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Home » Desserts

39 Desserts That Prove Apples Are Better Than Pumpkins

Published: Sep 11, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Apple desserts are the sweet treat you’ve been waiting for, proving that apples bring more flavor and fun to the table than pumpkins ever could. Whether you're craving something crisp or creamy, these recipes hit the spot with the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. No need to mess around with complicated flavors—just simple, great desserts that are packed with everything you love about apples. Grab your favorite variety, and let’s get baking!

An image of Gluten-Free Honey Apple Crisp.
Gluten-Free Honey Apple Crisp. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

A close-up photo of a sliced apple pie with graham cracker crust on a white plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 
Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Enjoy the taste of apple pie with a graham cracker crust that's simple to make and pairs perfectly with tea. Ideal for an afternoon snack or sharing with friends, this dessert showcases apples in a comforting way, offering a pleasant break from pumpkin spice.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Bisquick Apple Cobbler

An overhead image of bisquick apple cobbler in a skillet pan topped with vanilla ice cream.
Bisquick Apple Cobbler. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bisquick apple cobbler combines tart apples, sweet cinnamon, and buttery Bisquick to create a flavorful dessert ready in under an hour. This treat highlights the versatility of apples in seasonal desserts, making it a great alternative to pumpkin-based options.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Apple Cobbler

Instant Pot Apple Butter

A close up photo of instant pot apple butter in a jar.
Instant Pot Apple Butter. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Instant Pot apple butter recipe simplifies the process, using a few ingredients and requiring minimal prep time. It’s a thoughtful holiday gift that highlights apple flavors in a season often dominated by pumpkin spice.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Apple Butter

Gluten-free Apple Cake

A plate of apple pie with a slice taken out of it.
Gluten-free Apple Cake. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This gluten-free Russian sharlotka is a light, airy apple cake that feels like biting into a cloud. It's a refreshing alternative to heavier fall desserts, providing a new way to enjoy apples during a season frequently filled with pumpkin dishes.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-free Apple Cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy dessert that captures autumn flavors with minimal effort. It’s a quick and straightforward option for those looking for a different apple dessert rather than pie.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Gluten-Free Honey Apple Crisp

Gluten-Free Honey Apple Crisp. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This gluten-free apple crisp is enhanced with Naturacentric Vanilla Cinnamon Infused Raw Honey, adding rich flavor without extra spices. It’s a refined choice for enjoying apple treats beyond traditional pie.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Honey Apple Crisp

Vegan Gluten Free Apple Loaf

Vegan Gluten Free Apple Loaf. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The Apple Loaf combines apple crumble flavors into a vegan and gluten-free loaf. This innovative dessert provides a creative alternative to traditional apple pie, making it a great option for those with dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Gluten Free Apple Loaf

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

A butterscotch apple crumble in a cast iron skillet on a wooden cutting board.
Butterscotch Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Butterscotch apple crisp offers a quicker and simpler alternative to traditional apple pie, featuring Granny Smith apples in a bourbon butterscotch sauce with a buttery streusel topping. This dessert celebrates apple season and highlights its flavors against pumpkin spice.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Apple crisp mini cheesecakes blend creamy cheesecake filling with a sweet apple crisp topping, creating a rich dessert. These cheesecakes bring the taste of fall to your table and stand up well against any pumpkin dessert.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Rustic Apple Galette

A slice of apple galette with ice cream on a plate.
Rustic Apple Galette. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This apple galette is filled with apples in a flaky pie crust. It’s an easy-to-make apple dessert that becomes even more enjoyable when topped with ice cream, making it a versatile choice for showcasing apple flavors.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Apple Galette

Pumpkin Spice Honey Caramel Apples

Pumpkin Spice Honey Caramel Apples. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Caramel Apples with a twist use tart green apples coated in honey caramel with a hint of pumpkin spice. This gluten-free and dairy-free version offers a refreshing take on apple desserts beyond standard pie.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Honey Caramel Apples

