Apples are one of the best parts of fall. Their sweet, tart flavor is perfect for the season, and they’re ideal for baking everything from crisps and crumbles to muffins and breads. Here are 10 creative recipes to help you make the most of apple season.
Nothing says fall quite like apple pie. This classic treat gets a twist with a streusel topping made of brown sugar, oats, and almonds in place of the typical double crust. The nutty, buttery streusel pairs perfectly with the sweet apple filling.
Applesauce is a staple, but have you tried apple butter? Cook down apples with cider, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Simmer for hours until thick and spreadable. Delicious on toast, biscuits, or yogurt.
For breakfast, make baked apple pancakes. Add diced apples to pancake batter, then top the pancakes with an apple compote made from sautéed apples, maple syrup, and a splash of bourbon or rum.
Apple crisps and crumbles are easy to make and hard to stop eating. For extra decadence, top the crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or bourbon whipped cream.
Nothing beats the smell of apples and warm spices wafting from the oven. Make homemade apple muffins with oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a brown sugar crumble topping.
For a lighter option, make an apple yogurt parfait. Layer vanilla yogurt with granola, fresh apples, and a drizzle of honey.
Apples also pair well in salads. Make a kale salad with apples, pecans, dried cranberries, and a honey mustard vinaigrette. The sweet and tangy apples balance the bitter kale.
For a boozy fall cocktail, make an apple brandy old fashioned. Muddle an apple slice with brandy, bitters, sugar, and club soda.
Applesauce bread pudding is comfort food at its best. Cubed bread soaked in an egg custard flavored with warm spices, applesauce, raisins, and nuts.
End your meal on a sweet note with an easy apple crisp tart. Fill a pre-made pie crust with an apple filling and top with an oat and nut streusel for a handheld dessert.