30+ Easy Apple Recipes (2024)

Celebrate fall’s golden girl, the apple, with over 30 easy apple recipes! Enjoy this accommodating fruit in everything from exciting co*cktails to delicious main dishes.

30+ Easy Apple Recipes (1)

This week we are talking apples. I don’t know about you but we go through apples like crazy this time of year. Michigan is apple country and we love ’em!

I’ve rounded up a whole bunch of recipes that have apples as a main ingredient. I love the variety in this collection. Not just apple desserts here! We have salads, co*cktails, kebobs, dips, breads, cakes, and more.

These apple recipes are all tried and true. They’re favorites of my family and I just know your family will enjoy them, too. Be sure to stock up on apples and try a few easy apple recipes.

Which Apples Work Best for Recipes?

This is a question I am frequently asked. There’s no right answer. Different recipes call for different types of apples. I try to specify on the recipe card what type of apple would work best for that particular recipe.

Not all apples are created the same. Some apples have firm, crisp flesh; others are softer and break down more easily. Apples can be tart or super sweet. The peel can be green, red, golden, or a blend. Some varieties keep well; others are more perishable. Here’s a brief and definitely not comprehensive list of common varieties.

Snacking Apples

If you’re looking for a sweet crisp apple to snack on, or to dip into my delicious apple dip, you can’t go wrong with Honeycrisp, SweeTango, Piñata (my personal favorite), or Pink Lady. These varieties are excellent in salads, too.

Baking Apples

Apples that are popular for baking pies or crisps have a firm texture that doesn’t turn to mush when cooked. Try Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonathan, or Northern Spy. I usually choose Honeycrisp to make my popular apple crisp.

Sauce Apples

To make a great applesauce, you want an apple that does break down when cooked. Choose Mutsu (Crispin), Cortland (my favorite), McIntosh, Ida Red, or Rome. Try Instant Pot applesauce to make the easiest applesauce ever. It’s infinitely better than store-bought applesauce!

How To Store Apples

Refrigerating Apples

Store unwashed apples in a cool dry location. It’s important to not wash them until you’re ready to eat them. The crisper drawer of your refrigerator is a perfect place to store apples. It’s best to store apples separately from other produce because apples naturally emit ethylene which promotes ripening and spoilage. If you put the apples in a plastic bag, be sure there are holes in the bag for good air circulation.

Apples will keep for several weeks if they are in good condition (no soft or rotten spots) and stored properly.

Freezing Apples

If you happen to have an abundance of fresh apples, you can freeze them to use later in pies, crisps, cakes, muffins, and compotes (in recipes where the apples are cooked). They’ll keep for at least 3 months. Don’t worry if you notice a bit of browning. That’s natural and will disappear completely when you cook the apples.

Peel the apples, and either slice them or cut them into chunks, depending on how you want to use them. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray that will fit into your freezer and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. If you’re not interested in having the frozen apples stay separate, you can skip the first step.

The apples can be used directly from the freezer or thawed overnight in the fridge.

Are Apples Good For You?

We’ve all heard the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, but are apples really good for you or is that merely an old wives’ tale? I’m happy to say that apples are a nutritious food with many health benefits. Apples are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. They promote good heart health, support weight loss, and help prevent cancer. Apples contain pectin which is good for your gut health (Healthline).

And be sure to eat the peelings, too! Many of the nutrients, especially vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium are found in the apple skin, not to mention much of the fiber.

Not fond of the apple peeling? I’ve found that when apples are cooked, the skin becomes very soft and is barely detectable in apple recipes like crisps, breads, or muffins. Try it once and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Enjoy apples in all their glory! Try my easy apple recipes today.

31+ Easy Apple Recipes

Easy Apple Crisp

One of my favorite desserts, apple crisp is easy to make with layers of tender juicy apples and a sweet crunchy topping. It's the best!

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (2)

Apple Blueberry Crisp

Apples and blueberries join together to make this apple blueberry crisp outstanding. Just the right balance of berries and apples make this easy dessert the best.

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (3)

Blueberry Apple Crisp Smoothie Bowl

This easy smoothie bowl will remind you of your favorite apple dessert, with lots of good-for-you ingredients. The best way to start your day!

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (4)

Easy Apple Compote

This easy apple recipe turns juicy apples into a delicious cinnamon-laced compote. Serve it as is, or as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, waffles, and more.

