I enjoy exploring apple recipes that evoke the fall season and its abundance. In this blog post, I will share my most treasured apple creations, from the essential apple pie to the apple Tarte Tatin, complete with not-to-be-missed trimmings.
And don’t even think about leaving out the apples’ not-just-for-dessert potential, with apple and cheddar scones that are as right for breakfast as they are for a late fall afternoon with cold cider.
The 15 Best apple recipes
1. Apple Pie
Apple Pie
is a traditional pudd’n featuring a buttery, flaky pastry known to make the English blush, but a crust with an American pie company. The filling combines Smith Granny apples, sugar, and ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter (chilled and diced)
½ teaspoon salt
6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
6 to 8 baking apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. In a big bowl, mix the flour and salt. Beat the butter into the mix until it looks like flour with salt and butter mixed together, just as if you were about to make pie crust. Stir in the very cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a mound of dough. Knead it a couple of times on a floured board. Cut the mound in half, make two disks, and wrap each one separately in plastic. Don’t forget that the dough must chill for an hour, so your crust isn’t tough.
2. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface. Use enough flour to prevent the dough from sticking, but don’t overdo it. You want the dough to be about an 1/8-inch thick, and to be large enough to fit your pan. Be sure the dough is big enough to hang over the edges of the pan, because it’s going to shrink a little during baking. Once you have the dough rolled out, place it gently into the pan, trim the edges, and make whatever kind of crimp or fold you want.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples with the sugar and cinnamon. Pour this mixture into the ready pie crust.
4. Unroll the second disk of dough and place it on the apple filling. Seal and flute the edges. Cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let cool before serving.
2. Apple Crisp
Crisp is a beloved American dessert. When served à la mode, it becomes even more decadent and delicious.
Although many people think of desserts like Apple Pie as being traditional, there are actually quite a few regional American desserts that utilize our nation’s bounty of apples in some form. And Crisp while oh so good, is unfortunately not always considered.
It should be.
Ingredients
6 cups sliced, peeled apples (such as Granny Smith)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up.
2. Put the apples, sliced, into a baking dish that measures 9 by 13 inches.
3. Mix together in another bowl brown sugar, flour, oats, butter, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is crumbly. Then, sprinkle it over the apples.
4. Put in the oven, which has been heating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, for 45 minutes. The dish is done if the topping has browned sufficiently and the apples are tender.
3. Caramel Apples
Crisp apples coated with a rich, buttery caramel made from sugar, heavy cream, corn syrup, and vanilla extract—these are caramel apples, a perfect autumn indulgence. They are delightful treats.
Caramel Apples
Ingredients:
• 8 crisp apples
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup
(Cheryl Jamison et al., The Border Cookbook, 2nd ed. (New York: W.W.
Norton, 2004), 187.)
Ingredients
6 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1/4 cup of unsalted butter
1/4 cup of light corn syrup
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Apples should be washed and dried very well; then, a wooden stick must be inserted into the stem end of each apple.
2. In a sturdy saucepan set over medium heat, mix the sugar, heavy cream, butter, and corn syrup. Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth, with no lumps and no separated components, and looks as though it is on its way to becoming caramel.
3. Without stirring, bring the mixture to a boil and allow it to cook until it registers 240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
4. Take the saucepan from the heat and mix in the vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool a bit, and then immerse each apple in it, making sure to coat it evenly. Set the parchment paper on your countertop, and place the apples on it to allow the caramel to harden.
4. Apple Sauce
Applesauce is a simple and versatile condiment made by slow-cooking peeled and chopped apples in water until tender. It’s usually finished with sugar and lemon juice, and often with spices like cinnamon; some cooks throw in a little vanilla to amp up the flavor.
Ingredients
4 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar (optional, adjust based on apple sweetness)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Remove the skins, cores, and seeds, and chop the apples into little pieces.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the apples, water, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix well.
3. Heat the mixture until it reaches a boil. You want to use medium-high heat to get the temperature up there, but once it starts boiling, reduce the heat so it can simmer. Cover the pot and let it do its thing for about 15-20 minutes or until the apples are soft. Stir it occasionally, and if you want to use a timer, the 5-minute intervals at the beginning help ensure that the apples soften evenly.
4. After they have been cooked, the apples can be mashed with a fork or potato masher for a chunky applesauce, or puréed in a blender or food processor for a smoother texture. If using, stir in the vanilla extract. Adjust the sweetness to taste, if necessary.
