There’s something timeless and deeply comforting about warm baked apples. Whether it’s the scent of cinnamon drifting through the air, the bubbling golden brown topping, or the soft apple that nearly melts with every bite, few desserts manage to strike the balance between simplicity and satisfaction quite like this. Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples are the perfect way to enjoy the nostalgia of apple crisp—with a creative, modern twist.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to make this decadent fall-inspired dessert: the ingredients, techniques, and expert tips to elevate your dish from good to unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples aren’t just a delightful play on a classic dessert—they’re also:
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Portion-friendly: Each apple is a perfectly portioned dessert. No slicing required.
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Customizable: You can tailor the filling with nuts, dried fruit, spices, or even caramel.
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Naturally beautiful: They’re impressive-looking with minimal effort—perfect for dinner parties or holidays.
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Balanced in texture: The tender apple, crispy oat topping, and creamy vanilla ice cream hit every note.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what you’ll need for this dessert. All measurements use US measuring cups.
Apples:
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4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)
These apples hold their shape well during baking. Granny Smith brings tartness that balances the sweet filling, while Honeycrisp offers a slightly sweeter bite.
For the Crisp Filling:
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup rolled oats
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
The filling is a classic crisp topping that turns beautifully golden when baked. It delivers the crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft fruit.
Optional for Serving:
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Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
That touch of cold, creamy sweetness against the warm apple is irresistible.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make these baked apples, you don’t need anything fancy. Just:
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A paring knife or apple corer
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A mixing bowl
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A baking dish
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A spoon for stuffing the apples
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Measuring cups and spoons
Optional: An ice cream scoop for serving, and a small saucepan if you want to caramelize butter for flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking fruit—it’s hot enough to soften the apples without burning the topping.
Step 2: Core the Apples
Wash the apples thoroughly. Then, using a small paring knife or apple corer, carefully remove the core from the center of each apple. Leave about ½ inch of the apple at the bottom intact. This creates a little cup to hold the filling.
💡 Tip: Use a melon baller or spoon to scoop out more of the flesh if you want a deeper well.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the following:
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup rolled oats
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¼ cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
Stir everything together until well mixed. Then add:
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¼ cup melted butter
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix until the texture resembles coarse, moist crumbs. This is your crisp topping.
Step 4: Stuff the Apples
Place the hollowed apples in a baking dish. Using a spoon, fill each apple cavity generously with the crisp mixture. Pack it slightly, letting some of the filling mound on top.
💡 Tip: Add a few extra oat crumbles on top for that golden, crispy dome.
Step 5: Add Moisture to the Baking Dish
Pour about ¼ inch of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps steam the apples and keep them moist during baking.
Optional: Add a splash of apple cider, orange juice, or even bourbon for extra flavor infusion.
Step 6: Bake the Apples
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when:
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The apples are fork-tender but still hold their shape.
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The topping is golden brown and crispy.
For a deeper crisp texture, you can broil the apples for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch them closely to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve
Let the apples cool for about 5 minutes after baking. Then transfer each one to a serving plate.
Optional but highly recommended: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on one stuffed apple):
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Calories: 250 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Sugars: 28g
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Fat: 10g
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Protein: 2g
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Fiber: 4g
Note: These values can vary depending on the apple variety and added toppings.
Pro Tips for Success
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Choose firm apples: Softer varieties like Red Delicious can become mushy. Stick with apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
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Make it nutty: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the crisp topping for extra crunch.
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Spice it up: Add nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for a warmer, spicier filling.
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Go dairy-free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter as a plant-based alternative.
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Prep ahead: You can core and prep apples a few hours ahead of time. Just cover them with lemon water to prevent browning.
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Use a muffin tin: If you don’t have a baking dish, placing each apple in a muffin cup works just as well.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, experiment with these creative spins:
1. Caramel Apple Crisp Baked Apples
Add a caramel candy inside each apple before baking. It melts into the fruit as it bakes.
2. Cranberry-Pecan Baked Apples
Add dried cranberries and chopped pecans to the oat mixture for holiday flair.
3. Maple-Walnut Version
Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup and use chopped walnuts for a rustic, earthy taste.
4. Pumpkin Pie-Spiced Baked Apples
Substitute cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice and serve with spiced whipped cream.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
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Store leftover apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
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Microwave each apple for 1–2 minutes or warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
They reheat beautifully and can even be sliced and served over oatmeal or pancakes.
Pairing Ideas
This dessert is so versatile it can pair with:
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Hot beverages like chai tea, spiced cider, or coffee
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Savory fall dinners like roast chicken or pork loin
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Brunch menus as a sweet finish or mid-morning treat
Final Thoughts
Apple Crisp Stuffed Baked Apples are more than just a treat—they’re a nostalgic, heartwarming experience. Perfect for chilly nights, cozy dinners, or weekend baking, this recipe captures everything you love about autumn in one tidy little package.
They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and an elegant way to serve individual desserts that feel homemade and special. Whether you’re hosting guests or craving something sweet just for yourself, this dish delivers on all fronts—flavor, texture, comfort, and presentation.