Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you! These baked cinnamon sugar apples stuffed with oats and pecans are the cozy, comforting dessert you didn’t know you needed. Picture this: warm, tender apples filled with a sweet, nutty mixture that smells like autumn in your kitchen. It’s the kind of simple magic that makes everyone gather ’round the oven saying, “What smells so good?” I’ve been making this recipe for years, and trust me – once you try that first bite of soft apple with crispy oat-pecan filling, you’ll be hooked. It’s like apple pie’s easier, healthier cousin who still knows how to party!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apples
Oh, where do I start? These stuffed apples are my go-to dessert for so many reasons:
- Crazy easy: If you can core an apple and stir ingredients, you’ve got this! No fancy skills needed.
- Secretly healthy: Way better for you than pie but just as satisfying with all that fiber from oats and apples.
- Totally customizable: Swap nuts, add raisins, drizzle honey – make it your own!
- Kid-approved magic: My picky eater actually begs for these (shocking, I know).
- Smells like home: That cinnamon-sugar aroma filling your kitchen? Pure happiness.
Seriously, what’s not to love?
If you’re an apple lover, you’ll also want to try our Caramel Apple Crisp or the timeless Homemade Apple Pie for more cozy dessert ideas.
Ingredients for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apples Stuffed with Oats and Pecans
Gather these simple ingredients – I bet you have most of them already! The magic happens when these everyday items come together just right. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best – firm enough to hold their shape but sweet enough to bake beautifully)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant – we want that nice texture!)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (toast them first if you’re feeling fancy – brings out incredible flavor)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed – this is dessert, after all!)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (the star of the show – don’t skimp!)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (salted or unsalted both work – I usually grab whatever’s in my fridge)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (the real stuff makes a difference, but use what you’ve got)
- 1/4 cup water (just plain water – this creates steam to help cook the apples perfectly)
See? Nothing complicated here. The best part is you can tweak these amounts to your taste – more pecans if you’re nuts for nuts (sorry, couldn’t resist!), less sugar if your apples are super sweet. Cooking should be fun, not stressful!
How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apples Stuffed with Oats and Pecans
Alright, let’s get baking! These stuffed apples couldn’t be easier – just follow these simple steps for foolproof results every time. Promise me you’ll resist eating all that delicious filling straight from the bowl!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives your apples the perfect baking environment right from the start.
- Core those apples! Use a melon baller or paring knife to remove the cores, leaving about 1/2 inch at the bottom intact. This creates the perfect little cup for our filling. Pro tip: If you accidentally poke through the bottom, just place that apple in the center of your baking dish – it’ll still work!
- Make the magic filling: In a medium bowl, mix together oats, pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle in the melted butter and vanilla, then stir until everything’s nicely coated and clumping together slightly.
- Stuff ’em up! Spoon the oat mixture into each apple cavity, packing it gently but not too tight – the filling will expand a bit as it bakes.
- Bake to perfection: Place apples in a baking dish, pour water around them (this keeps them moist), and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the skins wrinkle slightly and a knife slides easily into the flesh.
The hardest part? Waiting those agonizing few minutes before digging in so you don’t burn your tongue! The apples should be tender but not mushy – think “perfectly baked potato” texture.
These baked apples pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking dish (or any similar size oven-safe dish)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Melon baller or small knife
- Spoon for filling
Tips for Perfect Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apples
After burning my share of apples (whoops!) and learning the hard way, here are my foolproof tricks for stuffed apple success:
- Pick the right apples: Firm varieties like Honeycrisp won’t turn to mush – Granny Smith adds nice tartness if you like contrast.
- Don’t overstuff! Leave 1/4 inch at the top – the oat mixture expands as it bakes. I learned this after a messy oven incident…
- Check doneness early: Start testing at 25 minutes – apples continue cooking as they cool. You want tender-but-not-soggy.
- Even baking: Rotate the dish halfway if your oven runs hot. Uneven apples = sad dessert.
