15 Easy Apple Desserts to Make This Fall
There’s just something about apple desserts that makes fall feel extra special! From warm cinnamon-spiced treats fresh from the oven to easy no-bake goodies, apples are one of my favorite ingredients to bake with when the weather starts to cool down.
Whether you’ve just returned from apple picking or have a few apples sitting in your fruit bowl, there are so many delicious ways to turn them into something sweet. And the best part? You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to make a dessert your family will love.
Today, I’m sharing 15 easy apple desserts that are perfect for fall. You’ll find everything from apple coffee cake and homemade apple bread to crispy hand pies, bite-sized treats, and cozy bread pudding. There are even a few shortcut recipes that use ingredients like refrigerated dough and prepared apple pie filling to make dessert extra simple.
Grab your favorite apples, sprinkle in a little cinnamon, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Apple Desserts
- Perfect for fall: Apples, cinnamon, and warm spices are a delicious combination for the season.
- Something for everyone: Choose from cakes, breads, crisps, pastries, and no-bake treats.
- Easy ingredients: Many of these recipes use pantry staples or convenient shortcuts.
- Great for sharing: These desserts are wonderful for family gatherings, fall parties, Thanksgiving, or a cozy weekend at home.
15 Easy Apple Desserts to Make This Fall
1. Apple Crescent Muffins
Looking for an easy apple dessert with bakery-style flavor? These Apple Crescent Muffins are made with refrigerated crescent rolls and apple pie filling for a flaky, apple-filled treat. They’re ready in about 30 minutes, making them a wonderful choice when you want something sweet without a lot of fuss.
Enjoy them for dessert, an afternoon snack, or even a special fall breakfast.
2. Apple Coffee Cake
The Most Delicious Apple Coffee Cake Recipe
Apple coffee cake is a classic fall favorite, and this version combines tender cake, fresh apples, cinnamon, and a delicious crumb topping. It’s easy to make without a mixer, and the cinnamon streusel adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
Serve a slice with a cup of coffee or tea, or warm it up and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
3. Easy Spiced Apple Bread
The Easiest Spiced Apple Bread Recipe
If you love the smell of apples and warm spices baking in the oven, this spiced apple bread belongs on your fall baking list. It starts with a box of spice cake mix, vanilla pudding mix, and fresh apples, making it a wonderfully simple shortcut recipe.
Enjoy a slice on its own, spread on a little butter, or dress it up with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an easy fall dessert.
4. Apple Cinnamon Bread
This apple cinnamon bread is packed with sweet apple flavor and cozy spices. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie in an easy quick bread.
The recipe uses apple pie filling, which helps keep the preparation simple. Serve it as an afternoon snack, add it to a fall brunch spread, or enjoy a slice when you’re craving something sweet.
5. Apple Crisp Bars
If you love apple crisp, you’ll want to try these Apple Crisp Bars! They have a buttery oat crumble crust and topping with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling tucked in between.
They’re a fun twist on traditional apple crisp because you can cut them into squares and serve them easily at parties or gatherings. I also love the idea of warming one up and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
6. Apple Cherry Crisp
Quick and Easy Apple Cherry Crisp
Why choose between apples and cherries when you can enjoy both? This Apple Cherry Crisp combines sweet apples, tart cherries, and a buttery oat topping for a delicious fruit dessert.
It’s an easy option when you want something warm and comforting without making a pie. Serve it straight from the baking dish with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
You can also use fresh or frozen fruit, making this a handy dessert to keep in your recipe collection.
7. Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Galette
Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Galette
Love apple pie but don’t want to fuss with making a traditional pie? This Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Galette is a delicious alternative.
It starts with a refrigerated pie crust and features a sweet cinnamon cream cheese layer topped with apple pie filling. The crust folds up around the filling for a rustic dessert that looks impressive without requiring special baking skills.
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-special fall treat.
8. Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies
Hand pies are such a fun way to enjoy apple pie flavor in a smaller, handheld dessert. These air fryer apple hand pies are perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to make an entire pie.
They’re great for fall gatherings, after-school treats, or a simple dessert after dinner. Serve them as they are or add a little caramel drizzle to make them feel extra special.
9. Baked Cinnamon Apple Chimichangas
Baked Cinnamon Apple Chimichanga
These baked cinnamon apple chimichangas are a fun twist on traditional apple pie. Flour tortillas are filled with apple pie filling, coated with cinnamon sugar, and baked for a crispy, sweet dessert.
They’re a wonderful choice when you want apple pie flavor without making pie dough from scratch. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, and you’ve got a dessert that feels like something you’d order at a restaurant.
10. Apple Poppers
Apple Poppers Recipe – Mini Apple Muffins
Bite-sized desserts are always fun to serve, and these Apple Poppers are no exception! They’re like a cross between mini apple muffins and baked doughnut holes, with a soft texture and plenty of cinnamon-sugar flavor.
The little treats are baked in a mini muffin pan, then coated in melted butter and cinnamon sugar. They’re easy to grab and enjoy, making them perfect for fall parties, potlucks, or an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee.
And since one batch makes about 48 poppers, there’s plenty to share!
11. Apple Bread Pudding Loaf
Bread pudding is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug, especially when apples and cinnamon are involved.
This Apple Bread Pudding Loaf is made in a loaf pan, so it’s a smaller-batch option when you don’t need a large casserole of dessert. It combines chunks of bread, apples, and a simple custard, then gets finished with a warm cinnamon vanilla sauce.
