Baked Apples with Oats and Nuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome dessert that feels both nostalgic and a little special, you’re going to love this Baked Apples with Oats and Nuts Recipe. I absolutely love how these baked apples come out tender and juicy, with a deliciously spiced oat and nut filling that’s just the right kind of crunchy and sweet. And trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of those go-to recipes you’ll want to make all year round.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that these ingredients blend beautifully to offer a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and aroma. When choosing your apples, picking large baking varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith works best, as they hold their shape and offer a nice tartness to contrast the sweet filling.

• Baking apples: Opt for firm apples that won’t turn mushy after baking.
• Old fashioned oats: These give a hearty, chewy texture perfect for the filling.
• Chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a toasty nutty flavor.
• Dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for sweetness and chew.
• Coconut sugar: A great natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Ground cinnamon: A classic warm spice that ties everything together.
• Ground nutmeg: Pairs perfectly with cinnamon, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering flavors.
• Butter or ghee: Melted to help bind the filling and add richness.
• Apple cider or apple juice: Keeps the apples moist while baking and adds extra fruity flavor.
• Lemon: The lemon wedges help prevent the apples from browning and add a hint of brightness.

Variations

I love how flexible this Baked Apples with Oats and Nuts Recipe is—you can easily swap nuts, fruits, or sweeteners to match whatever you have on hand or your personal taste. Here are a couple of my favorite tweaks:

• Nut swaps: I’ve tried walnuts and almonds instead of pecans and loved how each nut gives a slightly different crunchy vibe.
• Sweetener adjustments: Sometimes I use maple syrup instead of coconut sugar for a bit of that rich, woody aroma.
• Dried fruit variations: More adventurous? Adding chopped dried figs or cherries adds an unexpected twist that my family goes crazy for.
• Vegan version: Just swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine and you’re all set.

How to Make Baked Apples with Oats and Nuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Start by mixing the oats, chopped pecans, your choice of dried fruit, coconut sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter in a bowl. Make sure everything is combined well—the butter coats the oats and nuts, helping the filling bind nicely as it bakes. I like to taste a little bit here just to make sure the spice and sweetness balance is right before stuffing the apples.

Step 2: Core the apples carefully

Using a melon baller or a paring knife, core out the centers from the tops of your apples—don’t cut through the bottom! You want a nice cavity to hold the filling. Removing about half an inch of skin around the top helps prevent bursting during baking—I discovered this trick after some failed attempts where the skin split open and leaked juices everywhere.

Step 3: Stuff the apples and prep for baking

Stand the apples upright in a baking dish. If they wobble, just shave a tiny slice off the bottom to create a flat base. Then squeeze lemon juice over the exposed skin to prevent browning. Next, stuff the cavity with your oat and nut filling, packing it gently but firmly. Pour apple cider or juice into the bottom of the dish—it steams the apples and creates that luscious syrupy sauce.

Step 4: Bake to tender perfection

Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 45 to 60 minutes. Halfway through, baste the apples with the juices in the pan to keep them moist and flavorful. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork pierces the apples easily and the filling is golden and bubbling.

Step 5: Serve with love

Spoon some of the sticky pan juices over the apples for an extra burst of flavor. I often add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the warm, spiced apples—the combo is absolutely dreamy!

How to Serve Baked Apples with Oats and Nuts Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my baked apples with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—it melts over the warm fruit perfectly. Sometimes I add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for that cozy, bakery-inspired feel. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar also brighten up the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

If I’m serving this as a dessert after dinner, I often pair it with a simple cup of spiced tea or coffee to complement those warm flavors. For brunch, these baked apples go wonderfully alongside creamy yogurt or a dollop of ricotta cheese for added richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve halved apples and baked them stuffed in individual ramekins, making it easier to serve and eat. You can also arrange your baked apples on a large platter, scatter some toasted nuts and fresh herbs like thyme for a rustic, elegant look that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked apples store nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I found it best to keep the syrup separate or pour it over just before reheating to keep the apples from becoming soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked apples successfully by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they retain their texture surprisingly well.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the apples in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Adding a splash of the reserved syrup or a little apple cider to the baking dish helps keep them juicy again. You can also microwave for quick reheating, but the oven brings back the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Apples with Oats and Nuts Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the kind of dessert that feels like home and offers a little moment of joy with every bite. I’ve made it for cozy weekends, holiday dinners, and quick weeknight treats, and it’s always a hit. I hope you give it a whirl and enjoy that warm, comforting combination as much as I do. It’s a simple recipe that really makes a gorgeous, wholesome dessert—you won’t regret making it your own classic.

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