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Cozy Apple Recipes You Need This Fall

September 26, 2025
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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Warm up this season with cozy apple recipes—crisps, donuts, soups & drinks that make the most of fresh fall apples like Honeycrisp & Gala.

Cozy Apple Recipes You Need This Fall

Celebrate apple season with these Cozy Apple Recipes You Need This Fall—a collection of sweet and savory dishes perfect for crisp autumn days. From classic apple crisps and cider donuts to comforting soups, salads, and spiced drinks, this roundup highlights the best ways to enjoy fresh-picked apples. Whether you’re looking for cozy desserts, easy weeknight meals, or festive treats for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving, these apple recipes bring warmth, nostalgia, and flavor to your fall kitchen. Perfect for using Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples, each recipe is simple, delicious, and made to be shared.

A collage of Cozy Apple Recipes You Need This Fall.

When it comes to the Fall season, once of the most exciting parts of it for me is the inclusion of apples. While I understand that most people crave pumpkin spice (I have this 20 Pumpkin Recipes For When You Have Too Many Pumpkins roundup for all the pumpkin lovers), however, apples are really more of my favorite flavor and this round up of Cozy Apple Recipes You Need This Fall speaks to all of the delicious options, both savory and sweet. And if you're into general Fall spices and flavors, then you'll want to check out these 20 Recipes to Make in October and 30+ Best Recipes to Cook in September. Whatever route you choose to take, you're in for a real treat!

I’ve included a little bit of everything: warming soupscreamy pasta dishes, sweet treats, and even some delicious drinks. I hope these recipes inspire you to embrace the start of the Fall season and enjoy every delicious moment! And if you're looking for food beyond the physical, I've got you covered with spiritual food that soothes the soul.

Why Apple Recipes Are Perfect for Fall

Apples are one of the most versatile fall ingredients, making them a staple in both sweet and savory dishes. Their natural sweetness shines in desserts like crisps and cakes, while their tart bite complements savory recipes like soups, roasted veggies, and salads. Plus, apple cider, spiced lattes, and cozy cocktails/mocktails make them the ultimate ingredient for fall entertaining and Friendsgiving gatherings.

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The Best Apples to Use for Fall Recipes

Choosing the right apple can make or break your fall recipe. Some apples are naturally sweet and perfect for desserts, while others are tart and balance rich, savory flavors. Here’s a guide to the best varieties and how to use them:

Sweet Apples (Perfect for Desserts + Snacking)

  • Honeycrisp: Crisp, juicy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. They hold their shape well, making them ideal for crisps, pies, and cobblers.
  • Fuji: Extra sweet and very juicy, great for cakes, breads, and snacking. They add natural moisture to baked goods.
  • Gala: Mild and floral with a natural sweetness, perfect for muffins, pancakes, and fresh salads.

Tart Apples (Great for Baking + Savory Dishes)

  • Granny Smith: Tangy, firm, and tart. They cut through the richness of pies, tarts, and savory dishes like roasted chicken or pork.
  • Pink Lady (Cripps Pink): Tart yet slightly sweet, firm enough to hold up in baking, and excellent in both desserts and savory salads.
  • Braeburn: Balanced sweet-tart flavor with a hint of spice, making them versatile for both pies and roasted dishes.

All-Purpose Apples (Best of Both Worlds)

  • Jonagold: Sweet with a hint of honey and enough tartness to stay balanced. Great for crisps, crumbles, and sauces.
  • McIntosh: Soft and slightly tart, best for applesauce, apple butter, or blended into soups since they break down quickly.
  • Empire: Sweet-tart and very crisp, excellent for eating fresh or slicing into salads and slaws.

For the richest flavor, mix sweet and tart apples in pies, crisps, or cobblers. For example, Honeycrisp + Granny Smith is a classic pairing that delivers both sweetness and depth.

Cozy Apple Recipes You Need This Fall

My handpicked selection of the absolute best savory + sweet apple recipes. These recipes capture the heart and soul of all things apple and spices in every mouthwatering bite.

