Apple Pie Baked Beans Made Easy with Simple Ingredients

Last updated on April 19th, 2025

Have you ever wondered what happens when two beloved comfort foods collide? That’s exactly what I discovered when I first created these Apple Pie Baked Beans five years ago during a fall potluck experiment gone wonderfully right. The warm cinnamon and sweet apples transform ordinary baked beans into something extraordinary – a dish that bridges the gap between sweet and savory in the most delicious way. Furthermore, this unexpected combination has become my most requested side dish for everything from summer barbecues to Thanksgiving dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to fall head over heels for these Apple Pie Baked Beans for so many reasons. In fact, this recipe has converted even the most skeptical dinner guests at my table.

• Ready in just about an hour with mostly hands-off cooking time
• Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that complement virtually any main dish
• Makes incredible leftovers that actually taste better the next day
• Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have on hand

I first brought these beans to my sister’s backyard gathering where they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Subsequently, I’ve refined the recipe to perfection, finding exactly the right balance of spices and sweetness.

Pure Comfort

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of these beans as they bake. The scent of cinnamon, apples, and maple syrup wafting through the kitchen instantly creates a sense of warmth and home. This dish bridges seasons beautifully – it’s hearty enough for winter gatherings but also fits perfectly alongside summer grilled favorites.

The familiar flavors of apple pie spices combined with the heartiness of beans creates a dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting. In addition, the slow baking process allows all these wonderful flavors to meld together into something greater than the sum of its parts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather everything we need to make these incredible Apple Pie Baked Beans. One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity – most ingredients are likely already in your pantry.

• 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup (the real stuff makes a big difference)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For those watching sugar intake, you can reduce the brown sugar by half and still achieve amazing flavor. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a deeper flavor profile, a tablespoon of bourbon adds wonderful complexity (the alcohol cooks off completely).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

Let’s get started on these delicious beans! First, I’ll walk you through the simple preparation steps.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Drain and rinse your canned beans thoroughly under cool water to remove excess sodium.
3. Peel, core, and dice your apples into small 1/2-inch cubes – the uniform size ensures even cooking.
4. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the butter and stir gently to avoid crushing the beans.

Cooking Method

Now let’s get these beans baking to perfection!

1. Transfer the bean mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Dot the top with small pieces of butter – this creates a delicious richness as it melts into the Apple Pie Baked Beans.
3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help the flavors meld.
4. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes.
5. Stir once halfway through the uncovered baking time to ensure even cooking and browning.

[IMAGE 3: Process/Steps Image]

How to Know When It’s Done

Your Apple Pie Baked Beans are done when the liquid has reduced and thickened slightly, coating the beans in a glossy sauce. The apples should be tender but not mushy, and the top will have a beautiful caramelized appearance. If you see gentle bubbling around the edges, that’s another good indicator of doneness.

Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, let the beans rest for about 5 minutes before serving – this allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle. For an extra special presentation, you can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few thin apple slices, or even a small drizzle of maple syrup. Subsequently, transfer to your serving dish and watch them disappear!

Tips for Perfect Results

• Always use firm apples that hold their shape when baked – mushy apples will disappear into the sauce.
• Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar! The small touch of acidity balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
• If the beans look too dry during baking, add 2-3 tablespoons of apple juice or water.

Variations to Try

Want to customize your Apple Pie Baked Beans? Here are a couple of delicious variations to consider:

• Maple-Bourbon Upgrade: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon and use maple sugar instead of brown sugar for an elevated flavor profile.
• Savory-Forward Version: Reduce the sweeteners by half and add 1/4 cup diced onion and 1 tablespoon of mustard for a more traditional baked bean base with apple accents.

FAQ Apple Pie Baked Beans

Time to Get Cooking!

Now that you know all the secrets to making these incredible Apple Pie Baked Beans, it’s time to head to the kitchen and create this crowd-pleasing dish yourself! Furthermore, I’d love to hear how your beans turn out – be sure to leave a comment below with your experience or any questions.

If you enjoy the sweet-savory combination in this recipe, you might also love my Boneless beef ribs recipe or Chinese Squash Recipes Kabocha Vegan – both perfect companions to these beans for a complete autumn feast!