There’s something magical about the way apples transform in the oven—how their juices mingle with cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a warm, caramelized filling that tastes like fall in every bite.
This Baked Apples with Oats and Brown Sugar recipe is everything you love about a homemade dessert: simple, wholesome, and irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re craving a cozy treat on a chilly evening or looking for a healthier alternative to pie, this dish delivers.
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s all about the texture. The apples become perfectly tender, while the oat topping adds just the right amount of crunch.
Plus, with only a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or pair it with a slice of Cinnamon Swirl Apple Fritter Bread for an extra indulgent dessert.
Baked apples have been a staple in kitchens for centuries, dating back to early European recipes where fruit was sweetened and roasted over open fires. Today, they remain a beloved classic—not just for their nostalgic charm but also for their nutrient-packed goodness.
Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, making this a dessert you can feel good about. Don’t forget to serve it topped with whipped cream for a sweet and savory balance.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will, Too!)
- It’s nostalgic and homey: I grew up with the smell of cinnamon apples filling the kitchen, and this dish brings back all those cozy memories. If you love simple, old-fashioned desserts, this one’s for you.
- Healthier than pie but just as satisfying: With natural fruit sweetness, fiber-rich oats, and a fraction of the butter and sugar, it’s a dessert that won’t weigh you down.
- Quick and foolproof: No need for fancy equipment—just core the apples, mix the topping, and bake. Perfect for beginners or busy weeknights!
- Easily customizable: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup, add nuts for crunch, or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Baked Apples With Oats And Brown Sugar
Equipment
- Knife
- Apple corer or spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling.
- In a bowl, mix rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly.
- Stuff the oat mixture into the hollowed apples, pressing gently.
- Place the apples in the baking dish and add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the apples are soft and the topping is golden.
- Let them cool slightly before serving with ice cream or yogurt.
- Enjoy warm for the best flavor!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 304kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 47g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Potassium | 245mg |
| Sodium | 8mg |
Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Apples
- Choose the Right Apples: Go for firm, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Softer apples (like Red Delicious) can turn mushy while baking.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to stuff as much oat filling as possible, but too much can cause the apples to split open while baking. A generous but compact scoop works best.
- Add Liquid for Extra Moisture: Pour a bit of apple cider, orange juice, or even bourbon into the baking dish instead of water for a deeper flavor. It helps steam the apples and creates a flavorful sauce.
- Make It Extra Crispy: If you love crunch, mix some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even crushed graham crackers into the oat topping before baking.
- Bake Until Just Tender: The apples should be soft enough to pierce with a fork but still hold their shape. Overbaking turns them into applesauce inside the skin.
- Enhance the Flavor: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom in the filling adds warmth and complexity. You can even drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for a glossy finish.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Leftovers? Pop them in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 325°F (165°C) to restore that fresh-baked crispness. The microwave works too, but you’ll lose some texture.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
