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Now that the weather is getting cooler and it’s peak apple season, it’s hard not to want to crank up the oven and bake something warm and cinnamon-spiced. Bringing an apple dessert to the table — whether it’s apple pie, cake, crisp, or something else entirely — is just about the very best way to usher in autumn and all the cozy, sweater-wearing vibes that come with it.
Remember, though, that when it comes to baking, some apple varieties are better than others. The best apples for baking have a balance of intense sweet-tart flavor and a firm texture. They should hold their shape and not turn into mush — you’re not making applesauce! Cortland, Empire, and Honeycrisp are a few of our favorites.
So, pull the baking spices out from the cabinet: Here are 50 sweet apple desserts to make this season.
Apple Cakes
What’s wonderful about baking apples into a cake is that they’re a firm-enough fruit that they won’t completely fall apart, so you’ll get juicy bites of the fruit throughout.
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Honey Apple CakeletsChopped apples are folded into a honey-sweetened cake batter to make these cute little cakelets, which are drizzled with a flavorful apple spice glaze, then sprinkled with toasted almonds.
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Apple Stack CakeIf you grew up in Tennessee you may know apple stack cake as a homey regional specialty. If you're new to this cake but love apples, you must try it.
Go to Recipe Apple Pies and Tarts
It’s impossible to talk about apple desserts without hitting on pie. A towering apple pie is about as traditional as it gets and we definitely don’t plan to wait until Thanksgiving to bake one.
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Mini Apple PiesJust when you thought apple pie couldn't get better, these individual miniature apple pies — baked up in muffin tins — came through to change the game.
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Classic Double Crust Apple PieAlthough any strong pie plate will certainly do, double crust pies like this one usually turn out better, with a crispier crust, when baked in metal, preferably aluminum.
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Mini Apple Rose PiesIf you have been on Pinterest lately, you've probably come across the popular apple rose design. Here's an easy tutorial for making your own.
Go to Recipe Apple Cobblers, Crisps, and Crumbles
We like to think of cobblers, crisps, and crumbles as pie’s lazier cousins who are just as sweet and comforting.
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Easy Apple CobblerThe best part about apple cobbler is that with a minimal amount of work, you can have a cozy fall dessert that feels like it took all the time in the world.
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Apple CrumbleThe one thing that’s non-negotiable about this apple crumble? Serving it warm with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Go to Recipe Other Great Apple Desserts
There really are countless ways to turn apples into a winning dessert, and these varied ideas are proof. Turn them into pull-apart monkey bread, stuff and bake them, and don’t forget to turn them into crispy fritters.
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Caramel Apple Delight Packed with five creamy layers of spiced apples, cream cheese, fluffy whipped cream and sweet caramel, this no-bake dessert will make everyone forget all about pie.
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Glazed Apple FrittersYou're gonna have to work for these pillowy-soft, apple-stuffed donuts, but trust me when I tell you that it's totally worth every second of effort.
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Hasselback ApplesThe Hasselback technique isn't just for potatoes. Slicing thinly makes apples better for baking, and so does our oat topping.
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Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked ApplesThis cozy dessert takes fall baking to a whole new level. Hollowed-out apples are stuffed with graham cracker crumbs and a cheesecake filling, then baked until soft and golden.
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Apple TurnoverA flaky and buttery treat, apple turnovers are simple and delicious. When made with store-bought puff pastry, they work up in no time.
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