Description
These Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce are a delicious and comforting dessert perfect for any season. Tender baked apples are filled with a spiced oat mixture featuring cinnamon, brown sugar, and optional nuts and dried fruits, then baked to perfection and served with a rich, creamy vanilla custard sauce. This recipe offers a warm, cozy treat with a balance of fruity sweetness and creamy texture.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Apples
- 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1 cup water (for baking)
For the Vanilla Custard Sauce
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apples: Wash and core the apples carefully, making sure to leave the bottom intact to hold the filling securely.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Stir in the chopped nuts and dried fruit if using, mixing well.
- Stuff Apples: Generously fill each cored apple with the oatmeal mixture, pressing lightly to pack the filling in. Place the stuffed apples upright in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Water: Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the apples moist during baking.
- Bake Apples: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Prepare Custard – Mix Dry Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Heat over medium heat, whisking frequently until the mixture starts to simmer.
- Incorporate Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Cook Custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Serve: Plate the baked apples and drizzle generously with the warm vanilla custard sauce. Serve immediately for a comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- Choose firm apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to hold their shape during baking.
- Optional nuts and dried fruits add texture and flavor but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- Make sure to temper the egg yolks when adding hot milk to avoid curdling the custard.
- The custard sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.