Using Fresh Apples: Recipes for now and later

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Autumn is officially here, and you know what that means… an abundance of glorious apples! Apple picking is available aplenty out in the country, and almost everyone has a friend with an overfilled apple tree in their yard. If you’re wondering what to make with apples to enjoy now and throughout the year, we have you covered. Here are some of our favorite apple recipes that will turn fresh apples into dinner, dessert, and jars filled with apple goodness to enjoy later.

A wooden basket brimming with fresh apples showcases the phrase "APPLE RECIPES: Preserve & Eat Fresh," flanked by two logos in the bottom corners.

When you’ve gotten your fill of fresh apples for the season and still have a pile of apples left, it’s time to get to work in the kitchen. This list of apple recipes is sure to prepare you for a fun day of baking and cooking to use up those apples before they go bad.

There are so many different recipes you can make with apples. They can be canned, dried, cooked, and baked.

How to Store Fresh Apples

Keep fresh apples for eating and snacking in a root cellar if you have one. If you don’t have one, know that apples like it cold and humid for long term storage.

Use your refrigerator’s crisper drawer to keep them for several weeks. Place a damp towel over the top of them in the drawer to provide a little extra humidity.

Tools to Make Cooking with Apples Easier

Let’s be honest, one only needs a good sharp knife to peel, core, and chop apples. However, there are some amazing, effective, and frugal tools that make it a little faster and easier.

A green apple peeler and slicer sits on the countertop, effortlessly peeling and slicing an apple for that perfect apple pie filling. The core and peel spiral off to the side, as the device remains stable with its suction base.

These hand-crank apple peeler, slicer, corer machines are a snap to use and clean. They make even slices perfect for dehydrating and they make peeling a large harvest of apples much easier than a paring knife.

Want to core and slice a bunch of apples easily but leave the peels on? Try these simple slicers, that do an entire apple at once with a push of the hand. These are really great if you’re going to run a bunch through a juicer and don’t want the cores dulling the blades.

Preserving Apples

Easily save those apples for eating later with these delicious preservation ideas and recipes.

1
Two jars of delicious apple pie filling sit on a white surface. Behind the jars, a basket overflows with fresh green and red apples, ready to be transformed into more delightful creations.
Canned Apple Pie Filling
Perfect for pies, crumbles, and more can your own apple pie filling at home with the ideal amount of sugar and spice for your family.
Check out this recipe
2
A bowl filled with green apples sits on a wooden surface, capturing the essence of homemade crockpot applesauce. Overlaid text reads, "The Easiest Homemade Crockpot Applesauce.
Easy Homemade Crockpot Applesauce with canning instructions
Homemade crockpot applesauce is one of the easiest ways of preserving apples. This step by step recipe is perfect for canning applesauce or (freezing). Start making applesauce today!
Check out this recipe
3
Three jars of applesauce sit on a wooden surface, surrounded by three green apples and red maple leaves—perfect inspiration for delightful apple recipes.
homespunseasonalliving.com
Maple Apple Butter
Make a maple syrup sweetened and incredibly flavor apple butter to slather on toast or give as gifts.
Check out this recipe
4
Slices of apple arranged on a dehydrator tray, ready for drying. Text overlay reads, "Apple recipes: Dehydrating Apples for apple rings and chips - SchneiderPeeps.com.
www.schneiderpeeps.com
Dried Apple Rings and Apple Chips
Dry those apples into tasty snacks that are great alone or tossed in oatmeal, cookies, and more.
Check out this recipe
5
Close-up of a glass jar filled with yellow chutney, showcasing chunks of fruit and black seeds, an enticing addition to apple recipes. The jar rests on a fabric surface against a blurred background.
theviewfromgreatisland.com
Easy French Apple Jam Recipe
This easy French Apple Jam has a gorgeous golden color, a chunky texture, and a fresh apple flavor with a hint of spice ~ be sure to make extra for gifts!
Check out this recipe
6
A stack of rolled fruit leather snacks, reminiscent of classic apple recipes, is tied with white strings on a mesh surface. In the blurred background, wooden chairs and glass jars add a rustic touch. The rolls appear to be made from a light brown, translucent material.
afarmgirlinthemaking.com
Apple Cinnamon Fruit Leather
Get apple pie flavor in a simple handheld package, a perfect snack for kids and adults alike!
Check out this recipe

Apples for Breakfast

Start the day off right by using apples in muffins, oatmeal, french toast, and more.

