83 Apple Recipes That'll More Than Take Care Of Your Apple-Picking Haul (2024)

An apple cobbler a day keeps the doctor away, as far as we're concerned.

By Mackenzie Filson
83 Apple Recipes That'll More Than Take Care Of Your Apple-Picking Haul (1)

It's basically a crime not to eat an apple a day during the fall, don't you think? But when you're sitting on a ton of gorgeous fruit, it can sometimes be hard to start. Luckily, we've got 83 incredibly delicious sweet and savory uses for all those apples in your stash. Between apple cakes, apple pies, baked apple oatmeal for breakfast, and even apple-filled dinners, there's something here for everyone. An apple cobbler a day keeps the doctor away, right?

Whether you're grabbing a pile while apple picking from a U-Pick farm, a farmer's market, or just from your local grocery store, apples are THE fruit to turn into everything from desserts to condiments, and we've got recipes for them all here. To start, check our guide on how to use all the different apple types you can find (hint: they're not all created equal!).

Whenever we have tons of apples on hand, we immediately dream about making plenty of apple jam, apple butter, and apple cider. With these recipes on hand, you'll use up your apple stash in no time (and they double as an amazing homemade gift to give to friends too!).

Apple pie is the most classic apple dessert, but it doesn't stop there. Looking for something even more spectacular? Try our apple pie cheesecake, our apple butter pie, our tarte tatin, or our apple cider whoopie pies. Need something even easier? Check out our French apple tart, our apple galette, our apple pie bars, or our air fryer apple pie baked apples. They've got all the flavor you love, without that finicky pie dough.

Apples also add tons of flavor to some of our favorite savory dishes, from Japanese curry to Mulligatawny soup. Pork chops and apples are BFFs too, but if you need further proof, just try our . Apples also add crunch and sweetness in unexpectedly delicious ways, like in our crunch salad, our chicken salad sandwich, and our ssamjang (a Korean BBQ sauce that makes an incredible dip).

Need even more ideas for what to make with apples? Try our easy apple desserts and delicious recipes with apple cider! Really feeling all the fall flavors? Check out our favorite pumpkin and pear recipes too.

1

Crescent Apple Dumplings

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Looking for a shortcut to apple pie? This is the recipe for you. We use two special store-bought ingredients in this recipe—lemon-lime soda (trust!) and refrigerated biscuit dough—to create this one-of-a-kind dessert that brings the fall vibes to any gathering.

Get the Crescent Apple Dumplings recipe.

2

Homemade Apple Cider

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Homemade apple cider is extremely easy to make and the perfect way to use up all of those extra apples you thought would turn into apple pie after going apple picking. It's warm, full of spice, and the best part: It will fill your home with all of your favorite fall scents.

Get the Homemade Apple Cider recipe.

3

Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet

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Chicken is a blank canvas for the simplest as well as the most complex dinner situations. In this version, the smokey warm bourbon, zingy mustard, sharp cheddar, and heavy cream allow the apples and chicken to really pop off.

Get the Creamy Apple Bourbon Chicken Skillet recipe.

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4

Apple Galette

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Galettes have all the delicious elements of apple pie: flaky, buttery crust, and tender baked fruit. What they don't have is fussy technique: no crimping, no lattice work, and absolutely no blind baking. Sometimes, it's okay to take the easy road.

Get the Apple Galette recipe.

5

Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad

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We don’t believe in boring salads at Delish, and crunchy apples and tart cranberries bring a lot of life to this one. The slightly sweet and lemony dressing is easy to make, so do yourself a favor and make extra to pour over everything.

Get the Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad recipe.

6

Apple Pie Stuffed Cupcakes

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Nothing says Thanksgiving like a warm apple pie. Unfortunately, we don't always have time to make and chill pie dough. These cupcakes are the perfect solution!

Get the Apple Pie Stuffed Cupcakes recipe.

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7

Apple Coffee Cake

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Apples work wonders in this easy coffee cake. They add extra sweetness as well as making the cake extra moist and tender. We love it with Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, but your favorite baking apple will do the trick.

Get the Apple Coffee Cake recipe.

8

Candy Apples

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While you’ve likely had them at orchards, state fairs, and the like, candy apples are a treat you can easily make at home. You only need a handful of ingredients, 30 minutes, and a candy thermometer to make these festive fall treats for every fall party.

Get the Candy Apples recipe.

9

Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs

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Don't let chicken breasts have all the fun! Chicken thighs are super flavorful, easy to cook, and SO delicious with sweet potatoes and apples. Try it for dinner tonight, you won't regret it.

Get the Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe.

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10

Apple Jam

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Got a lot of apples and don't know what to do with them? If homemade apple pie seems like too much of an undertaking, this jam is just the thing to prolong that delicious fall fruit.

Get the Apple Jam recipe.

11

Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples

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You may have seen crisp, anise-y fennel bulbs dotting the famers' market stands, nuzzling up alongside sweet delicata squash and tart apples. The three find their way into this healthy side dish that's perfect for elegant dinner party menus, simple weeknight meals, or paired with richer, holiday spreads.

Get the .

12

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake

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Featuring three layers of tender, lightly spiced apple cidercake sandwiched with apple pie filling, buttery crumble, and salted caramel, this apple crumble cake recipe will delight and impress anyone who’s lucky enough to snag a piece.

Get the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cake recipe.

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13

Japanese Curry

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No judgment from us if you skip making your own roux for this Japanese curry, but there are a few ingredients you shouldn't swap out. Caramelizing onions and grating apple might seem extra, but trust us—they help offset the spice level of the recipe, and add an unexpected sweetness you’ll love.

