12 No-Fuss Apple Desserts I’m Making On Repeat
The joy of biting into a crisp, juicy apple is a sensation that many of us experience during the fall season. For those who live in regions where apples are abundant, the possibilities of creating delicious desserts are endless. In this article, we’ll explore 12 easy apple recipes that are perfect for anyone looking to indulge in the flavors of the season.
The Allure of Apples
It wasn’t until I moved to Washington state that I discovered the euphoria of biting into a crisp, juicy apple. The Red Delicious apples of my youth became a distant memory as I discovered an array of sweet and tart apples. I especially love Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Cosmic Crisp. Apples are harvested in the fall, making it the perfect time of year to indulge in apple desserts. You can bake chopped apples into a cake, slice apples for a pie, and coat a juicy apple in caramel.
Easy Apple Recipes to Try
Here are 12 no-fuss apple desserts that you can make on repeat:
- 1.3 Ingredient Apple Crisp
- Easy French Apple Cake
- Apple Fritter Bread
- Caramel Apple Nachos
- Apple Bread
- Apple Bread Pudding
- Apple Carrot Cupcakes
- Apple Coffee Cake
- Easy Apple Crisp
- Sour Cream Apple Pie
- Buttery Apple Torte
- Apple Upside Down Cake
Let’s Dive into the Recipes
1. 1.3 Ingredient Apple Crisp
No one will guess that this buttery dessert starts with a couple of packets of instant oatmeal, which contains sugar and seasonings. All you need to do is add butter and chopped apples. Use a combination of sweet and tart apples that will hold up to sautéing and baking, such as Honeycrisp and Pink Lady.
2. Easy French Apple Cake
Contributor Stephanie Loo says, “Although it takes a few extra minutes, it’s worth it to peel the apples for this recipe, as the skin of the apples will become chewy in the oven.” This cake is a perfect example of how apples can elevate a simple dessert into something extraordinary.
3. Apple Fritter Bread
Skip the donut shop and make apple fritters, in bread form, at home, no frying required. This bread is full of chopped apples and has a tendril of streusel running through the middle of it, as well as scattered on top. Look for tart apples, such as Granny Smith, that hold up well to baking.
4. Caramel Apple Nachos
Forget awkwardly eating an apple on a stick and make a platter of decadently topped sliced apples instead. This is a fun way to use up extra Halloween candy or a good excuse to buy some. It’s best to assemble the apple nachos right before serving to keep them from turning brown.
5. Apple Bread
This apple bread effortlessly goes from breakfast to dessert. The streusel topping makes this quick bread extra special with minimal work. Use a mixer to make sure that the batter is smooth but don’t overmix.
6. Apple Bread Pudding
If you haven’t had bread pudding before, now is the time to give it a go. The filling of chopped apples, butter, and sugar add a caramel apple flavor to the tender bread pudding. The bread only soaks for 15 minutes so you don’t have to plan ahead if you don’t want to.
7. Apple Carrot Cupcakes
These easy cupcakes will be a hit at the next bake sale. It makes a whopping 24 cupcakes that can be made ahead of time and frozen before thawing and frosting. You can substitute the nuts with pepitas, raisins, or leave out altogether.
8. Apple Coffee Cake
You don’t need a barrel of apples to make a delicious apple dessert. For this coffee cake, you only need one apple. The apple is sliced and layered on top of the cake batter and then topped with a streusel.
9. Easy Apple Crisp
The sliced apples go into a 9×13 inch baking dish and then are topped with a streusel made with oats, spices, and butter. You could add chopped pecans or leave the peels on the apples if you’d like.
10. Sour Cream Apple Pie
You know the frozen pie shell you bought on a whim? This is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. This slightly tangy, custardish, apple pie topped with a crispy streusel will leave you swooning. For the crispiest crust, bake on the lower rack of the oven for the first half of the baking time.
11. Buttery Apple Torte
Hailing from Italy, this simple cake is made by cooking sliced apples in butter and then stirring them into a slightly sweetened cake batter. If needed, you can substitute a gluten-free baking flour mix for the flour.
12. Apple Upside Down Cake
I love upside-down cakes and the allure of a fruit-studded, tender cake that needs no decorating. In this case, the apples are cooked on the stove with butter and sugar before being spread across the bottom of the pan. Make sure to use apples that don’t release too much liquid. Opt for Braeburn, Jonagold, or Golden Delicious.
Conclusion
These 12 no-fuss apple desserts are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these recipes are easy to follow and require minimal ingredients. So go ahead, indulge in the flavors of the season, and make the most of the apple harvest. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of apples are best for baking?
Use a combination of sweet and tart apples that will hold up to sautéing and baking, such as Honeycrisp and Pink Lady.
Can I use frozen apples in these recipes?
No specific guidance is given, so it’s best to use fresh apples for the best results.
How do I prevent apples from turning brown?
Assemble the apple nachos right before serving to keep them from turning brown.
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Yes, some recipes like Apple Carrot Cupcakes can be made ahead of time and frozen before thawing and frosting.
What can I substitute for nuts in the Apple Carrot Cupcakes recipe?
You can substitute the nuts with pepitas, raisins, or leave out altogether.
Can I use gluten-free flour in these recipes?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free baking flour mix for the flour in recipes like Buttery Apple Torte.
How do I achieve a crispy crust for the Sour Cream Apple Pie?
Bake on the lower rack of the oven for the first half of the baking time.
What type of apples should I use for the Apple Upside Down Cake?
Opt for Braeburn, Jonagold, or Golden Delicious apples that don’t release too much liquid.
