Name: Warm Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats: 4 Simple Steps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium apples; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); 1/4 cup water

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Oh, baked apples! There’s just something about them that screams cozy autumn, isn’t there? For me, it’s a total throwback to chilly evenings at my grandma’s house, the whole kitchen smelling like pure comfort. This recipe for Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats is my go-to when I want something sweet but also, you know, *wholesome*. It’s ridiculously simple, uses ingredients I usually have on hand, and the result is just pure magic. Seriously, the way the apples get all tender and the filling gets warm and gooey? It’s the perfect wholesome hug in a dessert, and it’s so easy to clean up afterward, which is always a win in my book!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats Recipe

Trust me, you’re going to adore this recipe! Here’s why:

Super Simple: Seriously, it’s almost foolproof. You just mix a few things and pop them in the oven.
Delicious Flavor: That warm cinnamon, sweet oats, and tender apple combo is just divine.
Wholesome Ingredients: It feels like a treat, but it’s packed with good stuff like real fruit and oats.
Perfect for Fall: It’s the ultimate cozy dessert for those crisp autumn days.
Easy Cleanup: Minimal dishes? Yes, please! This recipe is a winner for busy weeknights.

Gather Your Ingredients for Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! For these delightful Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats, you’ll need just a few simple things. First up, grab 4 medium apples. I really like using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples because they hold their shape so beautifully when baked, but Gala works great too! Make sure they’re washed well. Then, you’ll want to core them, but here’s a little trick: leave the bottom intact so you create a nice little cup for the filling. Don’t go all the way through!

For that amazing filling, you’ll want 1/2 cup of rolled oats – these give it a lovely texture, so definitely avoid the instant kind if you can. Then, pack in 1/4 cup of light brown sugar for that perfect sweetness and caramel-y flavor. Next, we’ve got our warm spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a good pinch of 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Oh, and if you like a little crunch, toss in 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans – they’re totally optional but so worth it! Finally, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted, to bring it all together. And just a little something for the bottom of the pan: 1/4 cup of water. That’s it!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats

So, about those apples – while Honeycrisp and Fuji are my faves for their texture, you can totally use Gala or even McIntosh if that’s what you have. Just know that softer apples might get a bit mushier, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! If you’re out of brown sugar or want to try something different, you can absolutely swap it for maple syrup. It’ll give the filling a slightly different, but equally delicious, maple-y flavor. And for my friends who need to skip the nuts? No worries at all! Just leave them out, or maybe add a few extra oats or a sprinkle of seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for that bit of crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats

Alright, let’s get these cozy beauties into the oven! First things first, let’s preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, go ahead and give those apples a good wash. Now, for coring them – this is important! You want to use a spoon or a melon baller to scoop out the core, but be careful not to go all the way through the bottom. Think of it like making a little apple bowl; you want that bottom to stay intact so all that yummy filling doesn’t leak out. It’s a bit like creating a little edible cup!

Next, in a separate little bowl, let’s mix up that incredible filling. Take your rolled oats, that lovely packed brown sugar, the cinnamon, nutmeg, and if you’re using them, those chopped nuts. Give it all a good stir so everything is nicely combined. Now, pour in your melted butter and stir it all together until the oat mixture is nicely moistened. It should look a bit clumpy, like wet sand, and smell absolutely amazing!

Once your apples are cored and your filling is mixed, it’s time to fill ‘em up! Spoon that oat mixture into the hollowed-out center of each apple. I like to press it down gently with my spoon or even my fingers to make sure it’s packed in there nicely. Don’t be shy, fill them right up to the top! Then, carefully arrange your filled apples in a baking dish. I usually use a smaller, round dish, something that holds them snugly. Finally, pour that 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This is going to create steam in the oven, which helps the apples cook evenly and keeps them nice and tender.

Now, pop that dish into your preheated oven. You’ll want to bake them for about 30 to 45 minutes. The exact time really depends on the size and type of apples you’re using. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce the apple with the tip of a fork or a small knife, and it goes in without much resistance. They should be tender but not falling apart. And that’s it! Your delicious Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats are ready to be devoured!

Tips for Perfect Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats

Okay, so to make sure these turn out absolutely perfect every time, here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up. First, really press that oat filling down firmly into the apple’s core. It helps it all stay put and makes for a really satisfying bite. Also, try not to overfill the apples; you want that lovely spiced oat mixture to be nestled in, not spilling out everywhere before they even go in the oven. And remember, baking times can vary! Bigger apples or firmer varieties might need a few extra minutes, so don’t be afraid to give them a little poke with a fork to check for tenderness. That water in the bottom of the pan is your best friend – it creates steam, which is key to getting those apples perfectly tender without drying out. Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions for Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats

These warm, fragrant Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats are pretty fantastic all on their own, don’t you think? But if you want to take them over the top, I highly recommend serving them warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. That cool, creamy sweetness against the warm, spiced apple is just heavenly! A big dollop of fluffy whipped cream is also a winner. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a little drizzle of caramel sauce just takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s the perfect cozy ending to any meal!

Storing and Reheating Your Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once your Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats have cooled down a bit, you can pop them into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep nicely for about 3 days. When you’re ready for another taste of that cozy goodness, reheating is super easy. You can pop them back into a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. Or, for a super quick fix, just pop one in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds. Either way, they’re still delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats

Got some burning questions about these yummy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats? I’ve got you covered!

Q: What kind of apples are best for baking?

A: My absolute favorites are firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. They hold their shape so beautifully in the oven and have just the right amount of sweetness and tartness. Softer apples can get a bit too mushy, but hey, if that’s what you have, they’ll still be delicious!

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can definitely get a head start! You can prepare the oat filling and core the apples a day in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to bake, just fill the apples and pop them in the oven. Baking them closer to serving time really gives you the best texture, though!

Q: Are there nut-free options for Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats?

A: Oh, absolutely! If you or someone you’re baking for has a nut allergy, just skip the walnuts or pecans. The apples are still fantastic with just that cinnamon-oat filling. You could even add a few sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a little crunch if you like!

Q: How do I know when the apples are done?

A: It’s pretty simple! You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce the apple with the tip of a fork or a small knife. It should slide in with hardly any resistance. They should feel tender, but you don’t want them to be completely falling apart or mushy. Just tender and lovely!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats

Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info here is an estimate, you know? It can totally change depending on the exact size of your apples, the type of oats you use, or if you add those yummy nuts. But generally, one of these delicious Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats will give you around 250 calories, about 40g of carbs, 30g of sugar, and 10g of fat. It’s a pretty wholesome treat, right?