butter
- Light brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Kosher salt
- Optional: A pinch of ground nutmeg for added depth.
Choosing the Best Apples
While we primarily recommend Granny Smith apples for this recipe, the best apple is truly the one you have on hand and enjoy most. Granny Smiths are fantastic because their tartness provides a wonderful balance to the sweetness of the brown sugar, and their firm texture holds up beautifully during baking, preventing them from turning into mush. However, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties that are good for baking, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala, if you prefer a sweeter profile or a slightly softer finish.
When preparing your apples, you have the flexibility to cut them into either wedges or slices. Thicker wedges tend to retain more of their structural integrity and offer a satisfying bite, while thinner slices cook more quickly and absorb the spiced sauce more thoroughly. Whichever you choose, aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Essential Equipment for Success
Having the right tools can make the cooking process even smoother. Here’s a list of recommended equipment:
- Apple Corer (Makes prepping apples a breeze!)
- Non-Stick Skillet (For melting butter and mixing the sauce, though a medium saucepan works too)
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Small bowl (For whisking the sauce ingredients)
- An 8×8 baking dish or similar-sized oven-safe dish
- Aluminum foil
- Serving Dish
Simple Steps to Deliciousness
This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor. Follow these straightforward instructions to create your own batch of Copycat Boston Market Cinnamon Apples:
Copy Cat Boston Market Cinnamon Apples
Learn how to make authentic Boston Market Cinnamon Apples at home with this incredible copycat recipe. Perfect as a side, dessert, or sweet breakfast topping!
Servings: 4
Calories: 217 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
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Ingredients
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 16 slices
- ¾ cup Water
- 1 Tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter, melted
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- Optional: A pinch of ground nutmeg (add with cinnamon)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as the apples go in.
- Gently arrange the prepared apple slices in a single layer (or as close to it as possible) in an 8×8 inch baking dish. This allows for even cooking and absorption of the flavorful sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the water, all-purpose flour, and cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This creates a thickening base for your sauce.
- Into the flour mixture, stir in the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Continue stirring until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved, forming a smooth, aromatic sauce. If using, now is the time to add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the spice profile.
- Pour the spiced liquid evenly over the apple slices in the baking dish, ensuring all the apples are coated. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam, helping the apples soften beautifully while preventing them from drying out.
- Bake for 40 minutes. During this time, the apples will soften and absorb the delicious flavors.
- For optimal results and to ensure the apples cook evenly and are thoroughly coated in the sauce, stir the apples gently every 10-15 minutes throughout the baking process.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
Kitchen Tools
- 8×8 Baking Pan
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 27
Recipe Tips and Serving Suggestions
Once your Copycat Boston Market Cinnamon Apples are ready, the possibilities are endless! They taste amazing served warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. They also make an incredibly comforting topping for a bowl of warm oatmeal, adding a burst of flavor and natural sweetness to your breakfast. Consider serving them with pancakes or waffles for an elevated brunch experience, or even as a unique side dish to roasted pork or chicken.
Storage: Any leftover cinnamon apples should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They typically keep well for 3-4 days, maintaining their delightful flavor and texture. They can be enjoyed cold, or gently reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information: Please note that the nutritional information provided, including calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins, is an estimate. It will vary depending on the specific brands and precise quantities of ingredients used. This guide is intended to provide a general understanding of the dish’s nutritional content.
Explore More Favorite Copycat Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed recreating these Boston Market Cinnamon Apples, you’ll love diving into more of our popular copycat recipes. Bringing restaurant favorites home allows you to enjoy them anytime, often saving money and giving you control over the ingredients. Don’t miss these other fantastic recreations:
- Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane Cocktail
- Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
- Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce
- Chick-Fil-A Sauce Recipe
- Olive Garden Minestrone Soup (Crock Pot Version)
Are you a passionate home cook always on the lookout for new culinary inspirations? Be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, mouth-watering dessert recipes, and incredibly convenient Crock Pot recipes. There’s something for every meal and every occasion!
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Recipe originally shared on August 23, 2013. Updated December 2020 for improved clarity and additional details.