Name: Classic Baked Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium apples, cored (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg; Pinch of salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp raisins or chopped dried cranberries (optional); 1/2 cup apple cider or water

Classic Baked Apples are a warm, cozy dessert that combines tender apples with a sweet, spiced filling. I love how simple they are to prepare, yet they always feel comforting and wholesome, especially on cool days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s both satisfying and versatile. The apples soften beautifully while the filling turns golden and nutty. I can enjoy it on its own, with a drizzle of cream, or topped with ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Apples:
4 medium apples cored (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Filling:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
2 tablespoons raisins or chopped dried cranberries optional

For Baking:
1/2 cup apple cider or water

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
I core the apples, making sure to leave the bottom intact to hold the filling. I brush the insides with lemon juice to prevent browning.
In a bowl, I mix oats, nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, melted butter, and raisins or cranberries if using.
I spoon the filling into each apple, packing it gently.
I place the apples in a baking dish and pour apple cider or water into the bottom.
I bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
I serve warm, often with whipped cream or ice cream.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It usually takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake, so I can enjoy it in under an hour.

Variations

Sometimes I like swapping the nuts for almonds or pistachios. If I want a lighter version, I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. I’ve also tried stuffing the apples with granola for a quick shortcut that works wonderfully.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave them for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use for baked apples?

I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith because they hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness.

Do I need to peel the apples?

No, I leave the peel on since it helps the apples hold together while baking.

Can I make these without nuts?

Yes, I often skip nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, though the texture will be slightly softer. I prefer rolled oats for more chew.

Can I prepare baked apples ahead of time?

Yes, I can stuff the apples a few hours ahead, then bake when ready to serve.

How do I know when the apples are done?

I check with a fork; they should be tender but not mushy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute instead of butter.

What can I serve with baked apples?

I like them with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt.

Can I bake these in the microwave?

Yes, I can microwave them for about 5–7 minutes, but the texture won’t be as caramelized as oven-baked.

Can I freeze baked apples?

I don’t recommend freezing whole baked apples since they become mushy after thawing.

Conclusion

I enjoy making Classic Baked Apples because they are simple, delicious, and bring out the natural sweetness of apples in a comforting way. With their warm filling and tender texture, they make the perfect dessert for family dinners or a cozy night in.