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A white baking dish brimming with sliced apples and a crumbly mixture of brown sugar and spices, this tempting treat is a must-try from the collection of classic apple recipes, ready to be baked.
www.joyousapron.com
Apple French Toast Casserole
An easy and delicious french toast loaded with apples! A yummy breakfast casserole recipe that you can make ahead and bake when ready!
Check out this recipe
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Three homemade muffins with chunks of apple, perfect for any fan of apple recipes, are in blue and white striped paper liners. They rest on a wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and a red apple in the background.
www.natalieshealth.com
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
These Apple Cinnamon Muffins are full of flavor and super easy to make. So delicious and secretly healthy too.
Check out this recipe
9
A slice of apple cinnamon bread pudding on a white plate invites admiration. Topped with caramelized apple chunks and cinnamon sauce, this dessert is the crown jewel of apple recipes. A cloth napkin with an orange print is partially visible in the background, adding a cozy touch.
kneadygirl.com
Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
A rich, gooey and amazing fall brunch treat perfect for sharing with a crowd.
Check out this recipe
10
A slice of apple baked oatmeal on a speckled plate, topped with walnuts and apple chunks—a delightful addition to your collection of apple recipes. In the background, a baking dish brimming with more oatmeal awaits beside two fresh apples. A fork rests invitingly on the plate.
karalydon.com
Apple Baked Oatmeal
Perfect for the fall, this apple pie baked oatmeal is a cozy, delicious make-ahead breakfast for the week, reminiscent of warm apple pie flavors!
Check out this recipe

Savory Apple Dishes

Apples can work equally well in sweet and savory side dishes.

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A white bowl filled with a Harvest Salad featuring wild rice, chunks of zucchini, pear, and pecans sits on a wooden table. In the background, a tipped-over wicker basket and a glass of light yellow dressing add rustic charm to the scene.
Harvest Salad
A hearty and flavorful salad perfect for fall harvests.
Check out this recipe
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A delightful apple recipe awaits in this salad featuring sliced apples, red grapes, and walnuts on a bed of lettuce, all drizzled with creamy dressing. A fork sits ready amidst whole walnuts, grape clusters, and a glass bottle of dressing.
happykitchen.rocks
Healthy Vegan Waldorf Salad
This healthy Waldorf salad is a vegan take on the classic Waldorf salad. Deliciously creamy apple cider vinegar dressing is used instead of mayonnaise for a lighter and fresher version.
Check out this recipe
13
A white plate filled with cooked cabbage and apple slices, topped with caraway seeds, sits on a wooden table—a perfect example of simple apple recipes. A spoon rests on the plate, while a rolling pin and fresh apple linger in the background beside a floral napkin.
homespunseasonalliving.com
Easy Apple Sauerkraut Side Dish
Apples and sauerkraut cook together for a simple, sweet and sour side dish that goes well with a number of main dishes or is great as a hot salad.
Check out this recipe
14
A ceramic bowl filled with Indian mango pickle, garnished with spices, evokes tantalizing aromas. Fresh curry leaves, garlic cloves, and a jar linger on the dark surface, enhancing the vibrant and spicy allure of this enticing creation reminiscent of beloved apple recipes.
www.madhuseverydayindian.com
Instant Green Apple Pickle
Indian style pickle made with crispy and tart Green (Granny Smith) apples and seasoned with mustard, fenugreek and asafoetida.
Check out this recipe
15
A wooden bowl brims with a vibrant apple recipe—an inviting salad of sliced apples, beets, and walnuts, adorned with fresh herbs. Nearby, a wooden fork rests on a red-checkered cloth atop a light wooden table.
www.thefoodblog.net
Roasted Beet and Apple Salad
Roasted beets & crisp apples, sprinkled with toasted walnuts, this salad may be your new fall favourite. All tossed in a lemony cider viniagrette.
Check out this recipe

Apple Pie Variations

Apple pie is always a classic and we've got a few different variations for you to try – heck try one a week until you run out of fresh apples.

