Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that perfectly blends cozy warmth, comforting textures, and a touch of elegance, you will absolutely adore this Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe. Picture tender baked apples generously filled with a cinnamon-spiced oatmeal mixture that bakes into a golden, crumbly delight, all served with a velvety vanilla custard sauce that adds the perfect creamy contrast. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that feels like a warm hug on a crisp evening. Trust me, once you try it, Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe will become your go-to for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential for bringing together the ideal balance of flavors, textures, and colors in this dish. Each component plays a special role, from the tender apples to the spiced oatmeal filling and that silky custard sauce that crowns it all.

• 6 large apples: Choose firm, slightly tart apples that hold their shape well during baking, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
• 1 cup (115 g) old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds a hearty, chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the apples.
• 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour: Helps bind the filling together and gives a nice crumb structure.
• 2/3 cup (138 g) brown sugar, packed: Provides deep caramel notes and moisture to the filling.
• 1/3 cup (66 g) granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and adds subtle crunch.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that fills this dish with warmth and fragrant sweetness.
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds complexity and a subtle kick to the spice blend.
• Pinch of kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• 6 tbsp (87 g) salted butter, cubed: Richness that helps create a crumbly, golden topping.
• Cinnamon sticks, for garnish: Optional but adds a beautiful aromatic touch.
• 4 egg yolks: The backbone of the custard’s creamy, silky texture.
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard without overpowering the vanilla notes.
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk: Gives the custard its luscious creaminess.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with warm, inviting flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

First things first, preheat your oven to 375° F (191° C) and get a baking dish ready. Slice off the top quarter inch of each apple, then carefully core out the centers using a grapefruit spoon. The goal is to create little apple bowls with walls thick enough so they won’t collapse when baking. Don’t toss the scooped flesh—keep about half a cup aside to add to your oatmeal filling later. This step sets a sturdy base for the delicious filling to come.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Oatmeal Filling

In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients bring that perfect harmony of spice, sweetness, and texture. Next, cut in the butter with a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs about the size of a pea. This buttery crumb topping will bake up golden and crunchy on top of the soft apple, creating a wonderful textural contrast.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake the Apples

Now comes the fun part—stuffing your apples! Spoon the oatmeal filling into each apple cavity, allowing it to mound and slightly overflow for that rustic look and extra flavor. Place the apples in your prepared baking dish and bake them for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the apples soften just enough but still hold their shape, and the filling turns a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible.

Step 4: Create the Velvet-Creamy Vanilla Custard Sauce

While the apples bake, it’s time to whip up the luxurious vanilla custard sauce to complement them. Start by whisking the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale and syrupy, which takes about a minute or two. Warm the milk in a saucepan until you see tiny bubbles around the edges—it should be hot but not boiling. Gradually whisk some of this warm milk into the eggs to temper them, then combine everything back in the pot. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon with a clear path when you trace your finger. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla, and strain through a fine mesh sieve to ensure silky smoothness. Cover the surface with plastic wrap so it doesn’t skin over and let it cool to room temperature before chilling if time allows.

How to Serve Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Presentation can elevate this dessert from homemade cozy to something truly special. Consider garnishing each baked apple with a cinnamon stick for a festive touch and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or additional cinnamon. These simple additions add aroma and visual appeal that invite smiles and eager bites.

Side Dishes

Although these stuffed apples are wonderful on their own, pairing them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream makes for an irresistible duo. For a brunch twist, serve alongside spiced yogurt and toasted nuts for added crunch and complexity.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving the apples in individual ramekins nestled on a plate drizzled with extra custard sauce or a caramel drizzle. You could also add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or chopped dried cranberries around for bursts of texture and tartness that complement the overall sweetness beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the custard sauce separate to maintain its silky texture and reheat the apples gently to avoid becoming mushy.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze the baked apples without the custard sauce. Wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently before serving with fresh custard sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, place the apples in a preheated 350° F (175° C) oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Heat the custard sauce gently over low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often to maintain smoothness. Warm apples paired with luscious custard create a treat that feels freshly made every time.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal because they hold their shape while baking. Softer varieties may become too mushy.

Is it possible to make the custard sauce dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, although the custard may be slightly less rich. Use a thickening agent like cornstarch if needed to maintain texture.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Definitely. You can make the oatmeal filling up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temperature before stuffing the apples and baking.

What do I do if my custard starts to scramble?

If the eggs start to scramble, it means the heat was too high or cooking was too long. Remove the pan from heat immediately and whisk vigorously to smooth it out as much as possible. Straining the custard will help remove curdled bits.

How sweet is this dessert, and can I adjust the sugar?

This recipe balances sweetness well with comforting spices. However, you can reduce brown and granulated sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking a cozy dessert to impress guests or simply want to indulge your own sweet tooth, the Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe truly delivers. It’s that perfect blend of warm spices, tender baked apple, and silky custard that feels both special and wholesome. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own classic—it’s a beautiful way to bring warmth and sweetness to any day.

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