Healthy Baked Cinnamon Apples

5 from 1 vote

Healthy Baked Cinnamon Apples

My healthy Baked Cinnamon Apples, filled with crunchy oats and nuts, are simply irresistible and perfect for home cooks looking for an easy and fine-dining-style dessert. I make them with pantry staples, and they’re ready in just 45 minutes. This is one recipe you’ll definitely want to save in your cookbook!

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 196kcal

Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

4 apples , see note
½ cup oats , gluten-free if needed
2 tablespoons chopped pecans
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
1 teaspoon molasses
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Vanilla ice cream to top optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 F/ 175 C.
Core the apples and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Mix the oats, pecans, sugar, molasses, cinnamon, vanilla and salt in a bowl until combined and crumbly.
Fill the apples with the mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes until browning and the soft to the touch.
Allow to cool a bit then serve with vanilla ice cream if preferred!

Notes

My #1 Secret Tip for making these baked cinnamon apples is to choose firm apples that hold up in the oven. I’ve tried softer ones before, and they turned to mush, lesson learned! Now I always reach for Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, and the texture comes out perfect every single time.
Don’t skip the sea salt: Just a pinch brings out all the sweetness and adds balance to the warm cinnamon and molasses flavors.

Use a melon baller to core the apples: It’s so much easier than using a knife or spoon, and you get a nice even cavity for stuffing.

Watch your baking time: Every oven is a little different. I start checking around the 30-minute mark, the apples should be tender but not falling apart.

Double the filling: Trust me, I always make extra and sprinkle it over yogurt, oatmeal, or even toast the next day. It's that good.

Nutrition