Oh, baked apples with oats and cinnamon! This simple yet delightful dish reminds me of cozy autumn afternoons spent at my grandmother’s house. There’s just something so comforting about the aroma of sweet apples mingling with spicy cinnamon wafting through the air. Whenever I make this dish, it transports me back to those cheerful days where my grandma would pull a warm dish out of the oven and serve it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top. Let’s just say, I’d be jumping up and down with excitement like a kid in a candy store!
This recipe is my go-to when I need a delicious yet healthy dessert or a satisfying breakfast. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together. The warmth of the baked apples and the crunchy oats is a match made in heaven, not to mention that it’s a great way to use up any apples you might have lying around. So let’s get our aprons on and dive right into making these scrumptious baked apples!
What’s in Baked Apples with Oats and Cinnamon?
Apples: The star of the show! I usually opt for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the other ingredients perfectly.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the filling a delightful crunch while adding fiber. I skip instant oats in this recipe because they tend to get mushy.
Cinnamon: This aromatic spice not only makes the dish taste amazing but also brings a warm, nostalgic feel. I like to use Ceylon cinnamon for its delicate flavor, but regular cinnamon works great too!
Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet your apples are.
Butter: A little pat of butter (or coconut oil if I’m being dairy-free) adds richness to the filling and helps everything blend together.
Nuts (optional): Chopped walnuts or pecans can add extra crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.
Raisins or Dried Cranberries (optional): These give a sweet burst in every bite. Plus, they’re a fun twist that adds extra texture.
Is Baked Apples with Oats and Cinnamon Good for You?
Absolutely! Baked apples are not just a tasty treat; they also bring along some fantastic health benefits.
Apples: Rich in fiber and vitamin C, apples contribute to heart health and can aid digestion. The skin is especially high in antioxidants!
Oats: They are a powerhouse of whole grains loaded with soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and keep you feeling full. Plus, they are great for maintaining consistent energy levels.
Cinnamon: This common spice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it may even help regulate blood sugar levels.
While this dish is generally nutritious, it’s key to keep in mind the amount of added sugars. You can easily reduce the sugar or even substitute it with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey to tailor it to your dietary needs.
Ingredients List
– 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted (or coconut oil)
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
– 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
– 1 cup water for baking
*This recipe serves 4, so it’s perfect for sharing—or savouring all by yourself, no judgment here!*
How to Make Baked Apples with Oats and Cinnamon?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The smell of this dish cooking is like a warm hug!
2. Wash the apples thoroughly and cut off the top of each apple, removing the core with a melon baller or a small paring knife. Be careful not to cut through the bottom!
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, melted butter, chopped nuts, and raisins. Mix well to create a delicious filling.
4. Stuff each apple with the oat mixture generously, packing it down a bit so it overflows slightly. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even pile it high!
5. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and add water to the bottom—this helps keep them moist as they bake.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to let the tops get slightly crispy.
7. Once done, let them cool slightly, and serve them warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Sweet Tips and Variations for Baked Apples
– Feel free to experiment! Swap out brown sugar for maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different taste.
– Try adding some vanilla extract or nutmeg to the filling for extra flavor.
– If you want to indulge a little more, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the oats for a delightful twist.
– These baked apples are fantastic on their own but also pair wonderfully with yogurt for breakfast or as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.
There you have it, my friends! Baked apples with oats and cinnamon not only warm your belly but also your heart. I hope you give this recipe a try and feel the love that I do every time I make it. I’d love to hear about your experience, so don’t hesitate to share your baked apple stories with me! Happy cooking!