There’s something incredibly comforting and inviting about the aroma of baked apples filling the kitchen. It evokes memories of cozy autumn evenings, family gatherings, and the simple joy of a homemade treat. Apples, with their natural sweetness and versatility, are truly a baker’s best friend. Whether you have a surplus from an apple-picking adventure or a can of apple pie filling in your pantry, the possibilities for creating delectable desserts are endless.
This comprehensive guide will explore 15 fantastic and easy recipes, focusing on the incredible convenience of using canned apple pie filling, alongside some fresh apple inspirations. We’ll delve into various textures, flavors, and presentation styles, ensuring there’s a perfect apple dessert for every occasion and every craving. Get ready to bake, create, and enjoy the wonderful world of apple desserts!
Why Apples Are a Baker’s Delight
Apples are a staple in many cuisines around the world, and for good reason. They are naturally sweet, offer a pleasant tartness, and come in a wide array of varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. For baking, varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala are particularly popular due to their ability to hold their shape and provide excellent flavor when cooked.
Beyond fresh apples, canned apple pie filling is a true game-changer for busy bakers. It’s pre-cooked, pre-seasoned, and ready to use, significantly cutting down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. This convenience makes it ideal for spontaneous baking sessions or when you need a quick dessert that tastes like it took hours.
The Versatility of Apple Desserts
One of the most appealing aspects of apple desserts is their incredible versatility. From warm, gooey crisps and crumbles to light and airy cakes, substantial puddings, and delightful rolls, apples can be transformed into almost any sweet treat imaginable. They pair beautifully with a variety of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and can be enhanced with complements like caramel, vanilla, and nuts.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a portable treat for a potluck, or a sophisticated pastry for a special occasion, apples provide the perfect foundation.
15 Delicious Baked Apple Dessert Ideas
Let’s dive into our collection of fantastic apple dessert recipes. Many of these can be adapted using either fresh apples or canned apple pie filling, making them even more flexible for your baking needs.
1. Classic Apple Crisp
A quintessential fall dessert, the apple crisp is beloved for its tender, spiced apple filling crowned with a buttery, crumbly oat topping. It’s comforting, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients (for a 9×13 inch pan):
- For the filling:
- 2 (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling OR 6-8 medium baking apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- (If using fresh apples: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- For the topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- For the filling: If using canned apple pie filling, spread it evenly in the prepared baking dish. If using fresh apples, combine sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Toss to coat and then spread evenly in the baking dish.
- For the topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Stir in the rolled oats.
- Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the apple filling.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.
2. Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Transform ordinary cinnamon rolls into an extraordinary treat by adding a delightful apple filling. These rolls are soft, gooey, and bursting with apple-cinnamon flavor.
Ingredients:
- For the dough: (Use your favorite sweet roll dough recipe or a store-bought crescent roll dough for a shortcut)
- For the filling:
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling, finely chopped OR 2 medium baking apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced, sautéed until softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare your sweet roll dough according to instructions. Once risen, roll it out into a large rectangle (approx. 18×12 inches).
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough.
- Spread the finely chopped or sautéed apple filling evenly over the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice the log into 12-15 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze.
- Drizzle the warm rolls with glaze before serving.
3. Apple Pudding Cake
This dessert is a delightful cross between a cake and a pudding, offering a moist, tender crumb with a luscious apple layer. It’s perfect for a comforting family dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Do not stir.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Again, do not stir.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
4. Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Transform leftover bread into a sensational dessert with this apple pie bread pudding. It’s rich, custardy, and full of warm apple spice.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (brioche, challah, or French bread works best)
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish.
- Spoon dollops of apple pie filling over the bread cubes. Gently toss to distribute some of the apple filling.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and apple filling. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s soaked in the custard. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzled with caramel sauce.
5. Apple Monkey Bread
This fun, pull-apart bread is a fantastic breakfast or dessert option. Each bite is coated in cinnamon sugar and studded with sweet apples.
Ingredients:
- 2 (16.3-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a bundt pan or a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Add the biscuit dough quarters to the bag, seal, and shake until all pieces are well coated.
- Arrange half of the coated biscuit pieces in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Scatter the finely chopped apple pie filling over the biscuits.
- Top with the remaining coated biscuit pieces.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over everything.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If using a bundt pan, invert immediately onto a serving plate.
- If desired, whisk powdered sugar and milk for a glaze and drizzle over the warm monkey bread.
6. Apple Yogurt Parfaits
For a lighter, yet equally delicious, apple dessert, these parfaits are a wonderful option. They combine layers of creamy yogurt, spiced apples, and a crunchy topping.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling, gently warmed and slightly mashed
- 2 cups plain or vanilla yogurt (Greek yogurt for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup granola or crushed graham crackers
- Optional: a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, or chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions:
- In individual serving glasses or bowls, layer about 1/4 cup of yogurt.
