As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, apple desserts take center stage in American kitchens. The aroma of cinnamon, butter, and baked apples instantly evokes the warmth of the season. While apple pie is the most iconic, there’s a whole world of delicious apple treats to explore.
Here are ten must-try apple desserts for fall—ranging from timeless classics to modern twists—that are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday tables, or a quiet night in.
1. Classic Double-Crust Apple Pie
The queen of apple desserts. Combine tart and sweet apple varieties like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Cortland for a balanced flavor. Layer the apple slices in a buttery crust, sprinkle with sugar and warm spices, top with another crust, and bake until golden and bubbling.
2. Apple Crisp (Apple Crumble)
An easier alternative to pie, apple crisp features spiced apples topped with a buttery oat streusel. Bake until the topping is golden and the apples are tender, and serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic fall treat.
3. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
A modern favorite that layers a shortbread or graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apple topping, and a buttery streusel—finished with caramel drizzle. Perfect for parties and bake sales.
4. Apple Cider Donuts (Baked or Fried)
A fall fair staple, these cake-style donuts are infused with reduced apple cider and warm spices. Coat them in cinnamon sugar while still warm, and serve with coffee or hot cider.
5. Tarte Tatin (Caramelized Apple Tart)
This French upside-down tart features caramelized apples baked under a layer of puff pastry, then inverted for a dramatic presentation. Serve with whipped cream or crème fraîche.
6. Apple Dumplings
Whole apples wrapped in pastry, filled with cinnamon sugar, and baked in a sweet syrup until tender and golden. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
7. Apple Bread Pudding or French Toast Casserole
Transform stale bread into a rich, custardy dessert by layering it with apples, cinnamon, and eggs. Bake until golden for a comforting fall dish that also works as a decadent brunch.
8. Apple Fritters
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, apple fritters are fried donuts studded with apple chunks and glazed with vanilla icing or coated in cinnamon sugar.
9. Apples Foster (Caramel Apples over Ice Cream)
A fall-inspired twist on Bananas Foster, this dessert features apples sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then served over vanilla ice cream for a hot-and-cold flavor combination.
10. Spiced Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze
A moist, cinnamon-spiced cake loaded with apple chunks and topped with a rich caramel glaze. Beautiful for holiday tables and just as delicious the next morning with coffee.
Celebrate Fall with Apple Desserts
From rustic crisps to elegant tarts, apples shine in countless autumn recipes. Experiment with different apple varieties to discover unique flavor combinations, and enjoy the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen all season long.
