Warm your kitchen and welcome the season with these Classic Baked Apples filled with brown sugar and cozy spices. Cored and patiently baked until tender, they release a sweet, cinnamon-infused aroma that makes any weeknight feel special. This fuss-free dessert is a wonderful way to end a family meal, promising a taste of comfort in every soft, juicy bite.
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Fall’s Easiest Dessert Just Arrived!
- Effortless Prep – Just mix, stuff, and bake for stress-free cooking.
- Cozy Kitchen Vibes – Your home will smell like a cinnamon dream.
- Family-Friendly Sweetness – Kids and adults adore this warm apple dessert with ice cream.
- Customizable Fillings – Swap in your favorite nuts or spices anytime.
What to Gather for Your Baked Apples
For the apples
- Baking Apples – Go for sturdy varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold up beautifully in the oven.
For the filling
- Brown Sugar – Packed for that rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – They give the perfect chewy texture—don’t swap for quick oats here.
- Unsalted Butter – Softened so it blends effortlessly into the filling.
- Cinnamon – A must for that warm, cozy spice.
- Nutmeg – Just a pinch adds the loveliest depth.
- Chopped Walnuts – For a little crunch and nutty richness in your baked apples with walnuts.
For baking
- Water – Pour it into the dish to keep the apples tender and juicy as they bake.
Let’s Talk About Timing, Friends!
I know how crazy evenings can get, so I love that this easy baked apples recipe fits right into that sweet spot after school and before homework.
You’ll spend about 15 minutes getting everything ready—it’s almost therapeutic coring those apples and mixing up that brown sugar glazed baked fruit filling. Then just pop them in the oven for 40 minutes. In under an hour, you’ve got a cozy fall dessert that makes the whole house smell incredible. It’s the kind of hands-off recipe that lets you multitask while magic happens in the oven!
For more quick and satisfying ideas, check out my apple cinnamon oats—perfect for busy mornings.
Baked Apples
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 4 large baking apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 1/2 cup water
Equipment
- oven
- baking dish
- paring knife or apple corer
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Using a paring knife or apple corer, carefully remove the core from each apple, creating a well about 1 inch wide that goes almost to the bottom but doesn’t pierce through it.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, rolled oats, softened butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped walnuts until the mixture is fully incorporated and crumbly.
- Divide the oat filling mixture evenly among the apples, packing it firmly into the hollowed-out cores until slightly mounded on top.
- Place the filled apples in the prepared baking dish and pour the 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the dish around the apples to create steam.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape, and the filling is golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Making This Recipe Work for You
I love sharing recipes that everyone can enjoy, so if you’re sugar-conscious or managing dietary needs, these Baked Apples are wonderfully adaptable. A few simple tweaks can make them diabetic-friendly without losing that cozy comfort we all crave.
Try using a natural sweetener like stevia or xylitol instead of brown sugar for a low-sugar version. You can also reduce the butter by half or use a plant-based alternative. Keeping portion sizes moderate helps with glycemic control, and adding extra walnuts boosts healthy fats that make this dessert even more satisfying.
My Favorite Tricks for Perfect Baked Apples
After making this cinnamon baked apples recipe countless times for my family, I’ve picked up some handy tricks that make all the difference between good and great!
- Boost the flavor by adding a pinch of cardamom or orange zest to your filling—it creates the most wonderful aroma.
- For a diet tweak, try using coconut oil instead of butter to keep these vegan-friendly.
- Prevent sogginess by making sure you don’t pierce through the bottom of the apples when coring them.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—they reheat beautifully in the microwave. For another great storage-friendly dessert, try my applesauce oatmeal cookies.
If you love the oat texture in this recipe, you’ll adore my apple crisp streusel too!
Why Baked Apples Are Good for You
These cinnamon spiced roasted apples aren’t just delicious—they’re actually pretty wholesome too! Apples bring natural fiber and vitamins to your dessert, while the oats and walnuts add healthy fats and sustained energy.
According to historical culinary traditions, baked fruits have long been valued for their digestibility and nutrition. This dessert satisfies your sweet tooth while providing more nutrients than many traditional treats. The fiber content helps with fullness, and the warm spices like cinnamon may offer antioxidant benefits.
For another nutritious apple option, try my refreshing celery apple juice—it’s perfect for mornings!
Lightened-Up Versions to Try Tonight
If you’re watching your sugar intake or prefer lighter desserts, these Baked Apples adapt beautifully. I often make a version with half the brown sugar and extra cinnamon—the natural sweetness of the apples really shines through.
