10 Apple Desserts to Make This Fall

Apple desserts are some of my favorite recipes to make as the weather cools with fall’s arrival. From classic apple pies and small-batch desserts to cakes, pastries, and everything in between, these apple dessert recipes appreciate the traditional flavors while reinventing the final bake.

If you’re looking for an easy apple dessert for one to two, looking to tackle some fall baking projects, or simply have a lot of apples to get through, you’ll find your new favorite autumn sweet treat here!

If you try any of these recipes, tag @accentgolden in your posts on social! I love to see what you’re making!

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Classic Apple Pie Recipes

The apple desserts we all know and love, but with a little twist. From single-serve treats to ones that serve many taste buds.

Apple Streusel Pie

Think classic apple pie but a lot prettier and with an oaty crumble hidden in between. Buttery pie crust, a layer of spiced streusel, and thinly sliced apples placed to make the prettiest apple rose.

Single-Serve Apple Pie

For those moments when you’re craving sweet comfort food and have some leftover pie scraps sitting around. Cook down some apple pie filling on the stove while your crust bakes and serve alongside a hearty dollop of fresh whipped cream with a big spoon. 

One Pie with Four Flavors

A fun baking challenge that makes the most delicious (and unique) pie you just might ever have. If you’re feeding a crowd with many likes, this pie is baked with four sections to satisfy everyone’s apple, cherry, strawberry, and blueberry cravings.

Easy Apple Desserts

For when you can’t really be bothered with long baking times, let alone peeling an apple, these simple apple sweet treats will satisfy your craving with low effort.

Apple Pie Icebox Cake

Bring together all the flavors you love in apple pie, but in a no-bake dessert. Layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and apple pie filling are stacked and set in the fridge, then finished with a healthy drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Apple Cake for Two

The perfect bake for tiny kitchens or when you want a little fall cake for just you and a friend (or just you, sharing not required). This apple cake comes together in one bowl before being split between two ramekins for a fluffy, cute apple treat.

Single Baked Apple

Whack an apple in half and stuff it with goodness, and you have yourself a single-serve apple dessert for the ages. I like to serve mine with fresh whipped cream, but a scoop of your favorite ice cream would also be scrumptious.

Apple Pastries & Baked Treats

Where would we be without pastry stuffed with apples? From puff pastry bakes to a simple scone to have with your tea, nothing gives the right vibes quite like a pastry.

Apple Butter Puff Pastry Twists

If you have a jar of apple butter and you’re tired of spreading it on toast, make these easy spiced puff pastry twists. The salted maple glaze that’s drizzled over top really brings the bake home.

Apple “Pumpkin” Puffs 

Don’t worry pumpkin haters, there’s no squash in sight… except in looks. If you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing fall bake, these puffs should go in the apple desserts hall of fame (and they’re quite simple to assemble!).

Apple Cinnamon Scones

Perfect for cozy morning coffees or an afternoon by the fire (one can dream, amiright?), these easy apple scones are full of cinnamon spice for a delicious fall bite.

Sweet Apple Spreads

Everything’s better with a little homemade spread. Bonus: your house will smell phenomenal.

Homemade Apple Butter

For the moments when you come home with more apples than time, chop ‘em up, cover them with spices, and cook them low and slow. I love a scone with a side of fresh fruit butter or using apple butter as a pastry filling!

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Desserts

What are the best apples for desserts?

The most commonly used apples for desserts are Granny Smiths, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Pink Lady, and Braeburn varieties because they are firm and crisp, therefore less likely to go mushy once baked. It’s ideal to use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a delicious balance in your apple desserts.

What are the easiest apple desserts to make?

The easiest apple desserts are often the ones that require the least amount of prep. My apple cake for two, single baked apple, and apple pie icebox cake will satisfy those fall apple cravings with low effort.

What desserts can I make with a lot of apples?

Apple butter cooks down a lot of apples to make a rich, flavor-packed spread. Additionally, anything where apples make up the majority of the filling, like an apple pie, will use a lot of apples. The apples will cook down as they bake, so you need a lot to keep your pie full!

Can you make apple desserts ahead of time?

Many apple desserts that have a dough element (like these easy puff pastry twists) can be prepped and frozen ahead of time, or baked the day before. Things like apple hand pies often taste even better the next day.

Keep in mind that certain pastries and desserts that include a dairy element once assembled might not last as long if baked ahead of time. 

What spices go well with apples?

So many spices pair deliciously with apples. There are the obvious choices like cinnamon and nutmeg, but don’t sleep on ginger, cardamom, cloves, allspice, and more!

What is the best apple for apple pie?

As a tart apple lover, I love a Granny Smith for an apple pie, but a mix of apples makes for the perfect sweet and sour balance. This includes varieties such as Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn.

More Fall Recipes to Try