It's finally fall—and with apples in peak season and comfort on our minds, we are welcoming the cool autumn winds with a set of scrumptious apple desserts. Recipes that are the definition of "homey goodness"—with a few unexpected additions here and there.
Michelle Lopez
Easy Apple Crisp
Pink Pearl apples tossed in lemon zest make for a filling that is the perfect combination of sweet and tart. The homey rolled oats and brown sugar topping puts the emphasis on the sweet—but we're okay with that.
Apples? Check. Cranberries? Check. Maple? Check. With such an extensive list of layers, it's no wonder this pie is double stuffed. The only thing left to check off? Sampling a filled-to-the-brim slice.
This recipe may have "snack" in its title, but don't be fooled—it's equally satisfying after dinner. And since honey is used in lieu of sugar to sweeten, we don't see the harm in enjoying a square at snack time and then another later on for dessert.
In any other case, putting apple pie in a glass would be difficult, but this was, well, easy as pie. For this after dinner drink, simply brew apple cider with ginger, nutmeg, and brown sugar. For an added spike, top it off with sherry and brandy.
It may be called upside down, but this pretty cake comes out on top in our book. Inspired by the classic Upside Down Pineapple Cake, this apple-fied version is perfect for the autumn season.
Balanced meals deserve balanced desserts, and this Salted Caramel Apple Pie will hit the spot. The saltiness of the caramel complements the sweetness of the apples creating a match made in apple pie heaven.
You have to criss cross a cup of applesauce to make this sweet cinnamon bread. And since you'll end up with two loaves, keep one and give the other to a friend or neighbor. Do this more than once and we suspect you'll become very popular throughout the harvest and holidays.
Mark Boughton Photography / styling by Teresa Blackburn
Holy Trinity Apple Crisp
Good things come in threes and this recipe is no exception. The term “holy trinity of pie apples” refers to the combination of Northern Spy, Golden Grimes and Ida Red. Baked together they make a tastebud-bursting combination. If you can’t find them, Granny Smith, Rome Beauty and Gala apples will make fine substitutions.
Mark Boughton Photography / styling by Teresa Blackburn
Leatherstocking Apple Pie
Cheddar cheese may not be a flavor you typically seek in an apple pie, but it is surprisingly good—trust us. Texture is everything here, from the rich apple and cheese filling to the flaky, golden crust.
