Want to make apple recipes all season long? You’re in the right place! Apples can be used so many different ways for so many different dishes. These 40+ apple recipes include breakfasts, cocktails, appetizers, entrees, side dishes and desserts. The only question is: Which one are you making first?
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Fall is (almost) here… which means it’s that time of year: APPLE SEASON!
I’m a huge apple fan, and I eat one every day. Not because I want to keep the doctor away, but because apples are oh-so-delicious.
And they’re so versatile.
So I decided for today’s post that I’d share some fall recipes with apples to make this season. But they’re not just sweet… we’ve got savory dishes to make with apples, too.
How to choose your apple recipe:
We’ve got several breakfast recipes (like apple fritters, apple muffins, apple doughnuts and more!)
Want to entertain and have apples on the menu? We’ve got appetizers, as well as apple drink recipes, which include spiced apple cider and some more unique apple cocktails.
Looking for a quick weeknight dinner featuring apples? Scroll on down to the “Meals highlighting Apples” section… there are some gems!
And we can’t forget about the apple dessert recipes. Whether you’re in the market for apple dumplings, apple crisp, caramel apple, baked apple pie with homemade pie crust… and other dessert recipes that you can serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Because you can’t have an apple post without some of the best fall desserts.
What are the best apples to use in recipes?
Not all apples are created equal, and choosing the right variety can make the difference between a mediocre recipe and one that’s delicious! The first thing to consider is what you are doing with the apple.
The best apples for baking and desserts, in general, are Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisps, and Braeburns. The three of these hold their shape as they cook and will not turn mushy.
The best apples for enjoying raw or in salads include Fuji Gala and Honeycrisp. The three of these are mild, sweet, and juicy.
Looking to make a sauce out of an apple? Gala and Jonagolds both work well in these due to their natural sweetness and softer textures.
The best apples for cooking in savory dishes include Granny Smith apples, Pink Lady apples, and mixed apples. Mixed apples are combining two or three different varieties of apples to give complexity to the dish you’re making.
The different apple recipes below might have apple variety suggestions for you in them!Be sure to click through for all the information you need to make them successfully.
Apple Breakfast Recipes
1
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Apple Cinnamon Muffins make for a delicious breakfast that tastes like classic apple pie. Chock full of chopped apples and topped with a light oatmeal crisp, this easy apple muffin recipe is perfect for any morning.
Add natural sweetness to breakfast or brunch by baking a Vegan Breakfast Apple Crisp this holiday season! This festive breakfast crisp, sweetened only with pure maple syrup, features tart apples and pomegranate arils. The fruits’ sweetness is offset with acidity from lemon and orange juice. Topped with a simple, gluten free crumble made from rolled oats, pecans, coconut oil, maple syrup and spices, this crisp is sure to become a favorite!
Apple Chai Spiced Yogurt Parfaits make the perfect fall breakfast. Dannon® Light & Fit Greek® Vanilla Yogurt serves as the base for this breakfast and complements the homemade chai spiced granola, which can be made in advance. The morning of, layer the yogurt parfaits and top with apple slices and a drizzle of pure maple syrup! Apple Chai Spiced Yogurt Parfaits are a flavorful, filling breakfast for busy parents, professionals and even kids
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes are the best fall-flavored breakfast. From-scratch apple pancakes are filled with apple cider, applesauce and spices and topped with gooey caramelized apples. Learn how to make these spiced pancakes for a homemade fall breakfast.
The best Gluten Free Apple Cider Doughnuts are full of sweet apple cider flavor. Your family will love you for it. You’ll never know they are gluten-free!
Celebrate fall flavors by mixing up a batch of Apple Cider Margaritas! Made with apple cider, tequila, brandy, lemon juice and a homemade cinnamon simple syrup, these cocktails are the perfect drink to serve on a chilly fall or winter evening. As an added bonus, they can be made in a pitcher for a crowd! Whether you're serving one or many, these Apple Cider Margaritas make the perfect harvest drink for all to enjoy on a chilly fall evening.
Spiced Apple Cider is the perfect warm drink for a chilly fall evening and especially for Halloween! All you need are a handful of ingredients and spices, as well as about 30 minutes to make this easy apple cider recipe.
Celebrate fall weather and flavors by mixing up a Apple Pie Moscow Mule! Apple cider serves as the base of this cocktail. Mix with ginger beer, vodka, a squeeze of lime and cinnamon simple syrup. Sweet, but not too sweet, this autumnal twist on a classic Moscow Mule tastes like a slice of apple pie. Whether you're serving yourself or a crowd, these Apple Pie Moscow Mules are flavor-filled, balanced, unique cocktail to serve at any gathering!
Individual Apple Cider Punch with Elderberry is a delicious wellness beverage to sip all fall long. Made with four simple ingredients, including sambucus syrup, this apple-elderberry drink is easy to mix and enjoy.
