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Discover 13 Apple Recipes For Desserts Dinners And More
Is there a scent more comforting than apples and cinnamon baking in the oven? That warm, sweet aroma instantly signals that fall has arrived. You’re not alone in suddenly wanting to bake every apple recipe you can find. It’s a feeling deeply tied to the season’s crisp air and cozy traditions.
Craving apple recipes in the fall is a powerful mix of seasonal availability, nostalgia, and sensory triggers. This guide is your answer to that craving. We’ll explore 13 of our most-loved, kitchen-tested apple recipes, from classic desserts that feel like a warm hug to surprising savory dinners that will become new family favorites.
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Why Do I Suddenly Crave Apple Recipes When Fall Arrives?
That sudden urge to bake with apples as soon as the first leaf turns is a shared, wonderful experience. It’s a response woven from a few key threads. First is the simple abundance of the apple season; orchards are open, and grocery stores are overflowing with fresh, crisp varieties, making it the perfect time to cook with them. This seasonal availability taps into our ancestral rhythms of eating what’s fresh from the harvest.
More deeply, the craving for fall apple recipes is tied to powerful sensory memories and nostalgia. The cooler weather naturally encourages us to turn on our ovens, and the classic pairing of apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a comforting aroma that many of us associate with happy memories, family gatherings, and the cozy feeling of home. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that makes the whole house feel like autumn.
First, A Chef’s Secret: How to Pick the Perfect Apple for Any Recipe
Before you start baking, the single most important step for success is choosing the right apple for the job. Not all apples are created equal; some turn to mush in the oven, while others are perfect for a crisp, fresh salad. Using the wrong variety is one of the most common baking mistakes. This simple guide, a key piece of expertise many recipes miss, will ensure your final dish has the perfect texture and flavor every time.
Here’s a breakdown of the best apples for your kitchen:
* For Pies & Tarts (Firm & Tart): Use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Golden Delicious. These varieties hold their shape beautifully during baking and their high acidity provides a wonderful tangy balance to the sugar in any dessert.
* For Applesauce (Soft & Flavorful): Choose McIntosh, Cortland, or Golden Delicious. These apples have a softer texture that breaks down easily when cooked, resulting in a naturally smooth and deeply flavorful sauce.
* For Salads & Snacking (Crisp & Sweet): Reach for Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Red Delicious. These apples offer a delightful, sweet crunch and resist browning, making them perfect for eating raw.
Discover 13 Apple Recipes For Desserts, Dinners, And More
Now that you know how to choose the perfect apple, you’re ready to transform your fall bounty into something truly delicious. This is more than just a list; it’s a curated collection of our most-loved, kitchen-tested apple recipes designed to inspire you all season long. We’ve gathered everything from the coziest desserts and comforting cakes to surprisingly savory weeknight dinners and a festive punch perfect for any gathering. Prepare to find your new favorite way to enjoy apple season.
Our 13 best apple recipes include classics like Apple Crisp and Dutch Apple Pie, elegant desserts like a French-Style Apple Cake, and inventive savory dishes like Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apples and a Chicken and Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner. Let’s get cooking!
1. Classic Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Pin this cozy dessert to your ‘Fall Baking’ board!
This old fashioned apple crisp is the epitome of fall comfort food. A warm, bubbling filling of tender apples scented with cinnamon is topped with a crunchy, buttery oat topping. It’s one of the easiest and most rewarding baked apple recipes you can make.
Ingredients Needed:
- For the Filling:
- 6 medium baking apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized ceramic baker.
- In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, 1 cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon for the topping.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the topping mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
- Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the fruit filling is bubbly and tender, and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pro-Tip: For an extra crunchy topping, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat mixture before adding the butter.
2. Simple French-Style Apple Cake (Gâteau aux Pommes)
Save this elegant apple cake recipe for your next get-together!
This French apple cake recipe is deceptively simple. With a moist, tender crumb that’s incredibly buttery and packed with apples, it’s a sophisticated yet easy apple dessert. A hint of dark rum adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Ingredients Needed:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tbsp for sprinkling
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 stick (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp dark rum (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 2 medium baking apples (like Golden Delicious or Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. Using a pan with a removable bottom is highly recommended.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, and rum (or vanilla) until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before running a knife around the edge and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Lesson Learned: The key to this cake’s tender texture is not over-mixing the batter. Mix only until the flour disappears to avoid developing too much gluten.
3. Savory Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apples & Onions
Pin this amazing 30-minute dinner idea!
