If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-warming dessert that feels like a big, comforting hug, then you absolutely have to try this incredible Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe. This dish beautifully marries tender baked apples bursting with a spiced oatmeal filling and the silky, dreamy smoothness of homemade vanilla custard sauce. It’s one of those desserts that’s simple to make but creates an unforgettable experience, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little sweet indulgence with a wholesome twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering texture, warmth, and flavor. From the crispness of the apples to the rich, velvety custard, the balance here is key to an unforgettable dessert.
- Large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): The star of the dish, these apples provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, holding the filling beautifully.
- Rolled oats: Adds wholesome texture and hearty chew to the oatmeal stuffing.
- Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel sweetness to the filling, enhancing the spices.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, fragrant spice that complements the apples perfectly.
- Salt: Just a pinch to elevate all the flavors, keeping the sweetness balanced.
- Butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the oatmeal mixture together.
- Chopped nuts (optional): For a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
- Raisins or dried cranberries (optional): Adds bursts of fruity sweetness that contrast beautifully with the oats.
- Water (for baking): Keeps the apples moist and tender during baking.
- Milk (for custard): The creamy base for the decadent vanilla custard sauce.
- Sugar (for custard): Sweetens the custard just right, making it luscious without being cloying.
- Cornstarch (for custard): Thickens the custard to a silky, spoonable texture.
- Egg yolks (for custard): Provides richness and helps the custard set beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (for custard): Adds a warm floral note that perfectly balances the cinnamon-spiced apples.
How to Make Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Apples
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Wash your apples thoroughly and then core them — but be careful to leave the bottom intact so your delicious oatmeal filling stays nestled perfectly inside during baking.
Step 2: Make the Oatmeal Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and melted butter. This mix will be the heart of your stuffed apples. If you’re using chopped nuts or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, fold those in now for added texture and bursts of sweet chewiness.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
Generously fill each cored apple with the oatmeal mixture, pressing it down lightly to pack it in. Arrange the stuffed apples upright in your greased baking dish, looking just as charming as they taste.
Step 4: Bake the Apples
Pour about a cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the apples moist and tender throughout baking. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the apples are perfectly tender but still holding their shape.
Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Custard Sauce
While the apples bake, start your custard by combining milk, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it starts to simmer and thicken gently. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with vanilla extract. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking to avoid scrambling, then return everything to the pan and cook until thick and creamy. Remove from heat once thickened and let it cool slightly before serving.
Step 6: Serve Warm
When your Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe apples are tender and your custard velvety smooth, it’s time to plate this comforting dessert. Spoon warm custard over the baked apples and get ready to delight your taste buds with every bite.
How to Serve Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a few toasted chopped nuts on top just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also visually elevate your dessert, making every bite feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to complement the custard sauce. For a seasonal twist, serve alongside spiced mulled wine or hot apple cider to enhance the warm apple and cinnamon notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stuffed apples in individual ramekins with some extra custard pooling around the base for a rustic yet elegant presentation. You can also slice the apples into halves or quarters after baking if you prefer sharing dishes or a more casual look. The key is to make it inviting and cozy—the way a favorite homemade dessert should be.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this dessert even on busy days when you need a quick homemade treat.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the baked apples and custard sauce separately. Wrap the apples tightly in plastic wrap and place the custard in a freezer-safe container. They will last in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm the apples in a baking dish covered with foil at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Warm the custard gently on the stove over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent curdling, before drizzling over the apples.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are excellent for balancing sweetness and tartness, you can use any firm apple that holds up well to baking. Just adjust baking time if your apples are particularly large or small.
Is it necessary to add nuts and dried fruit to the filling?
Nope, they’re optional but highly recommended. Nuts add crunch, and dried fruit brings a lovely chewy sweetness—both really elevate the flavors but feel free to skip them if you have allergies or preferences.
Can I make the vanilla custard sauce without eggs?
Traditional custard needs egg yolks for that luscious texture, but you can create an egg-free custard with cornstarch thickened vanilla pudding or using a dairy-free custard alternative if needed.
How long can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the apples and oatmeal filling a day ahead and keep them refrigerated, then bake just before serving. The custard sauce is best made fresh but can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated.
What’s the best way to core the apples without piercing the bottom?
Use a sharp paring knife or an apple corer that stops before piercing through the base. This keeps the filling inside during baking and ensures the apples don’t leak their juices.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe—a dish that combines wholesome ingredients with rich, creamy indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to warm hearts and delight palates. So don’t wait—grab your apples, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious adventure. Your taste buds will thank you endlessly!
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Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples recipe offers a delightful blend of tender baked apples filled with a spiced oatmeal mixture, topped with a rich and creamy homemade vanilla custard sauce. Perfect as a comforting dessert or a special breakfast treat, these stuffed apples balance wholesome oats, warm cinnamon, and optional nuts and dried fruits for texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Stuffed Apples
- 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 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)
Vanilla Custard Sauce
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and core the apples carefully, making sure to leave the bottoms intact so they can hold the oatmeal filling without leaking.
- Mix Oatmeal Filling: In a bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Stir in the chopped nuts and raisins or dried cranberries if using, mixing well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Stuff the Apples: Generously fill each cored apple with the oatmeal mixture, pressing it down lightly to pack the filling. Arrange the stuffed apples upright in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Water and Bake: Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the apples moist while baking. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Vanilla Custard Sauce: While the apples bake, combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture just begins to simmer and slightly thickens.
- Temper Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Gradually whisk a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, then slowly pour this mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture.
- Cook the Custard: Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook the mixture while stirring constantly until it thickens into a smooth custard. Remove from heat once thickened.
- Cool the Custard: Allow the custard to cool slightly off the heat; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve: Serve the baked oatmeal stuffed apples warm, drizzled generously with the warm vanilla custard sauce for a comforting and indulgent dessert.
Notes
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- To adjust sweetness, vary the amount of brown sugar or omit dried fruit for a less sweet filling.
- For a richer custard, use whole milk or substitute with half-and-half.
- Ensure eggs are tempered carefully to avoid curdling the custard sauce.
- Leftover custard can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated before serving.
