Are you ready for a taste sensation? Apples are one of the most versatile and beloved fruits, and when combined with sweet and savory ingredients, they become the stars of countless mouthwatering desserts. From classic pies to innovative cheesecakes, these 18 irresistible apple dessert recipes will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a culinary newbie, our selection of delectable treats has something for everyone. Get ready to indulge in warm crumbles, gooey crisps, and crispy tarts, each featuring the star of the show: juicy, tender apples. So go ahead, take a bite, and let the sweet indulgence begin!
Classic Apple Pie with Flaky Crust
Classic Apple Pie with Flaky Crust: A timeless dessert that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates, this traditional apple pie is a masterclass in texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup ice-cold water
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the flour until crumbly.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until dough forms.
4. Roll out half the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with apple mixture (see below).
5. Roll out remaining dough to fit top of pie. Crimp edges to seal.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Apple Mixture:
1. In a separate bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Warm Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream
Cozy up with a warm and comforting apple crumble paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. This classic dessert is perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish and set aside.
4. In another bowl, mix together rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
5. Spread oat mixture evenly over the apple filling.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
7. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
These bars combine the flavors of caramel apples with a creamy cheesecake, perfect for a seasonal dessert or snack. A shortbread crust and crunchy pecan topping add texture to this sweet and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust, spreading evenly.
5. Drizzle caramel sauce over the cheesecake, followed by apple slices.
6. Top with chopped pecans.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
This classic dessert is a staple of the season, combining tender apples with a crunchy oat topping for a sweet and satisfying treat. With just 6 ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for a cozy evening in.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats and brown sugar.
5. Top the apple mixture with the oat topping.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spiced Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This moist and flavorful cake combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of apples, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped fresh apples (such as Granny Smith)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Add flour mixture, chopped apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting (beat softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth).
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Apple Turnovers with Puff Pastry
Elevate your dessert game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the sweetness of apples with the flaky goodness of puff pastry.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 4-6 rectangles, depending on desired size.
4. Place apple mixture onto one half of each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Brush edges with beaten egg.
5. Fold other half of pastry over filling and press edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp edges.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar (if using).
7. Place turnovers on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dutch Apple Pie with Streusel Topping
This traditional Dutch apple pie recipe combines tender apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a crunchy streusel topping for a delightful dessert experience. Perfect for any time of the year, this pie is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work well)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup streusel topping (see below)
Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Roll out pie dough (homemade or store-bought) to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Arrange apple mixture in the pie crust, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Top with streusel topping, crumbly and uneven.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Warm Up with Apple Bread Pudding and Caramel Sauce!
This comforting dessert combines the flavors of apple bread pudding and rich caramel sauce for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale apple bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add the bread cubes and melted butter; stir until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
6. Serve warm with caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Syrup
Experience the cozy comfort of homemade apple dumplings smothered in a sweet and sticky cinnamon syrup. This classic recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and halved
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup water
– Cinnamon syrup (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add the halved apples to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the dry mixture.
4. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Place an apple half in the center of each pastry square, leaving a 1-inch border around the apple.
6. Fold the pastry over the apple, forming a triangle or a pocket shape, and press the edges together to seal.
7. Brush the tops with water and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cinnamon Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Combine ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Serve warm over the apple dumplings.
Apple Galette with Honey Drizzle
This classic French dessert gets a sweet twist with the addition of a rich honey drizzle, perfect for cozying up on a crisp fall evening. The flaky pastry crust and tender apples are elevated by the warm, golden glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange apple slices in a spiral pattern, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle sugar, flour, and cinnamon over the apples.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush with melted butter and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, heat honey in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth and runny.
8. Drizzle warm honey glaze over the galette while still warm.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple Fritters with Powdered Sugar
These sweet and crispy fritters are perfect for a cozy fall morning or as a delightful dessert to impress your guests. With the aroma of fresh apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Ingredients:
– 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and milk until dissolved.
3. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients; mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
5. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the apple mixture into the hot oil, about 1 tablespoon each.
6. Fry fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on frying time)
Baked Apples Stuffed with Oats and Nuts
This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, featuring tender baked apples filled with a crunchy mixture of oats, nuts, and spices. It’s an ideal dessert or snack for chilly fall days.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 apples (any variety), cored
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together oats, walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Core the apples and divide the oat mixture among them, spooning it into the centers.
4. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and drizzle with melted butter.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden brown.
6. Serve warm, topped with additional chopped nuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Apple Strudel with Phyllo Dough
Experience the sweet and flaky delight of traditional apple strudel, elevated by the use of phyllo dough. This recipe yields a tender, caramelized pastry filled with crisp apples and a hint of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until coated evenly.
4. Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough on a flat surface. Brush with melted butter.
5. Place apple mixture along the center of the phyllo, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
6. Fold edges over apples, then roll into a neat log shape. Cut into 8-10 slices.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple Cobbler with Buttery Biscuits
Enjoy a cozy autumn evening with this classic apple cobbler, topped with tender buttery biscuits.
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
– 6-8 medium apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
For the Buttery Biscuits:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until coated.
3. Pour melted butter over the apple mixture; toss until combined.
4. Roll out biscuit dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes or use a biscuit cutter.
6. Place biscuits on top of the apple filling, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown and apples are tender.
8. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Apple Tart with Almond Frangipane
This classic French dessert combines the warmth of almonds and apples, perfect for a cozy fall evening. The frangipane filling adds a rich, nutty flavor to the sweet and crumbly tart.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup almond paste (frangipane)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place on prepared baking sheet.
3. Arrange apple slices on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Mix frangipane and sugar in a bowl. Spread evenly over apples.
5. Fold other half of pastry over filling, pressing edges to seal. Brush with melted butter.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Glaze
Start your day off right with these tender apple-filled cinnamon rolls drizzled with a sweet glaze. This recipe is perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
– Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add warm water and melted butter; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes or until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Spread with apple mixture and cinnamon.
6. Roll up tightly, cut into 12 equal pieces, and place on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. While still warm, drizzle with glaze.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Apple Scones with Brown Sugar Glaze
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with these moist and flavorful apple scones, topped with a sweet and sticky brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup diced apples (about 2-3 apples)
– Brown sugar glaze ingredients: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in diced apples.
6. Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scone.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Brown Sugar Glaze:
1. Whisk together brown sugar and heavy cream until smooth.
2. Drizzle over warm scones.
Apple Blondies with Walnuts
These gooey, chewy blondies are infused with the sweetness of apples and the crunch of walnuts, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, diced apples, and chopped walnuts to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a delicious array of apple desserts! This collection of 18 mouthwatering recipes features a range of sweet treats that showcase the star of the season: apples. From classic pies and crisps to cheesecakes, cakes, and strudels, each recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a warm and comforting dessert or something a little more decadent, there’s something here for everyone. So go ahead, grab an apple (or two), and get baking with these irresistible recipes!