There’s something magical about warm baked apples on a crisp fall day. These Baked Apple Halves with Maple Oats are warm, spiced, and perfectly sweet — made with just a few seasonal pantry ingredients and fresh autumn apples.
As they bake, the apples soften into a cozy, fruit-crisp-like dessert, filling your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and caramelized maple, and toasted oats — a comforting reminder that autumn’s here to stay.

Enjoy them as a healthy dessert, a warm fall breakfast, or a cozy snack topped with caramel, Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients for Baked Apples with Maple Oats

For the Apples

• 4 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or Fuji)
• 2-4 tablespoons (30-60 ml) fresh lemon juice, about 2 small lemons

For the Maple Oat Topping

• 1 cup (90 g) quick-cooking oats (not rolled oats)
• 1/3 cup chopped candied pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup, plus 2 tablespoons (30 ml) for drizzling
• 1/4 cup (56 g) pecan, walnut, or coconut oil, melted
• 2 teaspoon (4 g) ground cinnamon, more if preferred
• 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt (optional) to balance the sweetness

Recommended Equipment

• Cast Iron Skillet (12-inch) – great for even baking and cozy presentation.
• Melon Baller – to scoop out the core and seeds.

Shop this recipe and kitchen essential here!

How to Make Baked Apples with Maple Oats

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cast iron skillet with parchment paper or lightly grease with coconut oil.  
➤ Chef’s Tip — Cast Iron Skillet: For the best flavor and texture, bake the apples in a cast iron skillet. It heats evenly and caramelizes the maple syrup and coconut oil, creating golden edges and crisp oat topping. Plus, it looks stunning served straight from oven to table.

Prepare the Apples: Wash and slice apples in half lengthwise. Use a melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds, creating a small cavity in each half.
➤ Chef’s Tip — Choose firm apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady hold shape best when baked.

Assemble: Arrange apple halves cut-side up in the cast iron skillet, and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Make the Topping: In a bowl, mix oats, pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, melted coconut oil or pecan oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated and crumbly.
➤ Chef’s Tip — Meal Prep: The oat topping can be made ahead and stored in an airtight jar for quick baking anytime.

Top with Oats: Spoon oat mixture evenly over each apple, pressing gently so it sticks. Drizzle extra 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup before baking for a caramelized glaze.

Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until apples are tender and the oat topping is golden and crisp.

Serve: Let cool slightly. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, warm caramel sauce, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Storage and Serving

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 30-60 seconds before serving.

More Cozy Autumn Recipes to Try

If you love the warm flavors of maple, apples, and oats, there are plenty more cozy, fall-inspired recipes to try — perfect for crisp mornings or slow, sweet evenings by the oven.
Each one wraps your kitchen in seasonal warmth and the scent of autumn, making every bake feel like the season has just begun.

• Apple Almond Bars Recipe: Soft, nutty, and gently sweetened with maple — a wholesome snack that tastes like fall in every bite.
• Cranberry Apple Sandwiches: Crisp apple slices layered with creamy brie and tart cranberry — a warm, cozy way to welcome autumn.
• Banana Oat Mug Cakes Recipe: Warm, fluffy, and ready in minutes — the perfect quick treat for cool mornings or cozy evenings.
• Strawberry Kiwi Oat Tart Recipe: A fruit-filled oat tart with a light, sweet maple glaze — simple, colorful, and beautifully seasonal.

Shop this recipe and kitchen essential here!