As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, it’s the perfect time to indulge in seasonal desserts that celebrate the flavors of fall. Apples are a versatile fruit that can be transformed into a variety of sweet treats. Here are three delightful examples of fall desserts with apples to inspire your baking.
Apple crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. It’s simple to prepare and highlights the natural sweetness of apples, making it a classic choice for fall.
To make apple crisp, start by slicing about 6 cups of your favorite apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Toss the apple slices with a mixture of 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Spread the apple mixture in a greased baking dish.
For the topping, combine 1 cup of oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of cold butter cut into small pieces. Mix until crumbly and sprinkle evenly over the apples. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Notes: You can add nuts or dried cranberries to the topping for added texture and flavor. Feel free to use a mix of apples for a more complex taste.
This elegant caramel apple tart is an impressive dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings. The buttery pastry, sweet caramel, and tart apples create a delightful balance of flavors.
Begin by preparing a tart crust using 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/2 cup of cold butter. Mix until crumbly, then press it into a tart pan and chill for 30 minutes. Pre-bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
While the crust cools, slice about 4 medium apples (Fuji or Gala work well) and toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning. In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of sugar over medium heat until it turns golden brown. Carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of butter, stirring until smooth to create your caramel.
Arrange the apple slices in the tart shell, pour the caramel over the top, and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the apples are tender. Let it cool, then serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes: For a spiced twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the caramel. You can also try using pears in place of apples for a different flavor!
These apple cinnamon muffins are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of fall for breakfast or a sweet snack. They are moist, flavorful, and easy to make, making them perfect for busy mornings.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 cup of sour cream.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of diced apples (like Granny Smith or Jonagold). Spoon the batter into the muffin tin and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top if desired. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes: You can add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture. These muffins also freeze well, so you can enjoy them later!
With these examples of fall desserts with apples, you can celebrate the season with delicious, comforting treats that are sure to please friends and family alike!