It’s cozy, comforting, and especially delicious served warm.
12. Cozy Apple Bread Pudding in a Mug
Cozy Apple Bread Pudding in a Mug
Sometimes you just want a little something sweet without making an entire dessert. That’s where this Apple Bread Pudding in a Mug comes in!
This microwave-friendly treat combines bread, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a creamy custard for a quick dessert that’s ready in about 12 minutes. It’s a lovely option for one or two servings when you want something warm and comforting.
Add your favorite topping and enjoy a cozy little dessert without turning on the oven.
13. Apple Cinnamon Swirl Ice Cream
Apple Cinnamon Swirl Ice Cream
Who says ice cream is just for summer? This Apple Cinnamon Swirl Ice Cream brings the flavors of apple pie into a creamy frozen dessert.
The no-churn method means you don’t need an ice cream maker to enjoy it, making it a fun option for fall and holiday gatherings. Serve it on its own or use it to top a warm slice of apple bread, crisp, or cake.
Warm dessert and cold ice cream are always a winning combination!
14. Homemade Apple Pie Filling
Delicious Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Homemade apple pie filling is more than just a starting point for pie. This easy recipe combines apples, brown sugar, and warm spices in a sweet, thickened filling that you can use in all kinds of desserts.
Spoon it over vanilla ice cream, waffles, or pancakes, or use it to make hand pies, turnovers, and other apple treats. Making a batch ahead of time gives you a head start on several easy fall desserts.
It’s a great recipe to keep handy throughout apple season!
15. Caramel Apple Poke Cake
If you’re a fan of caramel apples, this dessert is a fun way to enjoy those familiar fall flavors in cake form.
A poke cake is a great choice for gatherings because it can be prepared ahead of time and served in slices. The combination of apple flavor and caramel makes it a fitting addition to a fall dessert table, Thanksgiving spread, or weekend family dinner.
It’s also a lovely option when you want something a little different from the usual apple pie.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Desserts
Before you get baking, here are a few simple tips to help make your apple desserts extra delicious.
Choose the right apples. Granny Smith apples are a great choice for baking because their tart flavor balances sweet fillings and toppings. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples are other good options for many baked desserts.
Use shortcuts when they make sense. Refrigerated pie crust, crescent rolls, cake mixes, and prepared apple pie filling can make fall baking much easier. There’s nothing wrong with taking a shortcut when it gets a delicious dessert on the table!
Add a little extra cinnamon. Apples and cinnamon are a classic pairing. A sprinkle of cinnamon or cinnamon sugar can add extra fall flavor to many desserts.
Don’t forget the toppings. Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a dusting of powdered sugar can make a simple apple dessert feel extra special.
Plan ahead for gatherings. Some apple breads, cakes, and crisps can be made ahead of time, which is especially helpful when you’re preparing desserts for Thanksgiving or holiday entertaining. Check each recipe for its specific storage and make-ahead instructions.
What to Serve with Apple Desserts
Apple desserts are delicious on their own, but a few simple additions can make them even better.
- Vanilla ice cream: Perfect with warm apple crisp, bread pudding, and galettes.
- Caramel sauce: A delicious finishing touch for apple breads, cakes, and hand pies.
- Whipped cream: A light, creamy topping for fruit crisps and warm desserts.
- Coffee or tea: Wonderful alongside apple coffee cake, quick breads, and apple poppers.
- Hot apple cider: A cozy drink to serve with your favorite fall treats.
If you’re hosting a fall gathering, consider serving a few different desserts together. A pan of apple crisp bars, a plate of Apple Poppers, and a warm galette would make a delicious dessert spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Desserts
What are the best apples to use for baking?
Granny Smith apples are a popular choice because they’re firm and tart, which helps balance the sweetness of baked desserts. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples are also good options. The best variety depends on the recipe and how sweet you like your dessert.
Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
In some recipes, yes! Apple pie filling works especially well in recipes designed for prepared filling, such as hand pies, crescent roll desserts, and galettes. However, fresh apples are often important for recipes like apple coffee cake, apple crisp, and quick breads. Follow the ingredient directions for each recipe for the best results.
What is the easiest apple dessert to make?
If you’re short on time, try Apple Crescent Muffins or Apple Poppers. Both are approachable options when you want a sweet apple treat without making a traditional pie from scratch.
Can I make apple desserts ahead of time?
Many apple cakes, quick breads, and crisps can be prepared ahead of time. Some are best served warm, while others are delicious at room temperature. Check the individual recipe for make-ahead, storage, and reheating instructions.
What toppings go best with apple desserts?
Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, especially for warm crisps and bread pudding. Caramel sauce, whipped cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon sugar are also delicious options.
More Fall Recipes to Try
If you’re ready for even more cozy fall baking, be sure to check out these other recipes from Domestically Speaking:
- Cozy Pumpkin Recipes for Fall
- Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with Cream Cheese Maple Icing
- Easy Applesauce Spice Cake
Enjoy These Easy Apple Desserts!
Fall is such a wonderful time to get into the kitchen and make something delicious with apples. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm fruit crisp, a slice of cinnamon-spiced bread, or a quick treat made with crescent rolls, there’s an apple dessert here for just about every occasion.
I hope you find a new favorite among these 15 easy apple desserts! Pick one for a cozy weeknight treat, save a few for Thanksgiving, and enjoy all those delicious apple-and-cinnamon flavors while fall is here.
Happy baking!
