Baked Stuffed Apples with Sauce

This baked stuffed apple recipe transforms ordinary fruit into an extraordinary dessert experience with minimal effort. The combination of tender baked apples filled with a sweet, spiced oat crumble and drizzled with warm cinnamon honey sauce creates a comforting treat perfect for chilly evenings.

I first made these stuffed apples when looking for a healthier alternative to apple pie that would still satisfy my sweet tooth. What started as an experiment quickly became our family's go to fall dessert tradition whenever we gather around the table on Sunday evenings.

Ingredients

• Honeycrisp or Fuji apples: these varieties hold their shape well when baked and offer the perfect balance of sweetness and structure
• Coconut sugar: provides a rich caramel like flavor that complements the apples beautifully
• Rolled oats: creates wonderful texture while adding fiber and heartiness to the filling
• Chopped pecans: delivers essential crunch and nutty depth to contrast the soft baked apple
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: the classic warming spices that make this dessert so comforting
• Melted butter: binds the filling together while adding richness
• Apple juice: creates steam in the baking dish to help cook the apples evenly

• Honey: forms the base of our silky sauce with its natural sweetness
• Cinnamon: enhances the warming spice notes throughout the dessert
• Vanilla: adds depth and complexity to the simple sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the honey drizzle:

Combine your honey cinnamon and vanilla in a small bowl and whisk thoroughly until fully integrated. The mixture should appear amber colored and smooth. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the apples.

Core the apples carefully:

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing your baking dish with nonstick spray. Using a sharp paring knife cut a deep circle around the stem about 1 inch in diameter. Remove the core by scooping downward leaving walls approximately half inch to three quarters inch thick. Be careful not to puncture the bottom of the apple to prevent filling leakage.

Create the filling:

In a medium bowl combine coconut sugar rolled oats chopped pecans cinnamon nutmeg and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until all dry ingredients are moistened by the butter forming a crumbly texture. The mixture should hold together slightly when pressed between your fingers.

Fill and prepare for baking:

Spoon the filling mixture generously into each cored apple pressing down gently to pack the cavity completely. Place the stuffed apples upright in your prepared baking dish ensuring they stand independently. Pour apple juice around the base of the apples not over them. Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam during baking.

Bake to perfection:

Place your covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. The exact timing will depend on the size of your apples and how thick you left the walls. After 40 minutes remove the foil and continue baking for 5 additional minutes to allow the filling to develop a slight crisp on top. The apples should be easily pierced with a fork but still maintain their shape.

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The cinnamon honey drizzle is truly what elevates this dessert from good to unforgettable. I discovered this component by accident when I was trying to make the dessert slightly more special for a dinner party. Now my family insists that no stuffed apple is complete without that final touch of sweet spiced honey cascading down the sides.

Choosing The Perfect Apple

While the recipe suggests Honeycrisp or Fuji varieties this dessert works well with several apple types. The key is selecting apples that will maintain their structure during baking. Granny Smith provides a tart contrast to the sweet filling. Rome apples have thick flesh ideal for baking. Braeburn offers spicy sweet notes that complement the cinnamon beautifully. Look for medium to large apples of uniform size to ensure even cooking and an impressive presentation.

Make Ahead Options

These stuffed apples can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance making them perfect for entertaining. Simply core the apples and prepare the filling keeping them separate in sealed containers in the refrigerator. When ready to bake stuff the apples then proceed with the recipe as written. You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes of baking time if starting with chilled apples. The honey drizzle can also be made ahead and gently rewarmed before serving.

Serving Suggestions

While these apples are delicious on their own consider enhancing the experience with thoughtful accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates the perfect hot and cold contrast especially when it melts slightly into the warm apple and filling. Freshly whipped cream offers a lighter alternative while still providing that creamy element. For a more decadent approach consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce alongside the honey drizzle. If serving for breakfast or brunch replace the ice cream with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost.

Dietary Adaptations

This versatile recipe easily accommodates various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For a vegan version substitute the butter with coconut oil and serve with dairy free vanilla ice cream. Gluten free diners can enjoy this dessert by using certified gluten free oats in the filling. Reduce the sugar content by cutting the coconut sugar to half cup without compromising the overall experience. For those avoiding nuts simply omit the pecans and increase the oats by two tablespoons to maintain the proper filling consistency.

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ What type of apples work best for this dish?

Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work best because they hold their shape well during baking while becoming tender. These varieties also offer a nice balance of sweetness and acidity that complements the filling and sauce.

→ Can I prepare these stuffed apples ahead of time?

Yes! You can core and stuff the apples up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour the apple juice in the baking dish and bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

→ What can I substitute for coconut sugar?

Brown sugar works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute for coconut sugar in this dish. You could also use regular granulated sugar or maple sugar, though each will provide slightly different flavor notes.

→ How do I know when the apples are done baking?

The apples are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Depending on the size and type of apple, this typically takes 40-45 minutes. Start checking at the 30-minute mark, as apples with larger cores may cook faster.

→ Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative in equal amounts. For serving, use your favorite dairy-free ice cream or whipped coconut cream as a topping.

→ What other toppings would work well with these apples?

Besides vanilla ice cream, these baked apples pair wonderfully with caramel sauce, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or crème fraîche. For added texture, sprinkle with toasted nuts or granola before serving.