Nothing says fall more than a crisp, pleasantly chilly day of apple picking. It’s an annual necessity, and bringing your flannel-clad family to spend the day together doing it is a perfect way to spend a Saturday or Sunday. But, what happens once you get home? There’s nothing wrong with a bag of apples getting tossed on the counter or in the fridge to be used for the week’s lunches, but why not continue the day’s festivities by making some delicious apple recipes with the apples you just picked together?
The best apples for baking are firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, but when it comes to apple recipes, the sky really is the limit. If you’re in need of some apple-picking inspiration, we’ve rounded up our favorite apple recipes, from sauces to ciders to handheld pies. They just might be a fun and flavorful addition to your family’s apple picking tradition.
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The Best Apples for Baking vs. Snacking
While there’s plenty of apples to choose from when you’re at the orchard, not all of them behave the same way in the oven. Firm, tart apples hold their shape well in pies and crisps, while smoother, sweeter varieties make for a great applesauce or apple butter base. For those planning to bake this season, here’s your apple cheat sheet for whatever happens to be in your orchard bag:
| Variety | Taste | Texture When Baked | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith | Very tart | Holds shape completely | Pies, crisps, galettes |
| Honey Crisp | Sweet-tart | Holds shape, stays juicy | Snacking, salads, pies |
| Braeburn | Sweet-tart, spicy | Holds shape well | Pies, baked apples, cider |
| Pink Lady | Tart, bright | Very firm, slow to brown | Salads, apple nachos, baking |
| Cortland | Mildly tart | Softens slightly, slow to brown | Raw platters, salads, pies |
| Fuji | Very sweet | Holds shape | Snacking, slow cooker dishes |
| Jonagold | Sweet-tart | Softens moderately | Pies, sauce, apple butter |
| Rome | Mild, low-acid | Holds shape when whole | Baked apples, roasting |
| Empire | Sweet-tart | Softens | Lunchboxes, snacking, sauce |
| Golden Delicious | Sweet, mellow | Breaks down | Applesauce, apple butter, muffins |
| Gala | Sweet, mild | Breaks down | Applesauce, smoothies, snacking |
| McIntosh | Tart | Breaks down completely | Applesauce, apple butter |
Editor’s tip: The best apple pies usually contain more than one variety of apples. Use half Granny Smith or Braeburn to hold the structure and shape and half McIntosh or Golden Delicious for a jammy filling that melts in your mouth.
Apple Drink Recipes
1. Ginger Apple Moscow Mule
Moscow mules are versatile, but this mule is tailored just for your fall tastebuds this season. A little bit of spice will keep you warm. It’s vodka mixed with fresh lime juice, apple cider, sweet apple butter, fresh ginger, and topped off with ginger beer. Or easily make it a mocktail without the vodka!
2. Easy Homemade Hot Apple Cider
All that apple picking can be hard work. Refresh yourself after a day in the fields with this apple cider recipe that will make you want to cozy up on the couch and watch your favorite fall movie.
3. Brown Sugar Apple Iced Coffee
All of our tired, hardworking mamas can appreciate the magical powers of a good iced coffee. Add a fun twist to our favorite caffeinated beverage with this brown sugar apple iced coffee recipe.
4. Fall Sangria with Apples and Pears
This fruity, thirst-quenching sangria recipe hits the note for fall perfectly. Apples, pears, lemons, and limes mingle together for a sweet, slightly tart fruit juice, while white rum, chardonnay, and hard apple cider give this brew its spirited spike. Sweetened with honey and spiced with cinnamon sticks, you’ve got a no-fail cocktail to spread autumn cheer. Can also be made as a mocktail—just leave out the rum and wine, and use regular apple cider!
Apple Snack Recipes
5. Cinnamon Apple Chips
These cinnamon apple chips will be hit for everyone in the family, and they’re so delicious that no one will ever know that they’re actually healthy.
6. Glazed Apple Crumb Muffins
Because we all deserve a sweet treat after a hard day of apple picking, enter: glazed apple crumb muffins.
7. Crock-Pot Applesauce
Once you’ve tried homemade applesauce from freshly-picked apples, you’ll never want to go back to store bought again; and neither will your little ones!
