Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling and Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dessert that feels both homey and a little special, you’ve got to try this Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling and Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe. I absolutely love how the tender, juicy apples soaked in bourbon and cider pair perfectly with the crispy, sweet oat filling—and that cinnamon ice cream? It simply melts into the warm apples for a dreamy finish. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to dessert when you want something cozy yet impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling and Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe plays an important role in creating those irresistible layers of flavor and texture, so don’t skip the bourbon or cinnamon—they really make a difference!

• Honeycrisp apples: I love these for baking because they’re sweet and hold their shape well without becoming mushy.
• Oats: Rolled oats work best here to give that hearty, chewy texture in the filling.
• Brown sugar: Adds a rich molasses flavor that complements the apples and bourbon beautifully.
• Flour: Helps bind the oat filling together so it’s not too crumbly.
• Cinnamon: A must-have spice here for that warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter makes the filling rich and moist, perfectly coating the oats.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that ties everything together.
• Apple cider: This creates a fragrant, tangy base liquid that steams the apples as they bake.
• Bourbon: The star ingredient that gives the dish a boozy warmth and complexity—feel free to adjust how much you use depending on your preference.
• Cinnamon ice cream (or pumpkin/vanilla): This cool, creamy topping contrasts so well with the warm apples and filling.

Variations

I’m all about customizing dishes to suit what’s in season or what my family loves. This Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling and Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe is such a great canvas—you can tweak it easily to make it your own.

• Add chopped nuts: I’ve tossed in walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, and my family goes crazy for the added texture.
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for a fall-inspired twist I discovered one holiday season.
• Swap the bourbon: If you prefer less alcohol, you can reduce the bourbon or substitute with additional apple cider for a kid-friendly version.
• Fruit variations: Pears also work surprisingly well if you want to mix it up, just keep an eye on the baking time since they cook a bit faster.

How to Make Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling and Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prep those apples perfectly

First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F. Now, coring the apples can feel a bit fiddly, but it’s worth the effort. Don’t core all the way through; you want to keep the apple base intact so the juices don’t leak out while baking. I usually use an apple corer, but if you don’t have one, just carefully cut about two-thirds down with a paring knife. Remove the seeds and core bits until you have a hollow cavity just big enough to stuff in the filling.

Step 2: Make the oat-stuffed filling

In a bowl, mix your oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until they’re well combined. Then add the softened butter and vanilla extract. This is the fun part where you get your hands in and mix everything so the oats and sugar get coated with butter and start clumping together just right. This filling is what gives our apples that beautiful crunchy and sweet center—don’t skip this step or you’ll miss out on the magic.

Step 3: Stuff, arrange, and pour

Spoon the oat filling equally into each apple’s cored center. If you want, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for that extra hit of spice. Place the apples upright in a large baking dish. Pour the apple cider and bourbon mixture around the apples—not on top—so they soak up all those lovely flavors as they bake.

Step 4: Bake to juicy perfection

Bake for about 45 minutes if your apples are large. For smaller apples, start checking around 30 minutes. The key here is patience—every 10 minutes or so, spoon some of that bourbon-cider liquid over each apple to keep things moist and flavorful. You’ll know they’re done when the skins look wrinkled and deep golden, but the apples are still tender and juicy inside.

Step 5: Serve warm with cinnamon ice cream

This is the best part—scoop a generous amount of cinnamon ice cream on top of each warm apple and watch it melt into that oat filling. It’s a flavor and texture combo that always gets a wow from everyone around my table.

How to Serve Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling and Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a few chopped toasted nuts on top for a bit of crunch and visual appeal. A drizzle of maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar also makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This dessert is pretty soul-satisfying on its own, but if I’m serving it after a hearty dinner, I’ll pair it with something light like a crisp green salad or a simple roasted vegetable side to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner party, I’ve served these baked apples directly in individual mini cast iron skillets or charming ramekins. Adding edible flowers or rosemary sprigs nearby adds a pretty touch and impressive finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The oats might soften a bit over time, but reheating gently helps bring back some crispiness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked apples before, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They freeze well for about 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Spoon warmed cider or a splash of apple juice over them before heating to refresh moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Baked Apples with Oat-Stuffed Filling and Cinnamon Ice Cream Recipe holds a cozy spot in my heart—and on my family’s dessert table. It’s a simply elegant way to celebrate the flavors of the season, with a warm boozy twist that feels both comforting and a little luxurious. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do, and that every bite brings you that same cozy, “home away from home” feeling. Grab your apples and let’s get baking—I can’t wait to hear what you think!

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