Went apple picking this weekend—or couldn’t resist that overflowing basket at the farmers’ market—and now your kitchen is bursting with crisp, fresh apples? That’s one of the best “problems” to have! Instead of letting them sit and soften, plan a variety of ways to use and preserve them so not a single one goes to waste. Here are 10 ideas to enjoy your harvest, from instant snacks to long-term storage solutions.
1. Bake a Homemade Apple Pie (or Two!)
A freshly baked apple pie is a fall classic for a reason. Mix sweet varieties like Fuji or Golden Delicious with tart apples like Granny Smith for perfect flavor balance. For a 9-inch pie, peel and slice 6–8 apples, toss with sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, a bit of flour, and lemon juice. Bake until golden and bubbling. Make extras to freeze—either unbaked (bake straight from the freezer) or fully baked for quick desserts all winter long.
2. Make Applesauce or Apple Butter
Turn your apples into applesauce for a quick snack or apple butter for a rich, spreadable treat. Simmer peeled, cored, and chopped apples with a splash of water or apple juice, plus cinnamon. Mash for chunky sauce or blend for smooth. Apple butter is cooked longer with sugar and spices until thick and caramelized. Store in the fridge for 1–2 weeks, freeze for months, or can in jars for year-round use.
3. Freeze Apple Slices
Short on time? Peel, core, and slice apples, dip in lemon water to prevent browning, spread on a tray to freeze individually, then store in freezer bags. Frozen apples are perfect for pies, crisps, or smoothies later in the year—no thawing required before baking.
4. Dehydrate for Apple Rings or Chips
Drying apples concentrates their sweetness and makes a healthy, portable snack. Use a dehydrator or a low oven (140–175°F) for several hours. Sprinkle with cinnamon before drying for extra flavor. Store in airtight containers for months.
5. Can Your Own Apple Pie Filling
Love pie but want it ready in minutes? Make and can spiced apple pie filling. Use a safe canning starch (like ClearJel), sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fill jars with partially cooked apples and syrup, then process in a boiling water bath. When winter cravings hit, just pour into a crust and bake.
6. Make Apple Jelly or Syrup
Simmer apple peels and cores to extract juice, then add sugar and lemon juice for jelly, or cook with spices until thickened for syrup. Perfect on pancakes, waffles, or as a unique homemade gift.
7. Add Apples to Savory Dishes
Apples aren’t just for dessert—they pair beautifully with pork, chicken, and fall vegetables. Try pork tenderloin roasted with apples and onions, autumn salads with thin apple slices, or a creamy apple–butternut squash soup.
8. Share the Harvest
Bring a bag to friends, neighbors, or your local food pantry. Bake apple muffins or cakes for school events, or donate extra to cider makers and community kitchens.
9. Make Apple Drinks
Fresh apple juice, hot spiced cider, or even homemade hard cider are all great uses for your harvest. For a twist, infuse vodka or whiskey with apple slices for cozy fall cocktails.
10. Compost or Feed Animals
If some apples are too bruised or damaged, don’t toss them in the trash. Compost them for nutrient-rich soil, or—if appropriate—share with chickens, goats, or pigs.
Final Thoughts
An abundance of apples is an invitation to get creative in the kitchen (and beyond). Whether you bake, preserve, share, or sip them, each apple you picked has the potential to bring comfort, flavor, and joy well past the harvest season.