8. Apple Butter
A gentle, slightly tangy, and not-to-sweet slow cooked apple butter recipe with so much spread potential to indulge in! Try this spiced topping enhancer on toast, sandwiches, muffins, crackers, fruit slices, vanilla ice cream, or anything else that appeals to complementing this smooth spread’s apple flavor.
9. Apple Fries
This recipe’s golden brown battered apples blanketed in a cinnamon sugar coating puts more than french fries on the map. And by serving them with caramel sauce, you have an apple fry and dip combination that is truly scrumptious!
10. Apple Smoothie
A creamy blended smoothie that can be a great snack or breakfast choice. Like with many quintessential apple recipes, this one includes pieces of apple, oatmeal, maple syrup, vanilla, and warming spices. With almond milk as the base, pieces of banana and peanut butter as well, it is incredibly rich, filling, and whips just right!
11. Apple Nachos
A simple and healthy way to jazz up apples and replace tortilla chips and cheese-based nachos. By slicing and dicing up some apples, and drizzling them with caramel, melted chocolate, sprinkles, and chocolate chips (or your other favorite toppings), you have a refreshing after-school snack in minutes!
12. Peanut Butter Apple S’mores
Just like it sounds, this clever s’mores recipe uses apple slices rather than graham crackers to sandwich the marshmallows and chocolate, and adds a spread of peanut butter for extra gooeyness. And don’t worry if you don’t have a campfire to roast your marshmallows, broiling them in the oven or toaster will work just fine!
13. Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
Bring store-bought crescent rolls to life by filling them with this recipe’s mouthwatering medley of apples, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. What makes them extra satisfying to bite into is the sparkling sugar sprinkled across the top.
14. Apple Cinnamon Cookie Energy Bites
For easy energy bites with a fall flair, try this mix of apples, almond butter, honey, and a few other seasonings. By shredding the apple, it folds into the batter seamlessly and presents a juicy burst of flavor all around.
Apple Breakfast Recipes
15. Peanut Butter Apple Toast
This recipe is perfect for weekday mornings when the kids need to get out the door feeling full and energized. It’s high in protein and carbs, and hits that hard-to-nail sweet spot between kid-friendly and parent-friendly.
16. Chicken Apple Sausage Patties
A quick dish in the morning with protein makes this recipe a go-to. Dress it up and make it into a breakfast sandwich or serve it as a side with your apple cinnamon waffles.
17. Apple Bread
Apple bread is the name of a fall candle I want to burn all fall, but why not have the real deal baking in your own oven? It’s sweet, buttery, and has apples, of course. It’s the perfect quick item to take with you on a busy day.
18. Apple Cinnamon Waffles with Honey
Manifest good moods and fall vibes for your family by starting your day off with the aroma of these gluten-free apple cinnamon waffles. Keep the vibes going all season long because you can freeze them, too!
19. Cinnamon Apple Baked French Toast Casserole
If you’ve been looking for new recipe to try on a slow Sunday morning, may we suggest this baked French toast casserole made with the apples you picked Saturday afternoon?
20. Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
If Saturday morning pancakes are a tradition in your household, mix things up this weekend with these apple cinnamon pancakes.
21. Cinnamon Apple Baked Oatmeal
For warm morning nourishment, this oatmeal recipe is delectable and can be reheated for multiple breakfasts. It is a baked harmony of oats, cinnamon, apples, maple syrup, pecans, milk, and eggs, which means it’s as nutritious as it is delicious. You’ll never be able to go back to pre-packaged, artificially flavored apple oatmeal again! (You can also always swap in dairy-free milk and leave out the eggs for a vegan version.)
22. Baked Apples
Dessert for breakfast, anyone? This baked apples recipe is the best of both worlds: a tasty treat or a fun weekend breakfast option.
23. Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Special cinnamon roll Saturdays were always a tradition in my household and something I always looked forward to. This apple cinnamon roll dish makes me want to restart the tradition and try this perfect fall recipe.
24. Apple Fritter Dutch Baby
For a simpler alternative to apple fritters, try this apple fritter dutch baby recipe! All the flavors of your favorite donuts with a recipe that isn’t quite as time consuming.
Apple Dessert Recipes
25. Apple Crisp
Fall isn’t fall without apple crisp. As the quintessential apple recipe, no apple picking session would truly be complete without making this classic treat.
26. Apple Cider Donuts
Bring the pumpkin patch to you this year with this apple cider donut recipe. I wouldn’t expect these to stick around long, though, as they are rightfully always a crowd favorite.
