Cooler, crisper days have arrived and I have a hankering for a more homey and comfy breakfast than my typical smoothie or on-the-go protein bar. But with the craziness of my morning routine (my personal running, tying up work loose ends and giving rides to school), I rarely have time for anything coming out of the oven. But my recipe for Cinnamon Super Oatmeal Stuffed Apples can be quickly prepped and cooked in the microwave, so I’m winning before sun up. In fact, this is what I ate for breakfast the morning that I woke up really early to drive to Marble Falls, Texas and ended up winning the entire Hill Country Half Marathon. 

My “super” oatmeal is far from the cement-like, sugar-laden and fake-flavored oatmeal packets found next to the Fruit Loops and Pop Tarts. Instead, this powered-up oatmeal stuffed in my apple has been fortified with extra taste, texture and nutrition thanks to the addition of uncooked quinoa, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and spices mixed together with my dry, quick-cooking oats.  I typically will make a big batch and then scoop out what I need in the morning for this apple recipe or just for a simple bowl of oatmeal.

On crazy weeks when I don’t have time to scoop and stir, I like to buy Super Oats Nuts & Seeds.

After pulling my stuffed apple out of the microwave, I drizzle it with Almond Vanilla Opadipity by Litehouse sweet Greek yogurt dip. I love this lightly sweet Greek yogurt dip as a healthy topping on all my family’s favorite breakfast foods including this oatmeal recipe, but also pancakes, waffles and granola parfaits.

I like to use a great big Honey Crisp apple as my vessel to hold my mix of “super” oatmeal, the center is just scooped out with a melon-baller to create the perfect edible bowl.

Now, not all apples are the bomb for baking – some varieties, like the ubiquitous Red Delicious, seem crisp and crunchy when plucked off the tree (or out of the produce bin) but can turn mushy and mealy in the oven. For treats like apple pie, tarts and muffins (and especially my recipe for Super Oatmeal Stuffed Baked Apples), I prefer my apples to remain a little al dente – and I think most would agree!  Here is a list of my favorite 10 apples with flesh that stands up to baking and offer a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors. Try using a variety of these apples for a more complex flavor and colorful presentation.

10 Best Apples for Baking

1. Honey Crisp
2. Golden Delicious
3. Granny Smith
4. Braeburn
5. Jonathan
6. Melrose
7. Mutsu (Crispin)
8. Pink Lady (Cripps Pink)
9. Rome Beauty
10. Winesap

If you are looking for more healthy apple recipes, check out this bumper crop collection from CookingLight.com.

Are you an apple fan? What is your favorite variety to eat out of hand, or bake with? What is your favorite topping for oatmeal? Please share in the comments below – XOXO, Jennifer

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Super Oatmeal Stuffed Apples +10 Best Apples for Baking

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

Stuff your morning breakfast with good things like this apple filled with nutritious oatmeal featuring nuts and seed and a cinnamon Greek yogurt topping.

Course: Breakfast, Fruit, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 2 large apples I used Honey Criso
• 1/2 cup quick cook oats
• 1 tablespoon uncooked quinoa
• 1 tablepoon pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cup water divided
• 4 packets stevia more or less to taste
• 1/3 cup Opadipity Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Swirl Dip Or 6oz tub vanilla greek yogurt mixed with 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Instructions

1. Slice top off each apple approximately 1-inch down.
2. Use melon scooper to scoop out apple flesh, leaving a ¼” to 1/3” thickness on apple.
3. Pick out seeds and core of flesh and chop remaining apple flesh finely.
4. In medium bowl, toss together oats, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and Stevia. Stir in chopped apple pieces.
5. In microwave-safe measuring cup, boil water and stir in ONE CUP into the oatmeal until combined.
6. Place apples in microwave-safe baking dish. Stuff mixture evenly into the two apple “bowls,” packing down and over stuffing, if necessary. Set “lid” apple pieces in the side of baking dish.
7. Add ¼ cup water to bottom of baking dish. Cover with dish lid. Microwave for 3 minutes on high, and then in additional 1-minute increments until oatmeal is cooked through and apple is tender (microwave times will vary by appliance).
8. To serve, top oatmeal stuffed apples with Opadipity Greek Yogurt Dip, extra pumpkin seeds and a dash of cinnamon.