There’s nothing quite like the smell of apples baking in the oven, filling your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. Baked apple halves are a simple dessert that’s both rustic and elegant. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can turn fresh apples into a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat. This recipe gives you soft, fork-tender apples filled with a buttery oat crumble that’s perfect for fall nights, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something sweet but easy. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour with minimal prep, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love making baked apple halves because they combine comfort, flavor, and ease:
- Irresistible Flavor: Warm cinnamon, buttery oats, and tender apples in every bite.
- Beginner Friendly: No special equipment, just simple steps.
- Versatile Treat: Great for dessert, a holiday side, or even a sweet brunch addition.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have.
History & Fun Facts About Baked Apple Halves
Baked apple halves may seem like a modern comfort dish, but they’ve been enjoyed for centuries. A few fun facts:
- Early American Kitchens: Apples were a staple crop, often baked with sugar or spices for dessert.
- European Traditions: Many cultures served baked apples with cream or custard after Sunday meals.
- Healthier Indulgence: In the 1800s, baked apples were considered a “guilt-free” treat compared to heavy pies.
- Enduring Classic: Today, versions include oat toppings, caramel drizzles, or even savory cheese pairings.
Key Ingredients in Baked Apple Halves
- Butter – Creates a rich, moist base for the oat topping.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds caramel-like sweetness that melts into the apples.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps bind the crumble mixture.
- Rolled Oats – Give the topping its hearty crunch.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Classic warming spices that highlight apple flavor.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances depth.
- Baking Apples – Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape beautifully.
- Water – Keeps apples moist while baking and helps form a light sauce.
How to Make Baked Apple Halves
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect baked apple halves:
- Melt the butter: In a large ovenproof skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. This will grease the pan for baking.
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, ⅓ cup light brown sugar, ⅓ cup flour, ⅔ cup rolled oats, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until crumbly.
- Prepare the apples: Wash and slice 4 large baking apples in half through the stem. Use a spoon, small knife, or melon baller to remove the core.
- Arrange in skillet: Place apple halves skin-side down into the greased skillet.
- Fill generously: Stuff each apple cavity with the oat mixture, pressing lightly so it stays in place.
- Add water: Pour ½ cup of water around the apples to keep them moist while baking.
- Bake covered: Cover the skillet tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and finish: Remove foil and bake another 30–40 minutes, until apples are fork-tender but not mushy.
- Serve warm: Spoon pan juices over apples and top with ice cream or caramel if desired.
Baked Apple Halves Tips and Twists
Tips:
- Use firm apples so they don’t collapse.
- Press filling gently but firmly so it stays in place.
- Cover tightly during the first bake to lock in steam.
- Add a splash of apple cider instead of water for more flavor.
- Let apples cool slightly before serving—they’ll firm up and taste sweeter.
Twists:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping.
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished apples.
- Top with whipped cream for a lighter option than ice cream.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Keep your baked apple halves fresh and ready to enjoy:
- Storage: Store cooled apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 30–60 seconds.
- Make-Ahead: Core and prep apples with filling, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These baked apple halves shine with a variety of accompaniments:
- Pair with vanilla ice cream and caramel for a classic dessert.
- Serve alongside pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with nuts for rustic charm.
- Enjoy with hot tea or cider for a cozy seasonal pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Apple Halves
Which apples work best? Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
Can I make them gluten-free? Yes—substitute almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
Can I cut sugar? You can halve the sugar or replace with maple syrup or honey.
Do they freeze well? Yes, freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
Can I serve them cold? Absolutely—they’re delicious chilled with yogurt.
Enjoy Your Baked Apple Halves
With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy baked apple halves that taste like a bakery treat but require minimal effort. The buttery oat crumble and warm spices make every bite comforting, while the tender apples provide natural sweetness. Whether you serve them after dinner, at brunch, or as a make-ahead dessert for guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Next time you have apples on hand, skip the pie and bake them into this cozy dish instead.
Explore More Recipes
If you loved this recipe, here are more cozy ideas to try:
- Sweeten breakfast with Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes.
- Pair with a savory option like Grilled Chicken Wraps for a balanced meal.
- Try another fruit-forward dessert like Blueberry Bread Pudding.
- Bake up seasonal goodness with our Pumpkin Bread.
Baked Apple Halves
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar packed
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 dash nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
- 4 large baking apples
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- In a large ovenproof skillet, melt the butter.
- Pour melted butter into a medium mixing bowl. Add brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until crumbly and combined.
- Wash apples and cut in half through the stem. Use a spoon, small knife, or melon baller to remove the core.
- Place apples, skin-side down, in the buttered skillet.
- Stuff the apples with the oat mixture, pressing lightly to hold in place.
- Pour the water around the apples. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove cover and bake for 30–40 minutes more, until apples are fork-tender but not mushy.
- Serve warm with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel, if desired.