27. Caramel Apple Brownies
For a fall twist on a favorite recipe, try these caramel apple brownies. The sweetness of the chocolate and caramel mixed with the tartness of the apples will leave everyone’s sweet tooth satisfied.
28. Caramel Apple Cheesecake
For baking enthusiasts, this is a cheesecake made entirely from scratch—meaning, the labor of love that goes into it will undoubtedly give rise to an exceptionally delicious result. From fresh salted caramel sauce, to a buttery vanilla wafer crust, to a smooth cream cheese filling and a sugar glazed cinnamon apple topping, this is dessert hall-of-fame worthy!
29. Apple Hand Pies
For a miniature, hand-held version of a widely loved fall treat, try these apple hand pies. They’re fun to make and even more fun to enjoy alongside your little ones. The best part? The recipe couldn’t be easier to follow.
30. Snicker Apple Salad
Those with a sweet tooth will adore this heavenly mixture of vanilla pudding, Cool Whip (or any preferred whipped topping), caramel, Snickers pieces, milk, and, of course, apples. While it might not be the healthiest salad, it’s certainly an apple-inspired treat worth trying if you enjoy creamy desserts.
31. Baked Apple Empanadas
This may be a character flaw, but every time I think of empanadas now, I think of Selling Sunset. Though these baked apple empanadas may not be Vegan Queen Emma approved, we’re sure they’ll be a crowd pleaser in your household.
32. Apple Pie for Two
You simply can’t go apple picking without making apple pie, but how often does a full pie go to waste because there’s not enough people to eat it? Next time you find yourself craving an apple pie but don’t have a full army to feed, try this apple pie for two recipe.
33. Apple and Blueberry Crumble
For the blueberry lovers among us, add this apple and blueberry crumble recipe to your radar. The tart of the apple and the sweetness of the blueberry meet in perfect harmony in this tasty treat.
34. Salted Caramel Apple Crumb Bars
There’s something about the combination of caramel and apples that clearly just works. This caramel apple crumb bar recipe incorporates all of the best flavors of fall in one tasty treat.
Apple Main Dish Recipes
35. French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese has an autumn twist that I can’t wait to pair with a side of soup. Your family will be impressed with how you made a grilled cheese fancy.
36. Creamy Maple Brie and Cheddar Apple Soup
It’s warm, it’s comforting, it’s sweet, and it’s creamy. What else can we say about this soup? This recipe includes onion, garlic, thyme, apple cider, apples, maple syrup, and brie—so much flavor in one dish.
37. Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Pork
Your tastebuds will be activated all day because this slow cooked recipe cooks for four to five hours. Have this meal all week long as a sandwich, taco, or even in a salad.
38. Apple Cider Chicken
An autumn chicken dish doesn’t get much tastier or easier than this! With only a handful of ingredients and a single pan, you’ll have a uniquely spiced main course that’s an instant fall mood-maker.
39. Pork, Apple & Sage-Stuffed Chicken Breast
The next time you want a recipe that will make you feel like you’re at a five-star restaurant, pull out this stuffed chicken breast recipe. This would be a perfect dish for your next date night, the next time your little ones are feeling adventurous, or the next time the littles are craving mac and cheese again and you’re simply not.
40. Cheddar Apple Biscuits
Sweet and savory come together in these wonderfully soft buttermilk biscuits. This is a festive fall recipe with cheddar cheese and your preferred type of apple creating a dynamic and delicious duo. When served warm, one per person won’t be enough—they’re nearly impossible to put down!
41. Maple Apples, Blue Cheese & Bacon Pizza
Mix up family night with a new pizza recipe featuring your freshly-picked apples. Combining the sweet tartness of the apples with the salty blue cheese and bacon makes for a unique and delicious combination.
42. Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
This recipe combines perfectly seared pork chops with a cinnamon seasoned sauce and fresh cut apples. An ideal autumn dinner, this meal can introduce your kiddo to some new meats while keeping a sweet undertone.
43. Roasted Sweet Potato Sandwich with Apples, Pesto, Kale & Blue Cheese
Layered between two slices of your choice of bread, this hearty sandwich is packed with apples, pesto, kale, and blue cheese (though you can swap out for whatever cheese you’d like.) It is a fall favorite and can even be packed in your kiddo’s school lunch!