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (5)

Apple Cider Mocktail (with co*cktail option)

Shake up a perfectly chilled spicedapple cider mocktailat your next fall party! Take plain cider up a notch with this easy recipe.

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Apple Cider Mule

If you like a Moscow mule, you'll want to try this variation made with apple cider. Copper mug optional!

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (7)

Apple Spice Cake (with optional Bourbon Glaze)

Make this deliciously moist apple cake from scratch. It's so easy and turns out well every time. No fancy ingredients!

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (8)

Air Fryer Apple Fritters

A healthier version of a bakery favorite, air fryer apple fritters are fun to make and will disappear quickly.

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (9)

Apple Pie Spice Recipe

Apple pie spice plus apples equals amazing desserts and snacks. An easy-to-make spice blend that you'll want to have in your pantry.

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (10)

Instant Pot Applesauce

Totally hands off, Instant Pot applesauceis an easy apple recipe you don't want to miss. Turn six pounds of apples into warm homemade applesauce!

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (11)

Crockpot Applesauce

Crockpot applesauce makes it easy to make a big batch of applesauce from scratch! Slow cooking breaks down the apples and intensifies their flavor, so you don’t even need to add any sugar to sweeten it.

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (12)

Whole Wheat Apple Bread with Walnuts

Whole wheat applesauce bread is a hearty and healthy bread – great for brunch, breakfast, or snacking!

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (13)

Apple Cinnamon No Bake Energy Bites

Apple cinnamon no bake energy bites are fun, filling, and easy to make, with dried apples, oats, and dates.

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Easy Apple Dip

Serve your favorite sliced apples with creamy apple dip featuring cream cheese and peanut butter. So good!

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (15)

Apple Quinoa Pancakes

Apple quinoa pancakes are a healthy and delicious way to start your day. This apple recipe will quickly become a breakfast favorite.

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Healthy Apple Bran Muffins Recipe

Apple bran muffins are easy to make, low in fat and high in fiber. This apple muffin recipe is a winner!

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Apple Cider Muffins Recipe

Apple cider muffins are packed full of tender chunks of apple, with apple cider in the batter and spiced with cinnamon and cloves.

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Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple cinnamon muffins are easy to make and perfect for busy mornings! An easy apple recipe that everyone loves.

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Whole Grain Apple Spice Pancakes

Filled with chunky apples and lots of cinnamon and spice, hearty whole grain apple spice pancakes make a nutritious and delicious breakfast.

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (20)

Baked Apple French Toast Cups

Baked apple French toast cups combine two favorites: baked apples and French toast. Easy to make and kids love them!

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Apple Crisp Breakfast Cookies Recipe

Apple crisp breakfast cookies incorporate all the flavors of apple crisp in one tasty, portable, healthy little package.This apple recipe will get your day off to a great start!

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Salad with Broiled Apples and Pecans

Soft and sweet broiled apples make this salad perfect for fall. Easy to prepare and a very impressive presentation.

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Salad with Apples and Cucumber

A fresh light salad with apples and cucumbers is easy to make and perfect for eating alongside a bowl of soup or a sandwich.

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Apple Cheesecake Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Apple cheesecake shortbread cookies with the fantastic flavors of apple cheesecake in an easy to make slice and bake shortbread cookie!

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (25)

Apple Chips Recipe

Apple chips are a healthy inexpensive snack for the entire family to enjoy. Easy to make with only a few ingredients!

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Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Sauce

Apples and cranberries pair perfectly in this cinnamon apple cranberry sauce. So much better than canned cranberry sauce and it's easy to make.

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (27)

Cranberry Sauce with Roasted Grapes, Apples, and Shallots

Cranberry sauce with roasted grapes, apples, and shallots provides a burst of flavor, both sweet and savory, that is unforgettable.

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (28)

Grilled Pork Kabobs with Apples Recipe

Smoky grilled apples, tender pork chunks, and sweet red onions, with a lemony apricot glaze, makegrilled pork kabobsare a delicious way to incorporate apples into your menu.

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (29)

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts

With crisp tart apples, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, this Brussels sprouts salad is a great fall salad, easy to make and healthy, too.

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (30)

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed acorn squash, with a delightful blend of farro, sausage, apples, and cheese, is a fall favorite!

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (31)

Kale Salad with Apples and Golden Raisins

Kale salad with tart apples, crisp shredded cabbage, and golden raisins is tangy, tart, sweet, and full of flavorful nutrition.It's similar to bagged salads but so much better!

