Warm, spiced desserts are a holiday favorite, and these baked stuffed apples deliver all that cozy flavor in a lighter way. The filling of oats, nuts and raisins adds texture and natural sweetness, while the apples soften into a tender, pie-like base.
“Building desserts around whole ingredients like fruit, oats and nuts gives you flavor and satisfaction along with fiber, vitamins and healthy fats,” says Samantha Oldman, RD, with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. “It’s a simple way to enjoy traditional holiday tastes without relying on heavy ingredients.”
Here’s how each ingredient adds nutrients to the dish.
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Apples do more than just hold this dessert together.
“Rich in soluble fiber, apples support digestion,” Oldman explains.
As they bake, the fruit softens into a warm, tender base that feels indulgent without any added sugar.
> Related: 5 Reasons to Eat More Apples
2. Oats
Oats give this dessert its heartiness and texture. Plus, they’re a whole grain packed with fiber
“They contain beta-glucan, which supports heart health and helps keep you full,” Oldman says.
When baked, oats create that familiar crisp-like texture, adding body and warmth to every bite.
3. Nuts
Walnuts or pecans bring just the right amount of crunch, along with healthy fats.
“Nuts provide plant-based omega-3s, minerals and protein,” Oldman notes.
They also add a naturally rich flavor too, so you don’t need heavy toppings like butter-laden crumble to make the dessert feel complete.
> Related: Nutrition Smack Down: Healthiest Nuts
4. Raisins
Raisins bring a touch of natural sweetness to the dessert, plus plenty of micronutrients.
“Raisins offer antioxidants, iron and potassium, so they add nutrition along with flavor,” Oldman says.
Their chewy texture balances the softness of the apples and the crunch of the nuts, bringing everything together.
5. Brown sugar substitute
Adds classic dessert sweetness with far fewer calories.
A brown sugar substitute gives you the classic flavor your expect from warm holiday desserts, but with fewer calories.
“This lets you keep the warm, caramel-like flavor while reducing added sugar,” Oldman explains.
It’s a small shift that makes the whole dish a lot lighter.
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Sign up for newsletters6. Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves
This is where the holiday magic really happens. These spices create that cozy aroma that fills your kitchen long before the apples come out of the oven.
“Spices help build warm flavor without extra sugar or fat,” Oldman says.
7. Low-fat butter spread
A little low-fat butter spread helps the filling brown and gives the topping its soft crispness.
“A small amount adds texture and mouthfeel without too much saturated fat,” she notes.
