Baked Apples with Cinnamon Oats Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s warm, comforting, and just a little bit fancy without any fuss, you’re going to adore this Baked Apples with Cinnamon Oats Recipe. It’s the perfect fall treat, but honestly, my family and I enjoy it year-round! You get tender baked apples bursting with cinnamon-spiced oats, crunchy pecans, and juicy dried fruit. Plus, it smells like a cozy hug in the oven. Let me walk you through exactly how to make this fan-freaking-tastic dish that everyone will rave about.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right apples and fresh spices makes all the difference here. I usually pick large baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith because they hold up beautifully in the oven and offer a nice balance of sweet and tart.

• Large baking apples: Firm and tart varieties work best for baking so they don’t turn to mush.
• Old fashioned oats: These give a hearty texture and soak up all the buttery cinnamon goodness.
• Chopped pecans: Adds a wonderful crunch that contrasts the soft fruit perfectly.
• Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.): You can switch it up based on what you like, just chop them roughly to mix evenly.
• Coconut sugar: A warm, less processed alternative to regular sugar that caramelizes nicely.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Essential for that cozy spice profile — I use fresh ground whenever possible.
• Butter or ghee (melted): This keeps the oats moist and adds richness to the filling.
• Apple cider or apple juice: Pouring this into the baking dish keeps the apples extra juicy and forms a delicious syrup.
• Lemon: Squeezing lemon over the apples brightens the flavor and helps prevent browning.

Variations

I love how flexible this Baked Apples with Cinnamon Oats Recipe can be. Once you get comfortable with the basics, you can really make it your own by tweaking the filling or toppings.

• Nut swap: I once swapped pecans for chopped walnuts when that’s what I had, and my family didn’t notice a difference – just switch to your favorite nuts or seeds.
• Dairy-free version: Use ghee or a vegan butter substitute instead of butter to easily make it dairy-free.
• Fruit combo: Try adding chopped dried apricots or figs for a different sweet twist – it’s a fun way to experiment seasonally.
• Spice levels: If you love warm spices like I do, sometimes I sneak in a little ground cloves or allspice for a holiday feel.

How to Make Baked Apples with Cinnamon Oats Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Cinnamon Oat Filling

Start by combining your old fashioned oats, chopped pecans, dried fruit, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir everything thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are coated with that warm buttery spice goodness. This mixture is what fills the apples, so it’s worth mixing well for a perfect blend of flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Using a melon baller or a small paring knife, core out the tops of your apples and scoop a cavity about an inch and a half wide, being careful not to pierce the bottom. Then, trim about half an inch of skin around the top edge of the apple. This little trick prevents the skin from bursting while baking and keeps everything looking neat. Stand your apples upright in a baking dish — if they wobble, slice a tiny bit off the bottom for stability. Squeeze fresh lemon over each apple to keep them fresh and add a hint of brightness.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake

Spoon the cinnamon oat mixture generously into each apple cavity. Next, pour the apple cider or juice into the bottom of your baking pan—it keeps the apples moist throughout baking and creates a caramelized syrup. Bake at 375°F for 45 to 60 minutes. Don’t forget to baste occasionally with the pan juices to keep the filling rich and prevent dryness. You’ll know they’re done when the apples are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Before serving, drizzle the luscious syrup from the pan over the apples. I love topping mine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top never hurts either!

How to Serve Baked Apples with Cinnamon Oats Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with a dusting of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of honey. Sometimes, I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—it melts into the warm apples and turns every bite into pure bliss. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or some candied ginger bits on top adds a nice punch.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with simple sides — a cup of hot chai or spiced tea never fails. For cozy brunches, I like serving it alongside a creamy yogurt or even a small wedge of sharp cheddar cheese to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve funneled the baked apples into mini cast iron skillets and topped them with a cinnamon stick for a rustic-chic look. I also like arranging a few apples on a long wooden board with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme scattered around — it makes a stunning centerpiece and conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The apples soften further overnight, so I like to enjoy them within the first day or two when they’re still tender but not mushy.

Freezing

Freezing works, but I learned it changes the texture a bit. To freeze, wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the oats rubbery and apples too soggy. A gentle oven heat keeps everything nicely textured.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Baked Apples with Cinnamon Oats Recipe comes together every single time. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy day. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert for family night or a sweet breakfast treat, this hits all the right notes. Give it a try—you might just discover a new fall favorite (or all-year-round!) that your loved ones will beg for again and again.

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