17 Simple Apple Desserts That Bring Fall Flavors to Your Table

Did you know apples have been a symbol of knowledge and temptation for centuries? Well, we’re about to tempt you with the best way to enjoy fall’s favorite fruit. As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, apples take center stage, filling kitchens with their sweet aroma. Whether you’re a fan of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, there’s no denying that apples bring the perfect balance of tart and sweet to the season. Here are some simple ways to enjoy this autumn staple!

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a classic fall dessert that combines tender baked apples with a crunchy oat topping. To make it, peel and slice 6 medium apples, then toss them with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. For the topping, mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Spread the topping over the apples and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

This indulgent dessert combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweetness of caramel and apples. Start by making the crust: mix 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1/2 cup of diced apples. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 pan. For the filling, blend 16 oz of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the filling over the crust and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Once cooled, drizzle with caramel sauce and enjoy the perfect combination of tart apple, creamy cheesecake, and rich caramel.

Apple Pie Bites

Apple pie bites are a quick way to get all the flavors of apple pie in a bite-sized treat. Roll out a package of crescent roll dough and cut into triangles. Core and slice 2 medium apples into thin wedges, then toss them in a mixture of 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Place one apple slice on each crescent triangle, roll it up, and brush with melted butter. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, until golden and crispy. These are perfect for a quick dessert or a fall snack.

Apple Galette

An apple galette is a rustic French tart that’s simple to make yet looks impressive. Roll out a store-bought pie crust onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slice 3 medium apples and toss with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Arrange the apples in the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the crust over the apples and brush the crust with beaten egg. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.

Apple Fritters

Apple fritters are fried doughnuts packed with sweet apple chunks. Start by peeling and dicing 2 medium apples. In a bowl, mix 1 1/4 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 egg, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the apples. Fry spoonfuls of the batter in 350°F oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Apple Dumplings

Apple dumplings are whole apples wrapped in pastry and baked until soft and tender. Peel and core 4 medium apples, then place each apple on a square of pie dough. Fill the center of each apple with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar. Fold the dough over the apple, sealing the edges, and place in a baking dish. Pour a sauce made from 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon over the apples. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until the apples are tender and the pastry is golden.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

These muffins are soft, moist, and packed with apple and cinnamon flavors. Start by peeling and dicing 2 apples. In a bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 egg. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the apples. Spoon the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy these warm with a pat of butter.

Baked Apples

Baked apples are a simple dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of apples. Core 4 apples, leaving the bottom intact to form a little cup. Mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts or raisins, then stuff this mixture into each apple. Place the apples in a baking dish, and pour 1/2 cup of apple cider or water around them. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until the apples are tender. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.

Apple Turnovers

Apple turnovers are flaky pastries filled with spiced apples, perfect for a quick dessert. Peel and dice 3 medium apples, then toss them with 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll out a sheet of puff pastry and cut it into 4 squares. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each square, fold it into a triangle, and crimp the edges. Brush the tops with beaten egg and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden. Drizzle with icing for added sweetness.

Apple Oatmeal Cookies

These soft and chewy cookies combine the flavors of apples and oats for a wholesome fall treat. Peel and grate 1 large apple. In a bowl, cream 1/2 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, then add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix in 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 1/2 cups of oats. Stir in the grated apple, then drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden.

Spiced Apple Cake

This spiced apple cake is moist and fragrant, perfect for fall gatherings. Start by peeling and chopping 3 medium apples. In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of oil, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the apples. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 pan and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Apple Bread Pudding

This comforting dessert combines cubes of bread and apples in a rich custard. Peel and dice 2 medium apples. In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Add 4 cups of cubed bread and the diced apples, then pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Let it soak for 15 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until golden and set. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are soft, cakey, and packed with warm spices. Start by reducing 1 cup of apple cider down to 1/4 cup. In a bowl, whisk 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. In another bowl, cream 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup of butter, then add 1 egg and the reduced cider. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then spoon the batter into a greased donut pan. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, then toss in cinnamon sugar while warm.

Apple Streusel Bars

These bars have a buttery crust, a sweet apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping. Peel and dice 3 medium apples, then toss them with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter to make the crust. Press it into a baking dish and layer the apples on top. For the streusel, combine 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of oats, and 1/3 cup of butter. Sprinkle over the apples and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.

Apple Brownies

Apple brownies are moist and chewy with a hint of spice. Start by peeling and dicing 2 apples. In a bowl, cream 1/2 cup of butter with 1 cup of brown sugar, then add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir in 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Fold in the apples and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, if desired. Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 pan and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. These are perfect for a fall dessert with a cup of coffee.

Apple Cinnamon Scones

These buttery scones are filled with bits of apple and cinnamon. Peel and chop 1 large apple. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in 1/2 cup of cream and the chopped apple. Pat the dough into a circle, cut into wedges, and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Drizzle with glaze for a sweet finish.

Caramel Apple Tart

This caramel apple tart is a show-stopping dessert with a flaky crust and caramel-drizzled apples. Roll out a pie crust and fit it into a tart pan. Peel and slice 4 apples, then toss them with 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Arrange the apples in the tart shell and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the apples are soft and the crust is golden. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

15 Best Trader Joe’s Fall Items You Need to Buy ASAP

Fall is here, and so are Trader Joe’s must-have seasonal gems—so don’t sleep on these! If you’re looking to stock up on all things cozy, comforting, and pumpkin-spiced, now’s your chance. Read More.

12 Exclusive Dollar Tree Essentials Worth Grabbing

Have you ever stepped into Dollar Tree expecting their usual arrangement of budget-friendly goods, and then stumble into an unexpectedly delightful product? It’s in these moments you’ll realize that there are a lot of interesting discoveries at Dollar Tree that you will not find anywhere else. Read More.

15 Forgotten Superfoods from Around the World to Add to Your Meals

Many of the healthiest foods from the past have been left behind, even though they are packed with nutrition. These forgotten superfoods come from all corners of the globe and can boost the flavor and benefits of your meals. Read More.