Apples are incredibly versatile ingredients that can be seamlessly integrated with a wide range of flavors and textures. This versatility is exemplified by the countless sweet and savory combinations possible with apples, cheese, cinnamon, caramel, oats, butter, and nuts. While there are over 7,000 varieties of apples worldwide, local markets typically offer fewer than six options.
Fortunately, any variety can be used in most recipes, although the level of sweetness may require adjustments depending on the specific type of apple employed. In a world where an apple a day is believed to keep the doctor away, why not indulge in these scrumptious desserts and get your daily dose of apples? Here’s a comprehensive collection of the best apple dessert recipes, perfect for exploring when apples are in season or whenever you crave something sweet.
Vegan Apple Cheese Puff Pastry Braid
This indulgent braid combines the flaky layers of strudel with the richness of Danish pastry, all made possible with the convenience of store-bought frozen puff pastry. To create the filling, tender chopped apples are cooked in a mixture of vegan butter, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon, resulting in a sweet and comforting base for the braid. Meanwhile, a tangy and creamy vegan cream cheese is whipped with an equal amount of brown sugar and a hint of vanilla extract. As you assemble the braid, step-by-step guidance ensures that even the most novice baker can achieve a beautifully braided treat.
Cinnamon Apple Dessert Chimichangas
Imagine a delicious dessert that combines the familiar flavors of a traditional burrito with the crispy, sweet crunch of a fried pastry. To make this indulgent treat, you’ll start by mixing together chopped apples with the warmth of cinnamon, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and the richness of brown sugar. A pinch of cornstarch helps to thicken the mixture to perfection. Once the apple filling has cooled, it’s time to assemble the chimichangas. Simply spoon the mixture into flour tortillas, roll them up tightly, and then fry them in hot oil until they’re golden brown and crispy. Finally, while the chimichangas are still warm from the fryer, roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Mini Apple Pies
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of these miniature apple pies, perfectly portioned to satisfy any craving. For added convenience, feel free to use either homemade or store-bought pre-made pie crust, whichever suits your taste. To create these bite-sized treats, combine chopped apples with a blend of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, along with a touch of flour as a thickening agent. Spoon the mixture into muffin pans lined with crust, then bake to perfection.
Apple Pie
In this traditional apple pie recipe, the star of the show is undoubtedly the luscious filling. To create this sweet and tangy delight, a roux is first made by cooking butter and flour together. Next, water and sugar are added to the mixture and it’s simmered until the desired consistency is reached. Meanwhile, thin slices of apples are mixed with cinnamon in a separate bowl, providing a delightful contrast to the rich filling. The recipe then guides you through the process of preparing your crust and crafting a beautiful lattice top for your pie, ensuring that every component comes together in perfect harmony.
Apple Pie Cupcakes
Indulge in a delightful twist on traditional cupcakes with this scrumptious recipe that combines the warmth of baked apples with the crunch of pecans. The journey begins by cooking chopped apples with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon juice until they’re tender and infused with flavor. Next, line muffin tins with store-bought pie crusts and fill each one with the apple mixture, followed by a generous helping of crumbled pecan topping. After baking to perfection, these unique cupcakes are ready to be devoured – and they pair perfectly with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of rich caramel sauce.
Easy German Apple Cake Recipe
In traditional German cuisine, a unique twist is added to the classic cake recipe by incorporating raw apples into the process. This technique results in a delightfully moist cake. The cake batter itself is reminiscent of a classic yellow cake. Once the prepared pan has been filled with the cake batter, the magic happens as thinly sliced apples are placed on top, followed by a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon. Finally, the treat is baked to perfection, yielding a sweet and savory dessert that’s sure to please.
Snickers Caramel Apple Salad
While the name might suggest a healthy start to your meal, this indulgent dessert is anything but a salad. To create this sweet treat, begin by whipping up a batch of instant vanilla pudding and incorporating Cool Whip for added fluffiness. Next, fold in some chopped Snickers bars, diced apples, and mini marshmallows. Finally, portion the mixture into serving bowls and crown it with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Apple Nachos
Indulge in a deliciously unique treat that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike – sweet apple nachos! This mouthwatering snack just happens to be vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. The star of the show is sliced apples, treated with a spritz of lemon juice to prevent unwanted browning. These ‘chips’ are then topped with a rich, melted peanut butter, crunchy coconut flakes, toasted almonds, and pecans for added texture, and finished off with a sprinkle of vegan chocolate chips. To take it to the next level, drizzle some more heated peanut butter over the top before digging in.
Apple Pie Bars
Indulge in the delightful combination of apple pie bars and morning coffee! A clever twist on traditional pie crust, these bars start by pressing a quick shortbread dough into a baking sheet pan. Next, cook tender chopped apples with butter, sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon until they’re perfectly blended. Pour the apple mixture over the shortbread base, then top it all off with a crumbly oat, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and pecan topping before baking to perfection.
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownies
Imagine a decadent dessert that combines the richness of brownies, the tanginess of cheesecake, and the crunch of caramelized apples and nuts. The foundation is a dense, fudgy brownie made by whisking together cocoa powder, sugar, and eggs. Pour this mixture into a pan and let it set before adding the next layer. A creamy cheesecake layer, crafted from cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, provides a velvety contrast to the dense brownie. Next, add a medley of textures with diced apples, toasted pecans, and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon. Finally, bake the masterpiece until golden, then allow it to cool before drizzling on a sweet and salty caramel sauce that ties everything together.
Caramel Apple Butter Dip
To craft this indulgent apple butter dip, start by combining cream cheese and store-bought apple butter as the foundation. Next, add in a touch of brown sugar, powdered sugar, and caramel sauce for an added layer of sweetness. Once ready to serve, garnish with crunchy chopped bits of toffee for a delightful textural contrast. Serve the dip with sliced apples, graham crackers, or vanilla wafers for a satisfying snack or dessert. This sweet treat is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
With simplicity being the name of the game, this cheesecake recipe’s steps are straightforward and require only 40-45 minutes of baking time. The foundation is a flaky shortbread crust, supporting a thick layer of creamy cheesecake. The crowning glory? Crunchy streusel topping, sweet caramel-coated cinnamon apples, all drizzled with a rich caramel sauce when served.