- Add a spoonful of the warmed apple pie filling.
- Sprinkle with granola or crushed graham crackers.
- Repeat the layers until the glass is full, ending with a layer of granola.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, honey, or nuts if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing treat.
7. Apple Crumble Bars
These bars are perfect for a grab-and-go snack, a lunchbox treat, or a simple dessert. They feature a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet apple filling, and a crumbly topping.
Ingredients:
- For the crust & topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- For the filling:
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling, slightly mashed
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- For the crust & topping: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form.
- Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden.
- For the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the slightly mashed apple pie filling and 1 tablespoon flour.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the partially baked crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apple filling.
- Bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out by the parchment paper and cutting into bars.
8. Individual Apple Crisps
For personalized portions, bake apple crisp in ramekins or small oven-safe dishes. This is perfect for dinner parties or when you want to control serving sizes.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling
- For the topping: (Use the same topping recipe as the Classic Apple Crisp, scaled down)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Divide the apple pie filling among 4-6 individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls.
- Prepare the topping as described in the Classic Apple Crisp recipe, scaling down the ingredients.
- Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apple filling in each ramekin.
- Place the ramekins on a baking sheet (to catch any spills) and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve warm.
9. Apple Hand Pies
These miniature, portable apple pies are adorable and delicious. They’re perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or a quick sweet treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling, finely chopped
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the pie crusts. Using a 4-inch round cutter or a knife, cut out circles from each crust. You should get about 6-8 circles per sheet.
- Place a tablespoon or two of finely chopped apple pie filling on one half of each circle, leaving a small border.
- Fold the other half of the circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Cut a few small slits in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
10. Baked Apple Rings
Simple, elegant, and naturally sweet, baked apple rings are a delightful and lighter option. They can be served plain, with a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium baking apples, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch rings
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the apple rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. If using, brush with lemon juice.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the apple rings.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until apples are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve warm.
11. Apple Dumplings
Individual baked apples, often cored and filled with cinnamon-sugar, then wrapped in pastry and baked until tender and golden.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium baking apples, peeled and cored
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fill the core of each apple with this mixture.
- Unroll each crescent roll triangle. Place an apple at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up, enclosing the apple.
- Place the wrapped apples in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, water, and granulated sugar. Pour this liquid over the dumplings.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
12. Apple Fritters (Baked Version)
Enjoy the deliciousness of apple fritters without the deep-frying! These baked versions are softer, cake-like, and still packed with apple flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling, finely chopped or mashed
- For glaze (optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (do not overmix). Gently fold in the finely chopped apple pie filling.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- If glazing, whisk powdered sugar and milk together. Drizzle over warm fritters.
13. Apple Coffee Cake
A perfect companion for your morning coffee or an afternoon tea, this apple coffee cake features a moist cake base, a ribbon of apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping.
Ingredients:
- For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make the streusel: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
- Make the cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and the yogurt/sour cream to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Spoon the apple pie filling over the batter.
- Dollop the remaining cake batter over the apple filling and gently spread it to cover as much as possible.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
14. Caramel Apple Nachos (Baked Version)
A fun, shareable dessert that’s quick to assemble and bake for a few minutes. Perfect for movie night!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 medium firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, slightly overlapping.
- Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips, if using.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until apples are slightly softened and toppings are warm and melty.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve immediately.
15. Apple Turnovers
Flaky pastry filled with a sweet and spiced apple mixture, apple turnovers are a classic for a reason. Using puff pastry makes them incredibly easy.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20-ounce) can apple pie filling, finely chopped
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet. Cut it into four equal squares.
- Place about 1/4 cup of the finely chopped apple pie filling onto one half of each puff pastry square.
- Fold the other half of the square over the filling, creating a triangle.
- Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Cut a small slit in the top of each to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Perfect Apple Desserts
- Choose the Right Apples: For fresh apple recipes, firm, tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are best as they hold their shape and flavor well when baked.
- Don’t Overmix: When making cakes or muffins, mix until just combined to ensure a tender crumb. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tougher texture.
- Season Generously: Apples love spices! Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves are all wonderful additions. A pinch of salt also helps to enhance the sweetness.
- Prevent Browning: If working with fresh apples, tossing them in a little lemon juice after slicing can prevent them from browning.
- Serve Warm: Most baked apple desserts are best served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Storage: Store most apple desserts covered at room temperature for 1-2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Crisps and crumbles can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the topping.
Conclusion
From comforting classics to creative twists, these 15 baked apple desserts offer a world of flavor and enjoyment. The convenience of canned apple pie filling makes many of these recipes incredibly accessible, while fresh apples always provide that delightful, crisp taste of nature. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, you’re sure to find a new favorite among these delicious ideas. So tie on your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of baked apples!
For more delightful recipes and baking inspiration, visit naiyarecipe.com. Happy baking!