5. Apple Cider
Apple cider is a traditional fall drink made by simmering apple juice or fresh apple cider with spices, such as cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise. It is improved with additions like orange slices, brown sugar, and vanilla.
Ingredients
8 cups apple juice or fresh apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole cloves
1 star anise
1 orange, sliced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Place the apple juice or fresh apple cider into a large pot and set the heat to medium.
2. Place the pot and add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, and sliced orange.
3. Mix in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until they are unified.
4. Let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain it before serving warm.
6. Apple Crumble
A classic dessert, Apple Crumble consists of sliced apples that are combined with cinnamon and vanilla and then topped with a buttery crumble, made from flour, sugar, and salt. The dessert is baked until it is golden brown and tender.
Ingredients
5 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Set your oven to an even 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). As it heats, you can get the baking dish ready. Grease the inside of the dish, using a light hand so that the coating is even and does not pool.
2. In a sizable bowl, mix the apple slices with cinnamon and vanilla extract, then spread them evenly in the baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Distribute the crumb mixture evenly on top of the apples. Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is a deep golden brown and the apples are done to your liking.
7. Apple Tart
An apple tart is a classic dessert that features juicy Granny Smith apples arranged over a flaky puff pastry. Baked to perfection and brushed with apricot glaze, an apple tart is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3 to 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into thin slices
– 1 sheet of thawed frozen puff pastry (about 17.3 ounces)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for the pan)
– 1 egg yolk, mixed with 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Ingredients
Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Puff pastry, thawed
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter, melted
Apricot jam
Lemon juice
Instructions
1. Your oven should be set to 400°F (200°C) to approximate the heat of the original recipe. Roll the puff pastry on a well-floured surface to almost the exact dimensions of your tart pan, then press it into the pan. Trim the excess and reserve it for patching any holes later.
2. Position the apple wedges in a circular design upon the pastry, overlapping them a little. Brush the wedges with lemon juice so that they don’t brown.
3. Combine melted butter and granulated sugar, and brush this blend over the apples. Put the tart in a preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges of the tart are golden brown and the apples are soft.
4. Heat the apricot jam and brush it over the tart while it is still warm for a shiny effect. Let the tart cool off some before slicing and serving.
8. Apple Galette
A rustic French dessert, the Apple Galette consists of a pie crust that is rolled out and filled with apples that have been tossed with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. The galette is topped with butter and given an egg wash to create a beautiful golden color for the finished dessert.
Ingredients
1 rolled-out pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
2 large apples, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 egg, beaten for egg wash
Instructions
1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your pie crust. Place the rolled-out pie crust on a baking sheet. The baking sheet should be lined with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the sliced apples with the sugar, flour, and cinnamon until they are evenly coated. Spread the apple slices in the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border around the edge.
3. It’s necessary to fold the edges of the dough over the apples; this means making the pleats and folds somewhat close together so the dough will hug the apples. The reason for this is that you are creating a peculiar portrait of an American pie here: half a tarte, half a tort. You’re also creating a topography of texture and taste, with buttery pats here and there, and a beaten egg to brush the dough for a golden finish.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Cool before slicing and serving.
9. Apple Cinnamon Bread
Homemade Apple Cinnamon Bread is such a comforting loaf! It’s filled with sweet apples and warm cinnamon, not to mention the usual suspects of any good baking: flour, butter, and sugar.
Perfect for breakfast or as a nibble at any time of the day.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups peeled and chopped apples
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to warm up. Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and make sure to grease it well with something like butter. Then, be sure to dust the pan with flour.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Put aside.
3. In a different big bowl, blend the butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, one at a time. Then fold in the vanilla.
4. Slowly combine the creamed mixture with the dry ingredients. Stir in the diced apples. Pour the batter into the loaf pan you prepared earlier.
5. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Apple Pandowdy
A traditional baked dessert featuring sliced apples mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, Apple Pandowdy is a rustic, comforting treat. Its components are unassuming, but together they create an amazing dessert.
Ingredients
6 cups sliced peeled apples
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
Pie crust or biscuit dough (enough to cover the pan)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up.
