Baked apples are a classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy fall day! This recipe is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is naturally sweet and delicious. Plus, it's a healthier alternative to traditional apple desserts, packed with fiber and antioxidants.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious dessert ready in no time.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, these baked apples are a guilt-free treat.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings to suit your taste.
- Check out these Applesauce Muffins for another delicious treat!
Ingredients & Substitutes
Theser are the ingredients and substitutions for these baked apples. Please scroll down to the bottom for the entire recipe!
We like using Granny Smith or Honey crisp apples. They both hold their shape well when baked.
Rolled oats add a delicious texture to the topping. If needed, use certified gluten free oats.
Unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness.
Chopped nuts add a great crunchy texture. We love walnuts and pecans.
Raisins or dried cranberries add a slight sweetness. Look for brands with no added sugar.
Cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm and cozy flavor.
Use unsweetened milk. Feel free to use regular or dairy free.
Vanilla extract provides a homemade taste.
Lastly, top with extra cinnamon or vanilla ice cream if desired!
Taste & Texture
The crunchy oat topping and the sweet and tangy filling complement the soft, tender apples.
The warm spices add a comforting touch, making these baked apples a truly delightful dessert.
How to Make
Step 1
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2
Prepare the Apples: Core the apples, making sure to leave the bottom intact to hold the filling. You can use a small knife or an apple corer for this. Place the apples in a baking dish.
Step 3
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, applesauce, chopped nuts, raisins, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), almond milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4
Stuff the Apples: Spoon the oat mixture generously into each cored apple, packing it down slightly to fit.
Step 5
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the topping to crisp up.
Step 6
Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally sprinkled with additional cinnamon.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips and tricks to make the best baked apples.
Choose the Right Apples: Select firm, ripe apples that will hold their shape during baking. We highly recommend honey crisp or Granny Smith apples.
Core Carefully: Use a melon baller or apple corer to remove the core without damaging the apple's shape. Remember, they do not have to be perfect!
Add a Touch of Spice: For a more intense flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg. We also love a little touch of pumpkin pie spice.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Here are some fun ways to mix up the flavors of your baked apples.
Chocolate Lovers: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
Cranberry Crunch: Top with a sprinkle of chopped cranberries for a tart and tangy twist.
Maple Pecan: Drizzle with maple syrup and top with chopped pecans for a decadent treat.
How to Serve & Store
Serve these baked apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Leftover baked apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Rolled oats are recommended for the best texture, but you can use instant oats if necessary. The texture may be slightly different.
It's best to enjoy baked apples fresh or refrigerated for a few days. Freezing might alter their texture.
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed apples ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
Equipment Needed
USA Pan 3 Piece Cookie Sheet Set: We love these baking pans for this baked apple recipe.
Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Sheets: Line the pan with a parchment paper sheet for easy clean-up and removal.
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You May Also Enjoy
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
- Healthy Pumpkin Bread
- Cinnamon Apple Pancakes
- Pumpkin Mug Cake
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
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Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup chopped nuts
- ¼ cup raisins (or dried cranberries)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Apples: Core the apples, making sure to leave the bottom intact to hold the filling. You can use a small knife or an apple corer for this. Place the apples in a baking dish.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, applesauce, chopped nuts, raisins, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), almond milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Stuff the Apples: Spoon the oat mixture generously into each cored apple, packing it down slightly to fit.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the topping to crisp up.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally sprinkled with additional cinnamon.
Notes
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn.
- Swap out nuts for seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower seeds) for a nut-free version.
- Add a splash of maple syrup or honey for additional sweetness, if desired, while keeping it refined sugar-free.
- Baked stuffed apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
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Nutrition Facts
Nutrition FactsBaked ApplesAmount Per ServingCalories 133 Calories from Fat 27% Daily Value*Fat 3g5%Saturated Fat 0.4g3%Polyunsaturated Fat 2gMonounsaturated Fat 1gSodium 13mg1%Potassium 201mg6%Carbohydrates 26g9%Fiber 4g17%Sugar 11g12%Protein 2g4%Vitamin A 55IU1%Vitamin C 5mg6%Calcium 28mg3%Iron 1mg6%* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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