Enjoy fall flavors by mixing up Gin Apple Pie Cocktails for a crowd! Start with homemade cinnamon-infused simple syrup. Combine gin, apple cider and the cinnamon-infused simple syrup in a cocktail shaker, and shake until combined. Pour over ice, and enjoy immediately. Flavorful with interesting floral notes, this 3-ingredient autumnal cocktail is bound to become a favorite, whether it’s served at a party, a tailgate or on a random weeknight.
Caramel Apple Martini with Salted Caramel-Infused Vodka
Looking for the perfect fall cocktail? Try a Salted Caramel Appletini! This homemade caramel apple martini, made with homemade salted caramel infused vodka, is a sweet dessert drink to serve for any occasion. Makes enough salted caramel vodka for 4 drinks.
Sparkling Bourbon Pumpkin Apple Punch is the PERFECT autumnal punch! Highlighting Pumpkin Spiced Apple Cider, ginger ale, maple syrup and bourbon, this seasonal pitcher drink is perfect for tailgating, Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Slightly sweet and crisp apple cider swirls with homemade salted caramel and bourbon to become a comforting, delicious and fall cocktail! This Spiked Caramel Apple Cider is the ultimate autumnal drink. You can make yours with or without spirits, too!
Toasted bread topped with goat cheese and sweet and sour apple chutney makes this Apple Chutney Bruschetta appetizer the perfect fall nibble. It is quick, easy and full of flavor. This fall-flavored makes a great bite for any seasonal gathering or even an at-home date night!
Enjoy fall’s great selection of apples with these baked apple chips with nothing but a sprinkling of cinnamon. Double down on apples with the cashew apple cinnamon dipping sauce.
Apple Cranberry Baked Brie is the one baked brie recipe you’ll want to make over and over again this fall, if only to devour the apple cranberry compote.
This Apple Brie Crostini Appetizer shows just how well apple and brie pair together. It’s easy to make and it packs a great flavor punch! It’s perfect for your next dinner party.
These seared Cinnamon Pork Chops are topped with sweet, caramelized apples and onions and served warm. This dish is the perfect kind of sweet and savory weeknight meal.
Pork and apples are an age-old combination… and this Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Apple Coleslaw is the perfect fall entree. Pork cooks in the slow cooker or Instant Pot with apple cider before being served over bread with a homemade apple coleslaw. No matter what you serve it for, these pulled pork sandwiches make a lovely meal.
Make this quick and easy 1-minute pressure cooker pork chops and simple homemade applesauce. Moist and tender pork chops drizzled with warm cinnamon applesauce.
Apple Cheddar Quiche is the sweet and savory quiche of your dreams. Step out on a limb and try this creative recipe. Cheesy, fruity, earthy, delicious!
Shredded Applesauce Chicken Sliders with Brussels Sprouts Apple Slaw
Serve Shredded Applesauce Chicken Sliders with Brussels Sprouts Apple Slaw at your next tailgate or weeknight dinner! Made in the slow cooker, these chicken sliders are juicy and topped with an amazing homemade coleslaw. Gameday never tasted so good!
Chicken Spinach Salad with Apples and Strawberries
Spinach salad, studded with roasted chicken breast, fresh strawberries and apples, tastes like the summertime! Topped with a sweet and simple Honey Vinaigrette and toasted Ramen Noodles, this salad is perfect for a crowd or a quick lunch.
Naturally sweet and delicious, nothing is easier to make than Slow Cooker Applesauce. All you need are apples and some cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy!
Shaved Fennel and Apple Farro Salad is colorful, flavorful and full of interesting textures. This fennel apple salad recipe features arugula, farro, fennel, apple, toasted pumpkin seeds and is finished with a homemade lemon vinaigrette. This is easy to serve as a side dish or turn it into a meal by adding a protein, like salmon or chicken. It would be a wonderful green side for the holiday season, too.
This Bacon Apple Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette is a perfect summertime appetizer or entree. Cook bacon, then set aside the fat. Roast the apple slices, then serve the crumbled bacon and roasted apples over a bed of Tuscan kale. Top with toasted almonds, then toss in homemade Bacon Vinaigrette. Perfect for cookouts, barbecues and fast weeknight dinners!
If you’re in the market for a melt-in-your-mouth decadent side dish for the holiday table, you’re in luck! Bacon Streusel Stuffed Baked Apples are a THING! Stuff apples with a sweet, spiced bacon fat streusel. Bake until the apples soften and the streusel browns, then serve warm alongside turkey or ham. These Bacon Streusel Stuffed Baked Apples are the ultimate sweet-savory-salty combination for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any winter dinner party!
Want to make an easy fall-flavored dessert to share? These bite-sized Apple Pie Bars burst with apple flavor and warming spices. Complete with a decadent shortbread crust and a crispy, buttery crumble on top, this Apple Pie Bar recipe is utterly scrumptious and perfect for all occasions.
Want to learn how to make Apple Crumble with a delicious pecan crumble topping? This apple crumble recipe calls for tart apples, apple cider, cinnamon and more. This classic crumble recipe is the perfect comforting dessert for the fall months ahead.
