Pumpkin Pie Stuffed Baked Apples

This cozy recipe for Pumpkin Pie Stuffed Baked Apples combines the comforting nostalgia of pumpkin pie with the juicy, tender bite of a perfectly baked apple. It’s my absolute favorite way to bring fall flavors to the table, whether for Thanksgiving, a weekend dinner, or any moment when you want to indulge in something festive yet surprisingly healthy. This is not your ordinary dessert – it’s a celebration of autumn, with warm spices, natural sweetness, and a fun twist that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity: each ingredient shines and brings its own special something. From the natural tartness of the apples to the aromatic blend of spices, these elements work together to create the ultimate fall treat. Here’s what you’ll need – and why you’ll love each addition!

• Apples: Choose large, firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best bake and shape retention.
• Pumpkin puree: This is the star of the filling, giving your apples that signature pie flavor and creamy texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet-spicy aroma that instantly transports you to autumn afternoons.
• Nutmeg: A little bit goes a long way, delivering gentle earthiness and depth to the pumpkin mixture.
• Ginger: Offers just the right zing, brightening up the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a caramel undertone that melts beautifully into the filling.

How to Make This

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you plenty of time to assemble the apples while ensuring that your oven is ready for smooth, even baking when it’s go time.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In a medium bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and brown sugar until everything is velvety-smooth and uniform in color. This fragrant mixture will soon be tucked inside each apple, so take a little time to enjoy the aroma – it’s autumn in a bowl!

Step 3: Stuff the Apples

Take each cored apple and fill it with the delicious pumpkin mixture, pressing the filling down gently as you go. Make sure each apple is packed to the brim; this ensures every bite is loaded with creamy, spiced pumpkin goodness.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Arrange your stuffed apples upright in a baking dish that fits them snugly (so they don’t tip over). Cover the dish with aluminum foil – this helps keep the apples juicy and prevents the pumpkin topping from overbaking.

Step 5: Bake

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let those apples bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for apples that are tender but still keep their shape, so poke them with a fork if you’re unsure. The aroma while these bake is an absolute delight!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the apples are out of the oven, let them rest for a few minutes (if you can resist digging in immediately). Serving them warm is a must for maximum comfort, but a little patience pays off as the flavors settle and meld together perfectly.

How to Serve This

Garnishes

Top each stuffed baked apple with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly special touch. Don’t be shy with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or even a drizzle of caramel sauce if you want to make this even more decadent.

Side Dishes

This pairs beautifully with lighter sides like fresh fruit salad or a crunchy autumn slaw. At Thanksgiving, a spoonful of cranberry sauce on the side plays so well with the sweet and spiced flavors of the apples.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping finish, serve the apples on a wooden platter lined with cinnamon sticks or colorful fall leaves (just for decoration, of course!). You can even slice them in half and fan them out on a platter to showcase the creamy pumpkin center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to three days and, honestly, might taste even better the next day as all those flavors continue to blend together.

Freezing

While these are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can freeze them! Wrap each cooled apple tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for a month, and are perfect for future dessert cravings.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual apples in the microwave for 30-40 seconds, or warm a batch up in the oven at 325°F until heated through. This keeps the apples tender without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I prepare This ahead of time?

Absolutely! Stuff and refrigerate the apples up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready for dessert, bake them fresh – straight from the fridge – just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Are there alternatives to pumpkin puree in this recipe?

Yes! You can swap in sweet potato or butternut squash puree for a similar creamy, autumnal filling. Each offers its own unique twist while keeping the spirit of This alive.

How do I keep the apples from tipping over during baking?

Slice a super-thin layer off the base of each apple to help it sit flat in the baking dish. Try to pack the apples close together so they support each other, or use a muffin tin for extra stability!

Can I make This vegan?

Definitely! Double-check that your brown sugar is vegan, then use plant-based whipped cream or dairy-free ice cream for topping. The filling itself is already naturally vegan.

What kind of apples work best for This?

Choose firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. These varieties hold up beautifully to baking and pair perfectly with the spiced pumpkin filling.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Pie Stuffed Baked Apples are a true celebration of everything wonderful about fall. Try This once and you’ll see just how easy it is to wow your friends and family with this sweet, wholesome treat. Don’t wait for a holiday – let your kitchen fill with the aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin today!

Print