- Rest before serving: Let them sit 5 minutes – the filling sets beautifully and you won’t burn your mouth!
Trust me – follow these, and you’ll get perfect apples every time!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can mix it up! Here are my tried-and-true swaps that still give amazing results:
- Nuts: No pecans? Walnuts or almonds work great – just chop them small. Skip nuts entirely for allergies, but maybe add sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Sweetener: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup (use 2 tbsp) or honey. The texture stays perfect, just gets a deeper flavor.
- Oats: Gluten-free oats work exactly the same – I use them when baking for my celiac friend. Quick oats are okay in a pinch, but rolled oats give better texture.
- Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon – so cozy! Or go wild with pumpkin pie spice.
- Mix-ins: Toss in raisins, dried cranberries, or even dark chocolate chips (trust me on this one!). Just keep total add-ins under 1/4 cup so the filling still holds together.
The beauty is – as long as you keep the basic apple+oats structure, you really can’t go wrong!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apples
Oh, the possibilities! These warm stuffed apples shine all on their own, but here’s how I love to dress them up: a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top (heaven!), or Greek yogurt for a protein boost. Sometimes I go wild with caramel drizzle and extra cinnamon dusting – because why not? For fancy brunches, try a dollop of whipped cream and chopped pecans on top. Honestly? They’re delicious straight from the oven too – no embellishments needed!
And if you’re looking for a way to use up extra apples, our Slow Cooker Apple Butter is another reader favorite.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
These stuffed apples keep beautifully! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer the oven (300°F for 10 minutes) to keep that perfect texture, but the microwave works in a pinch – just know the oats will soften more. The apples get slightly less firm but taste just as delicious!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the breakdown per stuffed apple – remember, these are estimates and will vary slightly based on your exact ingredients:
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g (from natural apples and added brown sugar)
- Fiber: 6g (thanks to those oats and apple skins!)
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g (mostly healthy fats from pecans)
- Carbohydrates: 38g
Important note: Nutrition values change based on apple size, exact measurements, and any substitutions you make. But compared to most desserts? This is a nutritional win in my book – you’re getting actual fruit, whole grains, and nuts! Way better than empty calories.
FAQs About Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apples
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about these irresistible stuffed apples:
Can I use dried fruit in the filling?
Absolutely! Toss in 2-3 tbsp of raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates – they plump up beautifully during baking and add lovely texture. Just don’t overdo it or the filling gets too sticky.
How do I prevent sogginess?
Use firm apples (Honeycrisp are my fave), don’t overbake, and make sure your water only goes around – not over – the apples. That little bit of steam is all you need!
Are these freezer-friendly?
Sort of! You can freeze baked apples for up to a month, but the texture changes – they get softer. I prefer reheating from fridge-stored leftovers for best results.
Can I make these ahead for guests?
Yes! Prep the apples and filling separately up to a day in advance. Store filling in the fridge, then stuff and bake when needed. They’ll taste just-made!
Why did my filling fall out?
You probably cut too much from the bottom when coring. Next time, leave a thicker base – about 1/2 inch works great to create a sturdy little “cup.”
Try This Recipe and Share Your Twist in the Comments!
There you have it – my absolute favorite way to turn humble apples into something truly special. I can’t wait for you to experience that first warm, cinnamon-spiced bite! The best part? This recipe is just the beginning – I love hearing how you make it your own. Did you swap in walnuts? Add a drizzle of caramel? Maybe sneak in some dark chocolate chips (you rebel!)? Drop your creative twists in the comments below – let’s build an entire stuffed apple fan club together. Happy baking, friends!
For more delicious recipes and baking inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
Print
Irresistible Baked Cinnamon Sugar Apples in 35 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy dessert featuring baked apples stuffed with a mixture of oats, pecans, and cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Core apples, leaving the bottom intact to create a cavity.
- Mix oats, pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into each apple cavity.
- Place apples in a baking dish and pour water into the dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until apples are tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use firm apples for better texture.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on apple sweetness.
- Can be topped with yogurt or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