Ready for a savory apple recipe that will blow you away? These juicy, thick-cut pork chops are pan-seared to perfection and finished in a glossy pan sauce with sweet caramelized onions and tender, tart apples. It’s an easy one-pan apple dinner perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 thick-cut bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 firm, tart apples (like Granny Smith), cored and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup apple cider (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the pork chops in the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown. Remove the pork chops to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion to the same skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the sliced apples and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the apples are tender-crisp.
- Pour in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the pork chops (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and onions. Sprinkle with fresh thyme.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-8 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 145°F). Serve immediately.
Pro-Tip: For the best sear, make sure your skillet is very hot before adding the pork chops and don’t move them for at least 4 minutes to develop a deep crust.
4. The Ultimate Dutch Apple Pie (Appelkruimeltaart)
Save this incredible Dutch apple pie recipe for the holidays!
This is the best apple pie recipe for those who love a crunchy topping. A flaky, all-butter pie crust holds a mountain of thick, spiced apple filling, all covered with a generous layer of buttery, crumbly streusel. It’s a show-stopping dessert.
Ingredients Needed:
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) very cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-5 tbsp ice water
- For the Filling:
- 7-8 medium baking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Chill while you prepare the filling.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the sugars, flour, spices, and lemon juice. Mound the filling into the chilled pie crust.
- Make the streusel: In a bowl, combine the flour, sugars, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple filling.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue to bake for 40-50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the topping browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 4 hours before slicing. This is crucial for the filling to set.
Pro-Tip: Use a mix of apple varieties (e.g., 4 Granny Smith and 3 Honeycrisp) for a filling with more complex flavor and texture.
5. Easy Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Pin this simple slow cooker recipe to use up all your apples!
If you’re wondering what to do with a lot of apples, this crockpot apple butter recipe is your answer. It’s an incredibly easy, hands-off way to turn a huge pile of apples into a smooth, spiced, concentrated preserve that’s perfect on toast, biscuits, or pork chops.
Supplies Needed:
- 5 lbs of apples (a mix of sweet and tart is great, like McIntosh and Gala)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A 6-quart or larger slow cooker
- An immersion blender (or regular blender)
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Peel, core, and roughly chop the apples. No need for perfect slices.
- Place the chopped apples in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the apples and toss gently to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, or until the apples are very soft and dark brown. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
- Once cooked, stir in the vanilla extract. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the slow cooker until it’s completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
- If the apple butter seems too thin, you can continue to cook it in the slow cooker with the lid slightly ajar for another 1-2 hours to allow it to thicken.
- Transfer the finished apple butter to clean jars and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or follow proper canning procedures for long-term storage.
Lesson Learned: Don’t be tempted to add any liquid at the beginning. The apples will release plenty of their own juice as they cook down.
6. Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts
Save this easy baked doughnut recipe for a perfect fall morning!
Skip the deep fryer and make these incredibly soft and cakey baked apple cider doughnuts at home. By reducing the apple cider first, you get an intense, tangy apple flavor in every bite. They’re the perfect breakfast treat for a crisp autumn morning.
Materials Needed:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Topping: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 4 tbsp melted butter
- A standard doughnut baking pan
Step-by-Step Directions:
- First, reduce the apple cider. Pour 1 cup of cider into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer until it has reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a doughnut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the brown sugar, oil, egg, vanilla, and the cooled, reduced apple cider.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the topping, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Once the doughnuts are cool enough to handle, brush each one with melted butter and dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating all sides.
Pro-Tip: Reducing the apple cider is a crucial step. It concentrates the flavor, ensuring your doughnuts have a distinct apple taste, not just a sweet one.
Save $9.10Bestseller No. 6
7. Sheet Pan Chicken & Apple Sausage Dinner
Pin this effortless sheet pan dinner for your next busy weeknight!
This healthy apple dinner is the ultimate easy fall dinner idea. Savory chicken apple sausage, tender roasted sweet potatoes, and caramelized apple wedges are all cooked together on one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large firm apple (like Gala or Honeycrisp), cored and cut into wedges
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (12 oz) package of pre-cooked chicken & apple sausage, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- High-quality, heavy-duty rimmed baking sheets
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a large rimmed baking sheet, combine the cubed sweet potato, apple wedges, and red onion wedges.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary, salt, and pepper, and toss everything together until evenly coated. Spread into a single layer.
