Description
Delight in a cozy and nutritious dessert with these Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples. Perfect for a wholesome treat, this recipe combines tender baked apples filled with a warm, spiced oatmeal mixture enriched with nuts, dried fruits, and a hint of maple syrup. Ideal for a comforting breakfast or a healthy dessert option.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water (or apple juice for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon butter (or vegan butter for a dairy-free version)
- Additional cinnamon and sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash the apples thoroughly and core them carefully, making sure to leave about half an inch at the bottom to hold the filling without it leaking out.
- Make the Oatmeal Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, chopped nuts, dried fruits, maple syrup or honey, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fill the Apples: Spoon the oatmeal mixture generously into the hollowed apples. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish. Pour the water or apple juice into the bottom of the dish to help keep the apples moist while baking. Dot the tops of the apples with small pieces of butter or vegan butter.
- Bake the Apples: Bake the stuffed apples in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still holding their shape, and the oatmeal filling is cooked through. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top before baking for a sweeter crust.
- Serve: Remove the baked apples from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm as a comforting breakfast or dessert. Enjoy the sweet and spiced flavors balanced with the natural tartness of the apples.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa flakes or steel-cut oats for rolled oats, but cooking times may vary.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup and vegan butter.
- Add a scoop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of cream when serving for extra creaminess.
- If you like extra sweetness, drizzle more maple syrup or honey over the baked apples before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
