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Start with two apples to create sweet and delicious Baked Apples, ideal for breakfast or dessert. Using just a few ingredients like oats, brown sugar, and spices, you can easily prepare tender and tasty apples. This recipe is all about quick and easy steps, leading you to delicious results with minimal effort. Just follow this easy guide to make the perfect baked apples.
If you have a spare apple or two, why not try one of our other delightful single serving or small batch apple recipes? Options include a delightful Mini Apple Cake, a comforting Apple Cobbler, scrumptious Morning Glory Muffins, or tantalizing Apple Fritters.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Apples Recipe
- Simplicity: With just a few staple ingredients and simple steps, anyone can make this dish.
- Versatile: Enjoy these baked apples as a cozy breakfast or a satisfying dessert.
- Diet-Friendly: With alternative ingredient options, this recipe caters to various dietary preferences.
- Efficient: Utilize those extra apples you have lying around to create something delightful.
- Customizable: Add your own twist with additional toppings or fillings for a unique taste experience.
RELATED: 4 Single Serving Pumpkin Recipes To Get You Ready For Fall
Ingredients
This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this easy baked apples recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Apples: Use 2 medium-sized apples, perfect for holding the oatmeal filling. Refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” section for the best apple varieties to choose for this dish. If you have extra apples, consider using them to make a single Apple Muffin or a single serving Apple Crisp.
- Brown Sugar: The recipe calls for brown sugar, but you can easily switch it out for coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey if you prefer. If you don’t have brown sugar, consider using our brown sugar recipe to make a small batch.
- Oats: To make this recipe gluten-free, go for a certified gluten-free oatmeal brand. Extra oats can be used to make a Blackberry Crisp, Oatmeal Cookies, Baked Oatmeal, or Overnight Oats.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warm, comforting flavors that are integral to the dish. No suitable substitutes are recommended for the unique tastes they bring.
- Butter: This adds a richness and helps to create a sauce-like texture in the dish. For a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based butter or coconut oil.
- Boiling Water: While water is the default choice, you can opt for apple juice or apple cider to add a hint of sweetness and elevate the apple flavor. The liquid also prevents sticking and aids in softening the apples during baking.
If you have any ingredients leftover from this baked apples recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
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Recipe Variations
Love the base recipe but want to experiment a bit? There’s plenty of room for creativity when it comes to these baked apples. Below are some tantalizing variations you can try for your next batch.
- Stuffed Apples with Dried Fruit: Replace half of the oats with a some dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a different texture and tartness.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: For a gooey surprise, mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips with the oat and spice filling. Chocolate and apples are an underrated combo!
- Maple and Pecan: Switch out the brown sugar for maple syrup and add some chopped pecans to the filling for a fall-inspired treat.
How To Make A Small Batch Of Baked Apples
- Prep Your Apples: Select your preferred apple variety and use a sharp knife or an apple corer to hollow out the center, creating a well for the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter until well combined. Spoon this oatmeal mixture into the hollowed-out centers of the apples.
- Ready for Baking: Position the filled apples in a small baking dish. Pour boiling water into the dish, surrounding the apples.
- Bake Until Tender: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples have softened to your liking.
Expert Tips
- Core Removal Technique: A spoon or an apple corer works wonders for easily removing the seeds and creating a well in the middle of the apples. This makes it easier to stuff with your oatmeal mixture.
- Size Matters: If you’re working with large apples, you may need to extend the baking time. To check for doneness, pierce the thickest part of the apple with a fork. If it’s no longer firm, your baked apples are good to go.
- Boiling Water: Don’t skip the step of adding boiling water to the baking dish. This helps to soften the apples and prevents them from sticking to the dish.
- Filling Consistency: For a cohesive and flavorful filling, make sure to mix the brown sugar, oats, spices, and butter thoroughly. This ensures that each bite is a perfect blend of sweetness and spice.
Serving Suggestions
These baked apples are delicious on their own, but why stop there? Elevate this dish by adding some of these tantalizing serving suggestions that complement the natural sweetness and warmth of the baked apples.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Crown your baked apple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luscious contrast of hot and cold. The ice cream melts into the apple’s filling, creating a creamy sauce that’s utterly irresistible.
- Greek Yogurt: For a healthier yet creamy twist, top your baked apples with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to tie it all together.
- Toasted Nuts: For added crunch and a nutty flavor, scatter some toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans over the baked apples right before serving.
- Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the dessert experience by drizzling caramel sauce over the baked apples. It adds a layer of buttery richness.
- Whipped Cream: If you’re a fan of light and airy textures, consider garnishing your baked apples with a swirl of whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg for added flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can certainly double or triple this recipe, which originally calls for 2 apples. Just scale up the ingredients accordingly.
For baked apples, you’ll want to opt for crisp and sweet apple varieties. My top recommendations are:
Honeycrisp
Fuji
Gala
Jonagold
Granny Smith
When selecting apples, focus on their firmness. They should be solid and resilient to the touch. Steer clear of soft apples or those that yield easily under pressure. Additionally, inspect the skin for any soft bruises or imperfections.
They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to two days.
Baking is preferred for optimal texture and flavor.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you would like information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
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Small Batch Baked Apples
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (such as Gala, Jonagold, Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup old fashioned oats
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ tablespoon salted butter
- ¼ cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Rinse and dry the apples. Using a sharp knife or an apple corer, cut out the cores, leaving the bottom 1/2-inch of the apples intact and creating a well roughly 1-inch wide.
- Mix the brown sugar, oats, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl. Divide this mixture between the two apples, packing the mixture into the wells firmly.
- Arrange the apples in a small baking dish, and top each apple with 1/4 tablespoon of butter.
- Pour the hot water into the bottom of the dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the apples are cooked through and tender.
- Remove the apples from the oven and spoon the juices from the dish over the apples.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- Core Removal Technique: A spoon or an apple corer works wonders for easily removing the seeds and creating a well in the middle of the apples. This makes it easier to stuff with your oatmeal mixture.
- Size Matters: If you’re working with large apples, you may need to extend the baking time. To check for doneness, pierce the thickest part of the apple with a fork. If it’s no longer firm, your baked apples are good to go.
- Boiling Water: Don’t skip the step of adding boiling water to the baking dish. This helps to soften the apples and prevents them from sticking to the dish.
- Filling Consistency: For a cohesive and flavorful filling, make sure to mix the brown sugar, oats, spices, and butter thoroughly. This ensures that each bite is a perfect blend of sweetness and spice.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Thank you so much!
I take care of a 97 yr old precious Lady, while It baking in the oven she loved the smell and “asked what smells so good?”
She really enjoyed it after dinner with Ice cream. The recipe was Fabulous!! Thank you