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A baked apple pie cake in a white casserole dish adorned with decorative tulip patterns. The brown, crumbly top appears textured, hinting at a sweet topping. "Apple Pie Cake" and "Rootsy" are elegantly displayed in the bottom left corner of the image.
Easy Homemade Apple Pie Cake From Scratch
Apple pie cake gives you all the flavor of a homemade apple pie without the fuss of making pie crust. This apple pie cake doesn’t use a boxed cake mix, instead it uses pantry staples for a from scratch cake that your family will love.
Check out this recipe
17
Close-up of a caramel-drizzled apple pie slice being lifted from a pie dish, showcasing one of the finest apple recipes. The pie boasts a crumbly crust and chunks of apple filling, all set against a green cloth with a wooden background.
ofbatteranddough.com
Caramel Apple Pie with Brown Sugar Streusel
Tart apples are coated with a luxuriously rich salted caramel sauce then piled into a flaky fool-proof pie crust, topped with buttery, brown sugar streusel, and baked until bubbly, saucy, and golden before being smothered with even more salted caramel sauce.
Check out this recipe
18
A slice of apple pie with a flaky golden crust sits on a round plate, embodying the essence of classic apple recipes. In the background, two red apples rest beside a plaid cloth. The pie filling is visible, showcasing tender, spiced apple slices.
joyfoodsunshine.com
Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch
This is truly the best Homemade Apple Pie recipe ever! Its flaky, buttery crust is made from scratch, & the apple filling isn’t overly sweet, letting the flavor of the apples really shine!
Check out this recipe
19
A slice of apple strudel, a classic from beloved apple recipes, is dusted with powdered sugar on a decorative plate, set atop a white lace tablecloth. In the background, a metal container peeks into view.
www.kopiaste.org
Milopita Bougatsa (Greek Apple Pie with Phyllo)
Milopita Bougatsa is a Greek Apple Pie, made with cooked apples and spices, which are then thickened with a semolina pudding and enclosed in phyllo.
Check out this recipe
20
A slice of apple crumble from cherished apple recipes, topped with creamy vanilla sauce, rests on a white plate beside a silver spoon. In the background, vibrant red and green apples add a touch of color.
www.texanerin.com
Swedish Apple Pie (gluten-free, vegan options)
This Swedish apple pie is similar to a crisp and is naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free and 100% whole grain!
Check out this recipe
21
A wooden board showcases five baked empanadas on brown paper, surrounded by a jar filled with apple slices. Additional slices are artfully scattered across the board, offering a rustic touch to this delightful setting, perfect for apple recipes on a charming white wooden surface.
afarmgirlskitchen.com
Southern Fried Apple Hand Pies Recipe
These Fried Apple Hand Pies are made with homemade apple pie filling, pie crust or refrigerated biscuit dough. Make these fried apple pies the day before and fry them up fresh in the morning for a wonderful treat!
Check out this recipe
22
A close-up of a partially sliced apple pie showcases its golden-brown lattice crust and visible chunks of apple filling, dusted with cinnamon—a classic delight in the world of apple recipes.
lovefoodies.com
Dutch Apple Pie
Dutch Apple Pie! Loaded with apples, raisins, cinnamon and the most delicious pastry I’ve ever eaten! Be sure to have a lovely cup of coffee to go with a slice of pie in true Dutch tradition
Check out this recipe
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A rustic galette, perfect for apple recipes, is topped with sugar on a decorative plate. A pie server rests beside it on a white cloth. Two apples and a striped kitchen towel are nearby, along with a small sifter.
champagne-tastes.com
Apple Galette with Spiced Brown Butter
Love apple pie? This apple galette is made with spiced brown butter and is an easy and delicious make-ahead dessert.
Check out this recipe

Other Apple Desserts

Because apples can be so much more than pie.

