Consider this your ultimate guide to apples! Everything you need to know about choosing, storing, and using apples in cooking and baking, including some of my favorite go-to apple recipes.
While apples are available year-round, there's something extra special about fresh, local apples picked at the peak of ripeness. Whether you’re picking them yourself or just picking up a peck at your farmers market, if you’re looking for easy and delicious apple recipes to put them to use, I have lots of ideas. But first, let’s cover the basics.
The Best Apples for Cooking and Baking
When choosing apples for cooking and baking, you'll want a variety that will hold up to heat without going mushy on you. (The exception to this is if you’re making applesauce; in that case, a combination of softer and firmer apples will give you a nice texture.) The most popular baking apples include:
- Granny Smith. The classic! Granny Smith is a popular choice for baking because it's tart, juicy, and holds its shape when cooked.
- Honeycrisp. This sweet-tart apple has a firm texture, so it retains its shape even after being exposed to heat. If Granny Smith is a little too tart for you, Honeycrisp is a great substitute.
- Golden Delicious. A milder apple than Granny Smith, this one is great for pies and other baked goods, and its sweet flavor is fabulous when paired with a more tart apple.
- Pink Lady. This apple is both sweet and tangy, making it an excellent choice for desserts and applesauce.
My Favorite Easy Apple Recipes
Ready to put your apples to use? Here’s a collection of my favorite apple recipes. Keep scrolling for tips for choosing and storing apples.
Apple Breakfast Recipes
Apple Pie Breakfast Parfaits
Start your day the delicious way with these easy apple pie breakfast parfaits! What could be better than indulging in a morning treat that tastes like dessert, but is actually packed with filling ingredients?
Check out this recipe
Maple, Cinnamon & Apple Quinoa Granola
Introducing the ultimate fall granola! It's got all the cozy fall flavors we love, plus apples and crunchy nuts. Use it like a cereal or snack on it as-is!
Apple Pie Overnight Quinoa
Who says you can't have apple pie for breakfast? This apple pie overnight quinoa is here to make your mornings tasty and hassle-free. It’s loaded with protein, naturally gluten-free, and vegan too.
Check out this recipe
Applesauce Blender Muffins
These applesauce blender muffins are a delicious treat free from gluten, dairy, oil, and refined sugar. They come out super tender, moist, and full of cozy spices!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Apple Cider Pancakes
This apple cider pancakes are delicious topped with apples and maple syrup for a cozy fall breakfast! I make mine vegan and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
Apple Pie Quinoa Breakfast Bars
Breakfast on the go? I’ve got you covered! No need to stress when you have a batch of these apple pie breakfast bars ready and waiting for you.
Check out this recipe
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Get ready to fall in love with these apple cinnamon muffins! Flavored with warm cinnamon and finished with a delightful streusel topping, they're the ultimate cozy season treat.
Check out this recipe
Cinnamon Apple Bread
This recipe is packed with almond flour and quinoa flour, giving it a major protein boost and making it naturally gluten-free. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, and anytime in between!
Check out this recipe
Apple Pie Quinoa Breakfast Cookies
When you can begin your morning with a cookie for breakfast, you know your day's off to a great start! These apple pie quinoa breakfast cookies are ideal for grabbing on your way out the door.
Check out this recipe
Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bake
This mouthwatering quinoa breakfast bake is filled with juicy apples and fall spices. Not only is it easy to make, but it's also gluten-free, vegan, and packed with protein.
Check out this recipe
French Toast Muffins
Packed with the goodness of cinnamon and apple, these little delights are not only delicious, but also much lighter than your typical French toast recipe. As if that’s not enough, they're a breeze to prepare ahead of time!
Check out this recipe
Apple, Peanut + Honey Quinoa Granola Bars
Try these apple, peanut and honey quinoa granola bars for a satisfying grab-and-go snack. Unlike so many homemade granola bars, these are crunchy, so you don’t have to store them in the fridge.
Homemade Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce
Got a surplus of apples? Don't worry, I’ve got the perfect solution: my easy chunky cinnamon applesauce! You only need 4 ingredients to make it and your whole house will smell like fall.
