Apple desserts bring warmth, sweetness, and just the right amount of comfort to any table. This list mixes timeless recipes with creative twists, from flaky pastries to air fryer treats that are quick and fun. Some lean rustic, others feel a little more refined, but all highlight the natural flavor of apples. Whether you’re in the mood for something buttery, spiced, or caramel-coated, these recipes have you covered.

Apple Crisp Without Oats

Apple Crisp Without Oats. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This version of apple crisp skips the oats and uses a buttery, crumbly topping instead. The apples bake soft and juicy underneath with plenty of cinnamon. It’s simple yet satisfying, with a golden crust that’s rich and sweet. A scoop of ice cream takes it over the top.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp Without Oats

Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears

Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Apples and pears are caramelized in sugar and butter, then baked upside down under a pastry crust. Once flipped, the glossy fruit topping steals the show. It’s elegant but easier to make than it looks. Best served warm with whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears

Apple Tarts Easy Weeknight Dessert

Apple Tarts Easy Weeknight Dessert. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These small tarts use store-bought pastry for a shortcut, topped with thinly sliced apples. They bake quickly into crisp, golden desserts. A sprinkle of sugar or drizzle of caramel finishes them nicely. Simple enough for a weeknight, but still special.
Get the Recipe: Apple Tarts Easy Weeknight Dessert

Caramel Apple Cake

Caramel Apple Cake. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This cake layers soft apple pieces with a rich caramel glaze. The crumb is moist, and the topping soaks in beautifully. It’s hearty, sweet, and full of fall flavor. Perfect served warm with coffee.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cake

Double-Crust Apple Pie

Double-Crust Apple Pie. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A true classic, this pie sandwiches tender apples between two buttery crusts. The top bakes golden with steam vents letting out the spiced aroma. Each slice is comforting and timeless. It’s the kind of dessert everyone reaches for.
Get the Recipe: Double-Crust Apple Pie

Easy Apple Strudel

Easy Apple Strudel. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Flaky pastry is wrapped around a spiced apple filling and baked until golden. The layers are crisp and the inside is gooey. A dusting of powdered sugar makes it pretty and sweet. Great with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Strudel

French Apple Turnovers

French Apple Turnovers. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Puff pastry pockets are filled with spiced apples and baked until flaky. The fruit inside stays tender and juicy. A glaze or sugar sprinkle makes them shine. Portable and delicious, they’re ideal for breakfast or dessert.
Get the Recipe: French Apple Turnovers

Fried Apple Pies

A close-up of a baked hand pie filled with apple filling, with one pie cut open to show the inside, resting on parchment paper—perfect for autumn desserts or adding to your favorite fall recipes.
Fried Apple Pies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These handheld pies have a crisp, golden exterior with a warm apple filling inside. They’re simple but rich in flavor. Serve dusted with powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze. Old-fashioned and irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Fried Apple Pies

Air Fryer Apple Fries

Air Fryer Apple Fries. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Apple slices are coated in cinnamon sugar and crisped in the air fryer. They come out sweet, tender inside, and slightly crunchy outside. Perfect for dipping in caramel or whipped cream. A fun, light dessert alternative.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Fries

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies (Only 3 Ingredients!)

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies (Only 3 Ingredients!). Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Premade dough, pie filling, and a little sugar are all you need. The air fryer bakes them into golden, handheld treats. They’re fast, easy, and taste homemade. Ideal when you need dessert in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies (Only 3 Ingredients!)

Air Fryer Apple Taquitos (Easy Dessert!)

Air Fryer Apple Taquitos (Easy Dessert!). Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Tortillas are filled with spiced apples, rolled up, and crisped in the air fryer. A cinnamon sugar coating makes them extra sweet. They’re crunchy outside with gooey filling inside. Fun to serve with ice cream or caramel dip.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Taquitos (Easy Dessert!)

Air Fryer Baked Apples

Air fryer baked apples are shown on a pink plate with whipped cream.
Air Fryer Baked Apples. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Halved apples are cored, stuffed with cinnamon sugar or nuts, and baked in the air fryer. They become soft, warm, and fragrant in minutes. Top with whipped cream for a quick treat. A cozy dessert without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Apples

Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

A close-up of a sliced cheesecake with a pecan topping on a graham cracker crust, placed on a red-striped cloth.
Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This rich cheesecake layers spiced apple filling with a smooth bourbon-kissed cheesecake base. A pecan topping adds crunch and a nutty sweetness that balances the creamy texture. The flavors mingle beautifully, giving every slice a mix of warmth, spice, and richness. It’s a show-stopping dessert for fall gatherings or holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

A pan of freshly baked and frosted apple cinnamon rolls on a dark blue background.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Soft rolls are swirled with apples, cinnamon, and sugar, then topped with icing. They bake fluffy and gooey with spiced filling in every layer. A mix of breakfast and dessert in one. Always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp in a glass dish with apples and a wooden spoon.
Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This classic dessert combines baked apples with a crunchy oat topping. It’s sweet, warm, and full of cinnamon flavor. Serve hot with ice cream for the perfect pairing. A dish that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp

Apple Galette

Overhead shot of an apple galette on parchment with fresh apples on the side.
Apple Galette. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

A rustic pastry with sliced apples arranged on a flaky crust, edges folded over. It bakes golden and caramelized with a simple shine. The look is casual but still elegant. Delicious warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Read More About Me

Follow Lucy on social media:

Posted in:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *