Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
A collection of more than 40 of the best apple recipes! Whether you’re baking with the fresh fruit, serving up a side dish, or looking for a savory dinner entrée, there’s a simple recipe here for you! From apple pie to apple butter, apple cake to apple bread, it’s all included in this convenient roundup.
Simple Apple Recipes
Virginia is apple country, and Madison County’s orchards really start producing by the month of August. Just as we’re tiring of the stone fruits and berries from the hot summer months, the crisp, sweet apples ripen on our trees. We celebrate with the local Apple Harvest Festival, and welcome cooler fall weather with our favorite apple recipes — like apple crisp, Southern fried apples, and old-fashioned apple cake.
What can I do with a lot of apples?
Their versatility is just one of the many reasons that we love apples. When you’re looking at a bushel full of the fresh fall fruit, you can put them to good use in baked goods (such as cakes, muffins, and breads), pair them with savory meats like chicken and pork for a cozy autumn dinner, or preserve them in jars of apple butter or spiced apple pear jam to enjoy in the months ahead.
What do you bake with apples?
Apples and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are a match made in heaven, and lend themselves well to almost any type of baking. I’ve included apple desserts (like pies and cakes) in this collection, as well as other baked goods (like muffins and breads). Again, the versatile fruit can be used in so many different ways!
What is a good baking and eating apple?
I prefer eating and baking with apples that have a firm flesh and don’t break down into mush in the oven. Granny Smith apples are delicious because of the tart taste, but other good options for pies and baking include Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Gala, Braeburn, and Jonagold.
By contrast, if you’re making applesauce (or another similar recipe that requires cooking down or pureeing the apples), you can use any apples that you enjoy. I often use a blend of whatever we pick from the orchard! That said, soft apples are great because they cook down quickly and don’t hold their shape in the way that Granny Smith or other pie-friendly apples will. Good options include: Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Cortland, Jonathan, Rome, and Jonagold apples. The type of apples that you choose will obviously impact the flavor of your applesauce, so my best recommendation is to use a variety that you think tastes delicious!
What is the best combination for apple?
If you’re not up for a full-on baking session, but you want some simple apple recipes that pair the fruit with other delicious ingredients, here are a handful of good apple combinations:
Apples and sharp cheddar cheese
Apples with yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and cinnamon
Cream cheese and apples on toast, crackers, bagels, and more
Apples with peanut butter
Oats and apples in the form of oatmeal or granola
Caramel drizzle, mini chocolate chips, or chopped toffee on top of apple slices (like “apple nachos”)
Cottage cheese, apples, and cinnamon
Almond butter and apple slices in sandwiches, on toast, or on crackers
Apple Dessert Recipes
From cakes to pies, cobblers to crisps, apples are a delicious addition to so many different dessert recipes. Don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
This fresh Apple Walnut Cake with a buttery caramel glaze has all of the warm spices, toasted nuts, and sweet fruit that you crave in a cozy fall dessert!
This easy apple crisp recipe takes advantage of sweet, tart, and juicy fresh fruit that's warmly spiced and finished with a buttery oat streusel topping!
This apple cranberry crisp is the perfect easy dessert recipe for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any other special gathering this season — with just 15 minutes of prep!
Love sinking your teeth into a warm, soft, fresh-from-the-orchard apple cider donut each fall? Now you can easily bake a batch of cozy apple cider donut muffins in the comfort of your own kitchen — whenever the craving strikes!
It might be surprising, but apples add a sweet component that pairs nicely with savory meats like pork and chicken, fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, and brighten up a bowl of soup or stew. When you want apples to be a part of your dinner, try one of these delicious meals.
Bursting with sweet-and-savory flavor, this Ham, Brie and Apple Panini Sandwich is a quick lunch or an easy dinner recipe that’s ready in less than 20 minutes!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Sausage, Apple and Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet, savory and full of flavor, this healthy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Sausage, Apple and Sweet Potato Casserole is an easy dinner recipe that comes together in just 10 minutes!
Dump-and-Bake Boneless Baked Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing
These Dump-and-Bake Boneless Pork Chops with Apples and Stuffing are full of flavor, require just a few minutes of prep, and stay moist and tender thanks to a few special tricks.
Full of sweet potatoes, apples, onion and pork tenderloin, this Autumn Harvest Pork Stew is an easy and healthy dinner for fall! Perfect for the slow cooker or Dutch oven!
This hearty fall saladis loaded with bacon, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, white cheddar cheese, and sliced Honeycrisp apples, then tossed with a creamy maple balsamic vinaigrette.
This easy Sausage Stuffing recipe is loaded with apples, onion, celery, cranberries and herbs for the ultimate holiday side dish — and just 20 minutes of prep!
Fennel Salad with Apples and Creamy Apple Cider Dressing
This cool, crisp winter slaw is the perfect contrast to hearty meat-based entrees like roasted pork, BBQ pulled pork, or crispy roast chicken. Add cornbread on the side for a delicious meal!
Southern Fried Apples are a simple side dish or light dessert, and they’re ready in 15 minutes! Cinnamon, sugar and butter turn the fresh fruit into a delicious, down-home treat!
Autumn’s Best Tossed Salad with Apple Butter Vinaigrette
A healthy holiday side dish or simple weeknight dinner, this tossed salad with apple butter vinaigrette boasts the best ingredients Autumn has to offer!
This light and creamy apple salad is packed with healthy ingredients. With perfect Fall flavors, crisp and sweet apples, and a creamy dressing, apple salad is a perfect pairing for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a healthy dessert!
A healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert, this Slow Cooker Baked Apples recipe is stuffed with raisins, pecans, and spices — all drizzled in a warm, brown sugar cinnamon syrup!
So there you go — many, many delicious apple recipes to add to your collection! Leave a note in the comments below to share your favorite apple dishes with all of us — I would really appreciate it. We love to hear from you!
Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!
