If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that captures all the coziness of fall, Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce is truly a dream come true. Imagine warm, tender apples brimming with a nutty oat filling, then finished with a silky, homemade vanilla custard sauce that pools luxuriously on your plate. Every bite feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re after a simple weeknight treat or an elegant dessert for guests, this recipe effortlessly checks both boxes.

Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Each one is simple and familiar, but their roles in this recipe are essential — from the juicy apples to the comforting oats and aromatic spices that deliver unbeatable flavor. Trust me, you’ll love the balance each ingredient brings to the Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce.

Apples: Choose sturdy, tart baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect tender-yet-holding shape after baking.
Rolled Oats: These give a wonderful chewy texture to the filling and soak up all the lovely apple juices.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Add toasty crunch and a subtle nutty note that plays beautifully with the apples and spices.
Brown Sugar: Brings that unmistakable, caramelly sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
Ground Cinnamon: The hero spice that infuses every bite with classic autumn warmth.
Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch pulls out a deeper, more rounded spice flavor.
Salt: Enhances and sharpens all the sweet, spicy flavors — don’t skip it!
Unsalted Butter: Melted to moisten the oat filling, making it rich, golden, and a little decadent.
Vanilla Extract: Brings out the sweetness in both the filling and the custard sauce.
Apple Juice or Water: Adds moisture to the baking dish, keeping those apples luscious and juicy.
Whole Milk: Gives the custard sauce its signature creamy texture and rich taste.
Egg Yolks: Make the custard velvety and help it set up just right for drizzling.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances the vanilla in the custard sauce.
Cornstarch: The magic ingredient for thickening the custard to silky perfection.
Additional Butter (for custard): Adds another layer of richness and shine to the sauce.
Additional Vanilla Extract (for custard): Doubles down on that classic, aromatic flavor profile in the sauce.
Pinch of Salt (for custard): Lifts and brightens all the flavors in the silky vanilla custard.

How to Make Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Hollow the Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your apples and give them a good wash. Next, use a sharp paring knife or a small spoon to carefully core each apple. Scoop out just enough flesh to create a cavity for the filling, but be sure to leave about half an inch at the bottom so the oats and nuts don’t escape during baking.

Step 2: Mix Up the Oatmeal Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts or pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, then stir until everything is well mixed and evenly moistened. This mixture should be fragrant and a little sticky — exactly what you want to fill your apples with lots of flavor and texture.

Step 3: Stuff and Arrange the Apples

Use a spoon to generously fill each hollowed apple with the oatmeal mixture, gently packing it in for maximum flavor in every bite. Arrange your stuffed apples in a baking dish. Pour the apple juice or water into the bottom of the dish — this step will help keep the apples moist as they bake, while adding a hint of extra apple goodness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil (this prevents the tops from browning too quickly) and pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the apples are fork-tender and the oat tops turn golden and caramelized. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible at this stage!

Step 5: Make the Vanilla Custard Sauce

While the apples are baking, start on the luxurious vanilla custard sauce that really sets Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce apart. In a saucepan, gently heat the whole milk over medium heat until it’s just steaming, not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs, then return it all to the pan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens to a pourable sauce (about 5–7 minutes). Take it off the heat, stir in the butter and vanilla extract, and let it cool slightly.

Step 6: Plate and Serve Warm

Remove the apples from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle. Set each stuffed apple on a dessert plate, then generously spoon the vanilla custard sauce over the top. Some of the sauce will soak into the apple, making every mouthful creamy, comforting, and full of warm spice. Serve immediately for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.

How to Serve Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce

Garnishes

Elevate the presentation of your Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce by finishing with a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a handful of golden raisins. Add a fresh mint sprig or a delicate drizzle of caramel for a touch of restaurant-worthy charm — your guests will be wowed before they even take a bite!

Side Dishes

Pair these hearty apples with something cool and creamy, like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a full dessert spread, serve alongside other autumn favorites such as spiced poached pears or a tray of homemade gingersnaps. The warmth and creaminess of the apples and custard sauce complement so many textures and flavors!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, slice the baked apples in half and arrange them artfully in shallow bowls. You can also serve the apples in individual ramekins for a rustic vibe, or set them atop a bed of spiced granola for added crunch. Let your presentation reflect your personality — this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftover Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce, keep the apples and custard sauce separately in airtight containers. The apples can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, while the custard will also keep well for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, give everything a gentle reheat for best results.

Freezing

While the stuffed apples themselves freeze quite nicely, the custard sauce is best enjoyed fresh (as dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate after thawing). To freeze, let the apples cool completely, wrap each in plastic wrap, and tuck them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw the apples overnight in the fridge before reheating and making a fresh batch of custard sauce to serve.

Reheating

To warm the apples, set them in a covered baking dish and reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. For the custard sauce, gently warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly to keep it smooth and silky. Never boil the custard — a gentle touch keeps everything perfectly luscious.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute plant-based butter and non-dairy milk in both the filling and the custard sauce. For the sauce, use your favorite dairy-free milk (like oat or almond), and try a vegan egg substitute such as cornstarch blended with a bit of extra non-dairy milk.

Which apples are best for stuffing?

Stick to sturdy, tart-sweet varieties that hold their shape during baking — Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are especially reliable, but Braeburn or Jonagold also work wonderfully. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, which tend to fall apart.

Can I prepare the custard sauce ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s a real time-saver! You can make the custard sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it before serving over your Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce for the freshest flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to core apples for stuffing?

If you have an apple corer, that’s ideal — but a paring knife and spoon will work too. The trick is to hollow out enough space for the filling while leaving about half an inch at the bottom of the apple intact. This prevents the filling from spilling out during baking.

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats give the best chewy texture for the filling, but in a pinch, you can use instant oats — just know the texture will be a bit softer. Do not use steel-cut oats, as they require much more cooking time and won’t soften properly in the apples.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like sitting down to a plate of Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce — a dessert that tastes like a warm embrace. I hope this recipe inspires you to treat yourself and your loved ones to these tender, oozy, and utterly delightful apples. You’ll fall in love with every spoonful, and I can’t wait for you to make this cozy classic your own!

Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples with Vanilla Custard Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with these Cinnamon Oatmeal Stuffed Apples served with a luscious Vanilla Custard Sauce. A perfect dessert for the fall season!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apples:

4 large baking apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup apple juice or water (for baking)

For the Vanilla Custard Sauce:

2 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Core the apples and scoop out some of the flesh. Combine oats, nuts, sugar, spices, butter, and vanilla. Stuff apples and bake covered. Make custard sauce by heating milk, whisking egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch, then combining with warm milk on the stove until thickened. Stir in butter and vanilla. Serve apples with custard sauce.