Apple desserts are the definition of cozy comfort food. From classic apple pie to quick crisps and warm apple donuts, these treats are simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With their sweet-tart flavor and natural juiciness, apples shine in just about every type of dessert.
So if you're wondering "what desserts to make with apples," you're in the right place. We're sharing 20 of the best easy apple dessert recipes that are beginner-friendly and made with everyday ingredients like fresh apples, cinnamon, butter, and sugar. From quick no-fuss treats to impressive baked goods, you'll find an apple dessert here for every mood, season, and occasion - pies, crisps, cobblers, cakes, muffins, cheesecakes, and more.
This collection was inspired by my love of baking with apples, especially in the fall when they're at their peak. If you enjoy these recipes, don't miss my 50 Best Fall Desserts for even more cozy inspiration to pair with the season.
Why You'll Love Baking with Apples
- Naturally sweet and versatile. Apples bring just the right amount of natural sweetness and moisture to desserts, making them perfect for everything from pies and crisps to cakes and muffins.
- Pairs perfectly with warm spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and caramel are classic companions that highlight the cozy flavor of baked apples.
- Seasonal yet timeless. While apple desserts are especially popular in the fall, they're delicious year-round and easy to make with whatever variety is in season.
- Beginner-friendly. Apples are forgiving to work with - no special techniques required. Slice, dice, or bake them whole and you'll end up with something delicious.
- Crowd-pleasing. Whether you're baking for family, friends, or a holiday gathering, apple desserts are always a guaranteed hit.
Best Apple Desserts
Braided Lattice Apple Pie
This braided lattice apple pie is packed with cinnamon apples tossed in a caramel sauce and sealed in a buttery, flaky pie crust with a braided lattice top. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Baked Apples
Baked Apples are soft, warm, and tender, with a crunchy sweet cinnamon oat filling. This cozy and comforting fall dessert is quick easy to make too.
Apple Tart
This Apple Tart is a cozy fall dessert made with tart apples nestled in a flaky crust and topped with cinnamon sugar. It's like an apple pie but way better!
Apple Crumble
Made with tender apples and topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble, this old-fashioned Apple Crumble is the perfect fall dessert!
Apple Turnovers
With a buttery, flaky crust and spiced sweet apple filling, these homemade Apple Turnovers are hands down one of the best ways to enjoy this seasonal fruit.
Caramelized Apples
Add a touch of sweetness to your breakfast or dessert with this easy caramelized apple topping recipe. Perfect for pancakes, waffles, ice cream, and more!
Apple Crisp
This easy apple crisp with tender cinnamon-sugar apples and crispy oat topping is sweet, tart, and just as delicious as an apple pie but takes a lot less effort.
Apple Cake
Easy Apple Cake has a dense and moist crumb and is loaded with fresh apples, cinnamon sugar, and nuts. It's quick, easy, and ready to eat in under an hour.
Caramel Apples
Homemade Caramel Apples are sweet, delicious, and fun to make. Chewy caramel made from scratch covers crisp juicy apples, topped with optional toppings.
Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins
Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins with a streusel topping are fast, easy and delicious- loaded with apples, oats, and fall spices. A quick nutritious bite for breakfast or snack time.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts Recipe
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these delicious baked apple cider donuts coated in spiced cinnamon sugar. An easy to make and cozy fall treat!
Individual Apple Crisp
Individual apple crisp is a sweet tart fall dessert served in single-sized portions with all the crunchy corners of crumble. And so quick and easy to prep.
Apple Pie Bars
Homemade Apple Pie Bars are sweet, tart, and crumbly. With 3 delicious layers including a flaky pastry crust, cinnamon apple filling, and crumbly topping.
Apple Nachos
Apple Nachos are a quick, healthy snack made with crisp apples, nut butter, and toppings. Fun, customizable, and ready in minutes!
Healthier Caramel Apple Fall Cheesecake
Decadent and light, homemade healthier caramel apple fall cheesecake is made with a graham cracker crust, topped with caramel apples and caramel sauce. It's fall heaven.
Applesauce Bread
Homemade applesauce bread is fluffy, moist, and delicious. Loaded with fall flavors that transforms your favorite snack into a loaf cake.