Get the Japanese Curry recipe.

14

Apple Tart

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In the classic version of this French recipe, an apple compote goes on top of the crust and under the spiral of apples. To make things easier here, we simply macerated the slices in brown sugar and lemon juice to guarantee they get nice and jammy in the oven, with less work!

Get the Apple Tart recipe.

15

Crispy Cheddar Pork Chops With Brussels Sprouts & Apples

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It’s time for some next-level shake and bake with these crispy, cheddary pork chops served with an easy Brussels sprouts and apple side. Both the panko and the cheddar crisp up to form a tasty crust that keeps the pork super-juicy and tender.

Get the .

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16

Apple Butter Pie

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This pie, a cross between a pumpkin and a Dutch apple pie, is adorned with an irresistible crunchy crumble. Use store-bought or homemade apple butter–either works!

Get the Apple Butter Pie recipe.

17

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips

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Making your own apple chips is extremely easy—even without a fancy dehydrator. All you need is your trusty air fryer and some crispy apples, like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady.

Get the Air Fryer Cinnamon Apple Chips recipe.

18

Caramel Apple Tart

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No one needs to know how ridiculously simple this four-ingredient dessert really is—all you need is puff pastry, cinnamon, caramel sauce, and apples to make this impressive and delicious stunner.

Get the Caramel Apple Tart recipe.

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19

Apple Cookies

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These cookies are begging to be served with pumpkin spice lattes in front of a blazing fire with red and orange leaves waving outside in the crisp air. (Or double down on the apple vibes with a mug of steaming homemade apple cider.)

Get the Apple Cookies recipe.

20

Mulligatawny Soup

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With roots in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and England, there are endless iterations of Mulligatawny soup, a brightly colored blended lentil soup. This one is vegetarian, with the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and sour, with just a hint of sweetness (thanks apples!).

Get the Mulligatawny Soup recipe.

83 Apple Recipes That'll More Than Take Care Of Your Apple-Picking Haul (2024)

FAQs

What to avoid when picking apples? ›

Unstable Footing Areas:
  • Loose apples on the ground.
  • Uneven areas in orchards.
  • Groundhog holes or other holes in orchards.
  • Limbs and roots of trees.
  • Uneven steps, broken concrete/pavement.
  • Tree climbing (fall risks)
  • Ladders (fall risks)
  • Areas around the farm.

What to look for when apple picking? ›

Apples ripen from the outside of the tree to the trunk. If you are unsure of ripeness, stick to apples that are furthest from the base. Look for apples that are firm with no bruises or knicks. The right color depends on the variety.

What are the best apples for baking? ›

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.

Is it better to keep apples 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.

How do you take care of apples after picking? ›

If you don't have access to a secondary fridge, though, just keep your apples in the crisper drawer without any other produce (as they emit ethylene, other fruits and vegetables will spoil faster), and keep the fridge as low as you can without freezing everything else in there.

What are the best apples for apple picking? ›

APPLE CHART
VarietyTasteHarvest
EmpireMore sweet than tart. Extra crisp.Early October
EvercrispSweet and juicyMid October
FujiVery sweet. Firm, crisp, and juicy.Late October
GalaSweet with crisp yellow flesh.Early September
34 more rows

What is the best month to pick apples? ›

While peak harvest generally takes place in September for most of the apples sold in stores, some cultivars are ready as early as late August, and others aren't mature until October or even November.

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

What apples should not be used for apple pie? ›

There are a few apples that don't make the cut. While great for snacking, Gala, Fuji and Red Delicious are the most common apples that won't hold up in the oven and will give you a watery-mushy pie, tart or cake.

What are the best apples for applesauce? ›

The best apples for applesauce are whatever apples you have on hand and need to use up. However, if you have a choice, we recommend using a combination of sweet and tangy varieties for the best flavor. Popular sweet varieties include Honeycrisp and Fuji, while popular tangy varieties include Granny Smith and Braeburn.

Can I freeze apples? ›

Sweeter apples such as Fujis or Galas are more likely to hold their flavor than tart varieties, but any apple will do fine in the freezer for six to nine months. Perhaps more important to keep in mind, though, is that freezing an apple does alter the texture, leaving the flesh spongier than that of a fresh apple.

What happens if you don't put apples in the fridge? ›

Apples are safe at room temperature, but their higher ethylene content contributes to faster ripening. Apples stored in the refrigerator can last for several weeks. Cut produce is more susceptible to pathogens, so storing in the refrigerator can limit pathogen growth.

Should I wash apples before storing? ›

#2 Wait Then Wash: Avoid washing fall apples before storing them. Water absorbs through the skin of the apple and will actually speed up the deterioration process. Instead, wait to wash apples until you are ready to eat them. #3 Store at a Constant Temperature: Apples should be stored at a constant temperature.

Are you allowed to eat apples while apple picking? ›

There is also the possibility that bird feces fell on the fruit, and sometimes it's not visible to the human eye. For this reason, many farms technically don't allow you to eat fruit onsite and recommend you take the apples home and wash them properly.

How do you keep apples from turning brown when you cut them? ›

To use this method to prevent apples from turning brown, create a water bath for your apple slices with a ratio of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of water. Soak the apple slices for 3 to 5 minutes, then drain and rinse them. This simple step should keep your apples from browning for several hours.

Is it better to pick apples or leave them on the tree? ›

Apples are ready to be picked when they easily detach from the tree. Pulling or twisting your apple off the tree could cause damage, and indicates your apple is not ripe. It's best to leave them for harvesting another day.

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