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Home » Desserts

Don’t Make Another Apple Pie Until You See These 30 Recipes

Published: Oct 12, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Apple desserts are some of the best ways to make your kitchen smell amazing and your friends ask for seconds. These recipes aren’t just sweet treats—they’re the kind you’ll actually want to make again because they hit that perfect balance of simple, great flavor and a little wow factor. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, these ideas will make you forget about plain old pie for a while.

Three Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping on a wooden board with green apples.
Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

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 mixes apples and cinnamon with a simple Bisquick base to create a dessert ready in under an hour. The apples make it a practical choice for an apple dessert that feels different from pumpkin-based options.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Apple Cobbler

Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples

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

Air fryer cinnamon maple baked apples use syrup and spices to cook quickly with minimal cleanup. Apples make this an apple dessert that is efficient and distinct from traditional pie.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Maple Baked Apples

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

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

Classic apple crisp combines tender apples with a buttery crumb topping in a simple bake. Apples are the focus, making it a straightforward apple dessert without the need for pie crusts.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Apple Crumble Cheesecake. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Apple crumble cheesecake pairs creamy cheesecake with baked apples and a crumb topping. The apples give this an apple dessert twist that is richer than many fall bakes.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping

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

Mini caramel apple cheesecakes with streusel topping offer small, portioned treats. Apples make them a convenient apple dessert for gatherings, serving as a change from standard pies.
Get the Recipe: Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

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

Caramel Apple Dump Cake comes together quickly with pantry staples and one specialty ingredient. Apples make this a comforting apple dessert that is simple and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

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

Apple crisp mini cheesecakes combine cheesecake with a crunchy topping in bite-sized portions. Apples bring balance to the richness, making them a practical apple dessert to share.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes

Classic Apple Cake

Classic Apple Cake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This apple cake is simple to prepare with just a few ingredients. Apples give it soft texture and mild sweetness, making it an accessible apple dessert for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Classic Apple Cake

Gluten-Free Buckwheat Flour Apple Muffins

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

Apple buckwheat flour muffins are lightly spiced and suitable for breakfast or dessert. Apples give them natural sweetness, making them a wholesome apple dessert choice compared to heavier fall treats.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Buckwheat Flour Apple Muffins

Gluten Free Vegan Gingerbread Apple Cake

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

Gingerbread apple cake mixes seasonal spices with tender apples for a fragrant bake. Apples make this an apple dessert that stands out from pumpkin cakes while staying seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Vegan Gingerbread Apple Cake

Apple-Cranberry Puff Pastry Tarts

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

Apple-cranberry puff pastry tarts combine crisp pastry with a fruity filling. Apples make this a lighter apple dessert than traditional pies.
Get the Recipe: Apple-Cranberry Puff Pastry Tarts

Apple Crisp Without Oats

Apple Crisp Without Oats. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Apple crisp without oats uses apples, cinnamon sugar, and butter for a classic flavor. Apples make this a fresh apple dessert that is simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp Without Oats

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 combine apples and cinnamon for a soft, sweet cookie. Apples make this an apple dessert that pairs well with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Iced Apple Cookies

Vegan Gluten Free Apple Loaf

Vegan Gluten Free Apple Loaf. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple loaf is a convenient version of apple crumble in a sliceable form. Apples keep it familiar while offering a practical apple dessert without pie crust.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Gluten Free Apple Loaf

Cinnamon Apple Swirl Cake

Cinnamon Apple Swirl Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Cinnamon Apple Cake highlights fresh apples in a soft, spiced bake. Apples make this a seasonal apple dessert that works well for autumn gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Swirl Cake

Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple butter thumbprint cookies roll in cinnamon sugar and fill with apple butter. Apples turn this into a small, flavorful apple dessert reminiscent of pie.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies

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 oatmeal cookies mix apples, oats, and cinnamon for a hearty cookie. Apples make this a practical apple dessert with moist texture and natural sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal

Apple Ginger Cake

Apple Ginger Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple ginger cake bakes apples into a soft sponge with gentle spice. Apples make this an apple dessert that is versatile and easy to serve as cake or snack.
Get the Recipe: Apple Ginger Cake

Gluten-Free Honey Apple Crisp

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

Apple crisp with honey combines baked apples with a simple crumb topping. Apples shine in this apple dessert, adding depth without strong spices.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Honey Apple Crisp

Easy Instant Pot Fireball Apple Shortcakes

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

Instant Pot Fireball apple shortcakes layer whiskey-infused apples with sponge cake. Apples bring bold flavor, making this an apple dessert that differs from traditional pies.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Fireball Apple Shortcakes

Pumpkin Spice Honey Caramel Apples

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

Caramel apples dipped in honey caramel add a crisp coating to fresh apples. They make a festive apple dessert that also works as a hands-on activity.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Honey Caramel Apples

Campfire Apple Crisp

Campfire Apple Crisp. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Campfire apple crisp uses baked apples with a crumb topping for an outdoor-friendly dessert. Apples make this an apple dessert that is fresh and seasonal without relying on pumpkin spice.
Get the Recipe: Campfire Apple Crisp

French Apple Cake

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

French apple cake bakes tender apples into a moist crumb. Apples create a refined apple dessert that differs from typical pumpkin sweets.
Get the Recipe: French Apple Cake

Apple Sheet Cake

Apple Sheet Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple sheet cake layers cake with apples, cinnamon, and caramel sauce. Apples are present in every bite, making this an easy apple dessert for groups.
Get the Recipe: Apple Sheet Cake

Dutch Apple Bread

Dutch Apple Bread. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Apple bread with streusel and icing adds flavor to each slice. Apples provide sweetness and texture, making it an apple dessert that can double as breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Apple Bread

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 with cream cheese frosting combine apples with a familiar baked treat. Apples make this a versatile apple dessert suitable for morning or evening.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple cinnamon crumb muffins bake soft cakes with a crunchy topping. Apples make this an apple dessert with fruit-forward flavor that works for a snack or quick dessert.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Crumb Muffins

Upside-Down Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Upside-Down Puff Pastry Apple Tart. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Caramelized apples under puff pastry create a glossy tart once inverted. Apples make this an apple dessert that is simple to prepare yet visually appealing.
Get the Recipe: Upside-Down Puff Pastry Apple Tart

Air Fryer Apricot Apple Cinnamon Dumplings

Air Fryer Apricot Apple Cinnamon Dumplings. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apricot apple air fryer dumplings pair apples and apricots with pastry and spices. Apples keep the filling balanced, making it a quick apple dessert.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apricot Apple Cinnamon Dumplings

Elegant Apple Tart

Elegant Apple Tart. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Apple Tart looks complex but is simple to prepare. Apples form the glossy topping, making this an apple dessert that appears elegant with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Apple Tart

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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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