Skip to Content

28 Apple Dessert Recipes That Taste Like a Cozy Fall Afternoon

Homemade pie is just the beginning.

By
church potluck apple crumble
C.W. Newell

Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

One of the best ways to welcome fall is with a trip to the apple orchard. Apple picking is right up there with leaf peeping when it comes to favorite fall activities, and let's be honest—most people are already dreaming about it before summer's even over. It also means it's finally time to bring out all the warm, cozy apple desserts you wait for all year long. Sure, you can find apples at the store any time, but there's something extra special about making apple recipes in the fall. From spiced apple pie to delicious apple cakes and back-to-school snacks, this list has all the best apple dessert recipes to get you excited for baking season.

The best part about these apple desserts is that they're all incredibly easy to make. There are quick-cooking apple fritters and simple baked apples that are perfect for a last-minute fall dinner party. And if you want a dessert with even more warm and seasonal flavors, choose from one of the apple cinnamon recipes ahead. We're certain the apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies will be a hit at your next school bake sale, and who wouldn't want an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a crisp? But no matter which sweet treat you choose, these apple desserts are sure to get you excited about the baking season.

1

Apple Dumplings

apple dessert recipes
Will Dickey

This is basically the best dessert of all time. The old-fashioned recipe calls for for Granny Smith apples, canned crescent rolls, a can of Mountain Dew, and more butter than you've ever seen in your lifetime. Enough said!

Get Ree's Apple Dumplings recipe.

2

Dreamy Apple Pie

apple dessert recipes
Danielle Daly

You can't have an apple dessert list without a classic pie! This one is a beauty: It's piled high with fresh apples and made ultra rich and dreamy with the addition of cream and all sorts of sugary, naughty goodness.

Get Ree's Dreamy Apple Pie recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Apple Crumble

apple dessert recipes
C.W. Newell

With any good crumble, there needs to be as much topping as there is fruit filling. Those are the rules! This apple crumble is a luscious fall dessert that's perfect if you want an easy alternative to homemade apple pie.

Get Ree's Apple Crumble recipe.

4

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

apple dessert recipes apple cider donut cake
Danielle Daly

If you dream about apple cider doughnuts all year long, this cake will make your fall. It's got the soft, tender crumb of the classic treat with a cinnamon-sugar coating that gives it just the right crunch. Perfect with coffee. Or cider. Or both.

Get the Apple Cider Doughnut Cake recipe.

SHOP BUNDT PANS

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Apple-Raspberry Crisp With Pistachios

apple dessert recipes raspberry crisp
Ryan Liebe

This crisp is sweet, tart, and just a little fancy thanks to a sprinkle of pistachios on top. The combo of green apples and raspberries is downright delicious—and yes, it definitely calls for a scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream.

Get Ree's Apple-Raspberry Crisp With Pistachios recipe.

6

Baked Apples

baked apples cut in half with ice cream on plate
Caitlin Bensel

Nothing says old-school comfort like a baked apple. These are stuffed with a buttery oat filling, drizzled with glaze, and served warm enough to melt the ice cream on top. Best part? Everyone gets their own.

Get the Baked Apples recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Apple Cobbler

apple cobbler in blue baking dish
Caitlin Bensel

No peeling required? Count us in. This cobbler keeps things simple by using apple slices with the skins on, which adds pretty color and a little extra texture. It comes together in just 15 minutes and bakes up golden, bubbly, and dreamy.

Get the Apple Cobbler recipe.

8

Caramel Apple Cookies

apple dessert recipes caramel apple cookies
Caitlin Bensel

Think of these as the cookie version of your favorite fall treat. They're soft, spiced just right, and topped with a luscious caramel frosting that takes them over the top. Perfect for bake sales, lunchboxes, or sneaking straight from the tray

Get the Caramel Apple Cookies recipe.

SHOP COOKIE SHEETS

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Caramel Apple Dip

caramel apple dip with apple slices green background
Ralph Smith

If you're looking for an easy snack that feels a little fancy, this creamy caramel apple dip is the answer. It's sweet, tangy, and topped with chopped peanuts for a little crunch. Slice up some apples and dive in.

Get Ree's Caramel Apple Dip recipe.

10

Mini Apple Pies

mini apple pies green background
Ralph Smith

All the goodness of a full-size pie, but in cute little hand-held packages. These mini apple pies are made with store-bought dough to keep things simple, but the flavor? Big. Bake a batch and watch them disappear.

Get Ree's Mini Apple Pies recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

caramel apple cupcakes with green liners on green background
Ralph Smith

Caramel and apple were just meant to be together. These cupcakes are soft, sweet, and topped with a rich caramel drizzle that makes every bite feel like fall!

Get Ree's Caramel Apple Cupcakes recipe.

12

Quick and Easy Apple Tart

quick and easy apple tart multiple tarts
Hector Sanchez

It looks fancy, but this apple tart couldn't be easier. Frozen puff pastry keeps prep simple while still delivering a beautiful, golden crust. It's buttery, flaky, and just the thing to serve with coffee or tea.

Get Ree's Quick and Easy Apple Tart recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Apple Cider Doughnuts

apple cider doughnuts on wire rack
Caitlin Bensel

Bring a little orchard magic to your own kitchen with these homemade doughnuts. You can bake them or fry them, but either way, they're so soft, extra cinnamony, and absolutely worth it.

Get the Apple Cider Doughnuts recipe.

SHOP COOLING RACKS

14

Apple Fritters

apple fritters with powdered sugar
Hector Sanchez

Ree calls these "little nuggets of cinnamon-apple wonderfulness." And that sounds like the perfect description we ever did see! A dusting of powdered sugar or a dip in glaze makes them extra special.

Get Ree's Apple Fritters recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

Butterscotch-Cornflake Apple Crisp

appled dessert recipes butterscotch cornflake crisp
Ryan Liebe

Make something else for breakfast, because those cornflakes have a better job today! As a topping, they add a perfect crunch to a sweet apple filling, made even richer thanks to a gooey butterscotch sauce.

Get Ree's Butterscotch-Cornflake Apple Crisp recipe.

16

Apple Pie Bars

apple pie bars on wood board
Will Dickey

With a buttery shortbread crust, layers of tender apples and a maple syrup glaze, these bars are the ultimate fall treat. Plus, they're easy to pack up for holidays or potlucks!

Get the Apple Pie Bars recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

Candied Apples

candied apples
Will Dickey

You'll feel like a kid again with this nostalgic treat. The candy coating is made from red hots so it's bright, colorful, and slightly spiced.

Get the Candied Apples recipe.

18

Apple Cinnamon Bread

apple cinnamon bread green background on wood board
Ralph Smith

Loaded with chunks of apples, the only thing that can make this quick bread better would be a smear of apple butter for serving!

Get Ree's Apple Cinnamon Bread recipe.

SHOP LOAF PANS

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Apple Strudel

apple strudel on plate with ice cream
Danielle Daly

Apple strudel is a traditional Viennese pastry that usually requires a lot of work, but this easy version has a shortcut ingredient that will save you a ton of time: store-bought phyllo dough!

Get the Apple Strudel recipe.

20

Apple Pie Cookies

apple pie cookies with lattice top and glaze
Ralph Smith

Refrigerated pie dough makes these fall cookies a breeze to whip up! They'd be perfect for your next school bake sale.

Get Ree's Apple Pie Cookies recipe.

Watch Next 
church potluck apple crumble
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below