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Baking apples with cinnamon, butter, and sugar fills the whole house with cozy fragrance. Desserts range from pies and crisps to cakes and bars, each offering its own mix of textures. Tender fruit meets flaky crusts or crunchy toppings for a comforting contrast. Ideal for fall weather but delicious any time cravings for warm spice kick in.

Apple Crisp Without Oats

Plate of apple crisp with a fork and cinnamon sticks on a white surface.
Apple Crisp Without Oats. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.
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Cozy apple flavor shines without the need for oats. Tender sliced apples bake with warm cinnamon under a rich, buttery streusel topping. Everything comes together in one dish for easy prep. A comforting dessert that bakes in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp Without Oats

Easy Apple Strudel

A rectangular lattice apple strudel on a white tray with a golden-brown crust.
Easy Apple Strudel. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Flaky puff pastry wraps a warm apple filling for a dessert that feels bakery-worthy. Canned fruit keeps preparation quick and stress-free. The golden crust delivers crisp texture in every bite. Perfect for serving something special in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Strudel

Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears

Close-up of a tarte Tatin on a white plate, featuring caramelized apples and pears atop a golden, flaky pastry.
Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Caramelized apples and pears create deep, rich flavor beneath buttery pastry. Slow cooking enhances sweetness and adds elegance without complicated steps. The inverted presentation feels impressive straight from the pan. Ideal when paired with vanilla ice cream for a warm finish.
Get the Recipe: Apple Tarte Tatin with Pears

Apple Tarts Easy Weeknight Dessert

A scoop of vanilla ice cream sits atop a baked pastry with folded corners, served on a white plate.
Apple Tarts Easy Weeknight Dessert. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Puff pastry forms a crisp base for sweet apples and orange-almond marmalade. Bright citrus notes balance the richness of the fruit. Preparation stays quick while results look polished. A great option for casual desserts or last-minute guests.
Get the Recipe: Apple Tarts Easy Weeknight Dessert

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Image shows a head on close up shot of a slice of Apple Pie Bread Pudding topped with whipped cream.
Apple Pie Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft bread absorbs a rich custard filled with spiced apples. Warm flavors create a comforting, bakery-style dessert. Texture stays creamy on the inside with golden edges. A cozy twist on classic bread pudding.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Bread Pudding

The Best Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

A slice of apple cake on a plate, dusted with powdered sugar. Two whole green apples are in the background, with more cake in the background on a serving plate.
The Best Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Moist crumb and tender apples make every slice comforting and satisfying. Cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the fruit. Simple ingredients keep preparation approachable. Works equally well as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.
Get the Recipe: The Best Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake

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.

Creamy cheesecake meets spiced apple pie flavors in one show-stopping dessert. Pressure cooking delivers smooth texture without cracking. Warm cinnamon apples add contrast to the rich filling. A perfect choice for fall gatherings or holidays.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Apple Pie Cheesecake

Rustic Apple Galette

A slice of apple galette with ice cream on a plate.
Rustic Apple Galette. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Free-form pastry gives a relaxed, homemade look. Juicy apples bake into a flaky crust with lightly sweetened filling. No special equipment required for shaping. Best served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Apple Galette

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.

Cinnamon-spiced apples are wrapped in flaky biscuit dough for bite-sized treats. Air frying creates a crisp exterior in minutes. Minimal ingredients keep preparation simple. A fun dessert option for parties or quick cravings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Rectangular apple tart with golden apple slices, a flaky crust, and a light glaze. Two cinnamon sticks lie nearby on a wooden surface.
Puff Pastry Apple Tart. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Crisp puff pastry layers support tender apples and gentle cinnamon spice. The light, flaky texture contrasts beautifully with the fruit. Preparation stays simple while presentation feels refined. Suitable for both everyday desserts and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Single-Serve Apple Pie

Mini apple pie on cutting board.
Single-Serve Apple Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Flaky crust and sweet apple filling create a perfectly portioned dessert. Baking smaller keeps flavors concentrated and satisfying. Ideal for individual cravings or portion control. A classic favorite scaled down without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Single-Serve Apple Pie

Apple Cranberry Galette

Apple cranberry galette on a wood board with a cup of tea.
Apple Cranberry Galette. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Tart cranberries balance sweet apples inside a buttery crust. Rustic shaping removes the need for a pie dish. Bright flavors highlight seasonal fruit beautifully. A stunning fall dessert with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry 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.

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