Description: Warm up your kitchen with these Apple Crisp Baked Apples filled with oats and sweet cinnamon crumble for a cozy twist on a homemade apple crisp. Perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting baked apple dessert.
In this cozy recipe guide, we’ll make Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples with Oats & Cinnamon—a sweet, warm treat that fills your home with the scent of fall. If you love traditional apple crisp, this stuffed version turns that familiar favorite into a charming single-serve dessert. From the crisp baked apple shells to the golden oat topping and buttery cinnamon crumble, you’ll learn how to create a dessert that’s as comforting as it is beautiful. Let’s dive into the story behind this recipe, then walk step-by-step through ingredients, preparation, baking tips, and serving ideas.
A Fall Favorite Brought Indoors: How This Baked Apple Dessert Began
Growing up, the first chill of autumn always came with a scent—cinnamon simmering in the kitchen as apples baked slowly in the oven. My family loved making Apple Crisp Baked Apples on cool weekends, turning freshly picked orchard apples into a warm and fragrant treat. As the leaves turned amber and red, we’d gather around the table, spoons ready, waiting for that moment when the bubbling brown sugar and oats turned golden. Baked Apples with Oats and Baked Apples with Cinnamon were a symbol of comfort and togetherness—a tradition that still fills the home with nostalgic sweetness each fall.
What makes these Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples with Oats truly special is how effortlessly they capture the essence of an apple crisp—without the need for a large baking dish or hours of preparation. Each apple becomes its own little edible bowl, filled with a buttery crumble made of oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The result is a Baked Apple Dessert that feels rustic yet elegant, perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in. These Stuffed Apples are easier to portion, quicker to assemble, and just as satisfying as a traditional crisp—proving that simple ingredients can deliver big comfort and flavor.
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Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples with Oats & Cinnamon
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Warm up your kitchen with these Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples filled with oats and sweet cinnamon crumble for a cozy twist on a homemade apple crisp. Perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting baked apple dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly.
3. Core each apple, creating a cavity two-thirds deep without piercing the bottom.
4. Trim the top edges of the apples for even openings.
5. In a bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt; stir to blend.
6. Drizzle melted butter into the oat mixture and toss until crumbly.
7. Optionally stir in chopped nuts or dried cranberries.
8. Spoon the oat mixture into each apple, mounding slightly above the rim.
9. Place apples in the baking dish and add apple juice or water to the bottom.
10. Bake for 30–40 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden.
11. For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
12. Let apples cool 5–10 minutes, then drizzle with caramel or maple syrup before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple
Keywords: apple crisp, stuffed apples, baked apples, fall dessert, oats and cinnamon, cinnamon crumble, cozy dessert
Key Ingredients for Apple Crisp Baked Apples
The beauty of Apple Crisp Baked Apples lies in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a special role in creating layers of flavor and texture. You don’t need anything fancy to make them shine; just a few pantry staples and your favorite variety of crisp, juicy apples. Below is a quick reference table to help organize your ingredients and measurements.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh baking apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith) | 4–6 medium | Act as edible cups and provide tart-sweet flavor |
| Old-fashioned rolled oats | 1 cup | Creates a crisp, chewy texture in the crumble filling |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor |
| Ground cinnamon | 1–1½ tsp | Brings warmth and classic apple spice aroma |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 4 tbsp | Binds the oat mixture and adds rich flavor |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup | Helps crumble stay together |
| Chopped nuts (optional – pecans or walnuts) | ¼ cup | Adds crunch and depth |
| Pinch of salt | 1/8 tsp | Balances sweetness and enhances flavors |
| Caramel or maple syrup (optional for drizzle) | to taste | For serving and extra indulgence |
When choosing apples, go for firm, baking-friendly varieties that hold their shape once cooked—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn are popular choices for Baked Apples with Oats. A mix of tart and sweet apples can also create a balanced flavor. The oats and brown sugar bring a familiar “crisp” crunch, while butter and cinnamon transform the filling into a cozy, crumble-like center. Optional nuts add earthy flavor and texture, making each bite a perfect blend of tender fruit and crisp topping.
For a touch of customization, you can substitute honey for brown sugar or incorporate a sprinkle of nutmeg for deeper spice notes. Each small change allows your Baked Apples with Cinnamon to reflect your own taste and seasonal pantry staples.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes assembling and baking Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples both simple and stress-free. Here’s a quick checklist to set up your workspace efficiently:
- Apple corer or melon baller: For removing the cores and creating space for the oat filling.
- Paring knife: Helps trim and shape the tops neatly.
- Mixing bowls: One for the oat crumble and another for butter or dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate proportions for consistent results.
- Baking dish or casserole pan: A snug-fitting dish helps the apples bake evenly and stay upright.
- Spoon or small scoop: To add the filling neatly into each apple cavity.
- Parchment paper or foil (optional): For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
When selecting a baking dish, choose one that allows the apples to sit close together but not crowded—this helps retain moisture inside while crisping the tops. Glass or ceramic dishes work best, holding heat evenly during baking.
