If you’re after a dessert that tastes like autumn in a bowl—this is it. These baked apples are soft, spiced, and filled with a golden oat crumble that gets perfectly crisp in the oven.
It’s one of those nostalgic, no-fuss recipes that fills the house with cinnamon-sugar warmth and feels just right on chilly evenings. Serve it up with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of Greek yoghurt, and you’ve got fall perfection.
What the Meal Is
This is a simple baked dessert made with cored apples filled with a cinnamon-spiced oat crumble. As the apples bake, they turn soft and juicy, while the topping crisps up into golden, buttery goodness.
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy to make with basic ingredients
- Naturally sweetened and full of fibre
- Classic fall flavours
- Great for entertaining or casual cosy nights
- Smells amazing while it bakes!
What Does It Taste Like?
Warm, soft apples bursting with sweet cinnamon flavour, paired with a golden oat topping that’s buttery, crisp, and just a little chewy. It’s like apple crumble—but served in its own cute little apple bowl.
Benefits
- Naturally gluten-free (if using GF oats)
- No refined sugar (use maple syrup or honey)
- Packed with fibre and antioxidants
- Lower in calories than pie
- Freezer- and make-ahead-friendly
Ingredients & Quantities
For the apples:
- 4 firm apples (Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
For the oat crumble:
- 60g rolled oats
- 40g chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or butter, melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Apple corer or small spoon
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish
- Foil
- Spoon or small scoop
How to Make It
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
- Core the apples, leaving the bottoms intact. Brush with lemon juice and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- In a bowl, mix all crumble ingredients until combined.
- Fill each apple generously with the oat mixture.
- Place apples in a baking dish with a splash of water. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and soft.
- Serve warm with ice cream, cream, or yoghurt.
Additional Tips
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling
- Use honeycrisp or Jonagold apples for extra sweetness
- Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving
- Swap maple syrup for brown sugar if needed
- Double the crumble and bake extra in a tray to serve on top!
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—just use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
What apples work best?
Any firm, sweet-tart variety like Braeburn, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady.
Can I prep these ahead?
Definitely! Core and fill the apples, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5–10 mins extra in the oven if baking from cold.
