Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 9x9 inch pan.
Prep apples: Core the apples with a pairing knife. Cut a small hole around the stem of the apple to scoop out the seeds. Make it large enough to fill with a heavy dollop of the oat mixture. No need to push the spoon all the way through the apple. Make the hole just deep enough to scoop out the seeds, but also deep enough to stuff with plenty of the delicious oat filling.
Prepare the filling: In a small bowl combine oats, brown sugar, flax, walnuts, spices and vanilla. Split the oat mixture between the apples and top each apple with a dab of butter. Pour in ¼ cup water into the baking dish to soften the apples while they bake, then add the stuffed apples to the pan.
Bake: For 45 minutes, until apples are tender, but not mushy.
Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Use certified gluten-free oatsMAKE IT VEGAN: Use coconut butter instead of butterLEFTOVERS/STORAGE: Store baked apples in a glass container for up to 5 days. Simply reheat and enjoy! Also try using in oatmeal or with ice cream.NUTRITION NOTES: Apples are a great source of prebiotic fiber, antioxidants, and B vitamins. SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve up these baked apples with a scoop of ice cream or cut them up and add them to oatmeal or yogurt.