44. Chicken Apple Sausage Quinoa Casserole with Shredded Brussels Sprouts
Easily meal prepped, this protein-packed casserole is an ideal weeknight dinner, or can be served at a family holiday gathering. With plenty of vegetables, this is a great way to introduce your kiddos to some new foods while concealing it under the cover of familiar ones—apples and chicken.
Apple Salad Recipes
45. Fall Salad with Apples and Bacon
Salad isn’t just for the summer. This dish is packed with fall ingredients like candied pecans, Brussels sprouts, and maple syrup. You can find me eating this during my fall outdoor picnics this year.
46. Apple Salad
Bring this dish to your next family gathering. Not only does it scream fall but it’s a healthy option for you and your family too. Plus, it has bacon, which can pretty much go with anything, right?
47. Apple, Sweet Potato & Kale Quinoa Salad
Perfect for lunches, dinners, or even a Thanksgiving spread, this fall harvest salad is the ultimate dish that everyone will love—especially with some fresh apples from an orchard. Plus, it is equally delicious even after a few hours of sitting out.
48. Broccoli Apple Salad
This delicious side salad is mixed with walnuts, raisins, and a cool, creamy dressing. It is perfect as a healthy option for family dinner, or for a more special occasion, like a holiday or a cook-out.
49. Chicken Salad with Apples and Walnuts
This chicken salad recipe with a fall twist can be used in a wrap or sandwich, and is gluten-free! The apples and walnuts can even be tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt for extra protein.
50. Butternut Squash Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Combining health with comfort foods, this creamy harvest salad is not to be missed—especially the homemade maple balsamic dressing! This recipe can impress at a family gathering or serve as a filling lunch.
51. Spinach Salad with Apples, Cranberries & Maple Vinaigrette
Similar to the recipe above, this salad is topped with a creamy maple vinaigrette dressing, but also includes crumbled goat cheese, glazed pecans, and dried cranberries. Perfect for large family dinners or for a simple side salad!
52. Brussels Sprout Salad with Honeycrisp Apple Dressing
This delicious fall appetizer blends cranberries, apples, Brussels sprouts, and pecans into a healthy side dish that can expand your kiddos’ palettes and impress at a family dinner!
53. Roasted Fennel Salad with Apple and Radicchio
Tossed with fresh apples and radicchio, this fennel salad is crunchy, savory, and is sure to be a hit for a family looking to try something new. Plus, it is a shockingly fast and easy recipe.
54. Apple, Blue Cheese & Candied Walnut Salad
With sliced apples, crumbled cheese, and candied walnuts, this quick and easy salad is a delicious and healthy side dish for any family gathering! Blue cheese and tart apples are a surprisingly perfect combination and most definitely worth adding to your menu this year.
55. Easy Apple Cabbage Salad with Pecans
If you’re a coleslaw lover, you have to try this cabbage salad recipe, with an apple twist for the fall season. The hint of sweetness makes it a great side dish for any meal.
FAQs
What are the best apples for baking?
Firm, tart varieties keep their shape best in the oven. Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady are great for pies and crisps for this reason. Softer apples like McIntosh and Golden Delicious are better suited for applesauces and apple butter.
How long do fresh-picked apples last?
Fresh-picked apples keep for about one-to-two weeks on the counter and four-to-six weeks in the refrigerator. Keep them away from other strong-smelling produce like onions, and regularly check the bag for bruised apples—one spoiling apple really does speed up the rest!
How many apples do I need for a pie?
For a standard nine inch pie, you’ll need two and a half to three pounds of apples, which is roughly six to eight medium apples or eight cups sliced. Remember that apples shrink as they bake, so err on the generous side.
How do you keep apple slices from turning brown?
There are a couple tried-and-true methods for this: toss sliced apples with a little lemon juice, or soak them for five minutes in cold water with a half teaspoon of salt per cup. And when you’re packing your kiddos’ lunchboxes, choosing a slow-browning variety like Cortland or Pink Lady does most of the work for you.
Can you freeze apples?
Yes! Peel and slice them, toss with lemon juice, spread them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They can be kept that way for up to a year, but are best enjoyed in pies, crisps, or sauces rather than eaten raw.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Former Assistant Editor
As a former Assistant Editor, Brett worked with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also a baby names and family movies expert!
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.
