A wholesome dessert that tastes like apple pie without the crust. Whole apples serve as their own bowl, filled with a crunchy oat-nut mixture and finished with a warm honey-cinnamon glaze.
Gluten-Free
40 Minutes
Naturally Sweet
Why You’ll Love This
- Healthier Alternative: Uses fiber-rich oats and natural honey instead of refined flour and heavy sugars.
- Holiday Fragrance: Your kitchen will smell incredible as the cinnamon and apple juices bubble together.
- Individual Servings: Perfect for dinner parties where you want an elegant, pre-portioned dessert.
The Components
The Apples & Filling
- 4 Large Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup Rolled Oats
- 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts
- 2 tbsp Raisins or Dried Cranberries
- 1 tbsp Melted Butter (or Coconut Oil)
The Cinnamon Honey Sauce
- 3 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Warm Water
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a melon baller or a small spoon to core the apples, leaving the bottom 1/2 inch intact so the filling doesn’t fall out.
- Mix the Stuffing: In a small bowl, combine the oats, pecans, raisins, melted butter, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Fill: Pack the oat mixture tightly into the center of each apple. Place the apples in a deep baking dish.
- The Sauce: Whisk together the honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and warm water. Pour this liquid into the bottom of the baking dish around the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 30–40 minutes. Every 15 minutes, use a spoon to baste the tops of the apples with the honey sauce from the pan.
- Serve: Once the apples are tender when pierced with a fork, remove from oven. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of the pan sauce and a dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream.
Chef’s Tip: If you use Granny Smith apples, they will stay slightly firmer and offer a nice tart contrast to the honey. For a softer, sweeter result, go with Honeycrisp or Fuji!