- Roast for 20 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven, add the sliced chicken sausage to the pan, and toss gently with the other ingredients.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sausage is heated through and slightly browned.
- Serve hot, straight from the pan.
Lesson Learned: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Use two sheet pans if necessary to ensure everything roasts and caramelizes instead of steaming.
8. Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Save this recipe for the perfect weekend fall breakfast!
Take your weekend breakfast to the next level with this apple pancake recipe. These are wonderfully fluffy pancakes studded with finely grated apple and warm cinnamon, creating a perfect fall flavor in every bite. Serve with a pat of butter and a generous pour of warm maple syrup.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, plus more for the griddle
- 1 medium apple (like Gala or Fuji), peeled and finely grated
- A high-quality box grater
Step-by-Step Directions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Squeeze any excess moisture out of the grated apple using your hands or a paper towel.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (lumps are okay!). Gently fold in the grated apple.
- Heat a lightly buttered griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip once you see bubbles forming on the surface.
- Serve immediately with butter and warm maple syrup.
Pro-Tip: Grating the apple instead of dicing it ensures it cooks through quickly and distributes evenly throughout the pancake batter without weighing it down.
9. Apple & Cheddar Stuffed Chicken Breast
Pin this surprisingly easy and elegant dinner recipe!
This elegant stuffed chicken breast recipe proves that apples and savory dishes are a perfect match. The classic pairing of sweet apple and sharp cheddar cheese creates a gooey, flavorful filling for a juicy seared chicken breast. It’s an impressive dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients Needed:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small apple (like Granny Smith), peeled and finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
- Kitchen twine and a reliable meat thermometer
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Carefully slice a pocket into the thickest side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- In a small bowl, combine the finely diced apple, shredded cheddar, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket with half of the apple-cheddar mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks or tie the breast with kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
- Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Lesson Learned: Dicing the apple very finely is key. This allows it to become tender inside the chicken without making the filling watery.
10. Rustic Apple Galette (Free-Form Tart)
Save this forgiving and beautiful dessert—perfect for beginner bakers!
An apple galette has all the deliciousness of a pie but is much more forgiving and rustic. This free-form apple tart features thinly sliced apples arranged over a flaky, all-butter pie crust that’s simply folded up around the edges. It’s an impressive yet easy apple dessert.
Materials Needed:
- 1 single pie crust (use the recipe from #4 or a store-bought crust)
- 3 medium baking apples (like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp turbinado sugar for sprinkling
- 2 tbsp apricot jam, warmed (optional, for glaze)
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie dough into a rough 12-inch circle. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border all around. You can arrange them in concentric circles or straight lines.
- Gently fold the 2-inch border of dough up and over the edges of the apple filling, pleating it as you go.
- Brush the folded crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle the entire galette, crust and apples, with the turbinado sugar.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the apples are tender.
- If using, gently brush the warm apricot jam over the apples for a beautiful sheen. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Pro-Tip: Don’t peel the apples! Using apples with red skin like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp adds beautiful color to the finished galette.
11. Homemade Apple Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread
Pin this incredible pull-apart bread for a fun weekend baking project!
This apple pull-apart bread, sometimes called apple fritter bread, is a fun, shareable, and ridiculously delicious treat. Layers of refrigerated biscuit dough are filled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar and apple mixture, baked in a loaf pan, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Materials Needed:
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8 biscuits)
- 1 large apple, peeled and finely diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp milk, 1/4 tsp vanilla
- A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Separate the 8 biscuits. Using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each biscuit into a 4-inch circle.
- In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In another small bowl, place the melted butter. In a third bowl, place the finely diced apple.
- Take one flattened biscuit, brush it with melted butter, sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and top with a spoonful of diced apples.
- Place another flattened biscuit on top and repeat the process: butter, cinnamon-sugar, apples. Continue stacking all 8 buttered and filled biscuits on top of each other.
- Carefully turn the entire stack of biscuits on its side and place it into the prepared loaf pan, so the layers are vertical.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the center is cooked through.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. While it cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread before serving.
Lesson Learned: Don’t underbake this! It can look done on the outside before the center biscuits are cooked. If the top gets too brown, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Save $2.44Bestseller No. 11
12. Baked Apples with Cinnamon & Walnuts
Pin this simple and healthy dessert idea!
This baked apples recipe is one of the simplest and most wholesome apple desserts you can make. Whole apples are cored and filled with a delicious mixture of brown sugar, oats, walnuts, and cinnamon, then baked until perfectly tender in a pool of syrupy juices.
