Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. There’s just something magical about the crisp air, the colorful leaves, and the excuse to wear cozy sweaters 24/7. But the real highlight? Our annual family apple picking adventure. Yes, I know, if you’ve been here for a while, you know I planted apple trees a few years ago, but they’re not exactly fruitful yet – darn the bare root plantings—I have hope that next year is our year.
So every year, we pile into the car, armed with more enthusiasm than sense, and head to the nearest orchard. It’s a day filled with laughter, the occasional squabble over who found the “perfect” apple, and inevitably, someone (usually me) climbing too high in a tree and needing a rescue.
The problem? We always come home with way more apples than any reasonable family could eat. I swear those bags are enchanted – they seem normal-sized at the orchard, but by the time we get home, they’ve multiplied like rabbits.
So, there I am, staring at a small mountain of apples, wondering how on earth we’re going to use them all before they turn into compost. That’s when I roll up my sleeves and get creative in the kitchen.
Over the years, I’ve come up with a bunch of recipes that have become family favorites. Some are classics with a twist, others are happy accidents that turned into delicious traditions. From sweet to savory, simple to slightly more adventurous, these recipes have saved many an apple from a sad, forgotten fate in the back of the fridge.
So, if you find yourself in a similar apple abundance situation, or just want to inject some fall flavors into your meals, stick around. I’m about to share five of my favorite apple recipes that’ll make you the apple of everyone’s eye. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun – mom jokes come free with all my recipes!)
The Mood: Cozy Nostalgia with a Twist
Upside-Down Maple Apple Cake
Let me tell you about my Upside-Down Caramel Apple Cake – it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen magician, even if you still occasionally burn your toast (come on, we’ve all been there).
I start with a mix of Granny Smiths and Honeycrisps, sliced thin and arranged in a spiral that’s somewhere between “Pinterest-worthy” and “modern art.” It’s at the bottom of the pan, but it’ll be the star of the show later – trust the process, folks!
Now, let’s talk caramel. Melting butter and maple syrup together is like conducting a sweet symphony. It bubbles and swirls, filling your kitchen with a scent that’ll make your neighbors jealous. Pro tip: resist the urge to faceplant directly into the pan. I know it’s tempting, but patience pays off.
For the cake, I go rogue with whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt. It’s like sneaking veggies into a kid’s meal, but tastier. The batter comes together like a dream, and into the oven it goes.
The grand finale is the flip. It’s my moment of glory, a culinary trust fall. And when that caramel-soaked apple design is revealed? Pure magic. Serve it warm with ice cream, and bask in the adoration. Just remember to act humble when they ask for the recipe – we kitchen wizards have to maintain some mystery, right?
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Upside-Down Maple Apple Cake
Our Upside-Down Maple Apple Cake takes everything you love about traditional apple pie and quite literally turns it on its head. The result? A gooey, maple caramel-infused masterpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 1hr 15 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bakery
Ingredients
For the topping:
- 4 medium apples (2 Granny Smith, 2 Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the cake:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or cake pan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup maple syrup and cinnamon, stirring until combined.
- Remove from heat and arrange apple slices in a circular pattern over the butter and maple mixture.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup maple syrup until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, beating well after each addition.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and Greek yogurt to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Carefully spread the batter over the arranged apples.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
- Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Learn more about this recipe in Upside-Down Maple Apple Cake: A Sweet Flip on Tradition.
The Mood: Crisp Autumn Days in a Bowl
Rustic Apple and Cheddar Galette
Ever heard the saying, “An apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without the squeeze”? Yeah, I thought it was nonsense too until I accidentally dropped some cheddar into my apple pie mix. Oops turned into yum, and voila – this Rustic Apple and Cheddar Galette was born!
Now, don’t let the fancy French name scare you. It’s basically a lazy pie that’s supposed to look messy. Perfect for those of us who can’t crimp a pie edge to save our lives!
I use Braeburns or Pink Ladies because they hold their shape and don’t turn into apple mush. The real magic? We’re smuggling finely grated aged cheddar into the crust. It’s like a cheese ninja, sneaking in flavor and making the crust flakier than my commitment to New Year’s resolutions.
The filling’s simple – just apples, a whisper of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Oh, and a sprinkle of thyme if you have it, because you’re fancy like that.
Serve it warm, room temp, whatever. It’s a galette, not your high school prom date – it’s flexible!
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Apple and Cheddar Galette
This Apple and Cheddar Galette is like your dessert and cheese board had a baby with this tart that marries the sweetness of apples with the sharp, creamy notes of aged cheddar cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Bakery
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1/2 cup aged cheddar, finely grated
- 3 medium Braeburn or Pink Lady apples, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse flour and butter until crumbly. Add cheese and ice water, pulse until dough forms.
- Chill dough for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll dough into a 12-inch circle on parchment paper.
- Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and thyme. Arrange on dough, leaving a 2-inch border.
- Fold edges over, brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
Learn more about this recipe in Rustic Apple and Cheddar Galette: A Slice of Sweet and Savory Heaven.
