There’s something magical about the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen on a chilly evening. Imagine cozying up with a bowl of soft, tender apples topped with a golden oat crumble that’s both crispy and comforting. The best part? These Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats deliver that delicious experience without requiring a culinary degree.
Did you know that baked apples have been a favorite treat in many cultures for centuries? They are not just a delightful dessert, but they also remind us of family gatherings filled with laughter and warmth. This dish stands out for its brilliant simplicity, making it an absolute must-try, especially if you’re a fan of my popular honey-glazed carrot sticks or my warm spiced apple cider. Trust me; once you pull this recipe out at your next family dinner, it’ll quickly become a beloved tradition!
What is Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats?
You might wonder about the name “Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats.” Is it really that easy? Spoiler alert: Yes, it is! This delightful dish encapsulates the essence of comfort food with an almost effortless preparation process. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can transform humble apples into a delectable dessert. After all, isn’t it often said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? So why not impress your loved ones with this delicious creation? Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats
There’s so much to love about Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats! First, the main dish component is an excellent way to enjoy the wholesome goodness of apples, packed with fiber and essential nutrients. Second, the cost-saving benefits of cooking at home cannot be overlooked; homemade baked apples are not only cheaper than store-bought desserts, but they’re also made with love and care. And let’s talk about the toppings! Drizzling a bit of honey or a dollop of your favorite yogurt on top can elevate the dish even more. This dessert gives off those charming vibes that are reminiscent of warm apple pie, but with far less fuss. Ready to make your kitchen smell divine? Let’s get started!
How to Make Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats
Quick Overview
Creating these Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats is a joyfully straightforward process that even beginners can master. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, you’ll enjoy a delightful blend of soft, tender apples and a hearty oat topping baked to perfection. The final dish boasts a texture that’s warm and inviting with a crispy finish—perfect for cozy evenings spent with loved ones.
Key Ingredients for Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats
To embark on this delicious adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized apples (any variety works well)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for a Halal option)
- ½ cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds, optional)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (for drizzling, optional)
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and core the apples. You can slice them into wedges or keep them whole; just remember to remove the seeds.
- Mix the Oat Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped nuts (if using), and a pinch of salt. Melt the butter or coconut oil and pour it into the mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Assemble: In a baking dish, arrange the apples upright. If you opted for whole apples, create a small hollow at the top of each apple for an even better stuffing. Spoon the oat mixture generously into each hollow or on top of each apple.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to achieve a crispy topping.
- Serve: Once baked, drizzle with honey, if desired, and let cool slightly before serving.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats
- Substitutions: Feel free to swap out any nuts for seeds if you have nut allergies. Rolled oats can be replaced with gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
- Timing: Keep an eye on the apples as they bake. Depending on their size and ripeness, the baking time may vary. You want them soft but not mushy!
- Common Mistakes: Avoid using overly ripe apples, as they might turn mushy. Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best. If your oat topping isn’t crispy enough, try broiling it for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just ensure to watch it closely!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Easy Baked Apples can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, they can be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but you might lose some of that delightful crispiness!
Now that you know how to make these delightful Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! This simple, wholesome treat is bound to become a family favorite at your gatherings. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Easy Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Oats
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized medium-sized apples Any variety works well.
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter Can substitute with coconut oil for Halal option.
- ½ cup chopped nuts Such as walnuts or almonds, optional.
- 1 tablespoon honey For drizzling, optional.
- a pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Wash and core the apples. You can slice them into wedges or keep them whole; just remember to remove the seeds.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped nuts (if using), and a pinch of salt. Melt the butter or coconut oil and pour it into the mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
- In a baking dish, arrange the apples upright. For whole apples, create a small hollow at the top of each apple for stuffing. Spoon the oat mixture generously into each hollow or on top of each apple.
Baking
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to achieve a crispy topping.
Serving
- Once baked, drizzle with honey, if desired, and let cool slightly before serving.
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