Baking apples, known for their firm texture and balanced sweetness, are perfect for creating delectable desserts. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn hold their shape well under heat, making them ideal for baked goods. From classic pies to innovative tarts, baking apples can elevate your dessert game. Here, we explore the ten best desserts to make with baking apples, each promising a delightful treat.
10 Best Desserts to Make with Baking Apples
1. Classic Apple Pie: The Timeless Favorite
Introduction to Classic Apple Pie
No dessert list featuring baking apples is complete without the quintessential apple pie. This timeless favorite combines tender, flavorful apples with a flaky, buttery crust, creating a comforting and delicious dessert.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make a classic apple pie, you’ll need:
- Baking apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Lemon juice
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel, core, and slice the apples.
Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Roll out the pie crust and line a pie dish.
Fill the crust with the apple mixture and dot with butter.
Cover with a top crust, seal the edges, and cut slits for steam.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let it cool slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why It’s a Favorite
The combination of tart apples, sweet spices, and a flaky crust makes apple pie a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its aroma and taste evoke nostalgia and warmth, making it a perennial favorite.
2. Apple Crisp: The Crunchy Delight
Introduction to Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is a rustic dessert that pairs tender, spiced apples with a crunchy, buttery topping. It’s simpler to make than pie but just as satisfying.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make apple crisp, you’ll need:
- Baking apples (such as Braeburn or Cortland)
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Lemon juice
- Old-fashioned oats
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Nutmeg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel, core, and slice the apples.
Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, then place them in a baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, nutmeg, and melted butter to form the topping.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why It’s a Favorite
Apple crisp is beloved for its contrasting textures: the softness of the baked apples and the crunch of the oat topping. It’s a comforting, homestyle dessert that’s quick and easy to prepare.
3. Apple Galette: The Elegant Rustic Tart
Introduction to Apple Galette
An apple galette is a free-form tart that showcases the beauty of baking apples. It’s less formal than a pie but equally impressive, with a rustic charm.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make an apple galette, you’ll need:
- Baking apples (such as Gala or Honeycrisp)
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Lemon juice
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Apricot jam (optional, for glazing)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Roll out the pie crust into a rough circle on a baking sheet.
Arrange the apple slices in the center, leaving a border around the edges.
Fold the edges of the crust over the apples, pleating as needed.
Brush the crust with egg wash and dot the apples with butter.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
Optional: Brush the apples with warm apricot jam for a glossy finish.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Why It’s a Favorite
The apple galette’s rustic appearance and ease of preparation make it a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers. Its elegant presentation and delicious flavor make it suitable for any gathering.
4. Apple Turnovers: The Handheld Treat
Introduction to Apple Turnovers
Apple turnovers are portable pastries filled with spiced apples and encased in flaky puff pastry. They are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make apple turnovers, you’ll need:
- Baking apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Lemon juice
- Butter
- Puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- Egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Peel, core, and dice the apples.
In a saucepan, cook the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until tender.
Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares.
Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each square.
Fold the pastry over to form triangles and seal the edges with a fork.
Brush with egg wash and cut small slits for steam.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Let them cool slightly before serving.
Why It’s a Favorite
Apple turnovers are easy to make and convenient to eat. The combination of flaky pastry and warm, spiced apples makes them a delightful treat any time of day.
5. Apple Bread Pudding: The Comforting Classic
Introduction to Apple Bread Pudding
Apple bread pudding is a rich and comforting dessert that combines bread, apples, and a creamy custard. It’s perfect for using up stale bread and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make apple bread pudding, you’ll need:
- Baking apples (such as Braeburn or Rome)
- Stale bread (such as French bread or brioche)
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Butter
- Raisins (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel, core, and slice the apples.
Cut the bread into cubes and place them in a greased baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, cream, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Toss the apple slices with the bread cubes and raisins if using.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and apples, pressing down to soak the bread.
Dot with butter and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream.
Why It’s a Favorite
Apple bread pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for cool weather. Its rich, custardy texture and sweet apple flavor make it a beloved classic.
