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Maple Cinnamon Baked Apples

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

These Maple Cinnamon Baked Apples with Oats transform simple ingredients into a cozy dessert that's both wholesome and indulgent. Fresh apples are halved and filled with a delicious mixture of oats, pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then baked until tender. The maple syrup adds natural sweetness while creating a light sauce in the baking dish. Ready in just over an hour, these baked apples make a perfect dessert for fall evenings or holiday gatherings, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Fri, 24 Jan 2025 03:00:30 GMT
Warm maple cinnamon baked apples filled with oats, a cozy and wholesome dessert. Pin it
Warm maple cinnamon baked apples filled with oats, a cozy and wholesome dessert. | lastminrecipes.com

The moment you bite into these Maple Cinnamon Baked Apples with Oats, you'll experience the perfect harmony of warm, tender fruit and crispy oat topping. This recipe transforms simple apples into an irresistible dessert that brings together the natural sweetness of maple syrup with aromatic cinnamon and hearty oats. My family has made this comforting treat countless times, especially during those cozy autumn evenings when we crave something wholesome yet indulgent.

I discovered this recipe years ago during apple picking season, and it's become our family's go-to dessert. What I love most is how the maple syrup caramelizes with the apple juices, creating this incredible sauce at the bottom of the pan.

Essential Ingredients

  • Fresh apples: Choose firm, medium-sized varieties like McIntosh or Honeycrisp for their perfect balance of sweetness and structure
  • Old-fashioned oats: They provide the best texture and nutty flavor when baked
  • Pure maple syrup: The real stuff makes all the difference, adding complex sweetness and helping create that caramel-like sauce
  • Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon warms up the flavor and complements both apples and maple
  • Butter: Creates that irresistible crispy texture in the oat topping
  • Chopped nuts (optional): Add wonderful crunch and nutty depth
Tender baked apples with a maple cinnamon oat filling, perfect for fall evenings. Pin it
Tender baked apples with a maple cinnamon oat filling, perfect for fall evenings. | lastminrecipes.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the apples
Wash apples thoroughly and cut them in half vertically through the stem. Using a paring knife or spoon, carefully scoop out the core and seeds. Create a wider hollow in each half to hold more filling. Place halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
Step 2: Make the oat topping
Combine oats, cinnamon, and chopped nuts in a bowl. Pour in melted butter and mix until evenly coated. Add a splash of maple syrup and stir to combine. The mixture should be slightly crumbly but hold together when squeezed.
Step 3: Fill and prepare for baking
Generously fill each apple cavity with the oat mixture. Pour 1 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle each filled apple with maple syrup. Cover the dish loosely with foil.
Step 4: Bake to perfection
Place in preheated 375°F oven for 30 minutes covered. Remove foil and continue baking 15-20 minutes. Watch for apples to become tender when pierced. Oat topping should be golden brown and crispy.

Growing up in New England, McIntosh apples were always my top choice. Their slightly tart flavor perfectly balances the sweet maple syrup, and they maintain their shape while becoming beautifully tender.

The Magic of Maple

The natural maple flavor intensifies during baking, creating an almost caramel-like sauce at the bottom of the dish. This sauce becomes even more delicious when mixed with the apple juices and melted butter. In my experience, dark maple syrup provides the richest flavor, though any grade works beautifully.

Make-Ahead Magic

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it works for entertaining. I often prepare the apples and topping separately the day before, then assemble and bake just before guests arrive. The aroma alone sets the perfect mood for a cozy gathering.

Serving Suggestions

While these baked apples are delicious on their own, they become truly spectacular with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between hot and cold, along with the way the ice cream melts into the maple-apple sauce, creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

After years of making this recipe, I've found it's nearly impossible to mess up. Even if the apples split a bit or the topping isn't perfectly placed, the combination of flavors and textures creates something truly special. It's become my go-to recipe for both casual family dinners and impressive dinner party desserts.

Maple cinnamon baked apples, a sweet and comforting treat with a crunchy oat topping. Pin it
Maple cinnamon baked apples, a sweet and comforting treat with a crunchy oat topping. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm baking apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn work best as they hold their shape while baking.
→ Can I make these baked apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance and reheat before serving.
→ How do I store leftover baked apples?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds make great alternatives to pecans in this recipe.
→ Why do I need to add water to the baking dish?
The water helps steam the apples and creates a sauce while preventing the filling from drying out.

Baked Apples with Maple Oats

Tender baked apples filled with cinnamon oats and pecans, sweetened with maple syrup for a perfect warm dessert.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: North American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 stuffed apple halves)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Fruit Base

01 4 fresh apples, halved and cored
02 1 cup water for baking
03 Pure maple syrup for drizzling

→ For the Oat Topping

04 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
05 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
07 2 tablespoons brown sugar
08 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 1/8 teaspoon salt
10 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

Step 01

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is well combined and crumbly.

Step 03

Cut each apple in half vertically through the core. Using a spoon or knife, carefully hollow out the center of each half, and create small triangle cuts to remove the stem and core areas.

Step 04

Place the prepared apple halves in a baking dish. Fill each apple cavity generously with the oat mixture. Drizzle maple syrup over each filled apple. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish, and bake for about 1 hour until the apples are tender.

Step 05

Once done, give each apple a final drizzle of maple syrup and serve while warm. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Notes

  1. Check the water level halfway through baking - add 1/4 cup more if needed, but avoid making it too watery
  2. The finished dish should have a sauce-like consistency in the bottom of the baking dish

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife or spoon for coring

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Tree nuts (pecans)
  • Dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 185
  • Total Fat: 6.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 1.8 g