Apple Recipes

For fall baking when the harvest season is in full swing, these apple recipes are some of my favorite ways to use fresh apples in the kitchen. Each recipe is easy to follow and perfect for making the most of your apples.

Check out my guide on picking the best apples for apple pie or the best apples for apple crisps before you start baking your apple desserts. If you have a bumper harvest of fresh apples on hand, see how to store apples so they last as long as possible too!

1. Apple Curd

Apple curd is creamy, rich, and delicious. It is a mashed blend of apples, butter, cinnamon, and sugar that is cooked down and reduced to a thick consistency and can be eaten either warm or cold.

Apple curd is great on top of toast, on a bagel, mixed with granola, used as a topping for your favorite ice cream, added as a filling to your next homemade pie, tart, or thumbprint cookie - or eaten just the way it is.

2. Baked Cinnamon Apples

Baked cinnamon apples are my go-to recipe when I have extra apples that need to be used up. The apples soften in the oven to the perfect texture.

Eat these baked cinnamon apples fresh out of the oven or refrigerate them and enjoy them cold. They can be served as a side dish, a sweet treat, or even on top of your favorite pork chop recipes.

3. Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

This apple pie french toast casserole is what dreams are made of. It takes all of your favorite apple pie flavors and turns them into a tasty breakfast treat.

It is perfect for when you have company over for brunch, as a holiday treat, or just because it's so delicious.

4. Sugar Cookie Apple Cobbler

This sugar cookie apple cobbler is ultra-tasty and incredibly addicting. It is a great dessert for any occasion (and it only uses 2 ingredients).

This recipe is perfect for bringing to a get-together or just for a treat for the family at home. Either way, everyone will be getting seconds.

5. Apple Pie Filling

This homemade apple pie filling is way better than the canned version from the store. Plus, it is super easy to make.

It is perfect for so much more than just apple pie. You can use it for crisps, cobblers, ice cream, turnovers, waffle toppings or pancake toppings, and much more.

6. Apple Cobbler Bars

This sweet dessert is everything you know and love about an apple cobbler but in an easy-to-serve bar. They are great for serving a crowd and can even be made in advance.

Top this sweet bar off with a simple vanilla glaze, and you won't be able to eat just one.

7. Apple Banana Bread

Apple banana bread is a moist, almost cake-like bread that your guests will love. The soft apple banana bread is chock full of tender chunks of cinnamon vanilla apples.

Make the apple banana bread in a loaf pan or use muffin pans to make apple banana muffins for the kids. For an extra indulgent experience top it with your favorite frosting or creamy butter.

8. Bisquick Apple Cobbler

Bisquick recipes are some of my favorites for the holidays, especially this classic Bisquick apple cobbler. It's one of the easiest apple desserts and it's perfect year-round.

Eat the apple cobbler by itself, or top it with a delicious dollop of my easy no-churn vanilla ice cream.

9. Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers

These puff pastry apple turnovers are super easy to make and are incredibly delicious. Use store-bought pastry dough and canned apple pie filling for an extra easy treat.

10. Apple Strawberry Crisp

Apple strawberry crisps are a unique twist on traditional apple crisps. The sweet, fruity flavor of the strawberries complements tender apples wonderfully.

If you serve this dessert in the summer, refrigerate it and serve it cold for an extra refreshing experience.

11. Crockpot Applesauce

Crockpot applesauce is a great year-round recipe. The added cinnamon provides a little warmth, and the sugar helps to sweeten it up.

Serve cold or eat warm on top of bagels, bread, or cake. It can also be used in baking to add sweetness and moisture and it's perfect for lunchboxes or reusable toddler pouches.

12. Blackberry Apple Pie

Blackberry apple pie is a great way to blend two very popular flavors into one yummy dessert. The tart blackberries paired with the sweet apples fill your pallet with an explosion of flavor and happiness.

13. Apple Dump Cake

Apple dump cake is one of my go-to apple cake recipes. This cake is so easy to make that it will surely become your go-to for any party or gathering as well.

Simply add cake mix, fruit filling, and warm melted butter to create this masterpiece. Apple dump cake can be enjoyed as is, paired with ice cream or topped with whipped cream.

