Cinnamon Oven-Baked Apples with Oat Filling

Warm, cinnamon-spiced oven apples filled with a nutty oatmeal mixture make for an easy and comforting dessert. This recipe is perfect for using up those apples sitting in your fruit bowl, transforming them into a satisfying treat that feels wholesome. Enjoyed as an after-dinner dish or perhaps with a scoop of ice cream, these baked apples can be a delightful way to end a meal. With nutritious oats and nuts, they offer both flavor and a bit of nourishment, making them a sweet but sensible choice in your dessert rotation.

Why This Recipe Is Helpful

• Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients, making it great for busy weeknights.
• Naturally sweet from apples, it requires no added sugar, relying on the fruit’s natural sugars for flavor.
• Can be customized with different nuts or spices based on what you have at home.

Best For

Perfect for families looking for a healthier dessert option or anyone wanting a simple, delicious way to enjoy baked fruit.

Be Careful If

Watch portion sizes if you’re mindful of sugar content, even from fruit. Those with nut allergies should substitute with seeds or leave them out.

Ingredients

• 4 large apples
• 2/3 cup (60 g) oats
• 1/3 cup (40 g) chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) applesauce
• 1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons (around 45 ml) water (for baking pan)

Ingredient Notes

• Apples: Any sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp works well.
• Oats: Use rolled oats for good texture. Quick oats can be used but may result in a softer filling.
• Nuts: Feel free to swap nuts according to availability or personal preference.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Baking dish
• Knife
• Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Wash the apples. Using a knife or an apple corer, remove the core of each apple, creating a well to hold the filling.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, applesauce, and butter (or coconut oil). Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.
4. Spoon the oat mixture into the hollowed apples, packing it in gently.
5. Place the filled apples in a small baking dish and add 3 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish. This helps to steam the apples and gives them a nice texture as they bake.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the tops are golden brown.
7. Serve warm, possibly with a scoop of yogurt or ice cream if desired.

Pro Tips

• For a little extra flavor, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the filling before baking.
• Consider adding raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for additional sweetness and texture.
• Check apples periodically while baking; if they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.

Lighter Swaps

• Substitute coconut oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option, although it may alter the flavor slightly.
• Use almond or sunflower seed butter instead of traditional butter for a nut-free version.

Common Mistakes

• Not removing enough of the core can lead to an uneven baking of the apple.
• Overfilling the apples can make it hard for them to bake properly and they might overflow.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon oven apples are delightful on their own or served with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating Tips

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore warmth and texture.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 180
Protein: 3 g
Carbs: 29 g
Fat: 7 g

Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients and portion size.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Calories: 180 per serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different fruits instead of apples?
Yes, pears or peaches can also work well with this stuffing.

Do I need to peel the apples?
No, leaving the skin on adds fiber and texture, but you can peel if you prefer.

Can I make these ahead of time?
While best fresh, you can prepare the apples and filling in advance and bake them just before serving.

These baked cinnamon apples are a simple yet delightful way to enjoy the season’s fruit. With a charming combination of flavors and textures, they are well worth making.

Print Recipe

Baked Cinnamon Apples

Warm, cinnamon-spiced oven apples filled with a nutty oatmeal mixture make for an easy and comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baked Apples, Cinnamon Dessert, Fruit Dessert, Healthy Dessert, Oatmeal Filling

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 180kcal

Ingredients

For the filling

• 2/3 cup 2/3 cup (60 g) oats Use rolled oats for good texture.
• 1/3 cup 1/3 cup (40 g) chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans) Feel free to swap nuts according to availability.
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons (30 g) applesauce
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon butter or coconut oil Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

For the apples

• 4 large 4 large apples Any sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp works well.
• 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons (around 45 ml) water For baking pan to help steam the apples.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Wash the apples. Using a knife or an apple corer, remove the core of each apple, creating a well to hold the filling.
• In a mixing bowl, combine oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, applesauce, and butter (or coconut oil). Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.
• Spoon the oat mixture into the hollowed apples, packing it in gently.
• Place the filled apples in a small baking dish and add 3 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish.

Baking

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the tops are golden brown.
• Serve warm, possibly with a scoop of yogurt or ice cream if desired.

Notes

Consider adding raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for extra sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.