Name: Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup oat flour; 1/3 cup organic old fashioned oats; 1/4 cup coconut sugar (can use cane sugar, brown sugar, or maple syrup); 1/4 cup coconut oil (or butter); 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 cup ground flaxseed meal (can omit); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 large apples (red preferred but any color works); 1 cup warm water for baking; Vanilla ice cream; Yogurt; Dairy free caramel

If you love warm, comforting desserts, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe. These tender baked apples are stuffed with a spiced, oat-filled center that turns soft and juicy with every bite—perfect for cozy nights or anytime you crave a wholesome, delicious treat.

The image shows a baked apple on a white plate with a white marbled background. The apple is warm orange with a slightly wrinkled skin. It is filled on top with a crumbly brown topping. Over the apple, there is a scoop of smooth, cream-colored ice cream that is melting and dripping down the sides. Dark caramel sauce gently flows over the ice cream and apple, pooling slightly around the base. Around the plate, there are a few small bits of crumbs and flakes of nuts scattered lightly. In the background, there are three more baked apples, two green and one orange, each with a similar crumbly topping on a white plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of these baked apples—they’re simple to make but feel like something special every time. Plus, the oat and flaxseed filling adds such a lovely texture and heartiness that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Easy to Prep: Just ten minutes of prep, then let your oven do the magic for 45 minutes.
Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with oats, flaxseed, and naturally sweetened for a healthier dessert option.
Perfectly Tender: The apples bake down soft, juicy, and infused with cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Versatile Serving: Delicious on their own or topped with ice cream, yogurt, or dairy-free caramel for extra indulgence.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering ingredients for these Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apples, it’s best to aim for quality and freshness—especially with your apples and spices. Red apples work beautifully here for that classic sweet-tart balance and hold their shape well when baked.

Flat lay of four large fresh red apples, a small heap of light brown oat flour on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with organic old fashioned oats, a few tablespoons of golden brown coconut sugar in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl containing solid pale yellow coconut oil, a small white bowl with warm amber cinnamon powder, a tiny white bowl with fine light brown nutmeg powder, a small white bowl holding ground flaxseed meal, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract liquid, a simple white ceramic bowl of warm water, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on a white plate, a dollop of smooth white yogurt on a white dish, and a small white bowl filled with rich golden dairy-free caramel sauce, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Oat Flour: Adds a tender, crumbly texture to the filling while keeping it gluten-free when certified.
Organic Old Fashioned Oats: Gives the filling a satisfying chew and wholesome heartiness.
Coconut Sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that feels more natural than refined sugar.
Coconut Oil: Keeps the filling moist and adds a subtle tropical note; butter works well too.
Cinnamon: Brings that warm, cozy spice we all crave with baked apples.
Nutmeg: A pinch adds depth and a gentle nutty aroma to the mix.
Ground Flaxseed Meal: Boosts fiber and helps bind the filling — you can leave it out, but why not get extra nutrition?
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a fragrant note to the filling.
Large Apples: Ideally red for sweetness, but any kind you have will work beautifully.
Warm Water: Poured into the baking dish to help steam and soften the apples during baking.
Vanilla Ice Cream, Yogurt, Dairy-Free Caramel: Optional but highly recommended for serving for that extra creamy or indulgent finish.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tailor the filling and toppings to suit your taste buds or dietary needs—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these warm, cozy apples!

Gluten-Free Variation: Use certified gluten-free oat flour and old-fashioned oats to keep this dessert completely gluten-free and safe for sensitive friends and family.
Vegan Option: Swap the coconut oil for vegan butter and serve your baked apples with dairy-free caramel and coconut or almond yogurt for a fully plant-based treat.
Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for an extra crunch and some delightful nutty flavor. I love how this adds texture!
Seasonal Spices: Mix up the cinnamon and nutmeg by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to suit the mood of the season — perfect for autumn or winter desserts.
Sweetness Swap: Experiment with different sweeteners like maple syrup or brown sugar instead of coconut sugar. Each brings its own unique depth of flavor that makes this recipe your own.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

A white bowl with a small pile of crumbled brown oat mixture in the center. The oat mixture has a rough texture with visible small oat flakes and a sandy brown color. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with beige and light brown veins. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the texture of the oat mixture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Space

First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab an 8x8 baking dish and have it ready nearby—this makes the transition from prep to bake seamless. I find warming up the oven and having the dish close by keeps the rhythm going without scrambling later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cozy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla extract, coconut oil, and coconut sugar. Stir these together until everything is nicely blended and smooth—this gives the filling its sweet, buttery base. Then, fold in the oat flour, old fashioned oats, ground flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated, resulting in a spiced oat mixture that smells like pure comfort.

