Skip to content 
So you want dessert but also want to pretend you’re making a healthy choice? Say hello to baked apples with cinnamon oat crunch. They’re warm, sweet, and smell like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours—even though you’ll be done before you can finish your tea. Bonus: no one has to know how easy they are.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First, it’s basically dessert disguised as something your grandmother would approve of. Second, it requires minimal effort—you’re just hollowing apples, stuffing them with tasty things, and letting the oven do the heavy lifting. Third, the smell alone is worth making them. That cinnamon-sugar-oat combo? Pure comfort in edible form. And if you serve them with ice cream, you instantly jump to culinary legend status.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work great)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but they add a nice crunch)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t skip this—cold ovens make sad apples.
- Wash your apples and core them, leaving about half an inch at the bottom so the filling doesn’t escape.
- In a bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, honey, and salt until everything is well coated and crumbly.
- Stuff the mixture into each apple, packing it down lightly.
- Place apples in a baking dish and add about half an inch of water to the bottom to keep them from drying out.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until apples are tender but still holding their shape.
- Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not coring deep enough—leave a base or you’ll have filling puddles instead of stuffed apples.
- Skipping the water in the baking dish—this keeps them moist and prevents burnt bottoms.
- Overbaking—soft apples are good, apple mush is not.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Swap oats for granola if you want an extra crunchy, shortcut version.
- Use pears instead of apples for a slightly different but equally tasty dessert.
- Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Try adding dried cranberries or raisins to the filling for a little chewiness.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat them in the oven so the topping stays crisp.
Can I use instant oats?
You can, but the texture will be softer and less crunchy.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Nope, the skin helps them hold together during baking.
Can I make them without nuts?
Absolutely—just add more oats to replace them.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a bigger baking dish and maybe add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What’s the best apple variety for this?
Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my top picks for flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is proof that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing. You get warm, spiced fruit with a crunchy topping, and it works for everything from a casual weeknight treat to an impressive dinner party dessert. Now go make your kitchen smell like a bakery and thank yourself later.