For a diabetic-friendly option, skip the sugar altogether and use a sugar alternative mixed with the oats and walnuts. You can also reduce the butter by using applesauce in the filling—it keeps the moisture without the extra fat. These simple changes still give you that comforting chewy oat filled apple treat without guilt!
For more healthy apple ideas, check out my apple peel tea—it’s wonderfully refreshing. Or try my apple squash combo for a savory twist.
How We Love Serving Our Baked Apples
There’s something magical about bringing these warm baked apples to the table—the steam rising, the cinnamon scent filling the room, and everyone’s faces lighting up. I always remember my grandmother serving hers with a dollop of cold cream, and I’ve carried on that tradition with my own kids.
We love ours with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top, or sometimes with Greek yogurt for breakfast. They’re also fantastic with a drizzle of caramel or even alongside a slice of pound cake. Honestly, these fall dessert ideas work for any occasion—from fancy dinners to casual weeknights.
For another fantastic dessert option, try my apple blueberry crumble—it’s always a hit! Or if you’re feeling adventurous, my apple dumplings are pure comfort food.
Avoid These Common Baked Apple Mistakes
I’ve made my share of baking blunders over the years, so learn from my experiences! Nothing worse than anticipating that perfect baked apples recipe only to have texture issues.
First, choose the right apples—soft varieties turn mushy. Stick with firm types like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Second, don’t skip the water in the baking dish—it creates essential steam that keeps your apples tender. Third, avoid overpacking the filling or they might burst open. Finally, check for doneness with a fork rather than timing alone—ovens vary!
According to professional baking techniques, maintaining apple structure is key to presentation and texture. For more apple inspiration, try my apple muffins—they’re foolproof! Or check out my apple cinnamon streusel muffins for another treat.
I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering—I was so nervous they wouldn’t turn out right! But following these simple tips ensured they were perfect, and now they’re a requested favorite.
Storing Your Delicious Baked Apples
I love making extra of these oat and walnut stuffed apples because they store so beautifully. The first time I made a double batch, my teenager happily reheated them for breakfast all week—claiming they were better than any pastry!
Let your baked apples cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 60-90 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For more great storage-friendly recipes, try my apple galette—it travels beautifully. Or check out my caramel apple puppy chow for a fun snack option.
Ready to Make Your Own Baked Apples?
I hope you feel inspired to try this cozy fall dessert that has become such a beloved tradition in my home. There’s nothing quite like pulling these cinnamon baked apples from the oven and seeing your family’s delighted faces.
This recipe truly represents everything I love about cooking—simple ingredients transforming into something magical, the way food creates memories, and how a warm dessert can turn an ordinary Tuesday into something special. Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because you deserve something sweet, I know they’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!
For more apple inspiration, explore my other baked apple variations, refreshing apple cider vinegar drink, or traditional apple cider vinegar uses. There’s always something new to try!
More Cozy Apple Recipes You’ll Adore
If you loved these baked apples, you’re going to want to try these other comforting apple treats that perfect for chilly days and family gatherings.
Apple Crisp Streusel – Buttery oat topping over spiced apples that’s pure comfort in every bite.
Apple Blueberry Crumble – Summer meets fall in this gorgeous fruit dessert with crispy topping.
Apple Dumplings – Flaky pastry wrapped around cinnamon apples for special occasion treats.
Apple Muffins – Perfect grab-and-go breakfast with chunks of apple and warm spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature do you bake baked apples at?
I always bake my apples at 375°F (190°C)—it’s the perfect temperature for cooking them through without burning the filling. This moderate heat allows the apples to become tender while the oat and walnut stuffing gets nicely toasted. If your oven runs hot, you might check them a few minutes earlier!
How do you make old fashioned baked apples?
Traditional baked apples are simpler than you might think! Core your apples and fill them with a mixture of brown sugar, oats, spices, and butter—just like grandma used to make. The key is using sturdy apples and baking them until they’re tender but still holding their shape. That classic cinnamon spiced roasted apple flavor never goes out of style!
What is a good filling for baked apples?
My favorite filling combines brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and walnuts for that perfect chewy oat filled apple treat. But you can get creative with dried cranberries, pecans, or even a little orange zest. For another delicious filling idea, check out my apple cinnamon oats recipe—the flavors work beautifully together!
What apples are best baked?
You’ll want firm apples that hold their shape during baking—Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are my top choices. These varieties become tender without turning mushy, creating that perfect warm apple dessert with ice cream we all love. Softer apples like Red Delicious might collapse, so stick with the firmer types for best results!
