Baked Stuffed Apples

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s pure autumn magic.Baked Stuffed Apples: WhatIs it easier to make a warm hug on cold days? If you love apple crisp, just imagine that in individual, perfectly portioned little packages. We’re talking tender, spiced apples filled with a buttery, oat-y goodness that will make your mouth water. What is the best kitchen smell? My house smells like a Yankee Candle after these come out of the oven, and I can’t stand the smell. What is the best kind of party?Baked stuffed apples?What are some game changers?

What are baked stuffed apples?

What are some of these t-shirts?Baked stuffed apples?What is the meaning of , exactly? Is it a deconstructed Apple Pie? What are some of the best edible bowls? You core out the center of a crisp, juicy apple, stuff it with oats, nuts, and sour cream. Top it off with your choice of toppings. What’s better with butter? ), and then bake it until the apple is tender and the filling is golden and bubbly. What is comfort food? What is the history behind these, as far as I can gather, is that it’s a very old way of cooking, maximizing your food. How can I harvest a fruit and use every little piece of it?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh, where do I even begin? I’m seriously obsessed with these things, and I think you will be too. First off, the flavor is just incredible. You’ve got the tartness of the apples, the warmth of the cinnamon, the crunch of the nuts, and the sweetness of the Brown Sugar all mingling together in perfect harmony. What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, you can throw these together in about 15 minutes flat, pop them in the oven, and then go relax while your house fills with the most amazing aroma. And the best part? These Baked stuffed apples? are surprisingly budget-friendly. Apples are usually pretty affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are things you probably already have in your pantry. They’re also super versatile! You can enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or even a cozy afternoon snack. If you like something easy, affordable, versatile, and scrumptious, then this is for you!

How do I make baked stuffed apples?

Quick Overview

Making these baked stuffed apples is so simple! You’ll core your apples, whip up a quick filling with oats, nuts, spices, and butter, stuff those apples to the brim, and then bake them until they’re tender and juicy. The best part is, you don’t need any fancy equipment or special skills – just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love. This is a great recipe to make with kids, too, as they love helping with the stuffing part. Get ready for a delicious and effortless treat!

Ingredients

For the Apples:
4 medium-sized apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work great!) You want something that holds its shape well during baking. I find that Granny Smith, while delicious, can get a little too soft. Buy local if you can; it makes all the difference!
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning) 1 teaspoon nutmeg (for better flavor

For the Filling:
1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant!) The old-fashioned kind gives the best texture.
1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds – your choice!) I like to toast mine lightly for extra flavor.
1/4 cup packed Brown Sugar (light or dark, both are good!)
2 tablespoons butter, melted (unsalted is best, so you can control the salt level)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (freshly ground is amazing if you have it!)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (a little goes a long way!)
Pinch of salt (enhances the sweetness)

Optional Toppings
Caramel sauce (for drizzling
Vanilla Ice Cream (a classic pairing)
Whipped cream (for extra indulgence)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the apples from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If you have parchment paper, that works too, but really isn’t necessary. Make sure the baking dish is big enough to comfortably hold all four apples without them being too crowded.

Step 2: Core the Apples

What is the fun part? Use a sharp knife or an apple corer to remove the core from each apple. Is it safe to leave 1/2 inch of apple at the bottom? How do you poke your way through a hole? We want to create a little bowl for our filling, not an apple donut. What is the part that the kids usually help with? If you want more filling, you can also scoop the flesh out of the apple.

Step 3: Prevent Browning

To prevent the apples from browning while you prepare the filling, brush the inside and outside of the apple. Is it safe to eat apples with lemon juice? What are some good ways to add a little tang to the finished product?

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, Brown Sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and the oats are evenly coated. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Stuff the Apples

Spoon the oat mixture into the cored apples, packing it in firmly. Is it a good idea to fill your shoes to the brim? If you have leftover filling, you can sprinkle it around the apples in the baking dish.

Step 6: Bake!

Place the stuffed apples in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown and bubbly. The baking time will depend on the type of apples you use, so keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a fork. If the apples start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil.

Step 7: Cool Slightly

Once the apples are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This will prevent you from burning your tongue on the hot filling (trust me, I’ve been there!).

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve the Baked stuffed apples?Served warm, with a drizzle of caramel sauce, vanilla Ice Cream, or whipped cream. These are best enjoyed immediately, while the apples are still warm and tender and the filling is still firm. What is nice and gooey What is the best way to take a picture of an apple before eating it?

What should I serve it with?

These baked stuffed apples are pretty amazing on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are a few ideas for serving them, organized by occasion:

For Breakfast: Serve with a dollop of Greek Yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a healthy and satisfying start to your day. Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte for the ultimate cozy morning treat.

For Brunch: Arrange the apples on a pretty platter and serve alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and muffins. Offer a selection of toppings like Caramel Sauce, whipped cream, and chopped nuts so everyone can customize their own apple.

As Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a classic and comforting dessert. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a few Fresh Berries for an elegant touch.

For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy these baked stuffed apples on a chilly evening with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine. Curl up on the couch with a good book and let the warmth of the apples fill you with comfort and joy. My family likes to eat these right out of the oven!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Stuffed Apples

Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of baked stuffed apples, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for perfecting this recipe:

Apple Choice: Choose apples that are firm and hold their shape well during baking. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji are all great options. Avoid apples that are too soft or mushy, as they will fall apart during baking.

Nut Toasting: Toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the filling for a richer, more intense flavor. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking. If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can leave it out altogether. You could also add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra warmth.

Butter Matters: Use real butter (not margarine) for the best flavor and texture. Unsalted butter is preferred, as it allows you to control the salt level in the filling.

Doneness Check: To test for doneness, insert a fork into the apple. It should be tender and easily pierced. The filling should be golden brown and bubbly.

Glaze It Up: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle the baked stuffed apples with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Simply whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the apples after they have cooled slightly.

Filling Alterations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings! You could add dried cranberries, raisins, chocolate chips, or even a dollop of Peanut Butter to the filling. The possibilities are endless!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftover baked stuffed apples (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating them:

Room Temperature: You can leave them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to cover them with plastic wrap to prevent drying.

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezer Instructions: Freeze individually wrapped baked stuffed apples for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to store the baked stuffed apples, it’s best to add the glaze just before serving, as it can get sticky and soggy during storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the rolled oats with gluten-free rolled oats. Make sure to check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free, as some oats can be processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!

Do I need to peel the apples?

Nope, you don’t need to peel the apples! The skin adds a nice texture and nutrients to the dish. Plus, it helps the apples hold their shape during baking. However, if you prefer peeled apples, feel free to peel them before coring.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can core the apples and prepare the filling ahead of time. Store the apples in the refrigerator with lemon juice to prevent browning. Store the filling in a separate container. When you’re ready to bake, simply stuff the apples and bake as directed.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet apple, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. If you want a sweeter apple, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the filling.

What can I use instead of nuts?

If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the nuts with seeds like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp seeds. You can also use dried fruit like chopped cranberries, raisins, or apricots.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite baked stuffed apples recipe! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, a satisfying dessert, or a comforting snack, these apples are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re a great way to use up those extra apples you have lying around. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other apple-themed treats, like my apple crumble and apple pie bars! And now, I’m off to enjoy another one of these warm, gooey apples. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out – leave a comment below and let me know your favorite variations!