Preparing the perfect Stuffed Apples starts with good organization, and these tools will make every step—from coring to filling to baking—smooth and enjoyable. With just these simple kitchen items, you’ll be ready to create a heartwarming Baked Apple Dessert that looks charming and tastes absolutely irresistible.
How to Prepare and Stuff the Apples
Creating these Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples begins with choosing fresh, firm apples that will hold their shape in the oven. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, the process is easy and enjoyable. Follow these step-by-step directions to prepare, fill, and ready your Baked Apples with Oats for baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove stickers and make sure the skins are clean and shiny since they’ll become the edible shell for your dessert.
- Core the apples carefully. Using an apple corer or melon baller, remove the stem and seeds, creating a hollow cavity about two-thirds deep. Be careful not to pierce through the bottom—this keeps the filling secure and prevents leaks.
- Trim the top edges of the apples slightly to create even openings. This helps the oat crumble sit nicely inside and bake uniformly.
- Prepare the oat filling. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir until evenly blended. Then, drizzle melted butter over the mixture and toss until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. The filling should feel slightly moist but crumbly enough to hold its shape when pressed between your fingers.
- Optional flavor boost: Add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a touch of nutmeg for extra warmth and crunch.
- Stuff the apples generously. Spoon the oat mixture into the hollowed centers, gently pressing to fill. Let the crumble mound slightly above the rim for a bakery-style finish.
- Tip for structure: To prevent the apples from collapsing during baking, choose sturdy varieties and avoid over-scooping. You can also place a small piece of butter on top of each filled apple for added richness and to help brown the topping.
As they bake, the apples soften and absorb the sweet butter-sugar mixture, while the oats on top turn golden and crisp—reminiscent of a classic apple crisp but in a charming individual form.
Baking Your Stuffed Apples the Right Way
Baking is where the magic truly happens. The right temperature, time, and setup will give you tender apples with crisp, caramelized tops and an aroma that fills your kitchen with cozy fall warmth.
- Arrange the stuffed apples snugly in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Add about ¼ inch of water or apple juice to the bottom of the dish to keep the apples moist as they bake.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes, depending on apple size. You’ll know they’re done when the skins wrinkle slightly, the crumb topping turns golden brown, and the apples yield gently when pierced with a knife or fork.
- For a crispier topping: Switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely so the oat crumble doesn’t burn.
- Air fryer option: Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 18–20 minutes in an air fryer-safe dish for crisp tops and perfectly cooked centers.
- Check for doneness: The apples should be fork-tender but not mushy, with oats that are lightly browned and crunchy.
- Optional finishing touches: Drizzle each apple with caramel sauce, warm honey, or maple syrup for extra sweetness and shine.
- Cool slightly before serving. Let the apples rest for 5–10 minutes so the filling sets and the juices thicken.
How to Serve and Store Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples
Fresh from the oven, these Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples with Oats & Cinnamon are best served warm—when the filling is golden and bubbling and the aroma of cinnamon fills the air. For a classic touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you prefer something lighter, vanilla yogurt offers a creamy contrast to the sweet, tender apples.
For a finishing flourish, drizzle with caramel or maple syrup and sprinkle chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon for visual appeal. These touches transform a homey dessert into an elegant fall presentation.
To make ahead, assemble and bake the apples, cool completely, and refrigerate. Before serving, rewarm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave briefly. Store leftovers airtight for 3–4 days in the fridge. For long-term storage, freeze baked apples for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating. Oven reheating helps keep the oat topping crisp and the interior moist.
FAQ
1. What are the best apples for baked apple desserts?
Firm baking varieties such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Braeburn hold their shape and strike a perfect balance between tart and sweet. Mixing varieties can create a richer flavor profile.
2. Can I make Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate before baking or bake them ahead, then reheat when ready to serve—ideal for holidays and dinner parties.
3. Can these be made without oats or gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use certified gluten-free oats and swap the flour for almond or oat flour. For a no-oat version, try chopped nuts or gluten-free granola for texture.
4. How long do baked apples keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, baked apples will stay fresh for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven to restore the topping’s crispness.
5. How can I make the filling extra crunchy?
Mix in chopped nuts or crushed graham crackers and broil the tops briefly after baking. Adding a bit of butter to each apple before baking also encourages golden, crispy crumbs.
Conclusion
There’s something timeless about the combination of baked apples, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon—the flavors of fall wrapped in a warm dessert. These Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples capture all the charm of a homemade crisp in beautiful, individual servings.
Every spoonful brings tender fruit, buttery oat topping, and fragrant spice that makes autumn feel complete. Whether you’re making them for a gathering, cozy weekend treat, or holiday dinner, this Baked Apple Dessert is bound to become a family favorite. Simple to prepare, easy to serve, and bursting with comforting flavor—Baked Apples with Oats and Cinnamon make every bite feel like home.
