When I turn my calendar from August to September, picking apples and making apple recipes is the first thing I look forward to. And while I most often make this apple crisp first, I also like to use apples to make breakfasts, baked goods, savory main dishes, and side dishes. I find them to be the perfect naturally sweet complement in so many apple-inclusive salads and dinner recipes. That’s why this collection features both sweet and savory apple recipes.
The Best Apples For Cooking And Baking
Many different types of apples are great choices for baking. A tart apple (such as a Granny Smith apple, McIntosh, or Pink Lady), can help balance out a very sweet apple pie or apple cake, for example.
On the other hand, in baked recipes that don’t have a lot of added sugar (such as many on this website), it may be better to choose a sweet apple variety (such as Honeycrisp, Opal, or Envy).
The main thing to remember when selecting an apple variety for a baked recipe is that there are only a few apples that are much better for raw snacking than they are for baking, and those are Gala, Fuji, and Red Delicious.
Breakfast Recipes
I think breakfast recipes, whether it’s a savory hash or a sweet baked good, are a wonderful way to incorporate apples. These breakfast options range from make-ahead oats and muffins to DIY breakfast sausages.
Apple Coffee Cake
Ana likes to bring her seasonal baked goods to church gatherings, and this apple coffee cake is a favorite in the fall. This cozy coffee cake combines tender fresh apples, a cinnamon-spiced cake batter, and a buttery crumb topping for the perfect fall treat. It is equally delicious served for breakfast, brunch, as an afternoon snack, or even for a simple dessert.
Dairy-Free Option | Gluten-Free Option | Nut-Free | Vegetarian
Apple Cinnamon Protein Muffins
When fall rolls around, Ana starts craving all things cozy and cinnamon-spiced, and these cinnamon apple protein muffins are the perfect way to bring those warm flavors into a nourishing snack or breakfast. Made with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt, applesauce, and fresh diced apples, they’re soft, just sweet enough, and packed with 7 grams of protein per muffin. These cinnamon apple protein muffins are lightly sweetened from just a ½ cup of sugar (or coconut sugar).
Dairy-Free Option | Gluten-Free Option | High Protein | Nut-Free
Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
I love baked oatmeal recipes, and this one has become one of my favorite fall breakfasts. It’s somewhat like a mix between apple cake, baked oatmeal bars, and coffee cake. I top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh apples, and cinnamon to eat with a fork. Or just cut out a serving for a handheld oatmeal cake recipe that doubles as a nutritious grab-and-go breakfast.
Dairy-Free Option | Gluten-Free | Vegetarian
Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Every fall when I take my kids apple picking, this is the first easy recipe I love to make. When made in the Instant Pot with a cooking total time of 6 minutes, steel cut oats get infused with the apple flavor of soft and sweet diced cinnamon apples. I like to top a serving of this quick and cozy fall breakfast with more fresh apples and a drizzle of maple syrup for a perfect start to a cool, crisp fall day.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Nut-Free | Vegan
Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Fall baking at its finest. Molly loves to make these healthy breakfast cookies for a quick option her husband can grab as he’s heading out the door or as an afterschool snack to take to her kids’ pick-up line. Made with old-fashioned oats, warming spices like ginger and cinnamon, Greek yogurt, diced apples, walnuts, and raisins, these cookies are low in sugar and dish up energy-supplying carbohydrates.
Dairy-Free Option | Gluten-Free | Nut-Free Option | Vegetarian
Morning Glory Muffins
Stacie based the recipe for these delicious and nutritious muffins off of a favorite Morning Glory Muffin she can get at her local co-op in rural Minnesota. It’s loaded with whole food additions, from shredded carrots and grated apple to pecans and golden raisins.
Dairy-Free | Gluten-Free Option | Vegetarian
Butternut Squash and Apple Hash with Sausage
This sautéed breakfast hash is one of Jess’ favorite ways to enjoy apples while getting a protein-rich morning meal. Not only does the recipe call for one apple, but it’s also veggie loaded onion, butternut squash, and hearty greens (you can use kale, chard, or spinach). If you’d like, top yours with a fried egg.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-Free | Paleo | Whole30
Turkey Apple Sausage Patties
It’s surprisingly easy to make breakfast sausage patties from scratch. And if the sweet-savory combination appeals, then these turkey patties are a must-make. To make them, mix ground turkey with finely minced apple, and some everyday pantry seasonings. Then, shape the patties into flat rounds and cook them in a skillet. The cooked patties are freezer friendly for up to 3 months.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-Free | Paleo | Whole30
Desserts And Baked Goods
Whether it’s apple crisp or apple pastry, I love desserts that incorporate tender apples combined with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These apple desserts are wholesome and so tasty.
Apple Cake
Ana created this simple cake to be packed with apple flavor from both fresh apples and applesauce. Shredded apples keep the cake moist and tender, while thinly sliced apples arranged on top create a beautiful presentation with minimal effort.
