Delicious baked apples are stuffed with a sweet oat crumble and drizzled in the best cinnamon honey sauce! Serve them with a scoop of ice cream for a tasty fall dessert!
Fall…it’s finally here! And while here in California it might not “look” like fall compared to other parts of the country, you can definitely feel those cozy sweater weather vibes lingering about in the air. Which only means one thing in my book – hello baking seaason! And while most other people become obssesed with pumpkin spice flavored things (PSL ladies, you know what I mean.😉), I become obsessed with everything involving apples! Apple desserts, apple cider, savory apple dishes, apple cocktails…ohh apple cocktails – I’ll have to remember that one for later… But my latest obsession has to be these easy baked stuffed apples with cinnamon honey drizzle! They’re tender and sweet, so simple to make, slightly healthier and still have that warm gooey deliciousness that reminds you of an apple crisp!
Ingredients for baked stuffed apples
- Apples: The star of the show!
- Coconut sugar: Can be replaced with brown sugar. (I personally love using coconut sugar to keep this recipe refined sugar free.)
- Rolled oats: Makes up your “crisp” filling. Do not use instant oats for this recipe!
- Pecans: Can be replaced with almonds or walnuts.
- Spices: Cinnamon & nutmeg come together to give this dish those cozy fall vibes!
- Butter: Just a touch goes into the filling but it’s just enough to bring out all those tasty fall flavors!
- Apple juice: Used as a “water bath” for your apples when baking. (Feel free to use sugar free apple juice if you prefer!)
- Honey: A little drizzle over the top takes these baked apples to a whole new level! (Any type of honey works for this recipe.)
- Vanilla: Gets mixed in with your cinnamon honey sauce to help balance out your flavors!
What are the best apples for baking?
I’d suggest using fuji or honeycrisp apples for this recipe. They’re both pretty sweet on their own which is elevated even more after they’ve been baked. Looking for a more tart apple? Try using granny smith apples instead!
How to make baked stuffed apples
- Prep your apples. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Then take a knife and core your apples leaving them about 1 inch thick on the sides. Place your apples in the dish.
- Make the oat crumble. Mix the rolled oats, coconut sugar, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg and melted butter together in a bowl.
- Bake. Divide the filling evenly among the apples in your dish and pour the apple juice around your apples. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Make your sauce. While the apples are baking, mix your honey, cinnamon and vanilla together then set it aside.
- Serve. Serve your apples with a scoop of ice cream and drizzle your cinnamon honey over the top!
FAQ’s for making the best baked stuffed apples
- Do I have to use apple juice? No but it does add a ton of flavor! (Water can be used instead but they won’t be quite as flavorful.)
- How long do apples bake in the oven? It depends on their size but most are usually done between 45-50 minutes.
- Are the apples more soft or mushy? They’re definitely not mushy! I’d say they’re more soft on the outside and tender in the middle.
- How do I core an apple? Take a knife and cut a circle around the top of the apple angling your knife towards the core. Then take the top off and use a spoon to scoop out what’s left of the core. Make sure to leave the sides at least ½ – ¾ inch thick. (The thinner your sides are, the less time your apples will take to bake.)
Why you’ll love this baked apple recipe
- A healthier treat! Apples are loaded with fiber and antioxidants so you’re getting all the health benefits along with a tasty treat!
- So simple! Just core, stuff and bake! It’s that easy!
Need it gluten free? Oats are naturally gluten free but they can be cross contaminated when processed. I’d suggest using oats that are labeled gluten free certified to be safe.
Need it dairy free? Use dairy free/vegan butter instead!
More dessert recipes you might like:
- Baked Nectarines with Cinnamon Honey Sauce
- Fresh Cherry Crisp with Cinnamon Crunch Topping
- Banana Bread Brownies
- Double Chocolate Chip Butternut Squash Brownies
[Made one of my recipes? Make sure to tag my social media @kalefornia_kravings & leave a review in the comments. I love seeing what you create!]
Baked Stuffed Apples with Cinnamon Honey Sauce
Ingredients
For the baked apples:
- 6 apples (honeycrisp or fuji)
- ⅔ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 4 Tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup apple juice
For the cinnamon honey drizzle:
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
To make the cinnamon honey drizzle:
- Whisk the honey, cinnamon and vanilla together then set it aside.
To make the bakes apples:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Then take a knife and core your apples leaving the sides ½-¾ inch thick. Place the apples in your dish.
- Next mix your coconut sugar, rolled oats, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg and butter together and divide the mixture evenly between your apples. Pour the apple juice around your apples in the dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
- Bake your apples for 40-45 minutes, then uncover and bake again for 5 more minutes. (This helps to crisp up the filling!)
- Once the apples are done, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice and drizzle your honey sauce over the top.