Step 3: Carefully Core and Hollow Your Apples

Take your apples and core each one about three-quarters down. Then, with a spoon, gently hollow out a slightly larger cavity to create enough room for the filling—be careful not to pierce through the bottom! I usually work slowly here because the last thing you want is your delicious filling leaking out during baking.

Step 4: Stuff Each Apple to the Brim

Place the hollowed apples upright in the baking dish. Spoon the filling into each apple, pressing gently but firmly with your finger to compact the mixture inside. I like to slightly overfill the apples – it creates a lovely mound that crisps on top during baking, adding delightful texture.

Step 5: Add Water and Bake

Pour the warm water into the bottom of the baking dish around the apples. This keeps the apples moist and helps them cook evenly. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until you can easily pierce the apples with a fork and they feel tender but not mushy. During baking, you can optionally baste the apples with the pan juices to boost moisture and flavor—though it’s perfectly fine if you skip this step.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Once baked, serve your apples warm. I love them paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast with the warm, spiced flavors. Alternatively, dairy or non-dairy yogurt adds a creamy brightness, while a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce brings an irresistible indulgence. Whatever you choose, these tender baked cinnamon apples are sure to be a comforting crowd-pleaser.

Top Tip

These tips come from making the Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe over and over—small tweaks that really make the difference between just good and utterly memorable.

Choose Your Apples Wisely: I always opt for firm but ripe red apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape while baking and have a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced filling.
Don’t Over-Core: Through trial and error, I learned that coring about three-quarters down the apple and then carefully hollowing out the cavity with a spoon avoids any leaks or breakage while keeping the apple intact.
Press the Filling Firmly: Compacting the oat and flaxseed filling inside each apple ensures it stays put and creates that perfect contrast between tender fruit and crisp, spiced topping.
Baste for Extra Moisture: While optional, I find that spooning the pan juices over the apples halfway through baking makes for an even juicier and more flavorful dessert.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe

There is a green baking pan filled with four baked apples placed on a thick brown sauce or syrup layer. Two apples are red and two are yellow-green, each topped with a crumbly brown nut and spice mix, slightly browned and rough in texture. The apples' skins look wrinkled and soft from baking, and the sauce around them looks syrupy and uneven. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with a white wall background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, try sprinkling chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top just before serving—that crunch contrasts beautifully with the tender apples. A light drizzle of honey or a dusting of extra cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness that complements the oat filling perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve these baked apples warm alongside vanilla ice cream, creamy plain yogurt, or a luscious dairy-free caramel sauce for an irresistible treat. They also make a fantastic pairing with a cup of hot chai or spiced tea for cozy fall afternoons.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting dessert anytime.

Freezing

You can also freeze baked apples by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave single servings covered with a damp paper towel for 1–2 minutes. Serve topped with your favorite creamy garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While red apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work best for their sweetness and texture, you can experiment with Granny Smith or Gala. Just keep in mind the baking time might slightly vary depending on apple firmness.

Is it necessary to use ground flaxseed meal in the filling?

No, the ground flaxseed meal is optional. It adds fiber and helps bind the filling, but if you don’t have it on hand, feel free to leave it out—the filling will still turn out delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! To keep it vegan, use coconut oil instead of butter and pair the baked apples with dairy-free caramel or vegan vanilla ice cream for serving.

How do I prevent the apples from breaking while hollowing and baking?

Be gentle when coring—stop about three-quarters down and hollow out slowly with a spoon without piercing the bottom. This keeps the apple intact to hold the filling while baking.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apples Recipe is truly a heartwarming treat that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or need a wholesome dessert to brighten your day, these tender baked apples filled with spiced oats bring comfort and joy with every bite. Enjoy making this recipe your own and sharing it with loved ones—it’s the kind of sweetness that lingers, long after the last crumb is gone.