2. In a large skillet, mix together the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the apples begin to soften.
3. “Move the apple concoction to a casserole dish and add some butter. Top with readymade piecrust or biscuit dough, tucking the edges under the top rim of the dish. This language tip is just for fun, but understand me; if you refer to a baking dish or pie dish, you are referring to a specific item that is what it is (not a “cake dish,” for example, though that may be what you mean). The dish you use to make a baked item likely has certain characteristics that would make it a better choice for the job than anything else you could choose.
4. Preheat the oven to 375° F. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
11. Baked Apples with Spiced Nuts
Apples baked with spiced nuts make a comforting, satisfying dessert. I use large apples as the base and core them to make room for the nearly unimaginable filling.
It’s a mixture of chopped walnuts, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and, if you like, some raisins, which are all brought together with melted butter.
Ingredients
- 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
1. Your oven should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or 175 degrees Celsius. The apples should be cored, leaving the bottom of each apple intact.
2. In a small bowl, combine the chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter. If you are using them, stir in the raisins.
3. Fill each apple with the mixture of nuts and spices, and arrange them snugly in a baking dish. To keep the apples from sticking, slosh in a little water.
4. Preheat the oven and bake the dish for 30 to 40 minutes. The apples should be tender when you take them from the oven. Serve the dish warm.
12. Savory Apple and Cheddar Scones
Sharp cheddar and buttermilk come together with diced apples in these glorious breakfast scones. They are kind of like a super-biscuit that’s quick to whip up and great with morning coffee or tea.
But, you know, they work anytime. And I think any time would actually be a good time with these biscuits.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 small apple, peeled and diced
1/2 cup buttermilk
Instructions
1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a big bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mix looks like it’s made of large crumbs.
3. Combine the cheddar cheese and diced apple. Pour in the buttermilk and mix until just combined.
4. Place the dough on a flour-dusted surface and knead it gently until it is smooth. Form the dough into a ball and pat it into a round disc. Cut the disc into 8 equal parts and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the scones for 15-18 minutes until they are golden on top.
13. Apple and Brie Flatbread
Flatbread with Apples and Brie combines crisp apples and creamy Brie on a pre-made flatbread. That was my starting point for the dish.
But I needed to add something to it, to inspire it, or to elevate it from a flatbread to a dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made flatbread
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
- 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh arugula for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions
1. Warm up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Paint the flatbread with oleum oliva and season it with salt and pepper.
2. Slice the Brie evenly and arrange the slices atop the flatbread. Layer the apple slices on top of the cheese.
3. Honey should be drizzled over the apples and cheese, and then they should be baked in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they reach the point that the cheese is melted and the flatbread is golden brown.
4. Take it out of the oven, add fresh arugula on top, cut it into servings, and enjoy it while still warm.
14. Apple Chutney
Chutney of Apple is a condiment that is made with apples that are chopped, onion, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, enhanced with ginger and cinnamon. It is perfect for adding a tangy, flavorful, spiced twist to your meals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped apples (peeled and cored)
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan, mix together the apples that have been chopped, the onion, the apple cider vinegar, and the brown sugar. Stir thoroughly to ensure a good combination.
2. Combine the mixture with the following ingredients: grated ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Heat over medium until boiling, stirring now and then.
3. When the mixture is boiling, lower the heat and allow it to simmer, still uncovered, for about 45 minutes. At this point, the apples should be tender, and the mixture should be noticeably thicker.
4. Take it off the heat and allow it to cool. Put it in sterilized jars and keep it for later. Serve it right away if you want to.
15. Apple Tarte Tatin
The classic French dessert known as Apple Tarte Tatin derives its distinct texture and flavor from caramelized apples, buttery puff pastry, granulated sugar, and a dash of vanilla. The dish is baked upside down, resulting in a luscious tart that is nothing short of stunning when served right side up.
Ingredients
Apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
Puff pastry
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Lemon juice
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up. The apples should be peeled and cored before being sliced into quarters.
2. In a skillet safe for the oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves to form a caramel. Add the vanilla extract and a splash of lemon juice.
3. Place the apple quarters tightly in the skillet on the caramel. Cook for about 10 minutes until the caramel thickens and the apples begin to soften.
4. Fit the puff pastry over the skillet and roll it out if necessary. It should cover the skillet but not be overly tight. You want it to be somewhat loose over the apples and the skillet’s edges. Once it’s laid over, puff pastry that is ready to bake just needs a quick egg wash before being popped into the oven at 425 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes and will be a show-stopping centerpiece once inverted.
