Stuffed Apples are a warm and comforting dessert, perfect for fall or winter. They’re filled with a delicious mixture of nuts, oats, spices, and sweeteners like brown sugar or honey, and then baked until tender. Serve them on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat.
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite baking apple)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup for a natural sweetener)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Apples:
- Wash the apples and slice off the tops. Use a melon baller or paring knife to carefully core the apples, removing the seeds and creating a hollow center, but leaving the bottom intact to hold the filling.
- Make the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar (or honey), cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), melted butter, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.
- Stuff the Apples:
- Spoon the filling into each hollowed apple, packing it tightly. You can slightly overfill the apples, as the filling will settle during baking.
- Bake the Apples:
- Place the stuffed apples in the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still holding their shape and the filling is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the baked apples cool for a few minutes, then serve them warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.
These Stuffed Apples are a deliciously warm and spiced dessert, perfect for cozying up with during fall or winter. They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite fillings, making them a wonderful treat for any occasion!
