Stuffed Baked Apples

$- Fresh apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) - Oats: They give the filling a nice texture and heartiness. - Sweeteners: Use brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. - Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor. - Dried fruits: Cranberries or raisins bring a sweet and chewy bite. - Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the warm flavors. - Baking dish: This holds the apples during baking. - Mixing bowl: Use this to combine your filling ingredients. - Aluminum foil: Cover the dish for even baking. This selection of ingredients makes each bite of stuffed baked apples a sweet and healthy delight. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through the whole process. To start, choose fresh apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. These apples hold their shape well when baked. Core the apples carefully. Use a sharp knife to cut around the core. Leave the bottom intact. This creates a nice pocket for the filling. To keep the apples from breaking, handle them gently. After coring, rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt. In a mixing bowl, combine oats and sweeteners. Use 1 cup of oats and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. These spices add warmth and flavor. Now, mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. You can use walnuts or pecans. Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist. Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup and 1/4 cup of melted butter. This mixture should be sticky and well-combined. Place the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish. Pour 1/2 cup of apple juice around them. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the apples moist while baking. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an extra 15 to 20 minutes. Check if the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. The total baking time should be about 40 to 45 minutes. Enjoy the delightful aroma as they bake! To make your stuffed baked apples pop, use the right spices. Cinnamon is a must. It brings warmth and sweetness. Nutmeg adds a hint of nutty flavor. You can also try ginger for a zesty kick. For toppings, consider adding chopped nuts on top after baking. They add crunch. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds shine and extra sweetness. To ensure even baking, place the apples in a baking dish that fits them snugly. This keeps them upright and helps them cook evenly. To check if the apples are done, gently insert a fork. If it goes in easily, they are ready. You want them tender but not mushy. Serve your baked apples warm. Drizzle with extra honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. You can also top them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The cold cream contrasts nicely with the warm apple. For a fun twist, sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top before serving. These simple touches make your dish look and taste amazing. If you're ready to create your own delicious version, refer to the Full Recipe for detailed steps! {{image_2}} You can change the filling to keep things fun. Try mixing in different fruits like pears or peaches. You can also add flavorings like vanilla or almond extract for a new twist. If you need a vegan option, swap the butter for coconut oil. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it plant-based. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats. They work just as well in this recipe. You can also adjust the sweetness to fit your taste. Use less brown sugar or skip it altogether if you want a lighter treat. In fall, add spices like cloves or ginger for a cozy taste. You can also throw in chopped apples or pumpkin for extra flavor. In summer, consider using fresh berries or stone fruits instead of apples. The key is to enjoy what’s in season! To keep your stuffed baked apples fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. The apples will stay tasty for up to three days. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you can use the oven or microwave. The oven gives better results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the apples in a baking dish with a splash of apple juice. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. If you use the microwave, heat them on medium power for 1-2 minutes. This method is faster but may change the texture a bit. Freezing stuffed baked apples is a great way to save them. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each apple in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven as mentioned before. This keeps the apples soft and the filling warm. Yes, you can use other apples. Good options include Fuji, Gala, and Braeburn. These apples hold their shape when baked and have a sweet flavor. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my favorites for their balance of sweet and tart. To make stuffed baked apples healthier, you can reduce sugar. Use less brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like stevia. You can also swap butter for coconut oil or applesauce. This cuts down on fat and adds moisture. These baked apples pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also serve them with a scoop of yogurt for a healthier choice. They make a great dessert after a savory meal, like roasted chicken or pork. Stuffed baked apples are simple and fun to make. We covered the best apples, oats, and sweeteners. I shared tips on adding nuts, dried fruits, and spices. You learned how to prepare, fill, and bake the apples perfectly. Don’t forget the tips for taste and serving ideas. With some creativity, you can make this dish your own. Whether for a holiday meal or a cozy night, stuffed baked apples satisfy any craving. Happy baking!$

Delight in the flavors of fall with these Heavenly Stuffed Baked Apples! This easy and delicious recipe combines soft apples with a sweet filling of oats, nuts, and dried fruit, creating a warm, comforting dessert. Perfect for cozy evenings! Ready to impress your family and friends? Discover how to make this delightful treat that everyone will love. Click through for the full recipe and tips to serve it perfectly!

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Ingredients

4 medium-sized apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

1 cup oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup apple juice (for baking)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Core the apples, making sure to leave the bottom intact. This will create a pocket for the filling.

In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries. Mix well.

Stir in the melted butter and honey (or maple syrup) until the mixture is well combined.

Stuff each apple generously with the oat mixture, pressing it down slightly to pack it in.

Place the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish, and pour the apple juice around the base of the apples in the dish.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 60 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the baked apples warm, drizzled with a bit of extra honey or maple syrup, and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.