Indulge in Autumn’s Best: Over 15 Easy & Delicious Apple Dessert Recipes

As the vibrant hues of summer fade into the warm, earthy tones of autumn, a familiar aroma begins to fill our homes: the comforting scent of baked apples. Fall isn’t just a season of changing leaves and crisp air; it’s a celebration of nature’s bounty, and at its heart lies the versatile, beloved apple. Whether you’re gathering bushels from a local orchard or picking up a bag at your grocery store, apples are the quintessential ingredient for creating memorable fall desserts that warm the soul and delight the palate.

From classic pies to innovative cobblers, and delightful cookies to effortless slow cooker treats, the world of apple desserts extends far beyond the traditional. This comprehensive guide is packed with over 15 easy apple dessert recipes designed to bring the magic of autumn into your kitchen, featuring simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these recipes promise delicious results with minimal fuss.

Growing up in the Northwestern United States, apples have always been a central part of my life. From childhood adventures in apple orchards, hand-picking fresh fruit straight from the trees, to incorporating in-season apples into countless homemade creations as an adult, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for this incredible fruit. While apple pie often comes to mind first – a dessert so iconic it’s “as American as apple pie” – its origins actually trace back to England, brought to the New World by early settlers. Today, we celebrate the apple’s global appeal and endless dessert possibilities.

Join us as we explore a delightful collection of our favorite easy apple desserts. We’ve even included a special section dedicated to CrockPot apple desserts, showcasing our enduring affection for this convenient kitchen appliance. Get ready to bake, create, and savor the sweet essence of fall!

Why Apples Are the Ultimate Fall Fruit for Baking

Apples are a baker’s dream, offering a unique combination of sweetness, tartness, and texture that few other fruits can match. Their natural pectin helps desserts hold their shape, while their robust flavor stands up beautifully to spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Choosing the Right Apples for Your Dessert

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. Different varieties offer distinct characteristics:

• Granny Smith: Known for its tartness and firm texture, it holds its shape well and provides a lovely counterpoint to sweet ingredients. Ideal for pies and crisps.
• Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and juicy with a balanced flavor. It maintains some bite after baking and is excellent in almost any apple dessert.
• Fuji: Very sweet and crunchy, Fuji apples soften beautifully without becoming mushy, making them great for cobblers and tarts.
• Gala: Mildly sweet with a crisp texture, Gala apples are versatile and can be used in many recipes, offering a more delicate apple flavor.
• Braeburn: A good balance of sweet and tart, holding its shape well. Fantastic for baking, especially in recipes where you want a complex apple flavor.

For most of these easy apple dessert recipes, a blend of sweet and tart apples can provide the most depth of flavor and appealing texture. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Delectable & Easy Apple Dessert Recipes for Any Time

Cinnamon Roll Cobbler with Apple Pie Filling

Experience pure bliss with this incredibly simple two-ingredient cobbler. By combining convenient refrigerator cinnamon roll dough and a can of your favorite apple pie filling, you can create a warm, gooey dessert that’s perfect for any time of day. Enjoy it as a comforting breakfast treat, a delightful brunch dish, or a satisfying late-night indulgence. Elevate this easy apple dessert by garnishing it with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a handful of chopped pecans for crunch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s truly an irresistible dish that tastes like it took hours, but comes together in minutes.

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Capture the essence of fall with this wonderfully moist Apple Cider Donut Cake. This Bundt cake recipe effortlessly combines a quality yellow cake mix with fresh or store-bought apple cider, infusing every bite with that distinctive autumn flavor. The result is a tender cake reminiscent of your favorite apple cider donuts, but in a grander, more shareable form. We highly recommend serving this delightful cake warm, perhaps alongside a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a luxurious drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. While a full-sized Bundt pan creates an impressive centerpiece, you can easily adapt the batter to mini Bundt pans for charming individual servings, perfect for a cozy gathering or a thoughtful gift.

