The best apple recipes, both sweet and savory, from breakfast through dessert. Apple cakes, crisps, butter, salads, and more ~ the hardest part is deciding where to start!
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Apples are always available at the supermarket, but the juiciest, crispest, best-est apples come into season in August, peak in September and October, and carry us right through the end of the year. Get ’em while you can ~ these are some of my favorite apple recipes to put them to good use.
Guide to choosing apples for baking and cooking
The best apple depends on what you’re making. Firm apples hold their shape in pies, crisps, and cakes, while softer varieties cook down beautifully for applesauce and apple butter.
Best apples for baking
For baking, choose firm apples with plenty of flavor. A mix of sweet and tart varieties usually gives you the best result.
- Granny Smith ~ firm, tart, and reliable for pies, crisps, and tarts.
- Honeycrisp ~ sweet-tart and juicy, with a texture that holds up well in the oven.
- Pink Lady or Cripps Pink ~ crisp and firm with a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Braeburn ~ flavorful, firm, and nicely balanced between sweet and tart.
- Jonagold ~ juicy and aromatic with a mellow sweet-tart flavor.
- Golden Delicious ~ gently sweet and especially good for balancing more tart apples.
For my pie and crisp apple recipes, try combining two or three varieties. Pair tart Granny Smiths with sweeter Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Golden Delicious apples for a more interesting mix of flavor and texture.
Best apples for applesauce and apple butter
For applesauces and butters, choose apples that soften and break down easily.
- McIntosh ~ soft, juicy, and quick to cook down into a smooth sauce.
- Cortland ~ sweet-tart and tender, with a little more body than McIntosh.
- Fuji ~ naturally sweet and good for an applesauce that needs little added sugar, although it may retain more texture.
You can also mix softer and firmer apples to give your sauce fuller flavor and a little more texture.
How to store apples
Apples stay fresh much longer in the refrigerator than they do on the counter. Store them in the crisper drawer or in an open or perforated bag, and check them occasionally for bruising or soft spots. Depending on the variety and how fresh they were when purchased, refrigerated apples can keep for several weeks or longer.
Organic vs. conventional apples
Apples appear on the Environmental Working Group’s 2026 Dirty Dozen list, so you may prefer to buy organic when the apples will be used unpeeled. Conventional apples are still a perfectly reasonable choice. Wash both organic and conventional apples thoroughly under running water before using them; soap and commercial produce washes are not recommended.
APPLE COFFEE CAKES
Apples are a natural in warm cozy coffee cakes ~ these are some of my favorite apple recipes!
Authentic Irish Apple Cake
An authentic Irish Farmhouse Apple Cake ~ delicious with or without the traditional custard sauce!
Apple Skillet Cake
My apple skillet cake is an easy apple cake baked right in your cast iron skillet for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Honeycrisp Apple Cake
This delicious apple cake starts with a moist cardamom base paved with layer upon layer of thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples and topped with a buttery crumble.
Dutch Apple Cake
Every bite of this Dutch Apple Cake is sweet and juicy thanks to layers of thinly sliced Honeycrisps, a no fail batter, and a touch of spice. This easy cake bakes up with a nice crisp sugary crust that makes it irresistible.
Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake
Jump into fall baking with my cinnamon apple coffee cake recipe ~ it will fill your kitchen with the enticing aroma of cinnamon and apples.
The Famous Silver Palate Apple Cake Recipe
The Silver Palate Apple Cake defined an era: it's packed with juicy apples and drenched with a warm cider/brandy glaze.
APPLE BUNDT CAKES
If you’ve got any one of these classic apple cakes on your kitchen counter you’ve basically won fall.
Jewish Cardamom Apple Cake
A traditional Jewish apple cake recipe passed down through generations.
Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a warm cinnamon apple bundt cake that tastes just like Fall's iconic apple cider doughnuts. It's basically everything you love about the season, baked up in a pan.
Apple Walnut Zucchini Cake
Apple Walnut Zucchini Cake is an epic fall bundt cake!
Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
What makes this Caramel Apple Bundt Cake work is the combination of juicy apples and a rich sweet caramel topping ~ it’s the apple dessert of your dreams!
APPLE PRESERVE RECIPES
I never let apple season slip by without making a few preserves. All of these can be made in a small batch, and they can be frozen for use throughout the year.
Easy Apple Butter Recipe
Announcing the perfect deep rich caramelized jar of fall bliss ~ my perfect apple butter. You need some for cozy morning toast, warm biscuits, and your Thanksgiving table, for sure!
French Apple Jam Recipe
French Apple Jam is super easy to make and full of fresh apple flavor with a hint of cardamom. Its chunky texture and warm golden color shines on everything from toast and croissants to your next fall cheese board!
Mulled Cider Jelly
My Mulled Cider Jelly is a beautifully golden spiced apple jelly that’s an incredible addition to a fall cheese plate, or a simple turkey sandwich. It’s super quick to make, and it can be water bath canned for gift giving.
Apple Hot Pepper Jelly
Sweet and spicy apple pepper jelly is irresistible with cream cheese and crackers, and makes a thoughtful host gift, too!
