9 Classic Apple Desserts Perfect for the Season

There’s nothing like the aroma of cooking apples and spices floating through your home as you make a fall dessert.

By Robin Shreeves
Published September 28, 2025
Overhead view of apple crisp

Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez

Many years ago, I bought an apple pie-scented candle that made my home smell as if I were baking the real thing. When the candle had burned completely, I tried to purchase another one just like it, but could no longer find it. I bought many scented candles from other brands, hoping to recreate that cozy, spiced aroma, but none matched the same intoxicating scent of that first candle.

Fortunately, you can still get that fragrance the old-fashioned way—by baking an apple pie, or any apple dessert seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspices. These nine apple desserts are perfect for crisp fall days and guaranteed to fill your home with the warm aroma of sweet, bubbling apples.

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  • Perfect Apple Pie

    A baked apple pie.

    Serious Eats / Qi Ai

    This gorgeous apple pie has an exceptionally flaky crust, well-spiced apples, and a filling that stays juicy without becoming soggy or soupy. The trick is to pour boiling water over the apples 10 minutes before baking, which helps them hold their shape and keeps the filling from turning watery.

  • 10‑Minute Microwave Apple Crisp for One

    Overhead view of apple crisp

    Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez

    Apple crisp is a classic fall dessert, and this version comes together in just 10 minutes. Make an oat-and-brown sugar topping in the microwave, then layer it over a speedy apple filling. Don't forget to serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

  • Tarte Tatin (Upside‑Down Apple Tart)

    Overhead view of finished tarte tatin

    Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez

    This famous upside-down apple tart is rumored to have been popularized at the Hôtel Tatin in France's Sologne region. It begins with homemade caramel on the bottom, followed by apples and a blanket of puff pastry. Once baked and inverted, the tart reveals a glossy layer of caramelized apples. Best enjoyed the same day it's made, this dessert is especially delicious with a dollop of crème fraîche or whipped cream.

  • Apple Hand Pies

    Overhead view of apple hand pies

    Serious Eats / Debbie Wee

    These hand pies maximize the ratio of flaky crust to fruit, making them ideal for crust lovers. Cornstarch in the spiced apple filling thickens it and absorbs excess juices from the apples and cider, keeping the filling smooth and firm enough to shape easily. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool—you don't want to burn your mouth on the first bite.

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  • The Best Apple Cider Donuts

    20191021-apple-cider-donuts-sarah-jane-webb-24
    Sarah Jane Webb

    These apple cider donuts derive their concentrated apple and spice flavors from fresh cider, along with nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. A coating of freeze-dried apples blended with cinnamon sugar adds a final boost of sweet-tart flavor just after frying.

  • The Best Apple Crisp

    20140929-apple-crisp-vicky-wasik-24.jpg
    Vicky Wasik

    If you're craving the flavor and aroma of apple pie without having to make an actual pie, this simple apple crisp will do the trick. It's ready in just an hour—something most pies can't offer.

  • Gâteau Invisible (Invisible Apple Cake)

    20201115-gateau-invisible-apple-cake-tim-chin-hero-1
    Tim Chin

    Once baked, the thinly sliced apples meld into this loaf cake, taking on the same texture as its sweet, custardy batter. White miso adds savoriness and depth to both the cake and its caramel sauce, preventing the dessert from being cloyingly sweet.

  • Apple Pie Ice Cream

    20121111-apple-pie-ice-cream.jpg
    Max Falkowitz

    Not all fall desserts require baking. Inspired by the flavors of apple pie, this ice cream features plenty of real apples, a hint of cinnamon, and crushed tea biscuits. Pair this ice cream with your favorite baked apple dessert, or enjoy it on its own for all the cozy flavors of fall in one creamy bite.

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  • Apple Fritters Recipe

    Platter of apple fritters on a round dish, with one fritter on yellow napkins, ripped open. Glass of milk, and colorful checkered tablecloth

    Serious Eats / Robby Lozano

    Crisp and golden, these fritters made with tart Granny Smith apples rival any bakery version. While they're still warm, coat them in a glaze of confectioners' sugar and apple cider, then enjoy right away or let them cool to room temperature.

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