Dairy-Free Option | Gluten-Free Option | Nut-Free | Vegetarian
Healthy Apple Crisp
This apple crisp recipe features a simple crumble topping that’s made from oats, flour, pecans, and brown sugar for a classic apple dessert that always pleases everyone at the table. She makes it most often with Honeycrisp apples from her own backyard apple trees, but any favorite apple variety will work.
Egg-Free | Gluten-Free Option | Vegetarian
Peanut Butter Apple Crumble
Is apple crisp the same as apple crumble? This recipe would prove that yes, they are pretty much the same thing. I developed this recipe to showcase a favorite pairing: sliced apple and peanut butter, and it smells so divine as it’s baking in the oven – I’ve even been known to start eating it right out of the baking dish! Top servings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream topping for the ultimate fall dessert.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Vegan | Vegetarian
Grain-Free Apple Crisp
Stacie developed this grain-free version of apple crisp that is so delicious. The no-oats crumble topping features nuts, coconut flakes, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a light natural sweetener of maple syrup. This Paleo friendly apple crisp has been a reader favorite for years. It also can be assembled, without baking, and frozen for up to 3 months. Then, let the crisp thaw overnight in the refrigerator before finishing in the oven as directed.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | Paleo | Vegan | Vegetarian
Baked Apples
Jess believes in the power of simple, good ingredients, and that is definitely showcased in this baked apple dessert. Oven-roasted apple halves get a crispy old-fashioned oat-pecan topping that’s flavored with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the most scrumptious way to enjoy a simple baked apple.
Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free Option | Vegetarian | Vegan Option
Apple Pie with Crumb Topping
Ana created a recipe for gluten-free apple pie recipe that couldn’t be easier. She tops this delicious single pie crust apple pie with a crumble-style topping, making it more of a Dutch apple pie. This filling also works great when I make galettes. I follow Ana’s recipe for her berry galette but I use apple pie filling instead of berries.
Dairy-Free Option | Gluten-Free | Nut-Free | Vegetarian
Salads, Side Dishes, and Drinks
This collection shows the versatility of apples, incorporating easily into fresh and crisp salads, as well as warm baked sides.
Apple Slaw
A good slaw is always welcome at my table, but my kids were especially excited to see this fresh apple slaw, which has become my go-to-veggie side dish when crisp apples are at their peak. Fresh, crisp, and tangy, this apple slaw recipe is the perfect addition to these dinner bowls, sandwiches, and salads.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | Nut-Free | Vegetarian
Harvest Salad with Quinoa
This salad recipe is a great choice for fall potlucks, holiday menus, and dinners with friends. It will impress everyone at the table, as it’s full of flavor, hearty, and every bite comes with a mix of sweet, salty, and savory notes. It also makes a great side dish, but it’s also hearty enough for a main-dish salad (with or without added chicken or another protein). Also great for
Dairy-Free Option | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Nut-Free Option | Vegan Option | Vegetarian
Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
This easy veggie salad is so simple yet so unique. In fact, it’s one of the first RFD recipes to ever go viral and thousands of people have made it. The base of the salad is broccoli and cauliflower, and the addition of diced apple, celery, red onion, almonds, and feta take it over the top. It all comes together with a creamy vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, mayo, and honey.
Dairy-Free Option | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | Nut-Free Option | Paleo | Vegetarian | Whole30 Option
Brussels Sprouts Salad
Stacie has always been a fan of Brussels sprouts recipes, and this flavorful and crunchy salad is one of her favorite ways to enjoy them. Crisp shaved Brussels sprouts combine with apples, dried fruit, toasted almonds, bacon, Parmesan, and a bright citrus vinaigrette. She serves it as a holiday side dish or topped with chicken for a complete meal.
Egg-Free | Dairy-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free
Cauliflower Stuffing
This veggie-packed, healthy cauliflower stuffing features all of the flavors of traditional stuffing but without the bread. It’s the perfect allergy-friendly side dish for Thanksgiving and family meals. And, a lot like other stuffings, the flavor is even better the next day.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | Nut-Free Option | Paleo | Vegan Option | Vegetarian | Whole30
Massaged Kale Salad
This salad proves that fall salads can be just as colorful and fresh as summer salads. Featuring hearty winter kale, shredded Brussels sprouts, sweet apples, dried fruit, and seeds, this salad is reminiscent of a popular bagged salad combination from the grocery story. But it’s so easy to make at home and comes together with a simple apple cider vinaigrette.
