Fall is here, and you know what that means—apples are everywhere, begging to be turned into something mouthwatering. Whether you’re raiding the orchard or just grabbing a bag from the store, these 12 recipes will make you fall in love with apples all over again. From cozy desserts to savory surprises, I’ve got you covered with dishes that are easy, delicious, and perfect for crisp autumn days. Ready to make your kitchen smell like a hug from fall? Let’s get cooking!
1. Cinnamon Apple Crisp That Screams Cozy
Who doesn’t crave a warm, gooey dessert when the leaves start falling? This apple crisp is your ticket to instant fall vibes—think sweet, spiced apples under a crunchy oat topping.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup white sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Toss those apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a big bowl.
- Spread the apples evenly in a greased 9×9 baking dish.
- Mix oats, flour, white sugar, and melted butter in another bowl until crumbly. Sprinkle it over the apples like a cozy blanket.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is golden and the apples are bubbly.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s non-negotiable.
Why You’ll Love It
This crisp is stupidly easy and tastes like a warm hug. I made it for a potluck once, and it vanished faster than my willpower around fresh bread. Perfect for when you want dessert without the fuss.
2. Apple Cider Donuts for Your Inner Child
Ever smelled something so good you wanted to live in it? These apple cider donuts are that vibe—crispy, sugary, and packed with fall flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to ½ cup
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- Cinnamon-sugar coating (½ cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Simmer apple cider until it reduces to ½ cup, then cool it down.
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Whisk sugar, egg, melted butter, milk, and cooled cider in another bowl.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Don’t overdo it!
- Roll dough into ½-inch thickness, cut donut shapes, and fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Toss warm donuts in cinnamon-sugar. Try not to eat them all in one go.
Why You’ll Love It
These donuts are like biting into fall itself. I once tried skipping the cider reduction step—big mistake. The concentrated flavor is what makes these pop. Perfect for breakfast or sneaky midnight snacks.
3. Savory Apple and Sausage Stuffing
Apples in stuffing? Oh, you’re in for a treat. This sausage and apple stuffing is savory, sweet, and the ultimate Thanksgiving sidekick.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, crumbled
- 4 cups bread cubes, stale or toasted
- 2 apples, diced (Fuji or Gala for sweetness)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook sausage in a large skillet until browned. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, celery, and apples until soft.
- Toss bread cubes, sausage, and apple mix in a big bowl. Sprinkle in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and mix until everything’s moist but not soggy.
- Bake in a greased dish at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Why You’ll Love It
The apples add a sweet pop that cuts through the savory sausage—genius, right? I brought this to a Friendsgiving, and it was gone before the turkey. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s way easier than it looks.
4. Apple Butter That’s Better Than Store-Bought
Why buy apple butter when you can make it at home? This slow-cooker recipe is so good, you’ll want to slather it on everything.
Ingredients
- 6 apples, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp allspice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, lemon juice, and water into a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Blend until smooth with an immersion blender.
- Cook for another 1–2 hours until thick. Cool and jar it up.
Why You’ll Love It
This stuff is like autumn in a jar. I once tried it on pancakes instead of syrup—game-changer. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or just eat it with a spoon. No judgment here.
5. Apple Pie Smoothie for Lazy Mornings
Craving apple pie but not the effort? This smoothie’s got all the flavor with zero baking required.
Ingredients
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup ice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Throw apple, Greek yogurt, milk, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and ice into a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for extra flair.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s like drinking dessert, but healthy-ish. I make this when I’m too lazy to bake but want that apple pie fix. Takes 5 minutes, tops.
6. Baked Apples Stuffed with Oats
These baked apples are like mini apple pies you can justify for breakfast. Stuffed with oats and spices, they’re cozy and guilt-free.
Ingredients
- 4 large apples, cored
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place cored apples in a baking dish.
- Mix oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and walnuts in a bowl.
- Stuff each apple with the oat mixture.
- Pour water into the dish around the apples.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until apples are tender.
Why You’ll Love It
These are stupidly simple but look fancy. I once served them to guests, and they thought I was some gourmet chef. Pair with yogurt for breakfast or ice cream for dessert.
7. Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Sweet apples and sharp cheddar in a sandwich? Yes, please. This grilled cheese is your new fall obsession.
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- ½ cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Layer cheddar and apple slices on the unbuttered side of one slice. Drizzle honey if you’re feeling fancy.
- Top with the other slice, buttered side up.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and melty.
Why You’ll Love It
The sweet-tart apple with gooey cheddar is a match made in heaven. I skipped the honey once—don’t. It’s the secret weapon that ties it all together.
8. Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
These pancakes are what Sunday mornings dream of. Fluffy, apple-packed, and begging for maple syrup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 apple, grated
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Whisk egg, milk, grated apple, and butter in another bowl.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Cook ¼ cup batter per pancake on a hot griddle, 2–3 minutes per side.
Why You’ll Love It
These pancakes are fluffy with a sweet apple kick. I made a double batch once, thinking I’d have leftovers. Nope—gone in 10 minutes. Pro tip: Add a dollop of apple butter for extra wow.
9. Apple and Kale Salad with Maple Dressing
Healthy can still be delicious, and this apple kale salad proves it. Crunchy, sweet, and tangy all at once.
Ingredients
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Massage kale with a pinch of salt to soften it. Trust me, it’s worth it.
- Toss in apple slices, cranberries, and pecans.
- Whisk olive oil, maple syrup, vinegar, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss well.
Why You’ll Love It
This salad is fresh, vibrant, and doesn’t scream “health food.” I was skeptical about kale, but the sweet maple dressing makes it addictive. Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.
10. Apple Fritters for Sweet Cravings
These apple fritters are crispy, sugary, and loaded with apple chunks. Fair warning: You won’t stop at one.
Ingredients
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- Oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Whisk egg and milk in another bowl, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Fold in diced apples.
- Drop spoonfuls into hot oil (350°F) and fry 2–3 minutes per side.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It
These fritters are pure indulgence. I tried making them “healthier” once by baking—don’t bother. Frying is the way to go for that perfect crunch.
11. Spiced Apple Bread
This apple bread is moist, spiced, and perfect for gifting (or hoarding). It’s like fall in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 apple, grated
- ½ cup applesauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan.
- Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs, grated apple, and applesauce.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour into the pan.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Why You’ll Love It
This bread is so moist it practically melts in your mouth. I gave a loaf to my neighbor, and now she drops hints every fall. Slice it thick and slather with apple butter for maximum joy.
12. Apple Sangria for Fall Nights
Raise a glass to fall with this apple sangria. It’s fruity, festive, and perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle white wine (Pinot Grigio works great)
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¼ cup brandy
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup club soda
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine wine, apple slices, cider, brandy, maple syrup, and cinnamon stick in a pitcher.
- Stir and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Add club soda just before serving. Pour over ice.
Why You’ll Love It
This sangria is like fall in a glass—sweet, spiced, and a little boozy. I served it at a girls’ night, and we polished off two pitchers. It’s dangerously sippable.