Materials Needed:
- 4 medium baking apples (like Rome Beauty or Jonagold)
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup boiling water or apple cider
- An apple corer
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and dry the apples. Using an apple corer or a small knife, remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom 1/2 inch intact to create a cup.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped walnuts, oats, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with your fingers until the mixture is crumbly.
- Place the cored apples in a small baking dish that fits them snugly.
- Pack the filling mixture into the center of each apple, mounding it on top.
- Carefully pour the boiling water or cider into the bottom of the baking dish, around the apples.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a knife. Baste the apples with the pan juices a few times during baking.
- Serve warm, spooning the delicious syrup from the pan over the top.
Pro-Tip: Choose apples that are uniform in size so they bake evenly. Rome Beauty apples are excellent for baking whole as they hold their shape perfectly.
13. Sparkling Spiced Apple Cider Punch
Save this festive punch recipe for your next holiday party!
This easy apple cider punch is the perfect fall drink recipe for a crowd. Chilled apple cider is mixed with bubbly ginger ale and garnished with fresh apple slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. It’s a non-alcoholic holiday punch that’s always a hit.
Ingredients Needed:
- 1/2 gallon (64 oz) chilled apple cider
- 1 (2-liter) bottle of chilled ginger ale or sparkling white grape juice
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 4-5 cinnamon sticks
- Optional: 2 cups of dark rum or bourbon for an adult version
- A large punch bowl or drink dispenser
Step-by-Step Directions:
- In a large punch bowl, combine the chilled apple cider, sliced orange, sliced apple, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.
- If making an alcoholic version, stir in the rum or bourbon at this stage. You can let this mixture chill in the refrigerator for an hour to let the flavors meld.
- Just before serving, gently pour in the chilled ginger ale or sparkling grape juice. Stir gently once to combine.
- Add a large ice block or ice ring to the bowl to keep it cold without diluting it too much (optional).
- Serve immediately in punch cups, making sure each glass gets some of the fruit garnish.
Lesson Learned: Wait to add the sparkling component until the very last minute before your guests arrive. This ensures the punch stays fizzy and fresh.
Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Cooking with Apples
Feeling inspired? Here are the most important things to remember as you head into the kitchen to make your favorite apple recipes.
- Match the Apple to the Mission: The biggest secret to success is choosing the right apple. Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for pies and baking, and softer apples like McIntosh for smooth sauces.
- Variety is Key: Apples shine in more than just desserts. Don’t be afraid to use them in savory dishes with pork, chicken, and sharp cheddar to create balanced, flavorful meals.
- Control the Moisture: For pies and galettes, tossing apples in sugar and letting them sit helps draw out excess water, preventing a soggy crust.
- Embrace Simplicity: You don’t need complex recipes to enjoy apples. Simple preparations like baked apples or a rustic galette are often the most delicious and comforting.
People Also Ask About Apple Recipes
You’ve got questions about cooking with apples, and we’ve got answers. Here are some of the most common queries we hear.
What are the absolute best apples for an apple pie?
The best apple for pie is a firm, tart variety like Granny Smith because it holds its shape and its tartness balances the sugar. For an even better, more complex flavor, use a combination of Granny Smith for structure and a sweeter, firm apple like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a touch of sweetness and a slightly different texture.
How do you keep an apple pie from getting a soggy bottom?
To prevent a soggy bottom, bake your pie on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone placed on the lowest oven rack. This helps cook the bottom crust quickly. You can also prevent sogginess by macerating the apples (letting them sit in sugar) to draw out moisture before filling the pie, and ensuring you use an adequate thickener like flour or cornstarch.
What can I make with apples that isn’t a dessert?
Apples are fantastic in savory dishes. They pair beautifully with rich meats like pork chops and roasted chicken. You can also slice them thinly into salads with sharp cheeses like cheddar or blue cheese, roast them with root vegetables like sweet potatoes, or cook them into a savory chutney to serve with curry or cheese boards.
Final Thoughts
From simple baked apples to elegant cakes and hearty savory dinners, apples are a wonderfully versatile ingredient that can shine in any meal of the day. They are the star of the fall season for a reason, bringing comfort, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia to our kitchens. We hope this collection of apple recipes has inspired you to try something new.
Now that you have 13 new ideas to try, your kitchen is ready for fall! What’s the first apple recipe you’re excited to make? Share your plans in the comments below
Last update on 2025-11-13 at 09:06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
