As soon as fall hits, it seems like the entire world goes pumpkin-crazy. Admittedly, I'm completely guilty of this. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pancakes... and then it's October and you're turning orange and you just need a break. In this craze, it's easy to forget about the dependability and versatility of apples. The first bite of a crisp, slightly tart apple is akin to heaven on Earth (especially because I couldn't bite into apples for five years because #denturelife). To satisfy all the apple lovers out there, I've compiled a list of 10 creative apple recipes to use this fall.
Apples are also in season in the fall, which means they taste even fresher, and there's more variety. There's nothing like spending an afternoon at an apple orchard, reveling in the discovery that there's more to life than Red Delicious. My favorite varieties of apple are Goldrush, Honeycrisp, and Envy. My roommate swears by the sweeter Pink Ladies (also known as Cripps Pink). And if you can't make it to an orchard, farmer's markets and grocery stores tend to drop their prices in the fall, and the apples are fresh and crisp. October 21st is even designated as Apple Day in the UK.
1. Apple Crisp
This simple, yet delicious, apple recipe is impossible to mess up. Using a tart apple such as Granny Smith or Jonagold complements the sweet brown sugar and cinnamon to create a magical flavor explosion.
2. Caramelized Cinnamon Apples and Pecans
You can use them as a topping for oatmeal, ice cream, pancakes...or just eat them straight up.
3. Apple Crumble Bars
Honestly, just look at them. You need these in your life.
4. Homemade Applesauce
There is nothing cozier than some homemade applesauce. Ten times better than store-brand. You can make it in a crockpot, on the stove, in the microwave, and customize it however you'd like.
5. Apple Cheddar Stack
Because sometimes you need simplicity, and apples and cheese are the OG combination.
6. Copycat Great Harvest Apple Scrapple Bread
I'm not kidding when I say this is the best bread on the planet. This copycat version of the greatest apple recipe will satisfy your craving when the nearest Great Harvest is an hour away from your college town.
7. Apple Pie Oatmeal
My personal trademark and favorite way to cook oatmeal- add shredded apple and copious amounts of cinnamon halfway through the cooking process. It's hardly an apple recipe. Stuff into an almost empty nut butter jar for maximum enjoyment.
8. Harvest Chicken Skillet with Apples
All the flavors of fall in one easy, delicious skillet dinner.
9. Slow Cooker Apple Pulled Pork
Because apple and pulled pork is an underrated combination.
10. Apple Dumplings
Comfort food at its best.
Even though the weather may not reflect the season yet, you can make these indulgent apple recipes to distract yourself from the fact that it's 80 degrees in November.