There’s something magical about the first crisp breeze of autumn—the kind that makes you crave warm, comforting flavors. Picture this: you’re curled up on the couch under a soft blanket, the scent of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen. That’s the cozy scene I imagine every time I make these Pumpkin Pie Stuffed Baked Apples.
This recipe is the perfect marriage of two seasonal favorites—sweet, tender baked apples and creamy spiced pumpkin pie filling. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving dessert, a fall dinner party, or just a quiet weekend treat when you want to spoil yourself (and maybe a lucky friend or two). Inspired by the tradition of baking stuffed apples in my grandmother’s kitchen, I’ve given it a modern twist by using pumpkin pie filling for a richer, creamier, and irresistibly autumnal flavor.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Pie Stuffed Baked Apples
Before we dive into the full recipe, let me give you a few reasons why these stuffed apples might just become your new fall favorite:
- Two desserts in one – You get the comforting sweetness of baked apples and the creamy spice of pumpkin pie filling in each bite.
- Healthier indulgence – Apples are naturally rich in fiber and vitamins, and pumpkin puree adds antioxidants and beta carotene.
- Minimal ingredients – You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip this up.
- Perfect for make-ahead – You can prep these ahead of time and just pop them in the oven when ready to serve.
- Naturally portion-controlled – Each apple is an individual serving, making it perfect for parties or plated desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you only need six simple ingredients, yet the result is a dessert that tastes like you’ve been working all day in the kitchen.
You’ll need:
- 4 apples (cored) – Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – Canned works perfectly, or you can use fresh roasted pumpkin puree.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – For that warm, familiar fall spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger – Gives a slight zing and brightness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – For sweetness and a touch of molasses richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through exactly how to make Pumpkin Pie Stuffed Baked Apples so they turn out perfect every time.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature will ensure your apples cook through without bursting or collapsing.
Step 2: Prepare the pumpkin filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- Pumpkin puree
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Brown sugar
Stir well until all the spices are evenly distributed, and the mixture looks smooth and creamy.
Pro Tip: Taste the filling and adjust sweetness if needed. Some pumpkins are naturally sweeter than others.
Step 3: Core the apples
Use an apple corer or a sharp paring knife to carefully remove the cores from each apple, making sure to leave the bottom intact so the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.
Step 4: Stuff the apples
Spoon the pumpkin mixture into each hollowed apple, pressing down slightly to ensure they’re well filled. Fill to the top for a generous serving.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Arrange the stuffed apples in a baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil to trap steam and keep the apples moist.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
Step 6: Cool and serve
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The filling will be hot, so a short rest helps the flavors settle and prevents burns.
Serve warm for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.
Best Apples for Baking
Choosing the right apple variety is key to getting the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and texture. Here are my top picks:
- Honeycrisp – Sweet, crisp, and holds shape beautifully.
- Fuji – Juicy and mild with a natural sweetness.
- Granny Smith – Tart and firm, perfect for balancing the pumpkin filling’s sweetness.
- Braeburn – Aromatic with a pleasant tart-sweet flavor.
Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious—they tend to turn mushy when baked.
Make It Your Own – Variations & Add-Ins
This recipe is fantastic as written, but you can easily adapt it to your taste. Here are a few fun twists:
- Add a streusel topping – Mix oats, butter, and brown sugar for a crunchy topping.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce – Perfect for adding extra indulgence.
- Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts – Adds crunch and nuttiness to the filling.
- Spice it up – Try adding allspice or cloves for a bolder flavor.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream – Because why not?
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-ahead: Core and stuff the apples a few hours before baking. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Storing leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Nutritional Benefits
While this dessert feels indulgent, it actually has some nutritional perks:
- Apples – Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Pumpkin – Packed with vitamin A, potassium, and beta carotene.
- Spices – Cinnamon and ginger have natural anti-inflammatory properties.
This is a treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also gives you a little nutrient boost.
Perfect Pairings
Want to turn this into a complete fall dessert spread? Pair these baked apples with:
- A mug of hot apple cider
- Maple pecan coffee
- Chai latte for an extra dose of spice
- Warm bourbon cocktail for an adults-only twist
Serving Ideas for Special Occasions
These stuffed apples make a beautiful presentation for:
- Thanksgiving dinner – Serve instead of, or alongside, pumpkin pie.
- Friendsgiving gatherings – Impress your guests with a unique dessert.
- Romantic fall date nights – Light candles and serve warm with ice cream.
- Cozy holiday brunches – They work wonderfully as a sweet side dish.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even simple recipes can have hiccups, so here’s how to avoid them:
- Apples collapsed in the oven – They were likely overbaked. Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark.
- Filling too runny – Add 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the pumpkin mixture to thicken it.
- Apples undercooked – Extend baking time by 5–10 minutes, checking for tenderness with a fork.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Sharing Online
Recipes like these are Pinterest gold—they’re photogenic, seasonal, and easy to make. Whether you’re posting on Instagram, sharing in a Facebook group, or adding to your holiday recipe blog, this dish is guaranteed to get attention.
Here are some SEO-friendly keywords to help your blog post rank:
- Pumpkin pie baked apples
- Fall dessert recipes
- Easy Thanksgiving desserts
- Apple and pumpkin recipes
- Healthy fall treats
Final Thoughts – A Dessert That Feels Like a Hug
If autumn had a flavor, this would be it—warm, spiced, sweet, and comforting. These Pumpkin Pie Stuffed Baked Apples take the essence of the season and wrap it in a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that anyone can make.
Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration or just to enjoy a peaceful moment on a crisp fall evening, you’ll find they bring joy with every bite. So grab your apples, stir up that pumpkin filling, and let the scent of autumn fill your kitchen.