Dessert

Baked Apples with Nut, Dried Fruit, and Granola Filling Recipe

ByIsabella Vance November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Introduction

Baked apples are a simple, comforting dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any table. Filled with a delicious mixture of nuts, dried fruit, and spices, this treat is perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings.

The image shows four baked apples with shiny golden brown skins that look soft and juicy, each hollowed out to hold a filling. The filling has three visible layers: a creamy white base layer that looks smooth and thick, topped with a crunchy mix of oats, nuts, and dark dried fruit pieces that add texture and color contrast with light brown, tan, and black shades, all piled high above the apple rim. The apples are placed on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface with soft, warm natural light highlighting the glossy, sticky drips of syrup running down the sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4-6 large or medium apples
1/3 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, almonds)
1/3 cup dried fruit (e.g., blueberries, cranberries)
1/3 cup granola
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Wash and dry the apples, then core them carefully without cutting through the base to keep the filling inside.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, dried fruit, granola, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg until well mixed.
Step 4: Fill each apple generously with the prepared mixture.
Step 5: Place the apples upright in a baking dish and pour about 3/4 cup of water into the dish to create steam during baking.
Step 6: Top each apple with a slice of the melted unsalted butter.
Step 7: Bake for 45–60 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
Step 8: Serve warm, either plain or topped with your favorite yogurt or sauce.

Tips & Variations

Try using different nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
For extra moisture, add a splash of apple cider or orange juice to the water in the baking dish.
If you prefer a sweeter dessert, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the apples before baking.
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based spread.

Storage

Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to preserve their texture and warmth.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a shiny baked apple with a smooth, golden-brown surface that looks moist and caramelized. Inside the hollowed top of the apple, there is a white scoop of ice cream, slightly melting around the edges. On top of and around the ice cream, there are chunky pieces of walnuts mixed with raisins, glistening as if coated with syrup. The apple rests on a white bowl with some dark sauce or fruit pieces at the base, and more baked apples with the same toppings are seen blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, but firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.