Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, decadent dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make, I’ve got just the thing for you: Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling Recipe. This recipe is one I discovered on a chilly fall evening, and it quickly became a favorite in my family’s rotation. Imagine sweet, tender apples baked to perfection, bursting with a cinnamon-spiced oat filling, all gently kissed by a splash of bourbon and apple cider. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your recipe box!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients just right is key to this recipe’s success. I like to use Honeycrisp apples because they hold their shape well and offer that perfect sweet-tart balance. Plus, the oat and brown sugar filling pairs beautifully with natural spices and bourbon for an elevated flavor.

• Honeycrisp apples: Firm and flavorful, these apples keep their texture after baking.
• Oats: Rolled oats work best here to provide that chewy, nutty stuffing texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and depth to the filling.
• Flour: Helps bind the stuffing together for easy filling.
• Cinnamon: Classic spice that warms up every bite.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter melts into the filling, adding richness.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash for a subtle aromatic note.
• Apple cider: Pours into the baking dish to infuse fruity moisture.
• Bourbon: Use as much as you like — I usually stick to a third of a cup to keep that smooth warmth without being too boozy.
• Cinnamon ice cream (optional): A dreamy topping that makes this dessert extra special.

Variations

One of the things I love about making this Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Over the years, I’ve tried a few tweaks and found some fun ways to adjust the filling and add personal touches that make it even more exciting.

• Add toasted pecans or walnuts: I like adding chopped toasted nuts to the filling to bring a gorgeous crunch and a nutty flavor boost.
• Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar: For a more natural sweetness, try swapping out brown sugar with pure maple syrup in the filling.
• Swap bourbon for rum or brandy: If bourbon isn’t your thing, these liquors provide a delightful alternative with a slightly different twist.
• Try different apple varieties: Fuji or Gala apples can work here, though I recommend adjusting bake time for softer or smaller apples.

How to Make Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling Recipe

Step 1: Core Your Apples with Care

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. When coring the apples, I like to be gentle and remove about two-thirds of the core — just enough to scoop out the seeds without splitting the apple open. If you don’t have an apple corer, a paring knife works fine; carefully cut a circle around the stem and about one inch down, then scoop out the center with a spoon. This creates the perfect hollow space for our oat stuffing.

Step 2: Prepare the Oat-Stuffed Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Then add softened butter and vanilla extract. Mix everything together with a fork or your hands until the mixture clumps up — it should hold together but remain crumbly. This step is crucial; when your filling has the right texture, it will stay put inside the apples and bake up with a delightful chewiness and warmth.

Step 3: Stuff and Assemble

Stuff each apple with the oat mixture, packing it in well but not too tight. I sometimes sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon on top for good measure. Place your apples in a large baking dish, making sure they sit upright so the filling doesn’t spill over during baking.

Step 4: Pour the Liquids and Bake

Pour the apple cider and bourbon into the bottom of the baking dish. This combo steams the apples gently and infuses them with cozy aromas. Pop the dish into your 400°F oven and bake for about 45 minutes — though if your apples are on the smaller side, start checking at 30 minutes. Every 10 minutes or so, spoon some of the cider and bourbon mixture over the apples; this keeps them moist and adds a shiny glaze. You’ll know they’re done when the apple skins wrinkle and turn slightly darker.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Ice Cream

These bourbon baked apples come out of the oven smelling like fall in a bowl. Serve immediately with cinnamon, pumpkin, or vanilla ice cream on top. The ice cream’s cool creaminess alongside the warm, spiced fruit is absolute magic.

How to Serve Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling Recipe

Garnishes

I like keeping it simple with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream right on top — it melts ever so slightly and makes every bite dreamy. Sometimes I sprinkle a little chopped toasted pecans or a dash of extra cinnamon for a touch of crunch and spice that really brings the dish home.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this as a cozy autumn dessert, it pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or a rich hot chocolate. Occasionally, I’ve made this for dinner parties and offered a light salad beforehand to balance the sweetness and richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve each baked apple in individual rustic ramekins with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Adding a cinnamon stick or sprig of fresh mint makes for a charming presentation that feels like a hug on a plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep any leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. The apples soften further when chilled, so I recommend gently reheating them before serving to bring back some warmth and texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these apples successfully on occasion. To freeze, wrap each baked apple in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in an airtight container. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat in the oven. Note that the texture might soften more after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warm. I avoid microwaving because it can make the apples too mushy, but if you’re short on time, a gentle zap on low power works in a pinch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it delivers big on flavor with very little effort. If you’re craving a soothing fall dessert that feels homemade and a little indulgent, I can’t recommend this enough. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll be making it over and over, just like I do. So grab some apples, a bottle of bourbon, and let’s get baking — your cozy kitchen moment is waiting!

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