Apple and Snickers Salad

Who says dessert salads can’t be wonderfully indulgent? This Apple and Snickers Salad proves that fruit can be the star of a truly decadent treat. This unique salad, featuring crisp apple chunks and chewy Snickers pieces, was an absolute sensation at a wedding reception I had the pleasure of officiating. One bite was all it took for me to know I had to recreate this magic at home! The recipe uses vanilla instant pudding mix as its creamy base, allowing the vibrant flavors of the apples and the rich sweetness of the Snickers to truly shine. Feel free to customize this easy apple dessert by experimenting with other instant pudding flavors, such as butterscotch or cheesecake, for a personalized twist.

Apple Cider Cookies

These Apple Cider Cookies are the embodiment of sweater weather in every single bite. This easy cookie recipe delivers a delightful flavor and texture that instantly transports you to a cozy autumn day. Similar to our popular Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, this recipe starts with a simple sugar cookie mix, making it incredibly straightforward. We enhance the seasonal charm by incorporating finely chopped fresh apples, celebrating the bountiful harvest of fall, and a touch of dry apple cider mix to intensify that authentic apple cider flavor. Enjoy them plain for a classic taste, or transform them into decadent Caramel Apple Cider Cookies by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top, or even baking in some caramel chips for an extra burst of gooey sweetness.

Apple Pie Dumplings

These charming Apple Pie Dumplings are a testament to how creative inspiration can transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Originally inspired by a recipe from the Pillsbury site over a decade ago, our adaptation turns ordinary refrigerator Pillsbury crescent roll dough into delicious, bite-sized apple pie delights. A burst of kitchen creativity led to these yummy dumplings, each generously glazed with a decadent blend of cinnamon and brown sugar. They offer all the comforting flavors of apple pie in a convenient, individual serving size, making them a perfect easy apple dessert for any occasion, from casual snacks to elegant gatherings.

Essential Baking Tools We Love for Apple Desserts

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience, especially when whipping up these delightful apple desserts. These are my trusted go-to baking tools that make every recipe easier and more enjoyable:

Hand Mixer – A good electric hand mixer is a game-changer for effortlessly combining ingredients. While a wooden spoon or spatula will work, a hand mixer ensures a smooth, consistent batter or dough with minimal effort. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is also an excellent alternative for larger batches.

Large Mixing Bowl- We are huge proponents of a sturdy glass batter bowl, especially one with a handle. Its weight keeps it stable on the counter, preventing slips and spills while you’re vigorously mixing. The clear glass also lets you easily see the consistency of your batter.

Cookie Scoop – For beautifully uniform cookies, a cookie scoop is indispensable. It ensures that each cookie is the same size, promoting even baking and a professional presentation. This is particularly useful for our Apple Cider Cookies and Apple Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Parchment Paper – Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper is a simple trick that prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. It’s essential for easily removing delicate cookies and pastries without any breakage, ensuring your easy apple desserts stay perfect.

Baking Sheets with Sides- These are a personal favorite! Baking sheets with a rimmed edge provide peace of mind, preventing cookies, dough, or fillings from sliding off the tray when you’re transferring them in and out of the oven. This small detail can save a lot of frustration.

Heat Resistant Potholders – Safety first in the kitchen! After a frightening incident involving a cloth potholder catching fire, we exclusively use heat-resistant silicone potholders. They offer superior protection and peace of mind when handling hot baking dishes and trays, ensuring your focus remains on creating delicious apple desserts safely.

Bisquick Apple Cobbler

Discover the incredible versatility of Bisquick with this effortlessly easy apple cobbler recipe. Bisquick, a beloved pancake and baking mix, also comes in gluten-free and heart-healthy varieties, catering to diverse dietary needs. This particular twist on classic apple cobbler sprang to life during a pantry reorganization, when a lone can of apple pie filling called out for a delicious purpose. Requiring just five simple pantry staples, this dessert is a testament to quick and delicious baking. If you have a box of Bisquick on hand but are craving a different fruit flavor, be sure to check out our equally simple and scrumptious Bisquick Peach Cobbler, Bisquick Blackberry Cobbler, and Bisquick Blueberry Cobbler!

Apple Cider Muddy Buddies

For the longest time, the whimsical name “Muddy Buddies” (also known as Puppy Chow) kept me from trying these delightful cereal-based snacks. That all changed during a fateful grocery trip when a sample of Apple Cider Muddy Buddies completely converted me! Since then, I’ve enthusiastically embarked on a journey of making these addictive treats at home. This fall-inspired version brings a sweet and tangy twist to the classic, making it an irresistible snack for autumn gatherings, movie nights, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Explore the recipe post for a variety of other Muddy Buddy treats I’ve created – there’s truly a Muddy Buddy recipe for every season of the year!