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30+ Easy Apple Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with lots of apples? ›

You could also make applesauce, apple butter or apple jelly. You could put them in muffins, crumbles and cakes. You could layer them in sandwiches. You could roast them with sausages or toss them into kale salad.

How long will sliced apples last in the fridge? ›

Your cut and sliced apples should be stored in resealable bags or airtight containers, then stored in the refrigerator for three to five days.

What are the best apples for cooking? ›

For the best pies, crisps, and other baked treats, apples need to be firm enough to hold their own during the cooking process. We call these apples “baking apples” and to namedrop, they include Braeburn, Cortland, Honey Gold, Jonathan, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Haralson, and Newtown Pippin.

Can you freeze whole fresh apples? ›

The short answer is yes, apples may be frozen whole and with virtually no effort. Washed and wrapped in plastic or sealed in Ziploc bags to freeze, there is no quicker route from orchard to freezer. It may be easy, but bear in mind the end result is an apple that is inconvenient when it comes time to use it.

How do they keep apples fresh for months? ›

To slow the proverbial sands of time, some fruit distributors treat their apple bins with a gaseous compound, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). It extends the fruits' poststorage quality by blocking ethylene, a colorless gas that naturally regulates ripening and aging.

Can you freeze cut apples? ›

How to freeze apples. Any kind of apple can be frozen. You can freeze cooking apples and eating apples using the same method: freeze them sliced or whole on a baking tray, then transfer them to freezer bags for long-term cold storage.

Do apples last longer in the fridge or on the counter? ›

"They can last six to eight weeks stored in a refrigerator," says Wortz. Scheck notes that if your room temperature is on the warm side, the refrigerator is ideal for storing apples for any amount of time. The countertop is an option for shorter storage; apples can last one to two weeks there.

What is the tastiest apple in the world? ›

Honeycrisp, Jazz, Fuji: These are the 10 best-rated apple varieties in the world
  • ​Honeycrisp​ ...
  • ​Mila Zagoras Piliou​ ...
  • ​Firiki Piliou​ ...
  • ​Maçã Bravo de Esmolfe​ ...
  • ​Fuji Apples​ ...
  • ​Granny Smith Apples​ ...
  • ​McIntosh Apples​ ...
  • ​Idared Apples​
Aug 18, 2023

What is the healthiest apple to eat? ›

Red Delicious Apples

They've got more polyphenolic compounds than most other apples, with most of the nutrition in the skin – so be sure not to peel them before chowing down. Red Delicious apples contain more anthocyanidins that provide their color and powerful antioxidants.

What are the top 3 best apples? ›

10 Most Popular Apple Types—and Which Ones Are Best for Baking and Snacking
  • 01 of 10. Granny Smith. undefined undefined / GETTY IMAGES. ...
  • 02 of 10. Golden Delicious. liaminou / GETTY IMAGES. ...
  • 03 of 10. Red Delicious. LiveFree / GETTY IMAGES. ...
  • 04 of 10. McIntosh. ...
  • 05 of 10. Honeycrisp. ...
  • 06 of 10. Gala. ...
  • 07 of 10. Pink Lady. ...
  • 08 of 10. Fuji.
Oct 6, 2023

Can dogs eat apples? ›

Yes, apples are a fantastic addition to your dog's diet. They provide vitamin A, vitamin C and dietary fibre. They also provide a way to keep your dog's teeth clean and can help freshen their breath. But before you feed apples to your dog, always remove the core and the seeds.

How to boil an apple? ›

Boiled apple directions

You can peel the apples, or you can leave the skin on for a little extra texture. Either way, chop your apples into small pieces and place them into a boiling pot of water. Boil the apples in the pot until they start to soften. This should take no longer than 15 minutes.

How do you preserve too many apples? ›

Pack apples into containers and press fruit down, leaving ½ inch (13 mm) of headspace. Seal and freeze. Dry pack: Follow directions for sugar pack, omitting sugar. Treated apple slices can also be frozen first on a tray and then packed into containers as soon as they are frozen.

How do you store an abundance of apples? ›

Keep them cool

Place them in the crisper drawer in a plastic bag with holes in it or cover the apples with a damp paper towel. Don't store other vegetables in the same drawer, because apples give off ethylene gas, which can speed the decay of neighboring produce.

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