When you think of fall desserts, apple crisp and baked apples probably come to mind. This recipe is what happens when the two collide into one warm, spiced, buttery masterpiece. Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples are everything you want in a cozy dessert: tender baked apples filled with cinnamon oat crisp topping, baked until golden and bubbling. The best part? You get the comforting flavors of apple pie and crisp without the hassle of rolling out crusts or dealing with a pie dish.
Each apple becomes its own self-contained dessert vessel. The flesh softens while baking, turning spoon-tender, while the crisp topping adds contrast with its toasted oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. You don’t need to peel or core them aggressively—just scoop out the centers and let the oven do the magic. The result is stunning enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights.
This dessert is naturally portion-controlled and easy to serve. Want to impress dinner guests? Just add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of caramel sauce. Hosting a holiday dinner? These baked apples will fit right in on the table next to pumpkin pie and pecan bars.
You can make the oat topping ahead of time and even stuff the apples in advance. They reheat beautifully and can be made dairy-free by swapping the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative. That makes them great for a range of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results. Their structure holds up well, and their tartness balances the sweetness of the crisp. Softer apples tend to fall apart and lose their shape.
This recipe proves that simple ingredients can create magic. You don’t need a mixer or special tools. Just a knife, a spoon, and a baking dish. It’s rustic, homespun, and deeply satisfying.
Beyond the flavor and texture, there’s nostalgia baked into every bite. The scent of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar wafting through your kitchen? That’s pure comfort. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and makes memories.
You can double or triple this recipe for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s just as easy to make eight apples as it is four, and you’ll never regret the leftovers. They’re just as good cold or reheated.
Serve these apples warm, ideally straight from the oven. The contrast between the bubbling filling and the cold scoop of ice cream is unbeatable. And if you want to make them feel extra indulgent, a little sea salt over the top goes a long way.
Servings: 4 baked apples
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a small knife and spoon, carefully cut around the apple stems and scoop out the core and seeds to create a cavity. Leave about 1/2 inch at the base so the filling stays inside.
- In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in melted butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Spoon the oat mixture into the center of each apple, packing it tightly.
- Place apples in a baking dish and add a splash of water (about 1/4 inch) to the bottom of the dish.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until topping is golden and apples are tender.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle, if desired.
Tips:
- Use a melon baller to scoop the apple centers easily.
- Want extra crisp? Sprinkle some of the topping around the apples in the dish.
- Swap brown sugar for maple syrup in the filling for a deeper flavor.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Combines two classic fall desserts into one.
- Easy to make and naturally portioned.
- Customizable and great for entertaining.
- Smells amazing while it bakes.
Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples are the ultimate warm dessert. Easy to make, full of comforting spice, and perfect with ice cream, they bring together everything you love about fall baking into one beautiful, individual serving.
Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Using a small knife and spoon, carefully cut around the apple stems and scoop out the core and seeds to create a cavity. Leave about 1/2 inch at the base so the filling stays inside.
- In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in melted butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Spoon the oat mixture into the center of each apple, packing it tightly.
- Place apples in a baking dish and add a splash of water (about 1/4 inch) to the bottom of the dish.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until topping is golden and apples are tender.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle, if desired.
Notes
- Use a melon baller to scoop the apple centers easily.
- Want extra crisp? Sprinkle some of the topping around the apples in the dish.
- Swap brown sugar for maple syrup in the filling for a deeper flavor.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.