Baked apples with oats are a warm and comforting treat, perfect for the colder months or any time you’re craving a healthy yet indulgent dessert. The natural sweetness of the apples combines beautifully with a spiced oat filling, creating a delicious balance of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a hearty breakfast, this recipe is a simple, wholesome option that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 4 large apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
- 2 tbsp raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
For the topping:
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Paring knife
- Spoon or melon baller (for coring)
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil (optional for covering)
Instructions
- Prepare the apples:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core the apples using a melon baller or small spoon, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling. Place the cored apples in a lightly greased baking dish. - Make the filling:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and chopped nuts (if using). Stir in the raisins or dried cranberries if you like a touch of sweetness. Add the butter and toss the mixture until it’s evenly combined. - Stuff the apples:
Spoon the oat mixture into the center of each apple, pressing gently to pack it in. If you like a little extra sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top of each stuffed apple. - Bake the apples:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown. - Serve:
Let the baked apples cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Tips
- Apple selection: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best, as they hold their shape when baked.
- Make ahead: Assemble the apples and refrigerate them, then bake when ready to serve.
- Gluten-free: For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats in the filling.
- Flavor variations: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ginger for a different flavor twist.
Baked apples with oats are the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent, making them a great choice for a comforting dessert or a nutritious breakfast. With their warm, spiced filling and tender apple base, they’re sure to become a favorite in your fall and winter recipe rotation. Enjoy the cozy flavors of this simple yet satisfying treat!
Baked Apples with Oats Recipe
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Paring knife
- Spoon or melon baller (for coring)
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil (optional for covering)
Ingredients
- For the filling:
- 4 large apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts optional, such as walnuts or pecans
- 2 tbsp raisins or dried cranberries optional
- For the topping:
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup optional, for extra sweetness
Instructions
- Prepare the apples:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core the apples using a melon baller or small spoon, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling. Place the cored apples in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Make the filling:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and chopped nuts (if using). Stir in the raisins or dried cranberries if you like a touch of sweetness. Add the butter and toss the mixture until it’s evenly combined.
- Stuff the apples:
- Spoon the oat mixture into the center of each apple, pressing gently to pack it in. If you like a little extra sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top of each stuffed apple.
- Bake the apples:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the baked apples cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
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