Apples have a way of showing up in just about every kind of dessert, from classic pies to rustic crumbles, buttery cakes, and even soft cookies. They can be tart or sweet, crisp or tender, depending on how you use them. This list brings together cozy fall bakes, elegant pastries, and easy desserts that don’t take much prep. You’ll find caramel-drizzled cakes, buttery crusts, warm cinnamon rolls, and fruit-filled layers that smell as good as they taste. Whether you’re looking for something quick, something shareable, or something a little more impressive, these apple desserts bring the kind of comfort that never gets old.

Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears

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

This upside-down pastry features caramelized apples and pears baked under a golden puff pastry crust. Once flipped, the fruit sits glossy and tender on top. It’s rich and just sweet enough. Serve warm with a spoonful of cream or ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears

Apple Crisp Without Oats

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

This version skips the oats for a buttery, crumbly topping that bakes until golden. The apples turn soft and juicy underneath. It’s simple, familiar, and perfect warm from the oven. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp Without Oats

French Apple Turnovers

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

Flaky pastry envelopes a sweet apple filling with a hint of cinnamon. The edges bake crisp while the inside stays soft. These are great for breakfast or dessert. A light glaze or sugar dusting finishes them off.
Get the Recipe: French Apple Turnovers

Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Salted Caramel Apple Pie. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Classic apple pie gets a boost from rich caramel and a pinch of salt. The filling bubbles beneath a golden crust while the caramel thickens. It’s sweet, buttery, and has just enough bite. Serve with whipped cream or eat cold the next day.
Get the Recipe: Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Caramel Apple Cake

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

This moist cake layers apple chunks with caramel in every bite. It bakes up soft with a rich flavor that leans more toward fall comfort than sweetness overload. Drizzle extra caramel on top before serving. Works well for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Cake

Easy Apple Strudel

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

Layers of phyllo dough wrap around spiced apple filling for a crisp, golden crust. It’s light but flavorful, with every slice showing off thin layers and tender fruit. Dust with powdered sugar to finish. Great served warm or room temp.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Strudel

Double-Crust Apple Pie

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

This traditional pie has a flaky bottom and top crust, sealing in a thick, spiced apple filling. The top can be solid or latticed depending on how fancy you want to get. It bakes up golden and bubbling. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Get the Recipe: Double-Crust Apple Pie

Fried Apple Pies

Fried Apple Pies. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Small rounds of dough are filled with apple and spice, then sealed and fried until golden. The outside is crisp and slightly chewy, while the filling is warm and soft. Best eaten fresh. Dust with sugar or drizzle with glaze.
Get the Recipe: Fried Apple Pies

Apple Tarts Easy Weeknight Dessert

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

These mini tarts use store-bought pastry and sliced apples for a quick treat. They bake fast and look elegant without much effort. Serve with a drizzle of honey or a spoon of whipped cream. Great for nights when you want something simple.
Get the Recipe: Apple Tarts Easy Weeknight Dessert

Apple Blackberry Crumble

A bowl of fruit crumble with oats on top, featuring apples and blackberries. A fresh apple and blackberries are placed beside the bowl.
Apple Blackberry Crumble. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

The tartness of blackberries blends with soft apples under a sweet oat crumble. The topping crisps in the oven while the fruit bubbles beneath. Serve warm with cream or ice cream. A good twist on the usual apple-only version.
Get the Recipe: Apple Blackberry Crumble

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 dessert layers apple slices, toasted pecans, and bourbon-spiked filling over a creamy cheesecake base. The texture is rich, smooth, and crunchy all at once. Chill fully before slicing. It’s a statement dessert for any event.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bottom Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

A bowl of crumble with oats and pecans with a spoon.
Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Cranberries bring brightness to the soft apple base, while pecans give the topping extra crunch. It’s tangy, sweet, and full of texture. Bake until golden and bubbling. Serve with yogurt or cream on the side.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

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

Just pour the ingredients into the pan and bake — this cake layers apple filling, caramel, and boxed cake mix into a gooey, golden dessert. It’s low-effort and high-reward. Let it cool slightly before serving. Best eaten with a spoon.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Apple Cobbler Cake Recipe

A baked apple dessert topped with pecans in a rectangular dish, surrounded by whole apples and a colorful napkin.
Apple Cobbler Cake Recipe. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This hybrid dessert has a soft cake base with apples baked right into the top. It rises around the fruit while keeping a cobbler-like texture. Cinnamon and sugar give it a warm, spiced finish. Great served warm.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cobbler Cake Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Cake

A slice of moist apple cinnamon cake with chocolate chunks is lifted from a whole cake.
Apple Cinnamon Cake. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

A light, fluffy cake with apple chunks and cinnamon running through the batter. The crumb stays soft and the flavor leans cozy and simple. Top with glaze or leave it plain. A good everyday cake for fall.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Cake

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.

Tender scones with bits of apple folded into a rich cream-based dough. They bake up tall and golden with a soft center. Add a drizzle of icing or serve with butter. Ideal with tea or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cream Scones

Apple Cake with Cinnamon

An apple cake baked in a cast iron skillet, cut into slices.
Apple Cake with Cinnamon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This version bakes up dense and moist with apples layered throughout. The cinnamon runs through the batter for warmth in every bite. Dust with powdered sugar or add a simple glaze. Works for breakfast or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cake with Cinnamon

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, spiraled dough filled with apple chunks and cinnamon sugar, then baked until golden. They’re sticky, sweet, and best eaten warm. Drizzle with cream cheese frosting or eat as-is. A weekend bake worth the time.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Galette

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

This free-form tart folds sliced apples into a rustic pastry crust. The edges brown up crisp while the fruit softens and caramelizes. It’s less formal than pie but just as good. Serve warm with whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

Cinnamon sugar cookies on a plate.
Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Buttery shortbread cookies with apple cider flavor baked right in. They’re crisp on the edges and soft in the center. Add a cider glaze for more sweetness. A great seasonal twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Shortbread Cookies

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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