There’s something truly magical about pulling a dish of warm Baked Apples from the oven. Each apple transforms into a soft, honey-sweet vessel bursting with cozy spices, crunchy nuts, and gooey oats. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet craving with a healthier spin or want to impress guests with a simple-yet-elegant dessert, these Baked Apples promise nostalgia, comfort, and downright deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just a handful of familiar pantry staples and fresh fruit, each adding its own character to this timeless treat. Every ingredient plays a role, from the apples’ tender flesh to the buttery, spiced filling that bubbles up as it bakes.
- Baking Apples: Choose sturdy varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji; they hold their shape and balance both tart and sweet flavors beautifully.
- Packed Light Brown Sugar: Adds rich, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes as the apples bake.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Deliver a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty depth.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Give the filling a heartiness and help soak up all the wonderful juices.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Melts into the filling, bringing moisture and irresistible richness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that quintessential cozy warmth and aroma!
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings an earthy, spicy undertone that compliments everything else.
- Raisins or Dried Cranberries (optional): For little chewy pockets of sweetness and bright color.
- Apple Cider or Water: Keeps things moist as the apples bake, making the insides extra juicy.
How to Make Baked Apples
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish so nothing sticks. Then, core each apple carefully—leaving about half an inch at the base so you create a well for all that tasty filling. This step helps each apple become its own sweet bowl, ready to be stuffed with goodness!
Step 2: Make the Sweet-Nutty Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped nuts, oats, softened butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg—add raisins or dried cranberries now if you’re using them. Stir it all together until it turns into a thick, buttery mix that’s irresistible even before it bakes! This is where the flavor magic happens for your Baked Apples.
Step 3: Stuff and Arrange
Spoon the filling into each cored apple, pressing it down gently so they’re packed full. Arrange your stuffed apples in the prepared baking dish, making sure they sit snugly and upright—this helps them bake evenly and soak up all the lovely steam from below.
Step 4: Add Moisture and Bake
Pour the apple cider or water into the bottom of the dish, giving each apple a steamy bath that keeps them moist and luscious. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes to get things started.
Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil, then return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the apples are tender (you should be able to pierce them easily with a fork) and the filling is beautifully golden on top. That’s when your kitchen fills with a mouthwatering, spiced aroma that no one can resist!
How to Serve Baked Apples
Garnishes
Baked Apples are delightful on their own, but the right garnish can turn them into something truly spectacular! Try a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce if you want to take things over the top. For a little crunch and color, sprinkle on extra toasted nuts or a dusting of ground cinnamon.
Side Dishes
These apples shine as a standout dessert, but you can pair them alongside other fall favorites for a show-stopping spread. Think warm gingerbread, simple pound cake slices, or even a crisp salad for some contrast. If you want to serve Baked Apples for brunch, they complement pancakes or waffles beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun! Try serving each stuffed apple in its own little ramekin for a restaurant-worthy touch, or plate them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by extra dried fruit and nuts. For a dinner party, place Baked Apples over a swirl of crème anglaise or custard, or let guests customize their toppings at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Baked Apples (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. They’ll keep moist and flavorful, ready to be enjoyed again later.
Freezing
Want to save some for next week? Individual Baked Apples freeze surprisingly well. Wrap each cooled apple in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—the texture may soften a bit, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
To get your Baked Apples piping hot again, place them in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. In a pinch, microwaving in 30-second bursts also works, especially if you add a splash of water or cider to keep things nice and juicy.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Apples ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the apples and stuffing, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day. Bake just before serving so you get that perfect fresh-baked aroma and texture.
What types of apples are best for this recipe?
Sturdy, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work wonders for Baked Apples. They hold their shape without turning mushy, creating that delightful tender-yet-structured bite.
How can I make these nut-free?
You can easily skip the nuts or swap them for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, or simply increase the oats for a bit more texture!
Are Baked Apples healthy?
This dessert celebrates real fruit and wholesome ingredients. While there’s a bit of sugar and butter, it’s a lighter option compared to many traditional desserts, plus you get plenty of fiber and nutrients from the apples and oats.
Can I use other dried fruits?
Definitely! Chopped dates, apricots, or even diced dried cherries are all lovely substitutions. Mix and match based on your pantry or preferences for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Baked Apples before, you’re in for a real treat. It’s one of those recipes that feels special—yet is fuss-free enough for any night of the week. Give it a try and let these sweet, spiced apples bring a little warmth and joy to your table!
Print
Baked Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious baked apples are a perfect fall dessert, filled with a sweet and nutty mixture of brown sugar, oats, and spices. Easy to make and satisfying to eat!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/2 cup apple cider or water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the apples: Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact. Create a hollow center.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix brown sugar, nuts, oats, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins (if using).
- Stuff the apples: Fill each apple with the mixture, pack tightly.
- Bake: Place apples in the dish, pour cider/water in, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Then bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Serve: Enjoy warm alone or with ice cream/whipped cream.
Notes
- Drizzle with caramel for an extra treat.
- Best fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 baked apple
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
