17+ Fall Dessert Recipes with Apples

When the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, apples become the stars of the season. Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of apples and spices wafting through your home, making everything feel just right.

Apple Crisp Delight

The best Apple Crumble or Apple Crisp

The best Apple Crumble or Apple Crisp from Kopiaste

Rating: 5. Total Time: 45 min.

Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Cinnamon Apple Crisp from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.6. Total Time: 45 min.

Apple Oatmeal Crisp

Apple Oatmeal Crisp from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.6. Total Time: 1 hr.

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Apple crisp is that perfect balance of soft, tender apples and a crispy, buttery topping. It’s made with simple ingredients like brown sugar, oats, butter, and of course, fresh apples.

The magic of apple crisp lies in its texture. The juicy apples get all cozy with cinnamon and nutmeg, while the topping provides a delightful crunch. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s hard to resist. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, so it’s perfect for a last-minute gathering.

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding from King Arthur Baking

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 2 h 35 min.

Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce from Taste of Home

Rating: 4.1. Total Time: 1 h 30 min.

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding from Food Network

Rating: 4.4. Total Time: 3 h 15 min.

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Imagine bread soaked in a rich, caramel custard with chunks of sweet apples throughout. This dessert is all about indulgence and comfort.

The caramel apple bread pudding is a twist on the classic, elevating it with the addition of caramel and apples. The bread pudding is soft and gooey, with bits of apple offering a burst of freshness in every bite. The caramel sauce drizzled on top adds a luxurious sweetness that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dessert that you want to eat slowly, savoring each mouthful.

This recipe is special because it combines the nostalgia of bread pudding with the autumnal flavors of apple and caramel. It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you want something warm and satisfying.

Apple Pie with a Twist

Dutch Apple Pie with a Twist

Dutch Apple Pie with a Twist from Table Magazine

Dutch Apple Pie

Dutch Apple Pie from A Classic Twist

Total Time: 1 h 15 min.

Best Buttery Apple Pie with a Twist

Best Buttery Apple Pie with a Twist from Jo's Kitchen Larder

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Apple pie is a classic, but this version has a little something extra that takes it over the top. It includes a hint of ginger and a splash of bourbon in the filling.

The ginger gives a subtle warmth that complements the sweet-tart apples perfectly, while the bourbon adds depth and complexity to the flavor. The crust is flaky and buttery, providing the perfect vessel for the luscious filling. It’s a pie that will make you rethink what apple pie can be.

This recipe stands out because it surprises the palate with unexpected flavors while maintaining the comforting essence of traditional apple pie. It’s a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.

Spiced Apple Cider Doughnuts

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Baked Apple Cider Donuts from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.7.

Spiced Cider Doughnuts

Spiced Cider Doughnuts from Leite's Culinaria

Rating: 5.

Spiced Apple Cider Doughnuts

Spiced Apple Cider Doughnuts from The Irishman's Wife

Rating: 5.

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These doughnuts capture the essence of fall in a bite-sized treat. They’re made with apple cider, giving them a moist, flavorful base that’s perfect for the season.

The secret to these doughnuts is the apple cider, which is reduced to concentrate its flavors. This, combined with spices like cinnamon and cloves, creates a doughnut that’s bursting with fall flavor. They’re soft, cakey, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture that adds a satisfying crunch.

What makes this recipe truly special is the way it celebrates the flavors of apple cider in a fun and portable form. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Apple Galette

Easy Apple Galette

Easy Apple Galette from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 2 hr 10 min.

Apple Galette

Apple Galette from Handle the Heat

Rating: 5. Total Time: 1 hr 55 min.

Easy Apple Galette

Easy Apple Galette from Food52

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An apple galette is like a pie’s more relaxed cousin. It’s rustic, charming, and incredibly easy to make.

The beauty of a galette lies in its simplicity. With a flaky, buttery pastry and a filling of sliced apples tossed with sugar and spices, it’s the perfect dessert for showcasing fresh fall apples. The edges are folded up over the apples, creating a free-form tart that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

This recipe is perfect for those who love the taste of apple pie but want something a little less formal. It’s quick to assemble, and the results are stunning, making it a great option for entertaining or a special family dinner.

Apple and Cinnamon Layer Cake

Cinnamon Apple Layer Cake

Cinnamon Apple Layer Cake from Life Love and Sugar

Rating: 4.7. Total Time: 3 hr 10 min.

Apple Snickerdoodle Layer Cake

Apple Snickerdoodle Layer Cake from The Floral Apron

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 3 hr 15 min.

Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake

Apple Cinnamon Layer Cake from My Cake School

Rating: 5. Total Time: 44 min.

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Layers of moist apple cake, with a cinnamon-spiced frosting, make this dessert a showstopper. The apples add moisture, while the frosting adds a creamy, sweet contrast.

This cake is all about balance. Each layer is rich with apple flavor, and the cinnamon frosting ties everything together with its spicy sweetness. The cake is moist and tender, with a texture that melts in your mouth.

This recipe is special because it’s a celebration of apples in cake form. It’s perfect for birthdays or any special occasion during the fall season. The layers make it look impressive, but it’s simple enough that anyone can make it.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Fall Desserts with Apples

Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Cinnamon Apple Crisp from Broma Bakery

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 15 min.

The Best Apple Crisp

The Best Apple Crisp from Belle of the Kitchen

Rating: 5. Total Time: 55 min.

Easy Apple Cobbler Recipe

Easy Apple Cobbler Recipe from A Cozy Kitchen

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 1 hr.

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Choose the Right Apples

Using the right type of apple can make a big difference in your dessert. Look for varieties like Granny Smith for a tart flavor, or Honeycrisp for a sweet, juicy bite. Mixing different types can add complexity to the flavor of your dish.

Don’t Skimp on Spices

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are essential for bringing out the depth of flavor in apple desserts. They add warmth and richness that complement the natural sweetness of apples. Be generous with them to enhance your dessert’s flavor.

Mind the Texture

Texture is crucial in apple desserts. Whether it’s the crunch of a crisp topping or the smoothness of a custard, pay attention to how the different elements work together. A good mix of textures can elevate your dessert from good to great.