14. Apple Cider Pancakes

Everyone loves pancakes, so why not evolve your pancakes and try apple cider pancakes? These fluffy pancakes are full of spiced autumn flavor.

The combination of apple cider, buttermilk, vanilla, and cinnamon is amazing on its own, but topping these pancakes with fried cinnamon apples makes them extraordinary.

15. Apple Blackberry Crumble

Apple blackberry crumble is the perfect alternative to apple pie around the holidays. It's sweet and scrumptious with many textures from the chunks of apple and fresh or frozen blackberries.

The blackberries add bold colors and a slight tartness that you don't get from apples alone. Serve this at your next summer barbecue or make the whole thing for yourself and indulge.

16. Irish Apple Cake with Vanilla Custard Sauce

If you want to impress someone, make them Irish apple cake with vanilla custard sauce. Everything from the apples to the warm spices can make this cake wonderfully indulgent.

Topped with creamy, made-from-scratch vanilla custard, this cake is extra special, and you can taste it in every bite.

17. Apple Oatmeal Muffins

Apple oatmeal muffins are the perfect way to use up extra apples. They are an awesome grab-n-go breakfast, snack, or lunchbox addition.

18. Apple Banana Muffins with Streusel Topping

Apple banana muffins with streusel topping are another fantastic idea for breakfast or snacks on the go. The mixture of crisp tart apples and soft sweet bananas topped with a delicious streusel crumble is always a family favorite.

19. Apple Cake Topped with Almonds

Apple cake topped with almonds is perfect for dessert lovers who appreciate the texture. The almonds provide the perfect amount of crunch, while the apple cake is soft and moist.

20. Apple Crisp

This easy apple crisp is almost as classic as apple pie and equally delicious. The soft cinnamon apples topped with a pleasing blend of melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and oats will keep you coming back for more.

Mixed a few types of apples to alter the flavor, and experiment with red delicious apples or Granny Smith apples to make the apple crisp, sweet, and sour.

21. Cinnamon Apple Bread

Bursting with the flavors of warm cinnamon and sweet, juicy apples, this moist and tender quick bread is always a treat. You can enjoy it as an indulgent breakfast or save a slice for an afternoon snack.

22. Apple Pie Monkey Bread

Imagine warm, gooey cinnamon sugar-coated balls of dough generously mixed with juicy apple chunks and topped with a drizzle of sweet glaze. Made with canned biscuits, it couldn't be easier.

23. Dehydrated Apples

Dehydrated apples make for an easy snack that is both nutritious and delicious! The dehydration process brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit, and you can add your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.

24. Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

These sweet and syrupy fried apples are just like the popular recipe from Cracker Barrel. Whether you pair them with a stack of fluffy pancakes or a plate of crispy fried chicken, they always hit the spot.

25. Dutch Apple Cake

This warmly spiced apple cake has slices of tender cinnamon apples adorning the top. It's not too sweet to enjoy at breakfast time, but it is also perfectly tasty as a dessert.

26. Dutch Apple Pie

The signature cinnamon brown sugar streusel on top of Dutch apple pie will have you wanting to come back for another slice. It's delicious on its own, but nothing compares to Dutch apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

27. Apple Cranberry Pie

Apples and cranberries are the tasty fruit combination you didn't know you needed. The cranberries add a refreshing tartness that balances out the sweetness of the apples.

28. Apple Cider Donuts

You could use store-bought apple cider to make these donuts, but making your own apple cider from fresh apples is easier than it sounds. The cider is added straight to the donut batter, then they're baked until soft and rolled in cinnamon sugar.

29. Baked Apples

Baked apples are a Southern favorite, and it's easy to see why! The tender cinnamon and brown sugar apples are hollowed out, which makes them the perfect vessel for ice cream, whipped cream, and more.

30. Granny Smith Apple Pie

If you have an abundance of Granny Smith apples, this classic Granny Smith apple pie is one of my top fall baking recipes. It has the perfect amount of sweetness, and the apples hold their shape beautifully when baked.

