Autumn is the perfect time for warm, comforting desserts, and what better way to celebrate the season than with the delightful flavor of apples? From sweet crumbles to spiced cakes, apple desserts evoke the essence of fall. Here are three diverse examples of apple desserts that are not only easy to make but also sure to impress your friends and family!
Apple crisp is a warm dessert that combines sweet, tender apples with a crunchy topping. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, gatherings, or even just treating yourself! To make this classic dish, start by peeling and slicing about 6 cups of your favorite apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp). Toss them with 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
For the topping, mix 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of softened butter until crumbly. Layer the apples in a baking dish and sprinkle the topping over them. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Notes/Variations: You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the topping for added crunch. Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist!
This moist spiced apple cake is a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of autumn. Great for dessert or even as a sweet breakfast treat, this cake is simple to prepare. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of softened butter until light and fluffy. Add in 2 eggs, one at a time, and then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Fold in 2 cups of diced apples (about 2 medium apples) and pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before serving, and consider dusting it with powdered sugar or serving with whipped cream!
Notes/Variations: You can add raisins or cranberries for a pop of color and flavor. A sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking can add a delightful crunch!
These caramel apple cheesecake bars are the perfect blend of creamy and fruity, making them a fantastic dessert for any fall gathering. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). For the crust, combine 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers with 1/2 cup of melted butter and 1/4 cup of sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a separate bowl, beat together 16 ounces of cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold in 2 cups of diced apples and pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set. Once cooled, drizzle with caramel sauce and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting into bars.
Notes/Variations: For a fun twist, mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon into the cheesecake batter or top the bars with crushed nuts for added texture. You can also replace the caramel with chocolate or butterscotch sauce for different flavors.
Enjoy these delightful examples of apple desserts and savor the tastes of autumn!