Make the best apple recipes for the fall season, from pies and cake sto savory salads and dinners, the perfect way to use your harvest!
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When apple season rolls around, it’s easy to end up with more apples than you know what to do with, and that’s exactly why these apple recipes come in so handy. From classic pies and cozy cakes to crisp salads and savory dinners, there’s an apple recipe here for every craving.
I make apple recipes all season long, and this list covers the ones that my family goes back to year after year. Whether you want something sweet for dessert, a fresh salad for lunch, or a fun drink to share, you’ll find it on this list of easy apple recipes.
Apple recipes are dishes that use fresh apples, applesauce, or apple cider as a main ingredient. These recipes span desserts, salads, baked goods, and even savory dinners. Apples work well in both sweet and savory dishes thanks to their natural sweetness and tartness, making them one of the most versatile ingredients to cook or bake with.
Key Takeaways
Both sweet and savory options, so apples aren’t just for dessert.
Great way to use up a big apple harvest before they go bad.
Kid-friendly recipes like muffins and hand pies.
Make-ahead friendly with recipes like apple pie filling and apple cider.
Perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, and holiday tables.
20 Easy Apple Recipes for Every Season
1
Basic Apple Pie Recipe
My go-to apple pie recipe! Homemade, flaky crust with juicy apple filling. Makes a delicious pie that goes perfectly with vanilla ice cream.
This easy Dutch Apple Pie Recipe is seriously the best apple pie recipe. A perfectly balanced apple pie with a buttery crust and crunchy cornmeal streusel topping that will have your family begging for seconds – all with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!
Apple hand pies made with apple pie filling and canned biscuits are a delightful treat that brings together the deliciousness of apple pie in a handy, handheld form.
This simple apple hand pies recipe is made by cutting pie crust into circle and filling them with a homemade apple pie filling. Add a top, secure the edges, and then bake, add icing, and enjoy! Hand held mini apple pies are the cutest thing ever!
The Best Easy Apple Cake is made with freshly chopped apples, whole wheat flour, eggs, and a few other simple ingredients you already have on hand! This simple apple cake recipe doesn't need any frosting, and is made in less than an hour!
Learn how to make this authentic Apple Cider Donuts Recipe for a fun fall pastry! With reduced apple cider for incredible flavor, these donuts are perfectly spiced, golden-brown treats everyone loves. They are a delightful way to enjoy the taste of apples in a whole new way!
Apple fritters are made with a simple homemade batter (no yeast!) and fresh apples and are fried to golden brown perfection and tossed in a simple glaze.
This super easy Slow Cooker Pork Roast is savory, tender, and just a little bit sweet from the apples and cider. The meat cooks low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner!
How to make a simple Fall Apple and Cheese Board that is perfect as a snack or party platter! This cheese board recipe is so great because it can be served as a light dinner, or as an easy appetizer.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider is a fun recipe that is just perfect for your next get-together. I love this apple cider recipe because you start with fresh, whole, beautiful apples and turn them into apple cider. It's not mixing juices together, this is the real deal. Ok, it's the slow cooker version of the real deal.
Soft, chewy, healthy Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies made with honey, whole wheat flour, and chocolate chips. A wholesome applesauce cookie recipe the whole family will love!
Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins (made in the blender!)
These cinnamon apple muffins blend quickly and bake to perfection in under 20 minutes. The cinnamon and applesauce create warm, spiced muffins ideal for breakfast or a snack.
Apple crumble is a simple yet tasty dessert that combines the warm, gooey goodness of baked apples with a crunchy, sweet topping, creating a delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion.
This easy Apple Crumb Cake recipe is a sweet, crumbly, and delicious fruit dessert that you can make on a cool Fall day to use up the rest of those apples lying around! With a cinnamon-sugar topping and moist, fluffy texture, this apple cake is comfort food at its best.
This Applesauce Coffee Cake features a buttery crumb topping and stays incredibly moist thanks to unsweetened applesauce. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Easy Apple Spinach Salad with an Apple Vinaigrette
Quick and Easy Spinach Salad recipe has apples, pumpkin seeds, and a simple flavor-filled apple vinaigrette dressing to go with it. Spinach salad is a light but filling side dish that will pair wonderfully with a grilled meal.
Choose the right apple for the job. Firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well in pies and cakes, while softer varieties break down nicely into sauce. Learn more about how to preserve apples to use your harvest year-round.
Toss sliced apples in lemon juice if they’ll sit out for a while to keep them from browning too quickly.
Don’t skip the spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt bring out the natural sweetness.
Balance sweet with savory. Apples pair beautifully with bacon, pork, and sharp cheeses, not just sugar and butter.
Make extras ahead. Apple pie filling and apple cider both store and reheat well, making them great to prep in advance.
Variations and Substitutions
Apple Swap – Any variety works in most of these recipes; adjust sugar slightly if using a sweeter or tarter apple than what is called for.
Sweetener Swap – Honey or maple syrup can typically replace sugar in most recipes.
Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend in the cakes, muffins, and pie crust to adapt.
Nut-Free – Leave out nuts in any recipe as needed or replace with sunflower seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples for baking?
Firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn hold their shape the best when baked.
Can I make apple recipes ahead of time?
Yes. Recipes like apple pie filling, apple cider, and baked goods like muffins and cookies all store and reheat well, making them great for prepping ahead of a busy week or gathering.
How do I keep sliced apples from browning?
Toss sliced apples in a little lemon juice or a mix of water and lemon juice to slow down browning if they won’t be used right away.
Are apples good in savory recipes?
Absolutely. Apples pair well with bacon, pork, cabbage, and sharp cheeses, making them a great addition to savory dinners.
Whether you are making a classic apple pie or trying something new like a savory apple pork roast, these apple recipes make the most of the season’s best fruit. Grab a bag of your favorite apples, pick a recipe from the list, and get to baking (or cooking)!