Easy Homemade Apple Hand Pies
Easy homemade apple hand pies are the perfect fall treat -- stuffed with tender, sweet and cinnamon apples and wrapped in crispy, flakey, buttery crust.
Homemade Applesauce
Homemade applesauce is a quick and easy fall treat with just 3 ingredients and very little time and effort. Serve it as a healthy snack or dessert.
Cranberry-Apple Cobbler with Biscuits
This sweet and tart cranberry apple cobbler recipe with biscuits is packed with fresh fruit and a buttery biscuit topping. This holiday favourite is easy to make.
Healthy Apple Pie Fall Smoothie
Healthy Apple Pie Fall Smoothie is quick and easy to make in minutes, delicious and nutritious, and tastes like apple pie - without the calories.
Storage
How to Store
Most apple desserts will keep well for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Baked goods like apple muffins, bread, or cake can sit at room temperature if covered, while pies, crisps, and cheesecakes are best kept chilled.
How to Reheat
Reheat baked apple desserts in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For individual portions, the microwave works too, in 20-30 second intervals. If the dessert has a crumb topping or crust, reheating in the oven helps keep it crisp.
How to Freeze
Many apple desserts are freezer-friendly, especially pies, crisps, and muffins. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For crisps and cobblers, freeze just the filling and topping separately, then assemble and bake fresh for the best texture.
FAQ
The best baking apples are firm, slightly tart varieties that hold their shape and flavor. Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp apples, Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Jonagold are all great options. You can also use fuji or gala apples. They balance sweetness and tartness, making them perfect for pies, crisps, and cobblers. Mixing two different apple varieties often gives the best flavor and texture in baked desserts.
Yes, soft apples can still be used in certain desserts like applesauce, apple butter, or smoothies where texture isn't as important. However, for pies and crisps, soft apples may break down too much and create a mushy filling. If you need to use them up, try baking them whole with cinnamon and sugar for a simple, cozy treat.
To prevent apples from browning, toss the slices in a little lemon juice before using them. You can also use lime juice, orange juice, or even a diluted solution of water and vinegar. The acid slows oxidation and keeps the apples looking fresh and appetizing. If the apples will be baked, a bit of browning won't affect the final dish.
Apples pair beautifully with warm spices. Cinnamon is the classic choice, but nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and allspice add extra depth. Ginger can bring a little zing, while vanilla or maple syrup can enhance the sweetness. Combining a few of these spices will give your apple dessert layers of flavor.
Yes, many apple desserts freeze well, especially pies, crisps, and muffins. Allow them to cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through. This makes it easy to bake ahead for holidays or gatherings.
More Recipe Collections
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Tried any of these apple dessert recipes?
I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and rating for the apple recipe that you made to share your feedback. Your reviews help others discover the recipe and help me keep creating more free recipes for you. Snap a photo and tag me on social media @aheadofthyme too.
Recipe
Best Apple Desserts: Baked Apples
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Discover 20 best easy apple dessert recipes, from pies and crisps to cakes, muffins, and donuts. Cozy, simple, and perfect for any occasion. One of our favorite apple desserts are these Baked Apples.
Ingredients
- 4 large and firm apples, rinsed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons raisins or cranberries (optional)
- ¾ cup apple cider (or water), warm
Instructions
- Preheat oven to a 375°F.
- Use a sharp paring knife or an apple corer to cut out the apple cores, about ¾ down into the apple (leaving ½ inch from the bottom intact). Then, use a small metal spoon to dig out the core and remove any seeds. Use a small knife to score them a little across the entire surface with a knife (this will help the apples from splitting in the oven when baked).
- Transfer the cored apples to an 8-inch square baking pan, standing upright.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, and cinnamon together using a hand mixer. Add oats, pecans, and raisins (if using) and stir together until incorporated.
- Use a spoon to stuff each apple with the oat mixture, filling it all the way to the top. Pour warm apple cider (or water) into the bottom of the baking pan (to prevent the apples from burning).
- Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the apples are cooked through and slightly soft, but not mushy.
- Serve as is or with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and Salted Caramel Sauce drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
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