31. Apple Snickerdoodle Dump Cake

I love making this apple snickerdoodle dump cake because it's the easiest way to turn canned apple pie filling into something warm and cozy. The spiced cookie mix on top pairs perfectly with the tender apples, making it a fall dessert that always feels special.

32. Apple Pie Macarons

These apple pie macarons are such a fun way to bring apple flavor into a delicate treat. The apple spice buttercream made with apple pie filling reminds me of classic apple pie, only lighter.

33. Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

If you have extra apples, slice them thin and bake these cinnamon apple chips for a light, crunchy snack. They work best with firm apples like Fuji or Pink Lady, and they're perfect when you want something naturally sweet.

34. Homemade Apple Cider

Homemade apple cider is one of my favorite fall recipes because you can use a mix of apple varieties for deeper flavor. Simmered with warm muling spices, it makes the house smell amazing.

35. Crockpot Apple Cider

You can let your slow cooker do the work with this easy crockpot apple cider recipe. The long simmer brings out the flavor of sweet and tart apples, perfect for baking up a batch of apple cider whoopie pies.

36. Easy Apple Oatmeal Cookies

You'll enjoy these apple oatmeal cookies for their chewy texture and bits of fresh apple in every bite. They're spiced just right and make the perfect not-too-sweet treat for fall.

38. Chicken Sausage with Apples

You'll love this easy sheet pan dinner with chicken sausage with apples, onions, and potatoes. Everything roasts together for a hearty, sweet-and-savory meal that's full of flavor with very little effort.

39. Baked Buttercup Squash with Apples

Baked buttercup squash with apples is a sweet and savory side dish that's perfect for fall or Thanksgiving dinner. The combination of tender squash, crisp apples, butter, honey, and warm spices makes this unique recipe both simple and delicious.

40. Cinnamon Apple Scones

You'll love these cinnamon apple scones for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The fluffy, golden scones are studded with tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon for a cozy fall flavor.

🍎 Best Apples for Baking

Here's a quick breakdown of some of the most popular apple varieties used in apple dessert recipes and baked goods. For more in-depth information see my complete guide to the best apples for baking & cooking.

Sweet Apples (great for natural sweetness)

• Fuji
• Gala
• Honeycrisp
• Golden Delicious

Tart Apples (hold shape well and add brightness)

• Granny Smith
• Braeburn
• Jonathan
• Pink Lady

Best Varieties for Baking

• Granny Smith (tart, firm, and reliable for pies and crisps)
• Honeycrisp (balanced sweet-tart flavor, holds shape when baked)
• Braeburn (firm texture with a tangy-sweet taste)
• Jonagold (juicy and flavorful, a nice mix of sweet and tart)

Popular Sweet & Tart Blends

• Granny Smith + Honeycrisp (classic pie combo)
• Gala + Braeburn (sweet with just enough tartness)
• Fuji + Granny Smith (balanced and flavorful in crisps or cobblers)

🍏 Best Apples for Savory Recipes

Firm and slightly tart apples (like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady) pair well with rich meats such as pork or sausage.

Sweet-tart apples (like Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Jazz) work beautifully in savory dishes where you want a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.

Avoid very soft or very sweet apples (like McIntosh or Red Delicious), since they break down too quickly and can make savory dishes overly sweet.

💭 Tips for Baking and Cooking with Fresh Apples

• Choose the right variety. See my apple variety breakdowns above to find the perfect apples for whatever your making. Firm apples (like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn) hold their shape during baking, making them ideal for pies, crisps, and cobblers. Softer apples (like McIntosh or Golden Delicious) break down more easily, which works well for sauces, fillings, and quick breads.
• Prep carefully. Peel, core, and slice your apples evenly so they cook consistently in your recipe.
• Balance flavors. Mix sweet and tart apple varieties or or add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or apple pie spice to enhance flavor. Warm spices and brown sugar are always delicious with apples.
• Use immediately or store properly. Freshly sliced apples oxidize quickly, meaning they will turn brown fast. Keep them in a little lemon water in the fridge if you need to prep ahead to slow down the process.

Most of the apple recipes listed above can be served hot or cold, which makes them perfect for any season. Let me know your favorite way to bake with apples in the comment section!

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