Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce: A Cozy Autumn Treat

Fall flavors come alive in Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce, a comforting dessert that blends tender baked apples, spiced oatmeal filling, and a rich, creamy custard. This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or holiday dinners, offering a warm, flavorful, and visually stunning dessert that’s both wholesome and indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Apples

• 4 large firm apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Custard Sauce

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preparing the Apples

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Core the apples carefully, creating a hollow cavity without cutting through the bottom.
3. In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, chopped nuts, raisins, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Stuff each apple generously with the oatmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure filling is compact.
5. Place the stuffed apples in a lightly greased baking dish. Add ¼ cup water to the dish to keep apples moist while baking.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the oatmeal topping is golden brown.

Preparing the Vanilla Custard Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and thick.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serving

1. Plate each baked apple individually, spooning warm vanilla custard around or over the apples.
2. Optional garnish: sprinkle a little cinnamon, a few chopped nuts, or a small dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

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Tips & Tricks

• Apple Selection: Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape during baking. Softer apples may turn mushy.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the oatmeal filling a day ahead and store in the refrigerator for quick assembly.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Reduce sugar in the filling if using naturally sweet apples.
• Custard Texture: Stir constantly to prevent curdling; remove from heat as soon as thickened.

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts or replace with sunflower seeds.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and custard with a plant-based cream thickened with cornstarch.
• Spice Twist: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the oatmeal filling for a unique flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
• Serve as a warm breakfast treat with coffee or chai on a chilly morning.
• Ideal for autumn parties, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinners.