I still remember the first time I made this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake—it was a cozy Sunday afternoon just as the air started turning crisp and fall was settling in. I was craving something warm and comforting that felt festive but wasn’t too fussy. When I found this recipe, it hit all the right notes with those zingy ginger tones waking up the apples’ natural sweetness. From that moment, this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake became my go-to feel-good dessert that makes my kitchen smell like a warm apple orchard right in the middle of winter.
This Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake fits perfectly into my everyday foodie life because it blends simple ingredients with that magical holiday vibe we all love. The balance of fresh apples, warming ginger, and a hint of spice feels like the perfect culinary hug after a long day. What I adore is how it turns an ordinary dessert into something special with such little effort. It’s that kind of recipe that makes everyone ask for seconds, which is the best kind of compliment, don’t you think?
Whether it’s a casual family night or a larger holiday gathering, this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up even on busy days. It’s like having a little holiday magic in your baking pan without all the fuss. If you’re curious to try a warm apple spice bake that’s bursting with flavor but totally doable, this one’s for you. I’m so excited to share this with fellow foodies because it’s one of those recipes that really sticks with you. Trust me, once you make it, you’re going to want to keep this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake in your kitchen rotation all season long!
What’s even better? This Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake reminds me of other festive apple dessert favorites, like the Chai Spice Apple Crisp at Baker by Nature, which is a close cousin in the realm of holiday apple treats. And if you’re digging the idea of warm apple desserts, you’ll love checking out other delightful recipes too. Ready to make this your new seasonal superstar? Let’s get into the details and make magic happen.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the ingredient list for this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake—super straightforward with ingredients you can find at any grocery store. This keeps it friendly on your wallet, too. I always say good food should be simple but packed with flavor.
- 6 cups apples (about 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced) – I like using Gala or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart flavor
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated – you can swap fresh for ½ teaspoon ground ginger if you don’t have fresh on hand
- ¾ cup brown sugar – packed for natural molasses notes
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – classic, warm holiday spice that’s a must
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg – adds that cozy depth
- ¼ teaspoon cloves – tiny bit goes a long way here
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens the apple flavors and keeps them from browning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – helps thicken that juicy filling
- 1 cup rolled oats – for the crumble topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour – combined with oats for the topping
- ½ cup brown sugar – topping sweetness (same packed measurement)
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed – for that perfect crumbly texture
- Pinch of salt – to balance sweetness
Quick prep tip: Peel and slice your apples the night before and toss them in lemon juice. It makes assembly quick and keeps the apples nice and bright.
Out of oats? No problem! You can swap in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake for an added crunch twist.
For storage, keep any leftovers covered and refrigerated. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave and is even tasty cold. This dish usually doesn’t stick around long enough to worry about leftovers, though—friends and family always want more!
Here’s my secret little upgrade that takes this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake from good to “wow.” I add a tablespoon of finely chopped crystallized ginger into the crumble topping for extra zing and festive sparkle. Totally optional, but great if you love ginger’s bite like I do!
Let’s Cook This Together:
Ready to dive in? I promise this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake comes together as easily as it tastes amazing. Start to finish, you’re looking at about 50 minutes, but the aroma of those ginger-spiced apples roasting? So worth every second.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get it nice and ready while you prep.
- Prep the apple filling. In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with the grated ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. That flour helps soak up that juicy goodness so the bake isn’t too runny.
- Make the crumble topping. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cold butter cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks crumbly and pea-sized. This topping bakes up golden and crispy, giving the Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake that irresistible crunch.
- Assemble! Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or similarly sized oven-safe pan. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples in an even layer.
Quick kitchen nugget: While your oven preheats, you can get your serving dishes out and maybe pour yourself something festive to sip. Multitasking win!
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. Your Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake is ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells like a warm apple spice bake dream.
- If your crumble looks slightly soft when you pull it out, don’t worry. It’ll crisp up as it cools. Patience here really pays off!
This is the step where I learned to be patient with my Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake—it makes all the difference in getting that perfect texture contrast.
