If you’re searching for a cozy dessert that brings together the nostalgic flavors of baked apples and creamy vanilla, look no further than Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce. This recipe transforms humble apples into something truly special: tender fruit overflowing with a spiced oatmeal and nut filling, all crowned with a velvety homemade custard. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your guests feel instantly at home, perfect for chilly evenings or a festive family gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce comes from a handful of simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Each plays its part, creating a dessert that’s rich in flavor, texture, and color—without a hint of fuss.
- Apples: Choose sturdy varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for their natural sweetness and ability to hold their shape while baking.
- Old-fashioned oats: These lend a chewy, hearty texture that soaks up all the warm spices and juices.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: A handful of nuts adds a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
- Brown sugar: This brings caramel-like sweetness and a touch of moisture to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the apples with warmth and coziness.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch gives the filling a fragrant, slightly earthy note.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Butter binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Whole milk: The base for a silky, classic custard sauce.
- Egg yolks: These thicken the custard and give it a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce without overpowering the delicate vanilla.
- Vanilla extract: Adds beautiful aroma and depth to the custard.
- Cornstarch: A little goes a long way to help the custard set just right.
How to Make Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Core each apple carefully, creating a deep well in the center while making sure not to cut through the bottom—this will hold in all the flavorful filling and juices as the apples bake. Arrange the hollowed apples snugly in a baking dish, ready to be filled with goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Oatmeal Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well mixed—the oats should glisten and the nuts should be evenly distributed. This mixture is the heart of your Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce, giving every bite a perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and nutty flavors.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
Spoon the oatmeal filling into each apple, packing it in tightly so every crevice is filled. Don’t be shy—a little mound on top is perfectly fine! Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This simple step keeps the apples moist and prevents sticking while they bake to tender perfection.
Step 4: Bake the Apples
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the apples for 25 to 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. The apples should be fork-tender and the tops lightly golden. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen smells like a spiced autumn dream!
Step 5: Make the Vanilla Custard Sauce
While the apples are baking, it’s time to whip up the custard. Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, just until it’s steaming (not boiling). In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper and prevent curdling. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring gently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon—about three to five minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that classic, comforting aroma.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully transfer each baked apple to a serving plate and generously drizzle with the warm vanilla custard sauce. The contrast of tender, spiced apple and silky custard makes Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce a showstopper every single time.
How to Serve Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon over the custard, or add a few toasted nuts for crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of softly whipped cream can make these apples feel even more festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
While Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce shine beautifully on their own, they also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh berries. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside a warm mug of chai or spiced coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the apples in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a whimsical twist. If you’re hosting a crowd, slice the apples in half before serving so guests can admire the gorgeous layers of filling and fruit, all topped with a generous pour of that golden custard.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the apples and custard separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The apples will keep for up to three days, while the custard sauce stays fresh for about two days. This makes it easy to enjoy Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce whenever you crave something sweet and comforting.
Freezing
While the baked apples freeze well (wrap them individually and store up to one month), the custard sauce is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. If you need to freeze the apples, let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat the apples, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through. For the custard, gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. A splash of milk can help restore the sauce’s creamy texture if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji are favorites for their sweetness and texture, you can use Granny Smith for a tarter flavor or Gala for a milder taste. Just make sure the apples are firm enough to hold up during baking.
Is it possible to make Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the milk for a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk and use vegan butter in the filling. For the custard, use a plant-based milk and a thickener such as arrowroot or additional cornstarch for a creamy texture.
Can I make the custard sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The vanilla custard sauce can be made up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge, and reheat gently while whisking before serving to restore its smooth consistency.
What can I use instead of nuts for a nut-free version?
If you or your guests need to avoid nuts, simply omit them or replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the allergens.
How do I know when the apples are done baking?
The apples are ready when a fork easily pierces the flesh, but the apples still hold their shape. The tops should be golden and the filling fragrant—trust your nose as much as your eyes!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about pulling a tray of Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce from the oven and sharing them with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself on a quiet evening, this dessert promises comfort, warmth, and a little bit of magic in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so extraordinary!
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Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this comforting dessert featuring cinnamon-spiced oatmeal stuffed apples baked to tender perfection and served with a luscious vanilla custard sauce. Perfect for cozy fall evenings, this recipe combines sweet fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy sauce for a heavenly treat.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Apples
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- Pinch of salt
For the Vanilla Custard Sauce
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Core the apples by removing the center seeds, taking care not to cut through the bottom, creating a cavity for the filling. Arrange the apples upright in a baking dish.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to blend all the ingredients.
- Stuff Apples: Spoon the oat mixture into each hollowed apple, pressing down lightly to pack it in. Pour approximately 1/4 cup water into the base of the baking dish to keep the apples moist as they bake.
- Bake Apples: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown.
- Prepare Custard Sauce: While the apples bake, gently heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually whisk the warm milk into the egg mixture to temper it.
- Cook Custard: Return the milk and egg mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Serve: Plate the warm stuffed apples and generously drizzle them with the vanilla custard sauce. Enjoy your comforting fall dessert!
Notes
- You can prepare the custard sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving to avoid curdling.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the stuffed apples with maple syrup before baking.
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for best baking results as they hold their shape well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple with custard
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
