There's nothing quite like fall for apple picking, and nothing quite like a basket of fresh apples to inspire a season of cooking. Let us present you with a collection of our favorite apple recipes, from a classic lattice-topped pie to warm mulled cider, to make the most of this season's apple harvest.
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Apple Recipes Collection on Earth, Food and Fire:
Fall is the perfect season to celebrate apples, from a crisp fresh orchard harvest to a warm slice of pie. Our favorite apple recipes cover everything from baking and salads to sides, preserves, appetizers, and cozy drinks.
Here's a simple rundown of apple recipes collected here for you to make the most of apple season:
- Apple desserts and baking recipes: Start with the essentials, like a lattice-topped apple pie, or a no-fuss applesauce crisp with a brown butter pecan topping.
- Crisp apple salads: Balance heavier fall meals with fresh salads featuring apple, walnuts, or pecans.
- Hearty sides: Round out dinner with a skillet apple sage stuffing.
- Preserve the harvest: Make the most of a big apple haul with homemade apple butter or applesauce.
- Simple appetizers: Start the meal off right with warm brie and apple crostini.
- Cozy drinks: Keep warm with a mug of homemade mulled apple cider.
"An Apple A Day..." Is Not Just A Saying
Apples have been the poster fruit for "eat this and stay healthy" for generations, and it turns out there's real science backing up the old saying:
- loaded with fiber, especially pectin, which helps keep digestion and blood sugar levels steady
- packed with antioxidants like quercetin and catechin, the plant compounds doing a lot of the behind-the-scenes work
- a decent hit of vitamin C and potassium
- mostly water, so they're naturally low in calories while still keeping you full
Some studies even suggest a regular apple habit is linked to lower cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart disease, so snacking on one really is doing your body a favor.
Bonus: they turn into pie, butter, cider, and stuffing just as easily as they go into a lunchbox, so it's a win-win.
Fun fact: There are over 7,500 known varieties of apples grown around the world, but only about 100 are grown commercially in North America - and just a handful of those, like Granny Smith, Cortland, and Honeycrisp, are considered ideal "bake apples" for pies and desserts.
Apple Desserts & Baking Recipes
No apple season is complete without a classic baked dessert. Here are our go-to:
Old Fashioned Apple Pie
Applesauce Crisp Recipe (With A Brown Butter Pecan Topping)
Apple Salad Recipes
Fresh apple adds the perfect sweet crunch to a fall salad. Here are two of our favorites:
Shredded Beet Salad (With Carrot, Apple & Walnuts)
Crispy Apple Chip, Pecan, Chicken & Spinach Salad
Apple Sides & Mains Recipes
Round out your fall dinner table with this comforting apple side dish:
Skillet Cooked Apple and Sage Stuffing
Apple Preserves & Pantry Staples Recipes
Make the most of a big apple haul with these preserving recipes:
Gravenstein Apple Butter
Instant Pot Applesauce
Apple Appetizers
Start the meal off right with this simple, elegant apple appetizer:
Warm Brie Crostini with Fresh Apple & Pomegranate
Apple Drinks Recipes
No apple recipe round-up is complete without something warm to sip on:
Homemade Mulled Apple Cider
What are the best apples for baking?
Firm, tart-leaning apples hold their shape best in the oven. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Jonagold are all solid choices for pie, crisp, or stuffing. Softer varieties like Red Delicious tend to turn mushy once baked, so they're better saved for snacking.
How many apples do I need for a pie?
Most standard 9-inch pies need about 6 to 8 medium apples, or roughly 3 pounds. A mix of a tart variety and a sweeter one usually gives the best balance of flavor.
Can I use store-bought applesauce instead of homemade?
You can, but keep in mind store-bought applesauce is often sweeter and more heavily spiced than homemade. If a recipe (like our Instant Pot Applesauce) assumes an unsweetened base, start with less added sugar and spice, then adjust to taste.
How do I keep sliced apples from browning?
Toss cut apple pieces in a little lemon juice (or a mix of water and lemon juice) right after slicing. The acid slows down the browning without adding much flavor.
What's the difference between apple cider and apple juice?
Apple cider is raw, unfiltered apple juice, so it's cloudy and has a fuller flavor. Apple juice is filtered and usually pasteurized, and sometimes has added sugar. Cider is the better choice for mulling.
How long does homemade apple butter last?
Stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, apple butter keeps for about 2 to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in small containers for up to 6 months, or can it properly for 1 to 2 years shelf storage.
Can I freeze applesauce?
Yes, applesauce freezes well for up to about 6 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Leave a little room at the top of the container, since it expands slightly as it freezes.
What can I substitute for apples in a recipe?
Pears are the closest swap in both texture and sweetness, especially in baked recipes like crisp or stuffing. For salads, a crisp pear or even jicama can stand in for the crunch.
Apple Recipes Wrap
Whether you're stocking the pantry with homemade apple butter, baking a classic lattice-topped pie, or simply warming up with a mug of mulled cider, there's an apple recipe here for every part of the season.
Pick a few favorites to try this month, or work your way through the whole list as apple season unfolds.
Either way, happy cooking! 🍎👨🏻🍳
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