Dairy-Free Option | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | Nut-Free Option | Vegetarian
Sweet Potato “Unstuffing”
Stacie created this grain-free recipe to feature all flavors of stuffing, just without the bread. It surprises many people (including diehard fans of traditional stuffing) with how absolutely delicious it is. This plant-based stuffing is loaded with a variety of veggies and flavor boosts from dried cherries, apples, pecans, and fresh herbs.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | Paleo | Vegan | Vegetarian | Whole30
Cinnamon Sweet Potato Apple Bake
This fall side dish has made an appearance on many Thanksgiving and fall menus since it combines two favorite in-season fall foods. The apples and sweet potatoes complement each other so well and require just a little bit of butter and cinnamon to roast to tender perfection in the oven.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | Nut-Free Option | Paleo | Vegan Option | Vegetarian | Whole30
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Applesauce
When there are a lot of apples to use up, this homemade applesauce is just the thing to make. It features a can of pumpkin puree, resulting in an apple sauce that is on the thicker side (though not as thick as apple butter). It tastes great on its own or stirred into a favorite plain yogurt or for a decadent fall dessert it makes a great topping for cheesecake. It also freezes well. This works well with almost any apple variety, except for Granny Smith apples, which are too tart.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | Nut-Free | Paleo | Vegan | Vegetarian
Apple Cider Sangria
Jess created this best fall cocktail recipe by incorporating apple cider into traditional sangria. It’s just the thing to sip on when apple-picking season is upon us. It features fresh pear and apple slices, dry white wine, homemade or store-bought apple cider, and kombucha or ginger beer. We like to use a sweet apple, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady, in this drink recipe.
Dairy free | Egg free | Gluten free | Nut free | Vegan
Main Dishes
These protein-rich main dishes further showcase the versatility of apples. In these main dishes, they help balance savory flavors to create delicious and seasonal lunches and dinners.
Apple Cider Pulled Pork Bowls
There’s no doubt about it: We love dinner bowls around here. And these fall pork bowls are especially convenient since all the components can be made ahead of time for quick assembly on weeknights. With apple cider-infused pork and a fresh apple slaw served over sweet mashed potatoes, this recipe provides many cozy leftovers to reheat for lunch on crisp autumn days.
Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | High-Protein
Pork And Sauerkraut
I am of German heritage, so a recipe like this shredded pork and sauerkraut is something I’d see on holiday tables and at family gatherings growing up. In fact, in Germany, eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day is a common tradition believed to bring good luck. This simple slow cooker method turns out the most tender and juicy pork infused with tangy, briny, balanced flavors from the kraut, onion, and apple.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | High-Protein | Paleo | Whole30
Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
This sausage stuffed squash recipe is exactly what I crave when the air gets crisp and squash is in season. It’s made with roasted acorn squash halves (an edible bowl), ground pork, vegetables, fresh herbs, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and shredded Parmesan to encapsulate the flavors of the autumn season.
Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | High-Protein
Roasted Pork Loin with Apples
An oven-roasted pork loin is just right for fall dinners. This one is made on a sheet pan right alongside chopped apples, red onion, and Brussels sprouts. The result is a super flavorful and nutritionally well-rounded dinner that’s high in protein and fiber and low in saturated fat. Plus, it comes together with just 20 minutes of hands-on prep time.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | High-Protein | Nut-Free | Paleo | Whole30
Curry Chicken Salad
This recipe is an all-time reader-favorite chicken salads, and it never disappoints for a quick and healthy high-protein lunch. Jess adds this recipe to her weekend meal prep sessions often. The addition of diced apple is a wonderful complement to the tender chicken, curry-mayo dressing, red onion, celery, raisins, and cashews.
Dairy-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | Paleo | Whole30
Cranberry Chicken Salad
When she has some pre-cooked shredded chicken on hand, Stacie loves to make this easy chicken salad. It features so many flavorful mix-ins, including bacon, apple, celery, red onion, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and rosemary. And when you have the chicken cooked ahead of time, there is zero cook time required.
Dairy-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | Paleo | Whole30
Harvest Chicken Salad
Ana and her four hungry boys can’t get enough of this high-protein roasted salad. In fact, she always makes a double batch since it disappears so fast. As a bonus, most of the ingredients, including cubed chicken breast, sweet potato, and red onion, cook on a baking sheet while you whisk together the easy maple dijon dressing. Finish it by tossing the roasted ingredients with fresh spinach, apple, dried cranberries, and walnuts.
Dairy-Free | Gluten-Free | Grain-Free | High-Protein | Paleo
Apple Health Benefits
The saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” may be true! Apples are one of those rare foods (dare I say superfoods) that provides so much good nutrition in one package. Some impressive apple benefits:
- apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber
- their unique fiber content has also been linked to reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers
- apples are high in potassium, which is important for nerve control, muscle contractions, and blunting the impact of high-sodium diets.
- they are high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that is linked to skin health and aiding your body’s natural defenses against disease and infection
Frequently Asked Questions
Some recipes that require a lot of apples are homemade applesauce, apple jelly, apple butter, and apple cider.
Some apple dessert recipes that come together very quickly are:
– Grain-Free Apple Crisp
– Baked Apples
– Apple Cake
– Healthy Apple Crisp
A cobbler is a type of dessert with fruit (apple or berries, for example) and a cake-like batter or topped with a biscuit topping.
A crisp and a crumble are a little harder to distinguish. They are both used to describe a fruit dessert that is covered with a crumble streusel-type topping. Some people debate that a crumble topping contains nuts but no oats. Other people argue the opposite – that a crumble includes oats and nuts, while a crisp topping includes flour and butter.
Most of the apple recipes on this site do not require peeling apples. In fact, most often we prefer to keep them on for extra color and fiber. Peeling apples is often a matter of preference and is most often done for recipes like apple pie.
More Fall Recipe Roundups To Try
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