Apple Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

There’s an undeniable rustic charm to oatmeal cookies, and this scratch-made recipe elevates the classic oatmeal raisin cookie to a new level with a delightful fall upgrade. The secret ingredient? Applesauce, which not only enhances the texture, making them incredibly moist, but also infuses a subtle, natural apple flavor. These cookies strike a perfect balance of sweetness, thanks to both white and brown sugar – the white sugar for brightness and the brown sugar for a warm, molasses depth. They are not overly sweet, making them appealing even to those who typically prefer less sugary desserts. The harmonious blend of hearty oats with the slightly tart apple flavor creates an amazing and comforting treat.

Apple Blackberry Fruit Tart

Prepare to be impressed by this stunning homemade Apple Blackberry Fruit Tart, a dessert so elegant it looks like it came straight from a gourmet bake shop window. This recipe was lovingly inspired by cherished summer memories, particularly those involving two quintessential Northwestern fruits: juicy blackberries and crisp apples. Combining these two vibrant flavors into one sweet and visually appealing tart creates a truly memorable dessert. We adore the contrast of the perfectly golden-brown pastry crust with the rich, jewel-toned apples and blackberries that burst with flavor and maintain their beautiful color during baking. It’s an easy apple dessert that feels incredibly sophisticated.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups

Inspired by the overwhelming popularity of our Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cobbler, these reinvented Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups offer a delightful bite-sized twist on a beloved favorite. This ingenious two-ingredient recipe smartly utilizes every part of the refrigerator cinnamon roll tube. Each cinnamon roll slice is gently flattened and pressed into a muffin tin compartment, forming the perfect crust for these individual apple pie delights. Once baked to golden perfection, the accompanying cream cheese frosting is drizzled generously over each warm, fresh-from-the-oven apple pie cup. These little treats are absolutely amazing, whether you enjoy them warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile and easy apple dessert for any gathering.

Mini Apple Cookies

Does the thought of summer flying by too quickly, only to be met with Halloween decorations appearing in stores in September, stir a mini existential crisis? Sweeten that transition with these adorable Mini Apple Cookies! Nothing says “back-to-school season” quite like these charming, apple-shaped delights. This recipe is a labor of love, entirely homemade, even down to the meticulously prepared royal icing. This special recipe was generously shared with me by the talented daughter of a blogging friend, a professional baker specializing in exquisite cookie art. Store these tiny masterpieces in a mason jar to keep them fresh, and if you’re gifting them, choose a cute jar for an extra touch of thoughtfulness. These mini apple desserts are perfect for teachers, students, or anyone needing a sweet pick-me-up.

We’re constantly innovating in our kitchen! Keep an eye out for upcoming recipes, including classic apple pie, a tender apple cake, a rustic apple crumble, an easy apple crisp recipe baked in the oven, and a fantastic streusel topping to enhance your apple pies.

Effortless & Flavorful: CrockPot Apple Dessert Recipes

For those who love the “set it and forget it” convenience, our CrockPot apple dessert recipes are a game-changer. Imagine walking into your home to the intoxicating aroma of baked apples, all thanks to your slow cooker doing all the work! These recipes are perfect for busy days or when you want a warm, comforting dessert without heating up your kitchen.

CrockPot Caramel Apple Crisp

If you’ve been a long-time follower of our site, you already know that your trusty CrockPot can handle everything from appetizers to full main courses, and yes, even spectacular desserts. This Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Crisp is a shining example. Starting with two boxes of yellow cake mix for an incredibly easy base and featuring fresh, in-season apples, it’s a wonderfully sweet and textured treat. The addition of rich caramel takes it over the top. You can use store-bought caramel sauce for ultimate convenience or embark on a simple DIY adventure with our amazing one-ingredient caramel sauce recipe. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

CrockPot Caramel Apples

Few treats evoke the nostalgia of fall fairs and carnivals quite like caramel apples. These classic delights conjure images of crisp sweater weather, vibrant falling leaves, and the joyous spirit of autumn. We initially shared this recipe during a particularly smoky fire season, eager for the cool, clear days of fall. Our CrockPot Caramel Apples bring all that festive fun into your home with surprising ease. While the homemade caramel sauce in this recipe does require a bit of attention – a gentle stir every fifteen minutes – it’s a fun and family-friendly activity. Kids in the household will love helping out, making it a wonderful bonding experience as you create these iconic fall treats.

