If you have a sweet tooth and love cozy, comforting desserts, you are going to adore this Stuffed Baked Apples with Nutty Oat Filling and Caramel Sauce Recipe. Imagine tender, warm apples bursting with a crunchy, aromatic oat and nut filling baked to golden perfection and drizzled generously with luscious caramel sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something both delicious and wholesome. This recipe brings together the natural sweetness of apples with a satisfying texture contrast that makes every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four red apples with their tops removed are placed in a white square baking dish on a white marbled surface. Each apple is filled with a crumbly mixture made of oats and brown sugar, tightly packed and slightly mounded above the apple's opening. The apples' smooth red and yellow skin contrasts with the rough, textured brown oat topping. The dish has handles on each side and the scene is lit softly to highlight the natural colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to nailing this dessert every time. Each component plays a key role in balancing flavors and textures, turning everyday pantry items into something truly magical.

4 medium sized apples (Honeycrisp preferred): These give a crisp, tart base that becomes tender but holds shape when baked.
¼ cup all purpose flour: Helps bind the filling and provides a soft crumbly texture.
⅓ cup light brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness that melds perfectly with the nuts and oats.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Offers subtle extra sweetness and helps achieve a golden crust.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, spicy notes that pair beautifully with apples.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all ingredients, balancing sweetness.
2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans or walnuts: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty richness in the filling.
½ cup old fashioned oats: Brings hearty texture and a lovely chewiness.
4 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter (cubed): Creates a luscious, tender crumb in the filling when rubbed in.
Vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce (for serving): These finishing touches elevate the dish with creamy coolness and sticky sweetness.

How to Make Stuffed Baked Apples with Nutty Oat Filling and Caramel Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Apples

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. While the oven warms up, core each apple carefully, making sure to keep the bottom intact so the filling doesn’t leak out. Using a melon baller or a small spoon, scoop out a bit of the top and inner flesh to create a nice cavity for the filling. You can also halve the apples if you prefer open-faced presentation.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, nuts, and oats. This dry mix forms the base of that irresistible nutty oat texture. Add the chilled, cubed butter, and use your fingertips to rub it gently into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with little pea-sized butter pieces — this step is what makes the filling so tender and rich.

Step 3: Stuff the Apples

Divide the oat mixture evenly and stuff it into the cavities of each prepared apple. Don’t be shy — press it in gently so the filling stays put while baking. Place the apples upright in a baking dish, and pour about an inch of water into the bottom to keep them moist and juicy during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Apples

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake the apples for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 30 to 40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and tender apples that still hold their shape perfectly—this balance brings out the best textures and flavors in this fantastic Stuffed Baked Apples with Nutty Oat Filling and Caramel Sauce Recipe.

How to Serve Stuffed Baked Apples with Nutty Oat Filling and Caramel Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white plate with baked apple slices topped with a thick layer of nut and oat crumble that is golden brown and textured with small chunks. On top of the crumble is a smooth, round scoop of white ice cream, drizzled with light golden caramel sauce flowing softly down the sides and some crumb bits sticking to it. The apples have a soft, warm yellow color with a slight reddish tint on the edges. In the background, there are two cinnamon sticks lying on a white marbled surface and a white cup with a light brown drink inside. The overall setting is warm and cozy, lit softly to highlight the creamy and crunchy textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and flavor, topping each warm apple with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream never fails. Drizzle the plate with rich caramel sauce to add sticky sweetness that soaks into the crisp oat topping, creating a beautiful contrast. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon on top can add an extra touch of charm and texture.

Side Dishes

This dessert is delicious all on its own, but pairing it with a lightly brewed cup of spiced tea or a bold, dark coffee makes for a perfectly balanced treat. If you want to keep things lighter, a dollop of Greek yogurt can add a tangy counterpoint that pairs surprisingly well.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the baked apples halved and topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprig of fresh mint for a fresh, vibrant look. Another fun idea is to crumble the oat nut filling over bowls of vanilla yogurt and fruit for a deconstructed version that still captures the essence of this beloved Stuffed Baked Apples with Nutty Oat Filling and Caramel Sauce Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed baked apples are easy to store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days and maintain their great flavor and texture, making them a wonderful quick dessert option on busy days.

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for longer, freeze the baked apples individually wrapped in plastic wrap then in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, warm the apples gently in a preheated 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the filling from getting soggy; the oven brings back the crisp, toasted topping perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully because of their firm texture and perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, feel free to try Granny Smith for more tang or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just pick apples that hold their shape when baked.

Is it necessary to add water to the baking dish?

Yes, adding water helps keep the apples moist during baking so they don’t dry out. It creates a gentle steaming effect that tenderizes the flesh while preserving the texture of the filling on top.

Can I make the filling dairy-free?

Definitely! You can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. This swap keeps the rich texture without compromising taste.

How do I get the caramel sauce to stick to the apple topping?

Drizzling the caramel sauce over the warm apples right after baking allows it to soak slightly into the oat topping, making it sticky and delicious. Serving the apples warm is key to getting that perfect sticky finish.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make it gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. These small tweaks keep the dish safe without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Baked Apples with Nutty Oat Filling and Caramel Sauce Recipe is a timeless treat that brings comfort, warmth, and a hint of elegance to any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without its perfectly balanced textures and flavors in your dessert repertoire. I truly hope you find as much joy baking and sharing this dessert as I do. Happy baking!

Stuffed Baked Apples with Nutty Oat Filling and Caramel Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need