Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly baked apple, its golden-brown exterior giving way to a warm, cinnamon-infused oatmeal filling that promises to transport you to a cozy autumn evening. These Stuffed Baked Apples are not just a dessert; they're an experience that combines the natural sweetness of ripe apples with a rich, nutty filling that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert or a comforting treat that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the apples thoroughly. Using an apple corer or sharp paring knife, carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a hollow space for stuffing. Be sure to leave about a 1/2-inch thickness at the bottom.
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins. Mix the dry ingredients until well combined.
- Melt the butter and pour it into the oat mixture. Stir until the ingredients are evenly coated and the mixture becomes slightly crumbly.
- Carefully stuff each cored apple with the oat mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling firmly. Make sure to fill the entire cavity of the apple.
- Place the stuffed apples in the prepared baking dish. Pour the water into the bottom of the dish around the apples to help prevent burning and create steam.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the top of the stuffing to become golden and slightly crisp.
- Carefully remove the baked apples from the oven. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon on top.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn that hold their shape well during baking.
- Core with Care: When removing the apple cores, be gentle and leave the bottom intact to create a perfect "bowl" for your delicious filling.
- Don't Overstuff: Pack the filling firmly but not too tightly. You want the oat mixture to have some room to expand and become wonderfully crispy.
- Moisture is Key: The water in the baking dish creates steam, ensuring your apples stay moist and tender while baking.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, add some dried cranberries, or swap brown sugar for maple syrup to make the recipe your own.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra indulgent touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the stuffed apples in advance and refrigerate them, baking just before serving for a stress-free dessert option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
