There’s something about warm, spiced apples that feels like a hug from the inside out. Inspired by European baked fruit desserts and classic American cobblers, this dish strikes the perfect balance between rustic comfort and refined simplicity.
By stuffing crisp apples with a golden oat and brown sugar filling, we create a dessert that’s equal parts indulgent and nourishing. The slow-baking method draws out the apples’ natural juices, caramelizing the sugars for a deep, rich flavor reminiscent of a French tarte tatin.
Whether served as a cozy Southern-style treat or a sophisticated take on baked fruit, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try swapping pecans for walnuts, drizzling with honey, or adding a touch of miso for a surprising umami twist.
What I Didn’t Expect About This Recipe?
- How satisfying it is for breakfast – I originally made this as dessert, but paired with Greek yogurt, it became my new favorite morning treat.
- The way the oats turn crispy and caramelized – I thought they’d stay soft, but they create this incredible, almost granola-like topping.
- How forgiving it is – You can swap in different apples, tweak the spices, or use maple syrup instead of sugar, and it still turns out delicious.
- That it feels indulgent but is actually pretty healthy – It’s naturally sweetened, packed with fiber, and keeps you full for hours.
- The depth of flavor from a pinch of salt – A little sea salt enhances the brown sugar’s richness and makes everything taste more balanced.
This dish tastes like autumn in every bite—warm, spiced, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat!
Baked Apples With Oats And Brown Sugar Recipe
Equipment
- Apple corer or paring knife
- Mixing bowl
- Fork (or pastry cutter)
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 medium apples
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Use an apple corer or paring knife to remove the cores from the apples, creating a deep well in the center, then place them on a rimmed baking sheet.
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Evenly distribute the oat mixture among the apples, filling each center.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the apples before baking.
- Choose firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to maintain structure.
- Adding chopped nuts or raisins to the filling provides extra texture and sweetness.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 304kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 47g |
| Fibre | 6g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 47g |
Variations To Help You Customise This Dish!
- Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the oat mixture for a delightful crunch.
- Spiced Delight – Enhance the warmth by mixing in nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin spice along with the cinnamon.
- Caramel Apple Twist – Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before or after baking for extra indulgence.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Treat – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the filling or melt chocolate over the baked apples.
- Berry Burst – Mix dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates into the oat filling for a fruity touch.
