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This small batch baked apples recipe features tender apples filled with a buttery mixture of oats, brown sugar, and warm spices, baked until the filling is golden and crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at Its Best: Made with just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep.
- Warm, Cozy Flavor: Cinnamon-spiced apples baked until tender, like a mini apple crisp without the fuss.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a comforting breakfast or an effortless dessert, equally lovely served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Diet-Friendly & Adaptable: Easily tailored – make it gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps.
- Preps Ahead, Stays Delicious: Can be assembled in advance, great for holidays or hosting with less effort on the day.
Biting into a tender baked apple with a spiced oat filling is one of those simple pleasures I never get tired of.
Two apples bake until soft, the oats take on a light crispness, and the cinnamon and nutmeg make the kitchen smell wonderful. It’s the kind of dessert I reach for when I want something homemade and a little special without much effort.
If you have a spare apple or two, why not try one of our other delightful small batch or single serving apple recipes like mini apple cake, single serve apple cobbler, small batch morning glory muffins, or small batch apple fritters.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this baked apples recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Apples: Use 2 medium apples that can hold the oatmeal filling. For baked apples, choose crisp, sweet varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Jonagold, or Granny Smith. Extra apples can be used in a single apple muffin, slow cooker applesauce, or a single serving apple crisp.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens the filling. Swap with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey. If you don’t have any, use our small batch brown sugar recipe to make a small batch.
- Oats: Use regular or certified gluten-free oats if needed. Leftover oats work well in a blackberry crisp for one, small batch of oatmeal cookies, small batch baked oatmeal, or single serve overnight oats.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Key spices that bring warm flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a sauce-like texture. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter or coconut oil.
- Boiling Water: Prevents sticking and softens the apples while baking. Apple juice or cider can be used for extra flavor.
RELATED: Recipes For Empty Nesters
Recipe Variations
These baked apples are easy to customize. Try one of these simple variations for a new flavor every time.
- Stuffed Apples with Dried Fruit: Replace half the oats with dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for added texture and tartness.
- Chocolate Chip: Stir mini chocolate chips into the filling for a gooey, chocolatey surprise.
- Maple Pecan: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar and add chopped pecans for a fall-inspired flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the apples for extra sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped walnuts or almonds into the oat filling for added crunch.
- Spiced Apple: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves with the cinnamon and nutmeg for deeper spice.
How To Make Baked Apples
All ingredient amounts and full instructions are in the recipe card below. Here’s a quick overview:
- Prep the Apples: Core 2 medium apples with a knife or apple corer, creating space for the filling.
- Make the Filling: Mix brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter in a bowl. Spoon into the apples.
- Set Up for Baking: Place apples in a small baking dish. Pour boiling water around them.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, until the apples are tender.
Pro Tip: Let the apples cool for a few minutes before eating, the filling will be very hot straight from the oven.
Enjoy warm on their own, or add homemade whipped cream or a single scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Expert Tips
- Core Easily: Use a spoon or apple corer to remove seeds and create a clean well for the filling.
- Check Size: Larger apples may need more baking time. Test doneness by piercing the thickest part with a fork, if it’s soft, they’re ready.
- Add Water: Pour boiling water into the baking dish to soften the apples and keep them from sticking.
- Mix Well: Combine the brown sugar, oats, spices, and butter thoroughly so every bite is flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Jonagold, or Granny Smith hold up well when baked.
No, leave the peel on. It helps the apple keep its shape while baking.
Use a small sharp knife or a sturdy spoon to carefully scoop out the center and seeds.
Yes. Prepare them up to a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Pierce the thickest part with a fork. If it slides in easily and the apple is tender, they’re ready.
Yes. Warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
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’ve tried these single serving baked apples or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Batch Baked Apples
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples
- 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. Core them with a knife or apple corer, leaving about ½ inch at the bottom to form a well about 1 inch wide.
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon the mixture into the apple wells, pressing it in firmly.
- Place the apples in a small baking dish and top each with ¼ tablespoon butter.
- Pour hot water into the bottom of the dish.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the apples are tender.
- Remove from the oven and spoon the pan juices over the apples before serving.
Notes
- Core Easily: Use a spoon or apple corer to remove seeds and create a clean well for the filling.
- Check Size: Larger apples may need more baking time. Test doneness by piercing the thickest part with a fork, if it’s soft, they’re ready.
- Add Water: Pour boiling water into the baking dish to soften the apples and keep them from sticking.
- Mix Well: Combine the brown sugar, oats, spices, and butter thoroughly so every bite is flavorful.
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.
Great recipes !!!! Perfect for 1
Perfect for fall! Thanks for sharing, Joanie, and have a great autumn 🙂
Baked apples for breakfast – yes!!! I love them. They're the perfect intersection of sweet dessert and healthy snack.
I am always looking for small-batch treat recipes like this! I can definitely see this one becoming a go-to in my house – it looks incredible!
mmm oh YES! So we made baked apples for Thanksgiving one year and they were awesome! I haven't made them in years though! Perfect little recipe for just Thomas and I!
This looks like a delicious dessert. Am I bad if I eat both?
Cooler weather usually means fall but I guess that's tough in Texas! Good ole baked apples still set you in the right mood. Love how easy these are!
Ugh. I do not miss the Texas heat! So miserable. I hope it cools down soon! And these apples look incredible.
Baked apples is one of the first fall desserts I make as soon as the weather turns chilly. These look perfect!
Baked apples are one of my favorite fall treats. These look wonderful!