If there’s one cozy treat that captures autumn in every delicious bite, it’s this Baked Apples Recipe. With tender apples stuffed to the brim with a warm, spiced oat and nut mixture, each spoonful is a comforting blend of sweet, soft, and just a little crunchy. The intoxicating aroma of baking apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar will have everyone in your home impatient for dessert. This is the Baked Apples Recipe you’ll want in your fall and winter rotation—a showstopper that’s secretly so simple to make, but tastes like a labor of love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Apples Recipe is in its simplicity. Just a handful of staple ingredients magically transform into a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Each ingredient brings something special, from the tart, juicy apples to the cozy sweetness of brown sugar and the irresistible crunch of pecans or walnuts.

Apples (4 medium, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Choose firm, tart apples to hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Gives a rich caramel-molasses sweetness that melts perfectly into the filling.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/4 cup): Lend a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to every bite.
Old-fashioned rolled oats (1/4 cup): These create a lovely, hearty texture in the filling—never mushy.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds irresistible warmth and spice that defines a classic baked apple.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Offers subtle, fragrant spice that deepens the fall flavor.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, cut into pieces): Ensures a rich, silky filling and helps the apples bake up moist and luscious.
Apple cider or water (1/2 cup): The liquid steams the apples, keeping them juicy and infusing extra apple flavor if you use cider.
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving, optional): Melts gorgeously into warm apples, creating an epic finale!

How to Make Baked Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash your apples and carefully core each one with an apple corer or a paring knife, making sure to leave the bottom intact—that way, all the sweet, spiced filling stays tucked inside and doesn’t escape during baking. Think of each apple as its own edible bowl!

Step 2: Make the Filling

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the brown sugar, chopped nuts, rolled oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix these together so you have a fragrant filling that looks textured and inviting. This simple mixture is the secret weapon of this Baked Apples Recipe, infusing every bite with warmth and crunch.

Step 3: Stuff the Apples

Spoon the oat-nut mixture firmly into each apple cavity, packing it full so you get plenty of flavor in every scoop. Top each stuffed apple with a few pieces of butter for richness—don’t be shy, this is what makes the filling taste so decadent and gooey!

Step 4: Set Up for Baking

Arrange the apples upright in a baking dish. Pour the apple cider or water into the dish around the apples; this helps the apples steam and stay moist, plus it creates an incredible syrup at the bottom for drizzling later on. Cover the pan with foil for the first part of baking to gently cook the apples through.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil for the final 15 to 20 minutes of baking. This last stretch lets the apples brown and the filling turn golden and slightly crisp. When the apples are fork-tender and bubbling with spiced syrup, they’re ready. Let them cool just a little so the juices thicken—then enjoy!

How to Serve Baked Apples Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, crown each warm baked apple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous swirl of whipped cream. A handful of toasted nuts or a drizzle of the pan juices over the top is pure magic. A light sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar can make them look bakery-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

While this Baked Apples Recipe can stand tall as a solo treat, it also pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of spiced chai or a little plate of sharp cheddar for delightful contrast. For a brunch twist, serve alongside pancakes or French toast—instant crowd-pleaser!

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve these baked apples right in their baking dish for a rustic feel, or plate each one individually with a pool of the spiced syrup and a little greenery for color. For parties, try slicing the baked apples in half and arrange with mini spoons for shareable, elegant bites. These look stunning on a big wooden board alongside seasonal fruits or cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the apples to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen the next day, making them an irresistible treat to revisit!

Freezing

Want to enjoy the magic of this Baked Apples Recipe later? Once cooled, wrap each apple tightly in foil and freeze in a freezer-safe container. They can keep well for up to a month. Just know that the texture may be a bit softer after reheating, but it’s still totally delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the apples (thawed if frozen) in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. For a quick fix, you can also microwave an apple for 1 to 2 minutes—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple in the Baked Apples Recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites because they hold their shape well and offer nice flavor, you can use Fuji, Jonagold, or Braeburn apples, too. Just pick apples that are firm and not overly sweet for the best result.

Do I have to use nuts in the filling?

Nope! If you’re avoiding nuts due to allergies or preference, simply leave them out or try pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. You can also stir in a handful of dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a pop of sweetness.

What can I use if I don’t have apple cider on hand?

Water works just fine in this Baked Apples Recipe. Or, you can use unsweetened apple juice, orange juice, or even a splash of maple syrup mixed with water for an extra burst of flavor.

Can I make the Baked Apples Recipe vegan?

Definitely! Just swap out the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter. Make sure your toppings (like ice cream or whipped cream) are plant-based for a fully vegan treat.

Is there a way to make these ahead for a party?

Yes! You can prep and stuff the apples the day before, then cover and refrigerate. Bake them just before serving so they’re warm and extra aromatic, and your kitchen will smell irresistible when guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Apples Recipe is pure comfort, guaranteed to bring warmth and joy any time you crave a classic, old-fashioned dessert. Whether you make it for a slow weekend dinner or a festive celebration, don’t be surprised if it becomes an instant family tradition. Go on, gather your apples and give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!

Baked Apples Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of these delicious Baked Apples filled with a sweet and nutty mixture, perfect for a cozy fall dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
1/2 cup apple cider or water
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Apples: Core each apple, leaving the bottom intact. Combine brown sugar, nuts, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stuff apples with mixture and top with butter.
Bake: Place apples in a baking dish, pour cider/water in dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until tender and golden.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with optional ice cream or whipped cream.