Introduction
Apple picking is a fun and delicious way to spend a day outdoors. But what do you do with all those apples once you get home? With these 8 recipes, you can turn your apple picking trip into a delicious feast! From classic apple pies and cobblers to creative twists on apple dishes, these recipes will make your apple picking trip actually worth it. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a savory dish, these recipes will have you covered. So get ready to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
8 Recipes That Will Make Your Apple Picking Trip Actually Worth It
Apple picking season is here, and it’s time to make the most of it! Whether you’re picking apples for a special occasion or just for fun, you can make your apple picking trip even more enjoyable with these delicious recipes. From apple pies to apple cider donuts, these recipes will make your apple picking trip truly worth it.
1. Apple Pie
Nothing says fall like a classic apple pie. This recipe is easy to make and will be sure to impress your friends and family. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Then, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of cold butter. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add 1/4 cup of cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Roll out the dough and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Fill the pie with your favorite apples and top with a mixture of 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Enjoy!
2. Apple Cider Donuts
Apple cider donuts are a must-have for any apple picking trip. This recipe is easy to make and will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Then, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of apple cider, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 large egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Drop the batter by the tablespoonful onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!
3. Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is a classic fall dessert that is sure to please. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Then, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Place your favorite apples in a 9-inch baking dish and top with the flour mixture. Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Enjoy!
4. Apple Fritters
Apple fritters are a delicious way to enjoy your freshly picked apples. Start by preheating your oil to 375 degrees. Then, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of apple cider, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 large egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Drop the batter by the tablespoonful into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Enjoy!
5. Apple Cider Sangria
Apple cider sangria is the perfect way to enjoy your apple picking trip. Start by combining 1 bottle of white wine, 1 cup of apple cider, 1/4 cup of brandy, 1/4 cup of orange liqueur, and 1/4 cup of simple syrup in a large pitcher. Add 1 sliced apple, 1 sliced orange, and 1/4 cup of fresh cranberries. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy!
6. Apple Butter
Apple butter is a delicious way to enjoy your freshly picked apples. Start by combining 4 pounds of apples, 1 cup of apple cider, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg in a large pot. Simmer over low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool. Enjoy!
7. Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Apple cider vinaigrette is a delicious way to dress up your salads. Start by combining 1/4 cup of apple cider, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a small bowl. Whisk until combined. Enjoy!
8. Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Apple cinnamon muffins are a delicious way to enjoy your freshly picked apples. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. Then, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of apple cider, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 large egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fill muffin tins with the batter and top with a mixture of 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!
Apple picking sits firmly amongst changing leaves, dropping temperatures, and shorter days when it comes to a list of things we most associate with fall. There’s nothing quite like hopping in a hay-lined tractor to ride along a bumpy dirt road and spend time with friends and family harvesting the sweetest, most perfectly ripened apples you can find. Supermarket apples just don’t stand up.
But once you return from this annual pilgrimage to your local apple farm, what should you do with your bounty? Don’t get overwhelmed with decision fatigue (because we all know how many apple recipes are out there)—we put together an abbreviated list of the absolute best recipes that should be at the top of your list when you come home with a bushel of apples. From crisp salads to soothing soups to decadent desserts, these healthy apple recipes will help you take advantage of fall’s favorite fruit. (Bonus—they’re all secretly healthy!) Read on, and for more on how to eat healthy, don’t miss 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
For a waistline-friendly take on everyone’s favorite apple dessert, we forgo the pastry crust for a crunchy topping of oats, chopped almonds, and brown sugar. Not only does it cut down on calories, but it also jazzes up this delicious dessert with a flavorful and fun textural counter to soft, baked apples.
Get our recipe for Apple Pie.
Apple cinnamon instant oats are one of the most popular oatmeal flavors out there, but we can all agree that they can be seriously lacking in flavor. Toss the boxed stuff and turn your favorite oatmeal flavor into fiber-rich pancakes with a sweet and syrupy topping of warmed apples.
Get our recipe for Oatmeal Pancakes with Cinnamon Apples.
If you don’t have time (or patience) to put together dough for an apple pie, you can still get the warming flavors of this favorite apple dessert by following this apple crumble recipe. Oats and almonds come together to top soft cooked apples with a welcoming crunch.
Get our recipe for an Apple Crumble.
Enjoy all that apples have to offer by serving them at their best: simply sliced, served with pecans and goat cheese and dressed with an unctuous bacon vinaigette.
Get our recipe for Spinach Salad Topped With Goat Cheese, Apples, and a Warm Bacon Dressing.
Take pizza night to new heights by breaking out a few of those apples you just picked. Slice ’em up and add them to a flatbread (store-bought is great here if you want to get dinner on the table quicker) with onions, cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic.
Get our recipe for an Apple Balsamic Flatbread.
Butternut squash soup is another classic fall food, but why is this on our list of go-to apple recipes? Simple: the addition of apple brings a much-needed brightness and sweetness that really makes the squash sing.
Get our recipe for Butternut Squash Soup.
Forget peanut butter and jelly—how about peanut butter and apple? This breakfast toast pairs apple slices and peanut butter and spruces them up with a light drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkling of cinnamon.
Get our recipe for Maple-Cashew-Apple Toast.
McDonald’s has nothing on our healthy apple turnover recipe. We use puff pastry to make perfectly portioned individual turnovers with fewer calories than you’d get from two bites of Cheesecake Factory’s Warm Apple Crisp.
Get our recipe for Apple Turnovers.
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