The Mood: Nourishing Simplicity with Natural Sweetness
Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding
Alright, for this next one I dare to sort of blow your minds with a concoction that’s ridiculously good for your body and your tastebuds. Enter: Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Chia seeds? Isn’t that what grows green hair on terracotta heads?” Trust me, I was skeptical too. But these little guys are nutritional powerhouses and turn into nature’s gummy bears when soaked. It’s like magic, but edible!
We’re using almond milk because we’re fancy (and lactose intolerant), a touch of maple syrup for sweetness, and grated or blended Gala apples because who has time to chew? Throw in some cinnamon – not just for flavor, but to help regulate blood sugar. See? We’re practically making medicine here!
The best part? You can make it the night before, which is perfect for those of us who can barely function pre-coffee. Top it with whatever you want – granola, yogurt, or hey, no judgment if you add chocolate chips. I won’t tell if you don’t!
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Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding
This Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding takes the nutritional powerhouse that is chia seeds and pairs it with the natural sweetness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon to create a treat that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 medium Gala apple, cored and grated or blended
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: granola, chopped nuts, Greek yogurt
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Stir in grated/blended apple.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, give it a good stir. If too thick, add a splash of almond milk.
- Top with your choice of toppings and enjoy!
Learn more about this recipe in Apple Cinnamon Chia Pudding: A Wholesome Treat for Any Time of Day.
The Mood: Cozy Comfort with a Healthy Twist
Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats
Now I’d like to welcome you to the world of Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats, aka the “I’m-too-lazy-to-cook-breakfast-but-still-want-to-feel-full-in-the-morning” miracle.
Here’s the deal: You throw some oats in a jar with milk and yogurt (dairy or plant-based), add grated apples (Gala or Fuji, because they’re sweet enough to mask the fact that you’re eating something healthy), a generous sprinkle of cinnamon (which is basically apple’s soulmate), and let the fridge do the work while you sleep.
In the morning, jazz it up with some nuts, maybe a dollop of almond butter, berries, or if you’re feeling wild, a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but with a halo instead.
Pro tip: Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ll have breakfast sorted for the week. Look at you, meal prepping like a boss!
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Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats
Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats is a make-ahead miracle that’s like having dessert for breakfast, but with all the health benefits of a well-balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours and 10 mins
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small Gala or Fuji apple, grated
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Optional toppings: chopped walnuts, almond butter
Instructions
- In a jar, combine oats, milk, yogurt, grated apple, cinnamon, maple syrup, and chia seeds.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
- In the morning, stir the oats and add a splash of milk if too thick.
- Top with desired toppings and enjoy!
Learn more about this recipe in Cinnamon Apple Overnight Oats: A Breakfast Hug in a Jar.
The Mood: Savory Surprise with a Touch of Sweetness
Apple and Onion Tarte Tatin
Okay, folks, buckle up. We’re about to take your taste buds on a rollercoaster ride with this Apple and Onion Tarte Tatin. Granny Smiths work great here because they’ve got enough attitude to stand up to the onions, but any slightly tart apple like Pacific Rose, McIntosh or Empire will work . Red onions join the party for their sweet-and-mild personality.
Now, here’s where it gets fun. We’re going to play culinary Jenga, layering these bad boys in a skillet, dousing them in a butter-sugar mixture, and then letting them caramelize. Your kitchen will smell like autumn took a vacation in France.
Top it with puff pastry (store-bought, because we’re fancy but not masochists), bake until golden, then flip it like you’re auditioning for a cooking show. Crumble some goat cheese on top, sprinkle with thyme, and watch your dinner guests’ jaws drop. It’s part side dish, part main course, total showstopper. Bon appétit, my friends!
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Apple and Onion Tarte Tatin
Our Apple and Onion Tarte Tatin takes the classic French dessert and gives it a savory makeover that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Bakery
Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 red onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey, or maple syrup)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9-inch oven-safe skillet, arrange apple and onion slices in a circular pattern.
- Sprinkle with sugar, dot with butter.
- Cook over medium heat until caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover with puff pastry, tucking edges into the pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a plate.
- Top with crumbled goat cheese and thyme leaves.
Learn more about this recipe in Apple and Onion Tarte Tatin: Where Sweet Meets Savory in French-Inspired Elegance.
Wrapping Up Our Apple Adventure
As we come to the end of our apple-filled journey, it’s clear that this humble fruit is capable of so much more than just keeping the doctor away. From sweet to savory, breakfast to dessert, and classic to innovative, apples have proven their incredible versatility in the kitchen.
We’ve explored just a handful of the myriad ways to incorporate apples into your cooking. But don’t stop here! The world of apple recipes is vast and varied. Here are a few more from our Apples Gardening Guide:
If you want to grow apples at home, our Apples Gardening Guide is available now! Apples are the perfect portable snack. They’re delicious, nutritious, and packed with antioxidants! You can grow soaring, full-sized trees in your yard, grow smaller trees in raised beds or containers, or even train an apple tree to grow along a fence or a wall! No matter how small your garden space, there’s an apple variety for you! Learn about it all in our Apples Gardening Guide right now!
If you try these recipes, let me know what you think in the comments below!
