🍎 Stuffed Baked Apples (Easy Oven Dessert)

Nothing says cozy like a warm, cinnamon-kissed Stuffed Baked Apple straight from the oven. This easy homemade dessert is a nostalgic treat packed with tender apples, buttery brown sugar filling, and the perfect hint of spice. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something sweet, these baked apples will satisfy your fall dessert cravings without the hassle of a full pie.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make stuffed baked apples with simple ingredients, clear steps, and plenty of pro tips to get them just right every time. Let’s get baking!

🧁 Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Baked Apples

• ✅ Easy oven-baked dessert—no special tools needed

• ✅ Naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan

• ✅ Feels fancy but comes together quickly

• ✅ Perfect use for seasonal apples

• ✅ Customizable filling (granola, nuts, oats, dried fruit)

🍏 Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple pantry staples are all you need to make stuffed baked apples at home:

🍎 For the Apples:

• 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)

🥣 For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a natural option)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• 1/3 cup rolled oats

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• 2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dates

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)

🧈 For the Baking Dish:

• 1/2 cup apple juice or water (to keep the apples moist while baking)

• Optional: drizzle of maple syrup or honey for serving

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish.

Step 2: Core the Apples

Use a sharp paring knife or an apple corer to remove the core and seeds from the apples, leaving the bottom intact (about 1/2 inch thick) to hold the filling. Brush with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Pro Tip: Don’t cut through the bottom! A sturdy base keeps the melted filling inside the apple instead of leaking into the pan.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, oats, chopped nuts, and raisins. Stir in the softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly moistened.

Step 4: Stuff the Apples

Place the apples upright in the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon to generously fill each apple with the oat-nut mixture. Press the filling down gently and add more on top for a full dome shape.

Step 5: Add Liquid & Bake

Pour apple juice or water into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the apples juicy and tender. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.

Pro Tip: Test for doneness by inserting a fork or skewer into the apple. It should glide in easily, but the apple should still hold its shape.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the apples cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Baked Apples

• Choose the right apple: Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith that hold up well to baking.

• Leave the bottom intact: Prevents filling from leaking and preserves the apple’s natural “cup.”

• Don’t skip the liquid: Apple juice or water in the pan ensures even steaming and prevents dryness.

• Make it your own: Swap out nuts for seeds, raisins for dried cranberries, or oats for granola.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the apples – Too long in the oven and they’ll collapse.

• Using soft apples – Red Delicious or McIntosh apples turn mushy.

• Not sealing the foil – This can lead to uneven cooking and dry tops.

• Skipping the filling press – Not pressing down the filling leaves air pockets that cook unevenly.

🥄 Tips & Variations

✅ Delicious Add-Ins:

• Mini chocolate chips

• Chopped dried apricots

• A splash of bourbon or rum for adult flavor

🥥 For Dietary Needs:

• Use coconut oil and maple syrup for a vegan version

• Substitute gluten-free oats if needed

• Add chia seeds for a nutritional boost

🍨 Serving Ideas:

• Topped with whipped cream or ice cream

• Drizzled with warm caramel sauce

• Served with Greek yogurt and honey for a breakfast twist

🧊 Storage & Reheating

🧺 How to Store:

• Store leftover stuffed baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

🔁 How to Reheat:

• Microwave: Reheat on medium for 60–90 seconds.

• Oven: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes covered in foil to retain moisture.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of apple juice before reheating to keep the filling moist and fresh.

🧾 Nutritional Value (Per Apple)

Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used and optional toppings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I prepare stuffed baked apples ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the apples and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

2. What are the best apples for baking stuffed apples?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, Braeburn, and Jonagold are top choices because they hold their shape and flavor well during baking.

3. Can I make these without oats?

Absolutely! Substitute crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or even granola for the oats.

4. How can I make this a sugar-free dessert?

Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener, stevia, or just use naturally sweet dried fruits like dates or raisins.

📌 Final Thoughts: Save & Share This Cozy Dessert!

These Stuffed Baked Apples are the perfect easy oven dessert to keep on hand all season long. Whether you’re entertaining guests, celebrating fall, or just enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe offers comfort, flavor, and simplicity in every bite.

📥 Save this recipe for later or share it with friends who love warm, spiced apple treats! 🍏💛