CrockPot Apple Butter

We are enormous proponents of the “dump-and-go” philosophy for many slow cooker recipes, and this CrockPot Apple Butter exemplifies it perfectly. Simply toss your prepped apples and spices into your CrockPot, set the timer, and let the magic happen! This richly spiced apple butter is an absolute delight on warm toast, fluffy pancakes, or any other bread-like sweet treat. It’s also a fantastic way to utilize an abundance of fall apples, transforming them into a flavorful condiment that can be enjoyed for weeks. You have complete control over the consistency: mash it until silken smooth for a refined butter, or leave some delightful chunks for a more rustic texture, tailored precisely to your preference.

CrockPot Apple Crisp

For years, store-bought apple crisps were my go-to indulgence until a simple thought struck me: why not try making this beloved dessert at home if I enjoy it so much? This incredibly easy CrockPot Apple Crisp recipe completely converted me; I’ll never go back to my old ways! Its beauty lies in its simplicity and convenience. You can assemble it the night before for a stress-free breakfast or brunch, or set it to cook during the day while you’re out. Not only will you return home to a kitchen filled with the most divine, comforting aroma, but you’ll also have a perfectly warm, brunch-worthy treat ready for your complete enjoyment. It’s an easy apple dessert that consistently delivers on flavor and convenience.

CrockPot Fried Apples

Our travels often lead us to Cracker Barrel, where we always look forward to their famously simple yet decadently snack-worthy fried apples. Since the closest location to us is across the border in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, we decided it was time to master this vegetarian-friendly side dish at home using our slow cooker. The result is a wonderfully tender and spiced apple treat that’s perfect on its own, with pork chops, or even as a simple dessert. To minimize your prep time for this easy apple recipe, we highly recommend having an apple corer, an apple slicer, and a reliable vegetable peeler on hand. These tools make quick work of preparing all those apples, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish with minimal fuss.

CrockPot Apple Spice Dump Cake

This CrockPot Apple Spice Dump Cake is just one of the many fantastic CrockPot Dump Cake Recipes we’ve happily shared on our site. True to its name, this three-ingredient wonder is incredibly simple to assemble, offering a cobbler-like experience with minimal effort. It begins with a boxed spice cake mix, which imparts a delightful warmth and aromatic flavor, perfectly complemented by two cans of apple pie filling. The magic happens in your slow cooker, transforming these basic ingredients into a rich, moist, and utterly satisfying dessert. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, or top it with a cloud of whipped cream for a truly decadent treat after any meal. For an added textural dimension, sprinkle each serving with chopped pecans or walnuts, or for even more sweetness, a light dusting of brown sugar.

Handy Recipe Tips for Your Apple Dessert Adventures

For detailed, step-by-step instructions for each of these easy apple dessert recipes, remember that printable recipe cards are conveniently available within each individual blog post. We aim to make your baking experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Please note that nutritional information, including data on calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, trans fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and more, will vary depending on the specific brands and products you choose to use in your baking. Always refer to the product labels for the most accurate information.

Explore More Fall Recipe Collections

Are you inspired to dive deeper into autumn’s culinary delights? Discover more seasonal favorites and easy dessert recipes with our curated collections:

• Epic Fall Cocktails – Mix up the best beverages to celebrate the crisp fall season.
• Recipes Using Apple Cider – Unleash the full potential of apple cider with all our epic recipes featuring this fall staple.
• Desserts with 5 Ingredients or Less – Indulge in sweet treat bliss with this collection, where every recipe uses five or fewer ingredients, ensuring quick and easy desserts.
• Must-Try Fall Dessert Recipes – A collection of the best fall desserts that everyone will undoubtedly enjoy.