Baked Apples with Oats

Featured in: Sweet Treats

Experience tender baked apples filled with a wholesome oat and nut crumble that balances natural sweetness and comforting spice. This dish combines soft, juicy apples with a golden, crunchy topping made from rolled oats, chopped nuts, almond flour, and warming cinnamon and nutmeg. Lightly sweetened with brown or coconut sugar and enhanced by applesauce, it bakes to a tender perfection. Ideal for cooler days, it can be served warm, plain or alongside creamy Greek yogurt for added richness. Variations include adding dried cranberries or raisins, or swapping apples for pears.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:24:00 GMT
Golden Baked Apples with Oat-Nut Crumble showing a warm, inviting dessert filled with textures. Pin
Golden Baked Apples with Oat-Nut Crumble showing a warm, inviting dessert filled with textures. | garlicgroove.com

Tender baked apples filled with a wholesome oat and nut crumble, offering natural sweetness with less sugar. A comforting, healthier dessert perfect for cooler days.

I first tried baked apples with oat-nut crumble on a chilly evening and they quickly became a favorite in our home because they are delicious but not overly sweet.

Ingredients

  • Apples: 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Braeburn), cored
  • Crumble Topping: 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 2 tbsp almond flour (or whole wheat flour), 2 tbsp light brown sugar or coconut sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, Pinch of salt, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
  • Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Apples:
Wash and core the apples, creating a cavity for the filling while leaving the bottom intact.
Mix Crumble:
In a medium bowl, combine oats, nuts, almond flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Add melted butter and applesauce to the mixture. Stir until the crumble is evenly moistened.
Optional Fruit:
Stir in raisins or dried cranberries if using.
Fill Apples:
Place apples upright in a baking dish. Fill each apple generously with the oat-nut crumble.
Add Water:
Add 2,3 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
Bake Covered:
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Bake Uncovered:
Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is golden.
Serve:
Serve warm, plain or with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Oven-baked Baked Apples with Oat-Nut Crumble, showing the sweet, cinnamon-laced crumble topping ready to serve. Pin
Oven-baked Baked Apples with Oat-Nut Crumble, showing the sweet, cinnamon-laced crumble topping ready to serve. | garlicgroove.com

My kids love helping to stuff the apples and sprinkle the crumble on top. It's a dessert that's fun to prepare together as a family.

Required Tools

Apple corer or paring knife, mixing bowl, baking dish, measuring cups and spoons, aluminum foil.

Allergen Information

Contains nuts (walnuts, pecans) and dairy (butter): use plant-based butter and omit nuts if needed. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 220, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 35 g, Protein: 3 g.

Warm and comforting Baked Apples with Oat-Nut Crumble, perfect for a cozy autumn evening. Pin
Warm and comforting Baked Apples with Oat-Nut Crumble, perfect for a cozy autumn evening. | garlicgroove.com

This simple baked apple recipe brings out the best of fall flavors with a warm crumble filling. Serve fresh for maximum enjoyment.

Recipe Questions

What apples work best for baking in this dish?

Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn hold their shape well and provide balanced sweetness when baked.

Can I substitute the nuts in the topping?

Yes, walnuts or pecans both add pleasant crunch and flavor. For a nut-free option, omit nuts or replace with seeds.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Use plant-based butter instead of dairy butter to keep the topping moist and flavorful without animal products.

How can I ensure the apples bake evenly?

Core the apples without piercing the bottom to hold the filling and bake covered initially, then uncovered to crisp the top.

What serving suggestions enhance this dish?

Serving warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup complements the natural sweetness and adds creamy contrast.

Baked Apples with Oats

Tender baked apples with a wholesome oat and nut crumble, offering natural sweetness with less sugar.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, No gluten

Components

Apples

01 4 medium apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Braeburn), cored

Crumble Topping

01 1/2 cup rolled oats
02 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
03 2 tbsp almond flour or whole wheat flour
04 2 tbsp light brown sugar or coconut sugar
05 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
06 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
07 Pinch of salt
08 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
09 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

Optional

01 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Prepare apples: Wash and core apples, leaving bottoms intact to create cavities.

Step 03

Mix crumble ingredients: Combine oats, nuts, almond flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.

Step 04

Moisten crumble: Add melted butter and applesauce to the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly.

Step 05

Add optional dried fruit: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries if desired.

Step 06

Fill apples: Place apples upright in a baking dish and stuff cavities with the oat-nut mixture.

Step 07

Add moisture to dish: Pour 2-3 tbsp water into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 08

Initial baking: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 09

Finish baking uncovered: Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until apples are tender and topping is golden.

Step 10

Serve: Serve warm, optionally with Greek yogurt or preferred accompaniment.

Necessary tools

  • Apple corer or paring knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains tree nuts (walnuts or pecans) and dairy (butter).

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 220
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Protein: 3 g