This tasty treat is perfect for crisp autumn weekends with friends and family!
I know I’ve probably said this before, but I love fall. It’s the best. The colors, the clothes, the food—there’s no better season. We hike through the fall leaves, sip our hot cider, and, of course, go apple-picking. My family visits at least a couple of local orchards during the fall, our baskets brimming with Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith apples. I’ll make all the typical apple recipes like apple cobbler and apple pie, but have you tried baked apples? You’re in for a treat.
Baked apples are so easy to make but taste like something you’d order at an artisan bakery or fancy café. The tender, juicy apple flesh complements the crunchy, buttery oat filling, and for a little extra apple pie flavor, I mix in cinnamon and nutmeg with the oats. Whether you serve these as a show-stopping dessert or just a wholesome snack, baked apples might be your next fall favorite.
Are Baked Apples Healthy?
Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. While there is sugar and butter in this recipe, I don’t think the amounts are too indulgent, and you can always reduce the amounts if you want this treat to be a tad healthier. With all sweet desserts, this recipe should be enjoyed in moderation.
Choosing the Right Apples
Varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith are all worthy picks. They hold their shape well during baking and offer the right amount of sweetness. However, if I were to pick my fave, it would be Honeycrisps because of their juicy, crisp flesh and bright sweetness. That being said, Granny Smith apples are also great. They add a tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweeter filling. Whatever you choose, make sure the apples are large enough for all the rolled oats!
How to make ahead and store
You can prep the apples (and filling) a day in advance as long as they’re stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You don’t want the apples to brown, so to stop this, squeeze some lemon juice over the exposed apple flesh before storing. When you’re ready to bake, just follow the instructions. Baked apple leftovers should be good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these baked apples like I would an apple pie—with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream on top! I also love this Chocolate and Pomegranate Ice Cream for a homemade treat.
Plus, no apple is complete without a little drizzle of Caramel Sauce! What’s great about this recipe is that it also makes an excellent breakfast; just sprinkle some crunchy Cinnamon Granola on top with a dollop of yogurt! Or, if you’ve got the time, you can make these Apple Pie Overnight Oats.
Ingredients
- 4 large apples such as Honeycrisp or Gala
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Slice off the top of the apples to make a lid, then core them.
- Mix oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Add melted butter and stir to combine.
- Fill each apple with the oat mixture and replace the apple top. Place the apples in a baking dish and pour water into the base of the dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the apples are tender. Serve warm.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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