Looking for the perfect dessert to bake this season? Mini Apple Spiced Rum Cakes absolutely perfect! This twist on pound cake highlights fall spices, spiced rum and crisp apples. Serve with a homemade spiced rum caramel sauce and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert.
Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake with Bourbon Caramel Glaze
Celebrate fall flavors and cooler temperatures by baking a Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake with Bourbon Caramel Glaze! Apple-filled and bursting with cinnamon, ginger and allspice, this boozy cake is sure to be loved when served to family, friends or guests. Perfect for a dinner party, a holiday shindig or even the showstopping Thanksgiving dessert, this Spiced Apple Upside Down Cake with Bourbon Caramel Glaze is a cake the whole family can love.
Want to make an easy fall-flavored dessert to share? These bite-sized Apple Pie Bars burst with apple flavor and warming spices. Complete with a decadent shortbread crust and a crispy, buttery crumble on top, this Apple Pie Bar recipe is utterly scrumptious and perfect for all occasions.
Want to make the most decadent fall-flavored dessert dip? This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip is the ultimate mashup of caramel apples and cheesecake dip. All you need are a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes to make this sweet treat.
No Bake Caramel Apple Tartlets is a whole ingredient recipe for mini caramel pecan tarts bursting with sweet apple flavor. They're vegan, gluten free and dairy-free.
These elegant tarts are made with cinnamon pastry, cheesecake filling and poached apple slices. Rolled into roses, this is a fun cross between apple pie and a cinnamon roll!
Apples are available year-round, but fall is when they truly shine. Apple season is during the autumnal months because that’s when apples finish ripening and are harvested. In fact, most varieties are harvested between August and November.
In various parts of the country and world, you can find people traveling to orchards to pick apples and enjoy all kinds of apple-flavored dishes.
Quick tips and tricks for using apples in the kitchen
Slice uniformly for even cooking. Cut the apples into similar-sized pieces so they can cook at the same rate. This prevents some apples from turning to mush while others are still firm.
Relatedly, grill or roast thicker slices. A thicker slice won’t fall apart or turn to mush while cooking.
Toss with lemon juice when raw. Beyond preventing browning and oxidation, lemon juice will brighten the apple flavor in salads and other raw applications. It’s especially nice in savory dishes when you want a pop of acidity.
Use a mandoline for thin, even slices. This is especially helpful for layered desserts, tarts or dishes where appearance matters. A mandoline is a very sharp tool that will create consistent apple slices. Watch out for your fingers!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best apple for an apple pie?
Granny Smith’s apples are a classic choice for apple pie because they’re firm, tart, and hold their shape during baking. They are my personal favorite, but I know many bakers mix Granny Smiths with a sweeter variety like a Honeycrisp or a Braeburn for some layered, complex flavor.
Can I substitute one apple variety for another?
Yes, but you need to understand the trade-offs. Swapping a tart apple for a sweet one will make your dessert sweeter. For baking, I recommend sticking with firmer varieties that hold their shape, so avoid soft ones like Red Delicious for sauces and purees. Softer varieties are totally fine.
How do I prevent cut apples from browning?
You can toss the sliced apples in lemon juice or place them in a bowl of cold water with a little bit of lemon juice. The acid in the lemon will slow the oxidation. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.
How long do apples keep?
Fresh apples will last 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature and up to 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. Store them in a crisper drawer away from other produce, since apples release gases that can cause nearby fruits to ripen too quickly.
How do I store apples after picking them from an orchard?
When you get home, be sure to wash and dry them completely before storing in the refrigerator in a crisper drawer, separate any bruised apples from the good ones. While you can keep them on the countertop, they will last significantly longer if you put them in the fridge.
Can I freeze apples?
This is not something that I have done, but I have done some extensive research. You can slice them, toss them in some lemon juice to prevent oxidation, and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen apples will work great for sauces, pies, and crisps, but they’re too soft for eating fresh. They should last about 8 to 12 months in the freezer if stored properly.
What is the best way to peel and core an apple?
Use a sharp vegetable peeler for removing the apple’s peel. For coring, a corer tool works best because it removes the core in one motion. However, you can use a sharp knife to slice the apple into quarters and cut out the core before slicing the apple into bite-sized pieces.
How do I know when an apple is ripe?
If you’re enjoying them raw, look for firm flesh and a sweet aroma. Avoid apples with soft spots, bruises or wrinkled skin. If you’re baking with the apples, ripeness matters less. Firm apples will hold their shape during cooking better than softer ones.
Cheers to you, and happy apple season! Which recipe do you want to make first?
About the Author:
Erin Parker is the recipe developer, food photographer and founder of The Speckled Palate, where she shares recipes, many Southern and Louisiana-inspired, and easy, low-key entertaining ideas since 2011. Whether you’re searching for a weeknight dinner or a party menu, Erin’s recipes are made for sharing with the people you love. Learn more about Erin and learn more about TSP.
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