6. Caramel Apple Cheesecake: The Decadent Indulgence
Introduction to Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Caramel apple cheesecake is a luxurious dessert that combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the sweetness of caramel apples. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make caramel apple cheesecake, you’ll need:
- Baking apples (such as Gala or Honeycrisp)
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Graham crackers (for the crust)
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Heavy cream
- Cornstarch
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Crush graham crackers and mix with melted butter to form the crust. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
Peel, core, and dice the apples.
In a saucepan, cook the apples with brown sugar and a bit of butter until tender. Set aside.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until set.
Let it cool, then top with the cooked apples.
In a saucepan, make caramel sauce by combining brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Drizzle over the apples.
Chill before serving.
Why It’s a Favorite
Caramel apple cheesecake is rich, creamy, and indulgent, with layers of flavor and texture that delight the senses. It’s a perfect dessert for holidays and celebrations.
7. Apple Cider Donuts: The Festive Treat
Introduction to Apple Cider Donuts
Apple cider donuts are a fall favorite, often enjoyed at apple orchards and festivals. They are soft, spiced, and coated in cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make apple cider donuts, you’ll need:
- Baking apples (for apple cider reduction)
- Apple cider
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Cinnamon sugar (for coating)
Instructions:
Reduce apple cider by simmering it until thickened.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Add melted butter, eggs, milk, and the reduced apple cider.
Mix until combined, then chill the dough.
Roll out the dough and cut into donut shapes.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot.
Fry the donuts until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
Coat with cinnamon sugar while still warm.
Serve fresh and enjoy.
Why It’s a Favorite
Apple cider donuts are a nostalgic and festive treat that capture the essence of autumn. Their spiced flavor and warm, sugary coating make them irresistible.
8. Apple Streusel Coffee Cake: The Breakfast Delight
Introduction to Apple Streusel Coffee Cake
Apple streusel coffee cake is a moist and flavorful cake topped with a crumbly streusel. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make apple streusel coffee cake, you’ll need:
- Baking apples (such as Braeburn or Cortland)
- Flour
- Sugar
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel, core, and dice the apples.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the apples.
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
Make the streusel by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Sprinkle the streusel over the batter.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool before serving.
Why It’s a Favorite
Apple streusel coffee cake is moist, tender, and packed with apple flavor. The crunchy streusel topping adds texture and sweetness, making it a delightful treat for any time of day.
9. Apple Tart Tatin: The Upside-Down Classic
Introduction to Apple Tart Tatin
Apple tart tatin is a classic French dessert that features caramelized apples baked under a pastry crust and then flipped to serve. It’s elegant and delicious.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make apple tart tatin, you’ll need:
- Baking apples (such as Golden Delicious or Granny Smith)
- Sugar
- Butter
- Puff pastry
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel, core, and halve the apples.
In an ovenproof skillet, melt butter and sugar until caramelized.
Arrange the apple halves in the caramel, cut side up.
Cook until the apples are tender and the caramel is thickened.
Roll out puff pastry and place it over the apples, tucking in the edges.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden.
Let it cool slightly, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
Why It’s a Favorite
Apple tart tatin is a sophisticated dessert with a beautiful presentation. The combination of caramelized apples and flaky pastry creates a rich, satisfying flavor.
10. Apple Dumplings: The Homestyle Comfort
Introduction to Apple Dumplings
Apple dumplings are whole apples wrapped in pastry and baked with a sweet sauce. They are a comforting and nostalgic dessert.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make apple dumplings, you’ll need:
- Baking apples (such as Granny Smith or Rome)
- Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Water
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel and core the apples.
Roll out the pie crust and cut into squares.
Place an apple on each square and fill the center with sugar and cinnamon.
Dot with butter and wrap the pastry around the apple.
Place the wrapped apples in a baking dish.
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and vanilla. Heat until sugar dissolves.
Pour the sauce over the apples.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the pastry is golden and the apples are tender.
Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of cream.
Why It’s a Favorite
Apple dumplings are a cozy, homey dessert that’s perfect for fall and winter. The tender apple encased in buttery pastry and sweet sauce makes each bite delightful.
See Also: Making Apple Cake From Scratch
Conclusion
Baking apples open up a world of dessert possibilities, from classic pies to innovative tarts and comforting puddings. Each of these desserts highlights the versatility and deliciousness of baking apples, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple treat or a show-stopping dessert, these recipes will inspire you to make the most of your baking apples. Enjoy the process of baking and savor the delightful results!