Healthy Cinnamon Baked Apples

SECOND STEP: Take one apple and peel the skin and chop it. Then place the apple in a small bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Give it a quick stir to combine, then set aside. 

THIRD STEP: Add oats, cream cheese, milk, maple syrup, 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and vanilla in a large bowl. Combine well. 

SEVENTH STEP: Then place them on a baking sheet and cook for 18-20 minutes. The apples will be soft, but should never be mushy. 

EIGHTH STEP: Use whipped cream, maple syrup and/or nuts as toppings then serve while still warm. ENJOY!

Baker’s Tips

• Use fresh apples that are still good when you make this recipe. 
• Make sure to use old-fashioned oats because minute oats will become slimy. 
• For best results, eat the whole baked apples when they are still warm. 

Substitutions

Can I Substitute Anything For Cream Cheese?

If you don’t like cream cheese or are unable to eat it for some reason, you can replace it for this recipe. Here are a couple of ideas you can try:

• Mix together 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream and 1/2 cup (125g) yogurt (Greek or plain). Whisk together well. 
• Toss 1/2 cup (125g) ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup (125g) of plain or Greek yogurt together. Mix well. 

What Can I Use In Place Of Maple Syrup?

Don’t worry; if you aren’t a fan of maple syrup, there are other options for you to try out. That is what I love about these whole baked apples; they are super versatile. 

• Use 4 Tablespoons (84g) of Honey 
• Replace with 4 Tablespoons (84g) of Agave Nectar
• Brown Sugar is an option if you aren’t worried about refined sugar. Add 4 Tablespoons (50g). 

What Can I Substitute Vanilla Beans For?

If you don’t have vanilla beans on hand, not a problem at all, just use 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract instead. I prefer the flavor of fresh vanilla beans, but the extract will also taste really good. 

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

How Do You Hollow Out An Apple?

Hollowing out an apple looks much scarier than it actually is. All you need to do is cut the top of the apple horizontally. Once it’s off, you can use a spoon or melon baller to remove the flesh of the apple. Just keep removing parts of the apple and core until it’s the width you want it to be. 

Do I Have To Hollow The Apple?

No, when you are making these whole baked apples, you don’t have to hollow the entire thing out. Another option is to cut the apple in half and remove a portion of the flesh with a spoon. Then instead of leaving the apple in the shape of a bowl, you will end up with two pieces of apple instead. 

Are These Stuffed Baked Apples Gluten-Free?

Yes, they are gluten-free, but you have to make sure you use the proper oats. When shopping for oatmeal, you need to make sure somewhere on the package it says they are certified gluten-free.

Otherwise, there is a lot of cross-contamination that happens in factories, so it may not be safe to eat if you are 100% gluten-free. Oatmeal is naturally gluten-free, but double-checking to see if it’s certified makes all the difference. 

How Long Do Healthy Baked Cinnamon Apples Last And How To Store Them?

These stuffed apples taste their best when they are served right away. If you aren’t able to eat them all, then you can cover them with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. They will last 2-3 days.

To reheat the cinnamon apples bake at 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes until hot. You can also microwave them for 30-60 seconds or so until they are warm as well.