Overhead shot of two bowls of Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup next to a bowl of cheese

Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup

This creamy Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup is pure comfort in a bowl, with a rich, savory cheddar flavor that’s totally irresistible!

Closeup of an Apple Cider Mocktail in a jeweled cocktail glass with ice and a cinnamon stick

Apple Cider Mocktail

This Apple Cider Mocktail is the simplest, most tasty mocktail that's perfect for apple season and any day of the week!

Up close shot of crisp with ice cream scoops and spoons.

Caramel Apple Pear Crisp

Caramel Apple Pear Crisp-- Made with a medley of fresh seasonal apples, pears, warming spices + a luscious homemade caramel sauce. Crowned with a crumbly, sweet oat topping, is the epitome of a comforting fall dessert.

Overhead shot of slices of Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream

Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream

This Apple Cider Cake + Cinnamon Maple Buttercream is the perfect layered cake for the Fall season that comes infused with warm, cozy spices!

Platter filled with Fall Harvest Apple Bacon Crostini

Fall Harvest Apple Bacon Crostini

This simple snack of Fall Harvest Apple Bacon Crostini features a mouthwatering Fall flavor combination of creamy vegan cheese, candied bacon, sweetly spiced crisp apples, and a pinch of fresh thyme. The epitome of sweet + savory.

Hand grabbing a Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donut from a pile

Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts

These delicious Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts are super easy to make, only requires one bowl, is all vegan, and comes with a gluten-free option.

Two glasses of apple juice with apples.

Homemade Apple Juice

Get ready to fall in love with the taste of Fall! This Homemade Fresh Apple Juice is like a big hug in a glass—sweet, crisp, and oh-so-refreshing. Perfect for sipping on chilly days!

Closeup of a bowl of Breakfast Apple Crumble Oatmeal

Healthy Apple Crumble Oatmeal Bowl

Cozy up to the warmth of our Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble Oatmeal Bowl— It's the perfect morning indulgence to kickstart your day on a deliciously wholesome note.

Up close shot of grilled cheese sandwiches as a stack.

Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese

Elevate your grilled cheese game with this Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese-- A mouthwatering combination of sweet + savory flavors. It's the ultimate comfort food with a fall-inspired twist.

Apple Crisp Oatmilk Latte in a glass that has "Grateful" written on it

Apple Crisp Oatmilk Latte

Get set to create your very own Starbucks Copycat Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato! This delicious drink is about to become your ultimate favorite, bringing you the cozy flavor of a homemade apple crisp straight to your cup!

Up close shot of apple pies on a baking sheet with parchment.

McDonald's Copycat Apple Pie

These McDonald's Copycat Apple Pies are even better than the originals—crispy, warm, and packed with spiced apple goodness. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

Skillet of Salted Caramel Apple Crisp

Salted Caramel Apple Crisp

Enjoy the best warm, comforting dessert in a bowl with this Salted Caramel Apple Crisp. The perfect dessert to add to your family baking To-do list.

Slice of Apple Cinnamon Olive Oil Cake

Apple Cinnamon Olive Oil Cake

This dairy-free and egg-free Apple Cinnamon Olive Oil Cake is spiced with warm flavors followed by an incredible crunch!

Spoon scooping some Apple Cranberry Sauce

Perfect Apple Cranberry Sauce

Elevate your holiday feast with the delightful simplicity of homemade Perfect Apple Cranberry Sauce--A quick and delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table, ready in just under 10 minutes!

Stacked french toast with powdered sugar and apples.

Apple Pie Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast

Transform your weekend brunch experience with our mouthwatering Apple Pie Hawaiian Roll French Toast. This delightful fusion of apple pie and French toast is the ultimate sweet breakfast combo, bursting with delicious flavors to brighten your mornings.

Apple Pie Overnight Oats in a small glass.

Apple Pie Overnight Oats

Apple Pie Overnight Oats taste like a big slice of apple pie in a jar but are a perfectly nutritious first meal. They are vegan, gluten-free, and topped with homemade caramelized apples!

Creamy Roasted Apple Pumpkin Soup in a bowl on a brown wooden table with spoons.