Rhubarb Applesauce
Craving something unique? Rhubarb applesauce has a fresh tart flavor and a gorgeous rosy color!
Crock Pot Cranberry Apple Butter
This healthy, no-sugar Cranberry Apple Butter is a pure, gorgeous fruit spread that perks up toast, biscuits, muffins, and scones.
How to Make Apple Butter from Apple Sauce!
How to make silky apple butter quicker and easier starting with a jar of applesauce ~ this shortcut recipe is genius!
APPLE SALADS
Crisp apples make an amazing salad ingredient ~ just toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Apple Salad with Celery and Walnuts
Look no further than my apple salad with celery and walnuts if you want a fabulous fall themed recipe for a luncheon, a dinner, or a fresh addition to your Thanksgiving table. This crunchy salad is healthy and delicious!
Apple, Fennel, and Salami Salad
Apple, Fennel, and Salami Salad is an easy working lunch that really hits the spot with a sweetly satisfying dose of crunch!
Broccoli Honeycrisp Slaw
Broccoli Honeycrisp Slaw got rave reviews from taste testers. A crunchy slaw with healthy broccoli and juicy Honeycrisp apples.
Kale and Fall Fruit Salad with Cider Poppy Seed Dressing
Kale and Fall Fruit Salad with Cider Poppy Seed Dressing ~ this is the queen of fall salads, with pear, cranberries, figs, pomegranate, and grapes, all tossed in a creamy cider vinaigrette.
Roasted Apple and Radicchio Salad
Roasted Apple and Radicchio Salad with Meyer Lemon Horseradish Dressing is chock full of fall flavors and textures!
Shaved Apple and Radish Salad
The pastel shades of this Shaved Apple and Radish Salad just scream spring — it’s perfect for a Mother’s Day or Easter brunch, or maybe a date night dinner for two — I feel lighter and healthier just looking at it!
Fall Apple Slaw
How to make Fall Apple Slaw: an easy seasonal side dish that goes with everything!
APPLE DESSERTS
Start with the rustic apple galette, and work your way up to the apple butter layer cake. My personal favorite? The unique cider doughnut cobbler!
Apple Cider Doughnut Cobbler
One of a kind Apple Cider Doughnut Cobbler ~ it's apple cobbler meets cider doughnuts for the most creative new fall dessert!
Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream
My Apple Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream is the perfect fall dessert ~ think golden apple spice cake with a plush caramel frosting.
Maple Walnut Apple Crisp
The classic apple crisp just got an upgrade with the rich caramel flavor of maple syrup and crunchy walnuts! It’s the ultimate fall dessert.
Cranberry Apple Crisp
A cranberry apple crisp has all the hallmarks of an extra special fall dessert with juicy apples, tart cranberries, and a cinnamon-y oatmeal pecan crisp topping. This bright combination upstages a plain old apple crisp every time.
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake is a moist apple studded cake (almost a blondie) glazed with a thick layer of caramel icing ~ it's a favorite fall apple dessert that's quick and easy to make!
Mini Apple Spice Cakes
Mini apple cakes with a soft almond crumb, warm spice, and a swoop of rye-cinnamon whipped cream.
Rustic Apple Galette
An apple galette is the no-frills seasonal treat you can bake up at a moment's notice! Simple, delicious, and easy.
APPLE DRINK RECIPES
Apple cider drinks are perfect for fall gatherings ~ harvest parties, tailgating, and Halloween night!
Mulled Cider
My recipe for mulled cider is so easy you'll want to make it every day this fall!
Mezcal Cider Cocktail
My mezcal cider cocktail is a smokey batch cocktail made with mezcal, apple cider, and spiced maple syrup ~ it's perfect for fall entertaining!
Homemade Apple Cider
Homemade apple cider couldn't be easier or more fun to make with just one ingredient: fresh fall apples!
Pomegranate Mulled Cider ~ and giving up alcohol
Pomegranate Mulled Cider is a delicately spiced, antioxidant rich, and delicious way to ring in the New Year ~ this healthy mocktail has helped me give up my daily drinking habit!
Hot Buttered Apple Cider
Hot Buttered Apple Cider is hot buttered rum meets fresh apple cider (make it boozy or not.) It's perfect for winter celebrations, or just curling up, solo, by the fire.
APPLE BREAKFAST RECIPES
From cozy apple muffins, baked doughnuts, and scones to baked apples and apple sausage ~ these easy apple breakfasts make the most of fall’s favorite fruit.
Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts ~ New York Times Recipe
Pillowy apple cider doughnuts baked, not fried. With a crisp cinnamon sugar crust and a soft fluffy inside they're PERFECTION!
Homemade Chicken Apple Sausage
My Homemade Chicken Apple Sausage recipe is an easy way to make your own fabulously fresh sausage right at home, and it freezes beautifully, too.
Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins
These Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins are here for you when you just can’t wait another second for Fall. They’re soft and tender inside, with that classic cider doughnut cinnamon sugar crust…so good!
Apple Walnut Bran Muffins
Healthy high fiber apple walnut bran muffins are easy to throw together and make such a satisfying breakfast for back to school season!
