If you’re anything like me, apples are one of those ingredients that make dessert feel just a bit more special. I’ve got a recipe that’s going to make you smile. From air fryer twists to classic pies and even an instant pot cheesecake, this list has something for everyone. Let’s dig into these apple-inspired delights!

Apple Crisp Without Oats

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

This apple crisp skips the oats for a smooth, buttery topping that melts in your mouth. The balance of cinnamon-spiced apples and the golden topping is absolutely irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp Without Oats

Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears

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

This French-inspired tart combines caramelized apples and pears in an elegant dessert. The flaky crust and rich, golden caramel make it a showstopper on any dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears

Apple Tarts Easy Weeknight Dessert

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

Apple tarts are your go-to when you want something quick and satisfying. Made with tender slices of apple and a buttery crust, they’re super simple and always delicious.
Get the Recipe: Apple Tarts Easy Weeknight Dessert

Caramel Apple Cake

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

Layers of moist apple cake meet the rich flavor of caramel in this irresistible dessert. Perfect when you’re in the mood for something extra decadent!
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cake

Double-Crust Apple Pie

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

This classic dessert is filled with tender baked apples and spices, wrapped in a perfectly flaky double crust. It’s a timeless recipe that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Double-Crust Apple Pie

Easy Apple Strudel

A rectangular apple strudel with a golden, lattice-patterned crust is displayed on a white serving platter—an irresistible apple dessert perfect for any occasion.
Easy Apple Strudel. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This European favorite is made simple with pre-made puff pastry, sweet apple filling, and a touch of powdered sugar. It’s a treat you can whip up in no time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Strudel

French Apple Turnovers

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

Buttery pastry wrapped around sweet, spiced apple filling makes these turnovers a delightfully portable dessert. Enjoy them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Get the Recipe: French Apple Turnovers

Fried Apple Pies

A close-up of two golden-brown hand pies, one stacked on the other, with a visible apple filling inside the top pie—perfect for anyone craving irresistible apple desserts.
Fried Apple Pies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

What’s more indulgent than apple pie? One that’s fried until golden and crispy. These handheld pies are guaranteed to become a favorite treat.
Get the Recipe: Fried Apple Pies

Apple Cream Scones

A slice of an Apple Scones on a white plate and a cup of tea.
Apple Cream Scones. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Light, fluffy, and packed with apple flavor, these scones are a lovely addition to any breakfast or afternoon tea. Drizzle them with a bit of glaze or enjoy as-is.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cream Scones

Instant Pot Apple Pie Cheesecake

Slice of apple pie cheesecake in front of the Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Apple Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cheesecake made easier with an Instant Pot and paired with the classic cinnamon-apple flavor we all adore. The creamy texture and rich apple topping make this one unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Apple Pie Cheesecake

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Apple pie bites cut open to show the apple filling inside.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These bite-sized pastries are filled with warm, spiced apples and baked to crispy perfection in the air fryer. A quick treat packed with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Frosted and unfrosted apple cupcakes in a muffin tin.
Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Fluffy apple cupcakes topped with a rich maple buttercream make for a delightful, seasonal dessert. They’re packed with warm spices and just the right amount of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Cinnamon apple slices on a white plate.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slices of apple are coated in cinnamon and sugar before getting a quick spin in the air fryer. The result? Soft, perfectly spiced apples that are great on their own or as a topping.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

A bowl of cake with ice cream on top.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is a quick and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with layers of sweet caramel, spiced apples, and a buttery cake topping, it’s a warm, comforting treat that’s incredibly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Forkfull of Air Fryer Apple Crisp.
Air Fryer Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get all the magic of a traditional apple crisp—with soft apples and a crunchy topping—but without needing to heat up your oven. Whether topped with cream or not, it’s a winner!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer 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.

This rustic, free-form dessert features juicy apple slices nestled in a golden, flaky crust. It’s simple yet stunning, and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Air Fryer Baked Apples

Air Fryer Baked Apples cut in half to show filling.
Air Fryer Baked Apples. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Baking apples in the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness and keeps them perfectly tender. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for an effortless touch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Apples

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

A slice of apple cinnamon coffee cake on a plate.
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This dessert flips the script on traditional apple cake by adding a luscious layer of caramelized apples on top. Slice in to discover the moist, tender cake below.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

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.

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