Pro tip: If you’re short on time, you can prep the crumble topping the night before and keep it in the fridge. Then just toss it on top before baking.
I often serve this alongside drinks like mulled apple cider or a rich cup of coffee. And hey, if you want a great savory pairing, my Turmeric Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup is cozy enough to round out your festive meal!
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake truly shines when you serve it warm, ideally straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. That hot-cold combo is pure happiness in every bite.
It’s perfect for any time when you want something comforting but celebratory—holiday parties, weekend brunches, or an easy dessert after dinner. You could even bring it to potlucks where it’s always gone in a flash.
For a quick presentation idea, sprinkle a little cinnamon or fresh chopped ginger over the top right before serving to give an extra festive look.
If you happen to have leftovers (good luck), try this clever makeover: chop it up and warm in a skillet, then serve over pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast treat the next morning.
I’ve also experimented with seasonal twists by adding dried cranberries to the apple mixture for a pop of color and tartness. It’s been a hit every time with my people.
This Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake reminds me so much of another favorite from the fall-winter dessert world, like the classic Apple Pie on the Rocks by Vegan Yack Attack. If you love this warm apple spice bake, you’ll probably love digging into that recipe next!
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake ahead?
Absolutely! You can slice and toss the apples with the spices the day before and store them covered in the fridge. Also, I often prepare the crumble topping ahead and keep it chilled, which makes assembly a breeze.
What’s a good swap for fresh ginger in this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake?
If you don’t have fresh ginger, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger works nicely. It won’t have exactly the same bright zing but still adds that warm spice note.
Can I make this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake for fewer people?
Definitely! Halve the recipe and bake in a smaller dish, like an 8×8 pan. The baking time might be slightly shorter, so start checking around 30 minutes.
I’m gluten-free; can I still enjoy this?
For sure. Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. It still turns into a beautifully spiced, warm apple spice bake.
Will this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake freeze well?
Yes! You can freeze it baked or unbaked. If baked, wrap well and thaw overnight before reheating. It’s great to have on hand for impromptu festive dessert emergencies.
Can I use other fruits in this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake?
I’ve tried swapping apples for pears, or mixing in some sliced quinces. Both add lovely flavors, but apples remain classic. Another great option is mixing in a cup of diced fresh pumpkin for a fall twist.
What else can I serve this with?
My go-to is always vanilla ice cream, but cream cheese or mascarpone dollops are decadent alternatives. For drink pairings, try chai tea or even hard cider for grown-up gatherings.
If you want more inspiration, I always suggest checking out the Perfect Homemade Autumn Spiced Apple Pie for some extra tips on apple desserts.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake has a special place in my foodie heart because it’s one of those rare recipes that brings joy with its simple ingredients yet packs a flavorful punch. It’s a bit like comfort food with a festive twist. Anytime I make this, it ends up as a crowd-pleaser — no stress, just smiles and seconds.
My Top Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake Tips:
- Always use fresh ginger if you can—it makes the flavor pop.
- Don’t rush the baking time; that golden crumble and tender apples are worth the wait.
- Add a little crystallized ginger to the topping for an extra surprise zing.
For tasty variations, I’ve loved adding dried cranberries, swapping some apples for pears, or sprinkling cardamom along with the cinnamon and nutmeg. The version with crystallized ginger in the topping gets requested the most by my crew!
Most importantly, make this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake your own. Play with spices or switch up the topping to match what you love.
I hope you get that same warm fuzzy feeling I do when you bake and share this. It’s more than just a holiday apple dessert—it’s a little celebration in every bite.
Dive in, friends! You’re going to love this recipe as much as I do. If you want more everyday awesome food, check out my juicy Butternut Squash Apple Coffee Cake or the bright Juicy Pineapple Cake for more sweet inspiration.
Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake
A warm, comforting holiday dessert featuring tender baked apples infused with aromatic ginger and cozy spices, perfect for festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Add brown sugar, grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, melted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped walnuts to the apples. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the apples are tender and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.