Celebrate Apple Season with These 5 Must-Try Fall Recipes

It's apple-picking season across much of the country, and what better way to celebrate this crunchy fall delight than by enjoying apples five different ways? 

We love all things apple this time of year, and compiled five of our favorite apple recipes here:

Tip: Try our favorite easy homemade applesauce for the recipes that call for applesauce. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a few hours in your slow cooker!

Caramel and Granola Apple Nachos

These Caramel and Granola Apple Nachos are perfect for satisfying those snack-time cravings or serving up a guilt-free dessert everyone will love.

Veselova Elena | Canva

Ingredients:

• Apples (choose your favorite!)
• Caramel sauce
• Granola
• Mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Wash, core, and slice apples very thin.
2. Spread half of the apple slices on a dish, then drizzle with sauce and sprinkle with toppings.
3. Place the remaining apple slices on top and repeat with sauce and toppings.
4. Serve immediately and ENJOY!

Other Apple Nacho topping combo ideas:

Peanut Butter Paradise Apple Nachos: warmed peanut butter  | mini pretzels | chocolate shavings

Berry Burst Apple Nachos: Greek yogurt | fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Maple Pecan Delight: maple syrup | crushed pecans | dried cranberries

S'mores Spectacular: chocolate sauce | mini marshmallows | crushed graham crackers

Easy Apple Muffins

These easy and fast apple muffins are a breakfast treat sure to please! 

—Jessica Harbour

GEOLEE | Canva

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup vanilla yogurt
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup chunky applesauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. In a small bowl, mix yogurt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients (except baking soda and baking powder, which you've already put in with the yogurt).
4. The yogurt mixture should be slightly puffy by this point. Add the applesauce and eggs to it and stir.
5. Mix wet ingredients into dry.
6. Pour into greased muffin cups (or use liners). Fill muffin cups about 1/2 full.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until tops are golden brown.
8. Let cool (a little) and serve!

Baked Caramel Apples

These are delicious served as is, or you can top them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or whipped cream!

—Heather Williams

photosimysia | Canva

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Slice apples in half and scoop out the core.
3. Place the apples in baking dish and put two caramels in the center of each apple half.
4. In a small sauce pan, melt the butter and brown sugar. Once melted, remove from heat, stir in flour and cinnamon, and mix well. Pour mixture evenly over the apples.
5. Bake at 375 for approximately 30 minutes. Time will vary depending on the type and size of apples you use, some are much harder/softer than others.
6. Remove from oven and carefully scoop apples from pan. Serve warm.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples

These two seasonal favorites, roasted together, make a tasty side dish that couldn't be easier.

haoliang | Canva

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 425 degrees.
2. Put butternut squash and butter into an oven safe dish, sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Carefully remove from oven and add apples.
5. Bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot.

Caramel Apple Cookies

One of the best ways to enjoy an apple is with caramel!

—Heather Williams

A_Lein | Canva

Ingredients:

• ½ pound butter (2 sticks)
• 1½ cups brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1¾ cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 2 cups cored, peeled & diced apples (about 2 apples)
• 1 cup chopped caramels (about 20 caramel squares)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (for optional drizzle)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
3. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well.
4. Add flour, baking soda, and salt and mix well.
5. Mix in oats until combined.
6. Stir in apples and caramels.
7. Drop by tablespoonful onto GREASED cookie sheet (these will spread a bit).
8. Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Cool for a few minutes and transfer onto a cooling rack.
10. For optional white chocolate drizzle: Once cookies are cool, melt white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl; check and stir frequently (use 30 second increments).
11. Drizzle cookies with white chocolate and allow chocolate to harden