The Best Apple Pie Cookies

The Best Apple Pie Cookies. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Apple pie cookies, featuring brown sugar, molasses, and fresh apple pie filling, offer the experience of apple pie in a handheld form. These large, soft cookies provide a tasty alternative to the season’s pumpkin spice craze.
Get the Recipe: The Best Apple Pie Cookies

Iced Apple Cookies

Apple oatmeal cookies with icing and apples on a white plate.
Iced Apple Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Iced Apple Oatmeal Cookies are packed with apple and cinnamon flavors and topped with sweet icing. They make a comforting addition to any Sunday dinner and offer a delightful alternative to apple pie.
Get the Recipe: Iced Apple Cookies

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This gluten-free apple crisp features tender, spiced apples with a crunchy topping. It’s an easy-to-make option for enjoying apple flavors without the need for pie.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Overhead view of apple pie with apples.
Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

A lattice top apple pie combines sweet apples with warm spices for a comforting dessert perfect for a cozy evening. This classic choice demonstrates that apples can bring as much comfort and enjoyment as any pumpkin-based dish.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

French Apple Cake

French Apple Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

French Apple Cake features a tender, moist crumb and fresh apple flavors, making it a refined dessert for any occasion. It offers a different experience from pumpkin spice, adding a touch of elegance to fall treats.
Get the Recipe: French Apple Cake

Apple Pie

A slice of apple pie on a plate with a scoop of ice cream.
Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This easy homemade apple pie delivers that fresh-from-the-oven taste with just a few simple ingredients. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a nostalgic dessert that stands strong against any pumpkin spice treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Single-Serve Apple Pie

Mini apple pie on cutting board.
Single-Serve Apple Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A single-serve apple pie with a flaky crust and sweet filling offers a treat just for one. It's a perfect way to enjoy classic apple flavors without needing a full pie, proving that apple desserts can be as comforting as pumpkin-based treats.
Get the Recipe: Single-Serve Apple Pie

Apple Cranberry Galette

Apple cranberry galette on a wood board with a cup of tea.
Apple Cranberry Galette. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This rustic free-form pie combines a buttery crust with fresh apple slices and tart cranberries. It celebrates the season’s harvest and demonstrates how apple desserts can shine alongside traditional pumpkin pie.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Galette

Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Apple pie bites cut open to show the apple filling inside.
Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer apple pie bites, with a cinnamon apple filling and flaky biscuit crust, offer a quick and easy dessert. With just 5 ingredients, they provide a convenient way to enjoy apple flavors and stand out from pumpkin spice options.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Pie Bites

Gluten-Free Buckwheat Flour Apple Muffins

Gluten-Free Buckwheat Flour Apple Muffins. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Gluten-Free Apple Buckwheat Flour Muffins are high in fiber and protein, spiced just right, and free from refined sugars. These muffins are a wholesome choice for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, providing a health-conscious alternative to pumpkin spice treats.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Buckwheat Flour Apple Muffins

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake blends the comforting flavors of apple pie with creamy cheesecake, creating a standout dessert for any occasion. Its combination of textures and flavors offers a fresh perspective on fall desserts, steering away from pumpkin spice.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

A pan of freshly baked and frosted apple cinnamon rolls on a dark blue background.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Apple cinnamon rolls, made with fresh apples and cream cheese frosting, are a delicious upgrade to classic cinnamon rolls. Perfect for fall weekends or special occasions, they highlight apple flavors and offer a tempting alternative to pumpkin spice.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Mini caramel apple cheesecakes with a streusel topping are small, flavorful bites perfect for fall gatherings. These treats highlight apple flavors in a delightful way, offering a great option alongside traditional pumpkin desserts.
Get the Recipe: Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping

Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Air Fryer Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

An air fryer apple crisp for two, ready in just 30 minutes, features roasted apples and a crispy streusel topping. This quick and convenient dessert offers a different way to enjoy apples beyond classic pie.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apple Crisp

