5 Delicious Apple Recipes for Autumn Treats

Apple Harvest Crunch Muffins

Autumn is a delightful season, not just for its cool breezes and vibrant foliage, but also for its culinary treasures, particularly those featuring apples. Apples are at their peak, offering a crisp, juicy bite that can transform any dessert into a seasonal sensation. One of the favorite ways to incorporate this fruit into autumn baking is through muffins. Here’s how you can make some delightful Apple Harvest Crunch Muffins:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups finely chopped, peeled apples
  • 1 cup granola or streusel topping (optional for extra crunch)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line muffin tins with paper liners or lightly grease them.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until just moistened. Fold in the apples.
  5. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Sprinkle with granola or streusel topping if using.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

🍏 Note: For an extra seasonal touch, you can add a teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for an aromatic and warm flavor profile.

Autumn Apple Galette

Simplicity and elegance merge in this Autumn Apple Galette, a rustic free-form tart that showcases the beauty of apples.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
  • 5-6 apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie dough into a rough 12-inch circle on parchment paper.
  2. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in a bowl with sugar, flour, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt.
  3. Arrange the apple slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border all around.
  4. Fold the edges of the dough over the apples, pleating as needed.
  5. Brush the dough with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.

🥧 Note: The beauty of a galette lies in its rustic appearance, so don't worry about making it look perfect. The imperfect folds add to its charm!

Apple and Cinnamon Stuffed Crepes

Crepes offer a canvas for a variety of fillings, and what could be more autumnal than apples mixed with cinnamon?

• Ingredients for Crepes:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter, plus extra for cooking
  • 1/4 tsp salt
• Ingredients for Filling:
  • 3 apples, peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream or ice cream for serving (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare the Crepe Batter: Blend flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for at least 1 hour.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: In a saucepan, melt butter, add apples, sugar, cinnamon, and cook until apples are tender.
  3. Cook Crepes: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, grease lightly with butter, pour a ladle of batter, and swirl to spread. Cook until the edges start to lift, then flip and cook briefly on the other side.
  4. Assemble: Spoon apple filling onto a crepe, fold or roll it, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.

🍎 Note: You can also add walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for added texture and flavor.

Apple Butter Blondies

Transform your classic blondie recipe into an autumnal delight with the addition of apple butter.

• Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup apple butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add egg, apple butter, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Incorporate into the wet ingredients.
  4. If using, fold in the nuts.
  5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly soft.

Classic Apple Pie

No autumnal roundup would be complete without a nod to the timeless classic – the Apple Pie. Here’s a recipe that embraces the season:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
  • 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (use a mix of sweet and tart like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg, beaten
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, spices, flour, and lemon juice.
  3. Roll out one crust and line a 9-inch pie plate. Pour in the apple mixture, dot with butter.
  4. Cover with the second crust, seal the edges, and cut vents for steam to escape. Brush the top with the beaten egg.
  5. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40-50 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden.

In sum, these recipes highlight the versatility of apples in autumnal desserts. From the crisp crunch of muffins to the warmth of apple butter in blondies, apples serve as both a star ingredient and a supporting player, enriching the flavor and texture of each dish. Whether you’re in the mood for something rustic or refined, there’s an apple dessert here that will satisfy your seasonal cravings. Remember, while apples have their moment in autumn, their culinary uses span the seasons, so you can enjoy these recipes anytime you crave that delightful apple flavor.

Can I use different apples for these recipes?

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Absolutely! Each variety brings a unique flavor and texture. Tart apples like Granny Smith are great for baking to maintain structure, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala can add natural sweetness. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect blend.

How can I store these apple treats?

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Most apple desserts can be stored at room temperature for a few days in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate, especially for items with perishable fillings or toppings like whipped cream. You can also freeze baked goods; ensure they are cooled completely first, wrap tightly, and defrost at room temperature or in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.

What are some tips for making the perfect pie crust?

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Here are some tips:

• Keep your butter or shortening as cold as possible.
• Use ice water for your dough to ensure it stays cool.
• Minimize handling of the dough to avoid overworking the gluten, which can lead to toughness.
• Chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling out for flakier results.
• Use a light touch when rolling; don’t press down too hard.
• Make sure to properly vent your pie to prevent a soggy bottom crust.