Baked Apples

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Warm, juicy baked apples are the kind of dessert that feels as comforting as a cozy blanket.

Simple ingredients and a little oven time turn basic apples into a rich, aromatic treat that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

They’re soft but not mushy, sweet but not too sugary—making them perfect for a light dessert or even a special breakfast.

Plus, each apple is packed with a tasty filling of oats, nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon that adds a subtle spiced kick.

Whether you’re craving something warm on a chilly evening or want a wholesome dessert that brings natural flavors together, baked apples are an easy-to-make choice that brings warmth and joy in every bite.

Let’s jump into this recipe, where we turn everyday apples into a deliciously satisfying dessert.

Table of Contents

Baked Apples Recipe

Ingredients

4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well)
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped pecans (or any nuts you prefer)
1/4 cup brown coconut sugar or your choice of sweetener
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons softened butter (or substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Stand each apple upright. Use a melon baller to carefully scoop out the core, but don’t go through to the bottom. Make a hollow about 1 inch wide in the center of each apple.
In a small bowl, mix the oats, pecans, sugar, and cinnamon. Add in the softened butter or coconut oil and blend until it forms a crumbly mixture.
Spoon the filling into the apples and place them in an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Pour 1 cup of water into the baking dish to keep the apples moist as they bake. Bake, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, or until the apples are soft but still hold their shape.
Let the apples cool slightly, then cut in half and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!

Best Apples To Use For Baked Apples

Picking the right apple variety can make all the difference in how your baked apples turn out. Some apples stay firm and juicy when baked, while others might get too mushy. Here are some of the best options:

Honeycrisp – Naturally sweet and juicy with a crisp texture that stays firm after baking.
Granny Smith – Tart and firm, these apples add a nice balance to the sweetness of other ingredients and hold up well in the oven.
Fuji – Very sweet and dense, with a texture that remains pleasingly firm when baked.
Braeburn – These have a good mix of sweet and tart flavors and a nice texture that won’t go mushy.
Jonagold – Juicy and slightly tangy, they bake beautifully while keeping their shape.

What To Serve With Baked Apples?

Baked apples can be served solo, but pairing them with the right topping makes them even more enjoyable. Here are a few ways to elevate this simple treat:

Ice Cream – Vanilla or caramel ice cream is a classic choice, melting over the warm apples for a delicious contrast.
Whipped Cream – Light, fluffy, and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Greek Yogurt – Great for a lighter option with a hint of tang.
Granola – A sprinkle of granola brings in a satisfying crunch.
Caramel Sauce – Drizzling a little caramel sauce over the top adds a buttery richness.

Variations On Baked Apples

Bored of the usual baked apples? Try mixing things up with these easy variations:

Raisin and Nut Filling – Toss a handful of raisins and walnuts or pecans into the filling for a burst of texture and flavor.
Oatmeal Filling – Fill the apples with a spiced oatmeal mixture for a breakfast-worthy version.
Maple Syrup Sweetener – Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a subtle, natural sweetness.
Extra Spices – Add a pinch of nutmeg, clove, or allspice for a deeper, warming flavor.
Chocolate Chips – For a touch of indulgence, add some mini chocolate chips to the filling.

How To Use The Leftovers?

Leftover baked apples? No problem! Here are a few ways to enjoy them again:

Oatmeal Mix-In – Dice them up and stir into oatmeal for a comforting, fruity breakfast.
Smoothie Addition – Blend them into a smoothie for added natural sweetness and flavor.
Pancake Topping – Warm up the apples and serve them over pancakes for an extra-special topping.
Yogurt Mix – Stir into a bowl of Greek yogurt for a tasty snack or breakfast.
Homemade Apple Sauce – Mash the apples with a fork for a quick, chunky apple sauce that’s great as a snack or topping.

How To Store Baked Apples?

To keep your baked apples fresh for later, follow these simple steps:

Refrigerate – Let the apples cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze – Wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Core Apples?

Coring apples for baking doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are some easy ways to do it:

Melon Baller – Use a melon baller to scoop out the center, being careful not to pierce the bottom of the apple.
Apple Corer – With an apple corer, you can remove the core quickly by pressing down, twisting, and pulling it out.
Paring Knife – If you don’t have special tools, a small knife works too. Cut around the stem in a circular motion and carefully remove the core without cutting through the bottom.