Campfire Apple Crisp

Campfire Apple Crisp. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Campfire apple crisp is a fun and easy dessert with juicy apples and a sweet crumb topping. This dish provides a tasty alternative to s’mores, showcasing apple flavors as a welcome break from the pumpkin spice trend.
Get the Recipe: Campfire Apple Crisp

Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Brown Butter Apple Blondies. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Brown Butter Apple Blondies are chewy and packed with apple flavor, making them a great choice for apple enthusiasts. They offer a straightforward and enjoyable option that moves beyond the usual pie.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Apple Blondies

Easy Instant Pot Fireball Apple Shortcakes

Easy Instant Pot Fireball Apple Shortcakes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Instant Pot Fireball apple shortcakes mix cinnamon apples soaked in Fireball whisky with premade sponge cake. This inventive recipe offers a fresh take on apple desserts, stepping away from traditional pumpkin pie.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Fireball Apple Shortcakes

Apple Cake with Cinnamon

An apple cake baked in a cast iron skillet, cut into slices.
Apple Cake with Cinnamon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Apple Cinnamon Cake, baked in a skillet and topped with fresh apple slices, brings a rustic charm to the table. It’s an easy way to enjoy fall flavors, providing a cozy dessert option that stands apart from pumpkin treats.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cake with Cinnamon

Apple Galette

Overhead shot of an apple galette on parchment with fresh apples on the side.
Apple Galette. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Apple Galette features a flaky, buttery crust with a touch of sweetness, making it more than a simple apple pie. This straightforward dessert celebrates the apple season just as much as any pumpkin-based treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Galette

Gluten Free Vegan Gingerbread Apple Cake

Gluten Free Vegan Gingerbread Apple Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This gluten-free and vegan gingerbread apple cake is full of flavor and hard to resist. Using simple ingredients, it’s a dessert option for those looking for something different from the usual pumpkin spice cakes.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Vegan Gingerbread Apple Cake

Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Apple Crumble Cheesecake. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Apple crumble cheesecake merges the flavors of apple pie and caramel cheesecake, served with whipped cream for a sweet treat. This dessert embraces fall flavors and presents a strong alternative to pumpkin-based desserts.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Mini Apple Pies

Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Bite-sized mini apple pies combine sweet apples and dates with sugar and spice, creating a festive holiday treat. These small pies are a fun way to enjoy seasonal flavors without relying on pumpkin spice.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies

Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal

Close-up of vegan apple cookies with oatmeal on a wooden board.
Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Apple Cookies with oatmeal are loaded with apples and cinnamon. These cookies are a must-bake during the fall and cooler months, highlighting the appeal of apples in fall baking.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple cinnamon crumb muffins are sweet, crumbly, and full of fruity apple flavor, perfect for those who enjoy apple-based baked goods. These muffins provide a delightful variation from traditional apple pie recipes.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

Rustic Raw Apple Cream Tartlets

Rustic Raw Apple Cream Tartlets. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Mini Raw Apple Tarts are gluten-free, vegan, and free of refined sugar, making them a wholesome and easy choice. These tarts let you enjoy fall flavors in a healthier way, providing a refreshing alternative to the typical pumpkin spice treats.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Raw Apple Cream Tartlets

Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples

Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer cinnamon maple baked apples are a simple yet impressive dessert, with maple syrup adding a special touch. This easy-to-make treat provides a fresh take on apple desserts, offering a change from classic pie.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples

Apple-Cranberry Puff Pastry Tarts

Apple-Cranberry Puff Pastry Tarts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Apple-Cranberry Puff Pastry Tarts are simple to make, featuring a light, flaky pastry with a flavorful apple-cranberry filling. This easy dessert provides a tasty alternative to traditional apple pie.
Get the Recipe: Apple-Cranberry Puff Pastry Tarts

Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple butter thumbprint cookies, rolled in cinnamon sugar, offer a delightful crunch with every bite. These easy-to-make cookies capture the essence of apple pie, providing a simple yet pleasing treat that stands out from pumpkin spice options.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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