Name: Breakfast Baked Apples with Oatmeal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup quick-cooking steel-cut oats; ⅔ cup water; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar; 4 tablespoons maple syrup, divided; ⅓ cup roughly chopped pecans; 6 small Honeycrisp apples; 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided; 6 whole pecans for topping (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This breakfast is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The baked apples are tender and slightly caramelized, the oats provide a hearty, creamy filling, and pecans add a toasty crunch. Cinnamon and maple syrup bring warmth and natural sweetness, making this dish perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast or a special brunch. It’s also portable, so you can prep it ahead for busy mornings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

⅓ cup quick-cooking steel-cut oats*
⅔ cup water
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
4 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
⅓ cup roughly chopped pecans
6 small Honeycrisp apples**
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
6 whole pecans for topping (optional)

*Quick-cooking steel-cut oats can be found in most grocery stores.
**Use firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for best results.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling. Place them in a greased baking dish.
In a small saucepan, combine oats, water, salt, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, chopped pecans, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until oats are just tender, about 3–5 minutes.
Spoon the oatmeal mixture into each cored apple, pressing slightly to fill.
Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup over the filled apples and sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Top each apple with a whole pecan, if desired.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until apples are tender but still hold their shape. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the oat filling for extra sweetness.
Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of cream for extra indulgence.
Sprinkle with a little nutmeg or ginger for added warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 30–60 seconds. Add extra maple syrup if needed before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, firm, sweet apples like Fuji or Gala work well. Avoid very soft or mealy apples.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan if you use pure maple syrup.

Can I prepare the oatmeal filling ahead of time?

Yes, cook the filling a day in advance and store in the fridge. Fill apples and bake just before serving.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use certified gluten-free oats.

Conclusion

Breakfast Baked Apples with Oatmeal is a cozy, comforting start to the day. With tender, sweet apples filled with hearty oats, cinnamon, and pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s both nourishing and indulgent. Perfect for weekends, holidays, or any morning you want a special, warm breakfast treat.