Creamy Roasted Apple Pumpkin Soup

Creamy Roasted Apple Pumpkin Soup blends sweet spiced apples, savory pumpkin, herbs, cream & Parmesan for the ultimate cozy fall comfort dish.

Up close shot of apple pie cinnamon rolls.

Best Vegan Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Wake up to the delightful aroma of these Vegan Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls, blending the sweetness of apple with warming apple spiced blend, all wrapped up in pillowy dough. These rolls, prepped the night before, promise a hassle-free morning indulgence!

Baked cobbler scooped out with two serving spoons and apples.

Dairy-Free Apple Cobbler with Cheddar Herb Biscuits

This Dairy-Free Apple Cobbler with Cheddar Herb Biscuits is the perfect warming fall recipe and tastes just like Grandma used to make with a twist! A comfort food dessert classic, get ready for the smell of gooey cinnamon-spiced apples based under fluffy cheddar herb biscuits for the best savory-sweet combo!

Fork grabbing some Maple Apple Chicken and Veggies.

Sheet Pan Maple Apple Chicken + Veggies

This quick and easy sheet pan dinner has sweet and savory flavor.

Closeup of Cranberry Apple Cider Orange Sangria

Cranberry Apple Cider Orange Sangria

The ultimate Fall + Winter drink! Packed with cozy apple cider, fresh oranges, cranberries, and a splash of lemon, it’s refreshing, festive, and easy to make. Keep it non-alcoholic or add a boozy twist—your choice!

Wooden spoon stirring a pan of Braised Apple barbeque Ribs with Potatoes

Braised Apple BBQ Ribs + Potatoes

Experience the cozy flavors of Braised Apple BBQ Ribs + Potatoes! These tender ribs, infused with the sweet and spicy essence of fresh apples and BBQ sauce, promise a comforting meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.

Warm Apple Chai Latte in a glass mug.

Easy Warm Apple Chai Latte

This homemade Easy Warm Apple Chai Latte is the perfect mug of cozy warming spices with Fall flavors + a hint of apple-y sweetness. One of the best things to sip on to warm up on crisp Fall days and evenings.

Slice of Grandma’s Dutch Apple Pie

Grandma’s Dutch Apple Pie

This classic Dutch Apple Pie has a flaky crust, thick apple filling and a crumbling topping that's perfect for your holiday table.

Sliced Caramel Apple Spice Cheesecake on a white plate

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

If you're as obsessed with fall flavors as I am, you’re going to love this one! Picture a cozy caramel apple cheesecake with a nutty crust, creamy caramel filling, and a sweet apple glaze on top. It’s like having a bite of fall in every forkful!

Apple Caramel Espresso Martini in a long-stemmed glass topped with a sprig of rosemary

Apple Caramel Espresso Martini

This Apple Caramel Espresso Martini is the perfect sweetened coffee mocktail that's perfect for apple season and any coffee lover!

A big bowl of salad with an apple, lemon, and red napkin with gold serving spoons.

Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpea Kale Salad

There's nothing like this Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpea Kale Salad which comes loaded with so much bold flavor and healthy ingredients that are perfect for the Fall season. Drenched in a delicious Honey Mustard Sauce, this salad is guaranteed to be on rotation!

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS ROUNDUP!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this Cozy Apple Recipes You Need This Fall roundup. Everything from my fave loaf pan, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Sweet vs. Savory Apple Dishes

  • Sweet Apple Recipes: Crisps, cobblers, cider donuts, pancakes, and apple breads are perfect for cozy mornings or holiday desserts.
  • Savory Apple Recipes: Apples pair wonderfully with roasted root vegetables, kale salads, pumpkin soups, and even main dishes like pork chops or roasted chicken.
  • Drink Recipes: From hot apple cider to spiced apple chai lattes and apple-based mocktails, they bring cozy flavors into your cup.

More Fall Must Try Recipes

If you thoroughly enjoyed this Cozy Apple Recipes You Need This Fall recipe roundupdon't forget to add these delicious creations to your "must-make" list:

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Cozy Apple Recipes You Need This Fall or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

Xx, Shanika in script writing

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