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A bundt cake with caramel glaze sits on a floral-patterned plate. The cake is placed on a wooden slab, with an apple and a jar in the background against a wooden wall.
Apple Cake Recipe
Make our best apple cake with simple ingredients complete with a short cut from a boxed mix for a delicious and impressive Autumn-inspired easy dessert.
Get the Recipe
25
A close-up of a plate of baked oatmeal cookies with chunks of apple, showcasing a delightful entry in the apple recipes category. One cookie is partially bitten, revealing its soft, chewy texture. A bowl with green apple pieces sits invitingly in the background.
www.hellospoonful.com
Oatmeal Apple Pie Cookies | Healthy Cookie Recipe
Whole Wheat Oatmeal Apple Pie Cookies are fluffy, moist, and packed with delicious flavor thanks to the cinnamon, apple, and vanilla. Enjoy these healthy cookies on a cozy fall morning or as a late-night treat!
Check out this recipe
26
Top view of sliced apple crumb bars, a delightful addition to your apple recipes collection, arranged neatly on a parchment-lined surface. One bar is slightly raised, revealing layers of baked apples and crumbly streusel topping.
www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com
Apple Crisp Bars
Apple Crisp Bars are easy to make from scratch. This recipe uses a basic shortbread crust topped with apple slices and a simple flavorful
Check out this recipe
27
A cast iron skillet on a wooden surface holds a freshly baked apple crisp, showcasing one of the timeless apple recipes. It's topped with a golden oat crumble. In the background, two apples and a striped cloth add to the cozy ambiance.
smackofflavor.com
Cast Iron Apple Crisp
This is a perfect fall dessert to use up extra apples. Cast Iron Apple Crisp is a simple yet delicious old fashioned dessert. Perfect topped with ice cream or whipped cream for a crowd.
Check out this recipe
28
Close-up of a baked apple, showcasing one of the delightful apple recipes, filled with a spiced nut and oat mixture, drizzled with honey. The apple is golden brown and lightly caramelized, sitting on a baking sheet.
hungryhobby.net
Stuffed Baked Apples
These healthy stuffed baked apples can be made in the toaster/convection oven and are the PERFECT dessert when you want a treat this fall, but want to stay on track!
Check out this recipe
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A classic bundt cake crowned with neatly arranged apple slices, showcasing one of the finest apple recipes. A dark red cloth peeks out beside the plate on a marble surface.
zardyplants.com
Vegan Apple Cake
This moist and delicious Vegan Apple Cake tastes like fall and is just as easy to make as box cake mix. A healthier version of what Bubbe used to make, this cake is sweet, soft, and a tiny bit crunchy when you get a little pop of baked apple!
Check out this recipe
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A bowl of warm brown dessert, reminiscent of classic apple recipes, is garnished with chopped nuts and sits on a woven mat. Two silver spoons are placed beside the bowl.
www.vegrecipesofindia.com
Apple Halwa
Apple halwa is an easy and delicious halwa or apple pudding that is made with apples. The smooth texture of this apple halwa has aromatic hints from cinnamon & vanilla
Check out this recipe

Apple Drinks

Turn those apples into tasty drinks the whole family will love.

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A mason jar filled with apple cider, decorated with red and white twine and a striped straw, sits on a saucer beside a slice of apple. Perfect for showcasing your favorite apple recipes, the blurred background hints at holiday decor.
thegreenloot.com
Homemade Apple Juice (raw, sugar-free)
This Homemade Apple Juice is raw, sugar-free and so delicious you will never want store-bought again. Treat your family with this super healthy and sweet drink.
Check out this recipe
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Three clay mugs filled with iced drinks, garnished with fresh mint and lime slices. The rim of each mug is coated with chili powder, offering a spicy twist on classic apple recipes. In the background, there's a patterned cloth and flowers, giving the scene a vibrant, traditional feel.
www.enhanceyourpalate.com
Green Apple Panna
Green Apple panna, a refreshing summer drink made out of green apples, seasoned with roasted cumin powder, black salt and mint leaves. This summer cooler, Panna, is synonym to summer season in India. Summer is the time when you most enjoy this fresh chilled drink that not only beat the heat but also helps in keep you hydrate and energize.
Check out this recipe
33
A creamy smoothie in a glass with a red and white striped straw, garnished with apple slices from classic apple recipes. The glass sits on a checkered cloth alongside two whole apples and a cinnamon stick.
thatgirlcookshealthy.com
Vegan Apple Pie Smoothie
Loves apples? Well you cannot go wrong with this apple smoothie, totally veganised without compromising the taste. You can’t go wrong with this simply yet tasty smoothie made from frozen apples, almond milk, walnuts, chia/flaxseeds, cinnamon and dates to sweeten things up a little
Check out this recipe

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A collection of fresh apples is shown above text saying "Apple Recipes to Use Up Fresh Apples." Below, jars filled with preserved apple slices are displayed next to more fresh apples in a basket.

Thanks for sharing!

1 thought on “Using Fresh Apples: Recipes for now and later”

  1. These are really great tips and recipes. Thank you so much for this lovely collection. I will definitely try some of the recipes.

    Reply

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