Baked Breakfast Apples
Juicy Baked Breakfast Apples are stuffed with oatmeal, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt for the coziest breakfast around!
Easy Puff Pastry Apple Strudel
A delicious puff pastry apple strudel that’s easier to make than it looks! For breakfast or dessert with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Apple Crisp Muffins
Apple Crisp Muffins are filled with juicy chunks of apple and topped with a brown sugar streusel so you can enjoy your favorite fall dessert, for breakfast!
Easy Apple Pie Scones
Apple Pie Scones make a chilly morning feel just a little bit warmer, a little bit happier, and a whole lot more delicious.
APPLE MAIN COURSE RECIPES
Apples star in so many of my favorite fall dinners, from my favorite cider brats to a show stopping braised chicken.
Apple Cider Brats with Apple Onion Relish
Slow Cooked Cider Brats with Apple Onion Relish are true Midwestern brats — simmered in sweet cider and topped with a crisp apple-onion relish. They’re the kind of family favorite we come back to all fall long.
Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Apples and Brown Cabbage
Roast Chicken with Potatoes, Apples and Brown Cabbage ~ this cozy Scandinavian chicken dinner recipe is the ultimate hygge meal
Apple Butter Pulled Pork ~ Instant Pot, oven, or slow cooker!
Nobody turns down Apple Butter Pulled Pork ~ whether you do it in the Instant Pot, oven, or crock pot, this easy braised pork shoulder is a favorite for family dinners, game days, or whenever there are hungry mouths to feed.
Hard Cider Braised Pot Roast with Fresh Sage
Hard Cider Braised Pot Roast with Fresh Sage is full of classic fall flavors ~ it's a fix it and forget it meal that everyone loves!
Cider Braised Chicken with Sage
Cider braised chicken with sage is an aromatic chicken dinner that's easy to prepare and makes a gorgeous presentation!
Apple Butter Brandy Meatballs
Apple Butter Brandy Meatballs, the name tells you all you need to know. These luscious meatballs are smothered in a sweet and tangy apple butter brandy sauce that will bring you to your knees. Technically for the cocktail hour, no one will complain if you serve them for dinner.
Slow Cooked Apple Bourbon Smothered Pork Chops
Slow Cooked Apple Bourbon Smothered Pork Chops ~ that’s a delicious mouthful! The pork cooks low and slow in the oven, or crock pot, and becomes fork tender in a rich gravy made with cider and bourbon.
APPLE APPETIZERS AND SIDES
Apple butter is a natural in my slow cooked baked beans ~ it’s the perfect side dish. And cider stars in my favorite make-ahead, no-drippings gravy.
Slow Cooked Apple Butter Baked Beans
Slow cooked apple butter baked beans with bacon ~this is the best fall side dish ever, think bonfires, tailgating, game days, and cozy family meals.
Make Ahead Cider and Sage Gravy
Make-Ahead Cider and Sage Gravy is a delicious no-drippings gravy for holidays or every day!
Apple, Cheddar and Sage Biscuits
Apple, Cheddar and Sage Biscuits are perfect paired with any and every fall soup!
Apple, Cheddar, and Fig Focaccia
My Apple, Cheddar, and Fig Focaccia is topped with iconic flavors of the season: figs, apples, cheddar and rosemary ~ it’s a perfect fall cheese plate meets crusty bread! Make this super easy focaccia the centerpiece of your next fall grazing table.
Baked Brie with Apples, Pecans, & Maple Syrup
Baked Brie with Apples, Pecans, & Maple Syrup ~ this dish gathers together so many fall favorites…with gooey molten cheese and maple syrup, caramelized apples and crunchy roasted pecans.
APPLE BARS AND BREADS
Every one of these simple apple recipes is a must make ~ for the office, the book club, the bake sale, or a neighbor.
Easy Apple Fritter Bread
Easy Apple Fritter Bread ~ tart apples are swirled with brown sugar and spices in this classic loaf cake, topped with a sweet crackly glaze. This apple quick bread takes a cue from the down home deep fried apple fritters grandma made. Fall baking doesn’t get any better than this!
Apple Pie Bars
Sheet pan apple pie bars with buttery pastry wrapped around the perfect apple filling; easy to make, slice, and share.
Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake
My apple cider doughnut loaf cake is the fall cake of your dreams. This quick and easy apple bread tastes just like a soft moist cider doughnut!
Moist Apple Brownies
Apple brownies stuffed with chunks of apple and walnut are easy apple bars that bring a smile to everyone's face ~ make a batch today!
Apple Crumb Bars
Apple Crumb Bars are an all season treat filled with layers of juicy fruit sandwiched between a light cake base and a buttery crumble topping. They bake up a little bit different every time, depending on the apples you choose. These apple bars are a joy!
Apple Spice Cake
My Apple Spice Cake is a warm fall loaf cake made for sharing over a cup of coffee!
Maple Frosted Apple Blondies
Maple Frosted Apple Blondies — these are moist dense blondies studded with tart apple chunks and topped with an ultra-sweet maple glaze — hello Fall!
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