These simple Baked Apples with Granola are an easy, feel-good treat, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Filled with sweet granola and baked until tender, they’re even better topped with ice cream or whipped cream.

stuffed baked apple topped with ice cream on a white plate with wooden spoon

Inspired by one of my favorite cooks, Paula Deen, this easy baked apples recipe is now one of my seasonal favorites.

These bake up soft, flavorful, and just sweet enough. The granola, spiced with cozy fall flavors, adds the perfect crunchy topping. It’s like warm applesauce with a delightful twist!

It’s also satisfying, so I feel good serving it to my family or even just enjoying one with a cup of tea.

I sometimes drizzle a little maple syrup on top or dust with powdered sugar for a special touch. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in food form!

Looking for more breakfast or fall recipes? You’ll love this pumpkin cobbler and fluffy belgian waffles!

simple baked apples stuffed with granola and whipped cream on top in a baking dish

Ingredients in Simple Baked Apples:

Baked apples are one of those comforting treats that come together easily, especially when you already have most of the ingredients on hand. Since I almost always have a few apples in the fruit bowl, this recipe is a quick and wholesome way to satisfy a sweet craving.

  • Apples 
  • Granola
  • Light brown sugar
  • Unsalted butter
  • Vanilla bean paste (or extract) 
  • Ground cinnamon 
overhead view of a granola stuffed baked apple topped with ice cream on a white plate with wooden spoon on the side

How to Bake:

There is no peeling or slicing of apples with these babies! You simply slice an apple in half, scoop out the middle, fill with a granola mixture, and pop ’em in the oven. What could be easier than that?

  1. Carefully scoop out apple filling. Set apples in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together granola, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
  3. Spoon mixture into apple halves.
  4. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until apples are tender.

What Kind of Granola Should I Use? 

Any kind you’d like! You can use store-bought granola or make it yourself. A few of my favorite granola recipes include: Pumpkin Spice Granola, Apple Pie Granola, and Banana Bread Granola. 

Can I Prep This Recipe in Advance? 

No, this breakfast is best enjoyed right away. 

a simple baked apple with granola and ice cream on top on a white plate with wooden spoon

Tips and TARICKS:

  • Use any variety of apple you’d like in this recipe. I used Honey Crisp, but Gala, Granny Smith, etc. will all work. 
  • To keep this easy baked apples recipe dairy-free, use melted coconut oil in place of the butter (it will alter the flavor slightly). 
  • There’s no need to peel the apples before baking them. The skin tastes great after being baked! 

More Easy Apple Recipes to Try:

These Baked Apples with Granola make a simple breakfast, mid-morning snack, or easy dessert. Sweet apples are filled with a brown sugar granola mixture and then baked until tender. Top them with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream and you'll be baking these over and over again!

Simple Baked Apples with Granola

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
These simple baked apples with granola make a great breakfast, mid-morning snack, or easy dessert. You'll be baking these over and over again!
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 apples, halved (I used honey crisp, but any kind will do)
  • 1 cup granola, any kind
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, (or vanilla extract)
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Carefully scoop out apple filling, leaving about ¼ inch apple shell left in skin. Set apples in prepared dish.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together granola, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
  • Spoon mixture into apple halves. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until apples are tender.
  • Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Inspired by Paula Deen’s Fall Baking – 2014 magazine.
  • Apples are best eaten the same day.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 298kcal, Carbohydrates: 48g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 16mg, Potassium: 234mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 224IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 47mg, Iron: 2mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Author: Gayle Bialas
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.

Photos updated September 2018