If you’ve been searching for a cozy, comforting breakfast or dessert that doubles as a healthy treat, the Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples Recipe is here to become your new favorite. This delightful dish combines tender baked apples with warm cinnamon-spiced oats, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors and textures that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress weekend brunch guests or treat yourself on a crisp morning, this recipe brings a heartwarming touch of autumn into any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the key to making this Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples Recipe shine. Each component brings a special note of flavor, texture, or balance—making each bite delightful and wholesome.
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These crisp apples hold their shape beautifully when baked and provide the perfect natural sweetness and tartness.
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of the filling, offering a chewy, wholesome texture and fiber-rich base.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness to keep the filling tender and luscious.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): A crunchy, nutty contrast that adds depth and texture to the oats.
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional): Bursts of chewiness and subtle tartness to brighten up the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey: Natural sweeteners that complement the cinnamon beautifully with rich, warm notes.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines this recipe with its aromatic, cozy warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of spice that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a smooth, sweet fragrance to balance the spices and fruitiness.
- Pinch of salt: Tiny but mighty, it intensifies sweetness and rounds out all flavors.
- 1/2 cup water (or apple juice for extra sweetness): Provides moisture needed for perfectly cooked oats inside the apples.
- 1 tablespoon butter (or vegan butter for a dairy-free version): Adds richness and helps meld flavors while creating a slightly silky filling.
- Additional cinnamon and sugar for topping (optional): Just enough sprinkle for a little extra sparkle and a gently sweet crust on top.
How to Make Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by carefully coring each apple, creating a hollow center that’s perfect for stuffing. Make sure to remove the seeds and create enough space for the oat mixture, but keep the base intact so the filling doesn’t spill out. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth leaves the skin clean and ready for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Oatmeal Filling
In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, applesauce, chopped nuts, dried fruit, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together so the flavors meld beautifully and the oats are well-coated with sweetness and spice.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
Spoon the oatmeal mixture into the hollowed apples, packing the filling tightly but not overly compacted. This helps the oats cook evenly and soak up the apple’s juices during baking.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Place the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish and pour the water or apple juice into the bottom of the dish to keep the apples moist while they bake. Dot the top of each apple with a small pat of butter, and if you like, sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar for a lovely caramelized crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the apples in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender yet still hold their shape and the oatmeal filling is hot and slightly golden on top. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-soften—perfectly baked apples should feel soft but not mushy.
How to Serve Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, spiced apples. For a nutty finish, a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or a light drizzle of maple syrup can elevate the presentation and taste to something truly special.
Side Dishes
This stuffed apple pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for breakfast or a snack. If serving as dessert, a lightly crisp cookie or a slice of spiced cake on the side can turn it into a charming autumnal feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stuffed apples on a bed of sautéed cinnamon apples or alongside a swirl of caramel sauce. Presenting each apple with a cinnamon stick garnish and a few fresh apple slices on the side enhances the welcoming, cozy vibe that this recipe naturally inspires.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe ahead for a busy morning, you can freeze the stuffed, unbaked apples. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover apples gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. To avoid drying out, cover with a loose foil tent in the oven or place a cup of water nearby in the microwave to keep moisture steady.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of tartness and firmness, Fuji, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples work beautifully too. Just make sure to pick apples that aren’t overly soft to avoid mushy results.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! Simply use a plant-based butter instead of dairy butter, and opt for maple syrup instead of honey to keep this Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples Recipe fully vegan without sacrificing any flavor.
Can I add other spices or flavors?
Definitely. Feel free to experiment with additional warm spices like cloves, cardamom, or allspice. A touch of orange zest or a splash of bourbon in the filling can also add a wonderful twist.
What if I want to make this gluten-free?
Just ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free, since oats themselves are naturally gluten-free but can be cross-contaminated during processing. This adjustment makes the dish suitable for a gluten-sensitive diet.
How do I ensure the apples don’t become too soft while baking?
Choose firmer apple varieties and avoid overbaking by checking the apples at about 30 minutes. The filling should be hot and slightly golden, and the apples tender but intact. Adding water or apple juice in the baking dish also helps prevent excessive drying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about the Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples Recipe. It’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create a dish that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you enjoy it as a special morning treat or a cozy dessert, it’s a recipe that invites comfort and joy with every bite. I hope you give it a try soon and share this little slice of delicious warmth with those you love.
Print
Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples recipe combines tender baked apples with a warm, spiced oatmeal filling. It’s a wholesome and comforting dessert or breakfast option featuring rolled oats, cinnamon, nuts, and dried fruit, all baked until soft and fragrant.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
Oatmeal Filling
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup water (or apple juice for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon butter (or vegan butter for a dairy-free version)
Topping (Optional)
- Additional cinnamon and sugar for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core each apple, creating a hollow center but leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling.
- Make the oatmeal filling: In a bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, chopped nuts, dried fruit, maple syrup or honey, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the water or apple juice to moisten the mixture.
- Stuff the apples: Place the cored apples in a baking dish. Spoon the oatmeal mixture into each apple cavity, pressing gently to fill completely. Top each stuffed apple with a small pat of butter and sprinkle additional cinnamon and sugar if desired for extra sweetness and a caramelized finish.
- Bake the apples: Pour a little water or apple juice into the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the apples. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the oatmeal filling is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These can be enjoyed warm as a healthy dessert or breakfast option.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar to suit dietary preferences.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding other dried fruits such as chopped dates or apricots.
- If you prefer softer apples, bake a little longer and keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for a larger batch.
