Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
These Stuffed Baked Apples are the ultimate cozy fall dessert! Crisp apples are hollowed out and filled with a buttery cinnamon brown sugar filling made with oats, chopped pecans, and warm spices before being baked until perfectly tender. Finished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, this old-fashioned dessert tastes just like individual apple crisps tucked inside a juicy baked apple.
Whether you’re looking for an easy autumn dessert, a comforting Thanksgiving treat, or a delicious way to use fresh apples from the orchard, these baked apples are simple to make and absolutely irresistible.
At My Family Dinner Ideas, this is one of our favorite apple desserts because it fills the whole house with the warm aroma of cinnamon, butter, and baked apples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy homemade fall dessert
- Perfect individual servings
- Warm cinnamon apple flavor
- Buttery oat crumble filling
- Great for Thanksgiving and holidays
- Delicious with ice cream
- Easy to prepare ahead of time
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 large Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Filling
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Baking Liquid
- ½ cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Serving
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped pecans
- Ground cinnamon
How to Make Stuffed Baked Apples
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2
Wash the apples.
Using an apple corer or a small spoon, remove the core while leaving the bottom intact to create a cavity for the filling.
Brush the inside of each apple with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 3
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, chopped pecans, melted butter, and vanilla until evenly mixed.
Step 4
Spoon the oat mixture into each apple, gently packing it into the center.
Don’t be afraid to mound a little extra filling on top.
Step 5
Arrange the stuffed apples in the prepared baking dish.
Pour the apple cider or apple juice into the bottom of the dish.
Add the 2 tablespoons of butter to the liquid.
Step 6
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
Step 7
Carefully transfer each baked apple to a serving plate.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle generously with caramel sauce, sprinkle with chopped pecans, and finish with a pinch of cinnamon.
Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Baked Apples
- Choose apples that hold their shape while baking, like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.
- Don’t overbake—the apples should be tender but not falling apart.
- Leave the bottoms intact so the filling stays inside.
- Spoon some of the warm juices from the baking dish over the apples before serving.
- Serve warm for the best flavor.
Variations
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling.
- Mix in chopped walnuts instead of pecans.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- Add mini chocolate chips after baking.
- Sprinkle with granola for extra crunch.
Storage
Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Baked Apples?
Yes! Bake the apples, allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples for baking?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, and Jonagold all work beautifully because they stay tender without falling apart.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble the stuffed apples several hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Should I peel the apples?
No. The peel helps the apples hold their shape while baking and becomes wonderfully tender in the oven.
More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
If you love baking with apples, be sure to try my Homemade Apple Pie, Apple Crisp, Apple Crumble, Apple Cobbler, Apple Fritter Bread, Homemade Apple Pie Filling, Caramel Apple Pie, Apple Butter, and Caramel Apples for even more delicious fall recipes.
Jennie’s Thoughts
These Stuffed Baked Apples are everything we love about fall wrapped into one cozy dessert. Tender baked apples filled with buttery cinnamon oat crumble and topped with melting vanilla ice cream and rich caramel sauce create a dessert that’s comforting, beautiful, and surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re serving them for Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or simply celebrating apple season, these homemade baked apples are sure to become a favorite tradition.