Check out this recipe
Green Apple Smoothie
Packed with all the good stuff your body craves, this green apple smoothie has fiber, protein, and electrolytes in spades. Now you’re ready to conquer your day!
Check out this recipe
Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast
Not only is this breakfast quinoa an easy gluten-free option, it's also packed with fiber and protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied all morning long.
Check out this recipe
Scrumptious Apple Dessert Recipes
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
This gluten-free vegan apple crisp is pretty much the quintessential fall dessert. Just add a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream!
Check out this recipe
Apple Crumble Bars
They taste like an indulgence, but surprise: these apple crumble bars are gluten-free and naturally sweetened! And unlike so many dessert recipes, the list of ingredients is totally manageable.
Check out this recipe
Apple Pie Energy Bites
Say goodbye to the dreaded afternoon crash with these delightful apple pie energy bites. Not only are these snacks vegan and gluten-free, they’re also seriously tasty.
Check out this recipe
Spiralized Apple Tart
This spiralized tart tastes just like apple pie! You'll want to have a slice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Slow Cooker Quinoa Apple Crisp
The only thing better than having dinner cooking in your crockpot all day is using it to make dessert! You'll love the tender stewed apples and crunchy topping.
Check out this recipe
Gluten-Free Fresh Apple Cake
This gluten-free apple cake is going to be your go-to for fall get-togethers. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it transitions seamlessly from brunch to dessert.
Check out this recipe
Quinoa Apple Crisp
This rustic fall dessert is easy to put together and it's also light enough that you can enjoy it for breakfast. Win!
Check out this recipe
Apple Upside-Down Cake
Get ready to turn your dessert world upside down with this amazing gluten-free apple cake! It’s buttery and delicious, and it also looks stunning on a dessert table.
Check out this recipe
Apple Crumb Pie (Gluten-Free & Vegan)
Who needs a top crust?! Finishing your apple pie with a crumb topping is easier and much more delicious. This recipe is gluten-free and vegan, too.
Check out this recipe
Savory Apple Recipes
![Butternut Squash + Apple Soup -- made with roasted vegetables, rosemary, cinnamon and a ton of other spices! [VEGAN]](https://www.simplyquinoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/butternut-squash-apple-soup-5-683x1024.jpg)
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
This butternut squash soup has all the cozy fall vibes! Roasted squash, apples, and fennel come together with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and herbs to create an irresistible meal.
Check out this recipe
Apple + Pecan Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula, crunchy pecans, and sweet apples create a delicious fall salad full of contrasting flavors and textures.
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Sweet, tender roasted butternut squash meets crisp apples in this fall favorite. Customize it with your choice of add-ins!
Check out this recipe
How Do I Choose a Good Apple?
The rules for choosing apples are the same as the rules for most other fruit. You want an apple that feels heavy for its size, with smooth, unbruised skin, and a nice, apple-y aroma.
Where apples differ from peaches and plums is that you want fruit that feels firm, with no give when you squeeze it. Apples come in many colors, but the richer the color, the better; this means they’ve absorbed more sunlight and have a more robust flavor.
As far as size goes, small apples can be just as delicious as larger ones—simply look for the indicators listed above, rather than judging the apples by their size alone.
Tips for Storing Apples
Once you have the perfect apples in hand, it's important to store them properly so they remain fresh for as long as possible.
- Refrigerate. It’s best to store apples in the refrigerator, but keep in mind that they release gasses that will cause other produce stored with them to ripen—and eventually spoil. Because of this, apples should be stored in a crisper drawer by themselves, or use an ethylene gas absorber in the drawer if your apples need to share space with other fruits and veggies.
- Some apples store longer than others. Firm apples like Gala have a much longer storage life than apples like Jonagold, which have a softer texture. You can expect a firm apple to last up to 3 months, while others should be eaten (or used in one of my apple recipes!) within 3 weeks.
- Store sliced apples. If you've sliced or diced your apples, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days. You can keep them from browning by squeezing a bit of lemon juice onto the cut pieces.