The 15 best recipes using apples
Thea Everett
With apple season in full swing, it’s time to explore the many ways this glorious fruit can be enjoyed. The truth is, some of the world’s finest apples actually grow in British orchards, and now is the time to make the most of them.
From apple pies and crumbles to salads, soufflés and of course apple cakes, we’ve rounded up our best apple recipes to try this autumn.
The apple basics
When are apples in season?
Apples are available all-year round, but the British varieties are most prevalent between September and February, and are at their best in the autumn months. It makes sense then that so many of our favourite apple desserts are classic, comfort food. Apples are less perishable than many other varieties of fruit and can keep for up to a month if stored correctly and kept cool.
How to choose your apple
It is said that there are over 7,000 varieties of apple, and we are spoilt for choice in the UK. As a general rule, in dishes where apples are eaten raw, such as salads or slaws, go for a crunchy and acidic variety such as Braeburn, Cox or Pink Lady. In pies, crumbles and cooked apple dishes, a more floury variety such as Bramley or a firm apple like a Granny Smith is often best, though all eating apples can be used in cooking.
Our best apple recipes
We love a tarte tatin for the turning out moment, and this recipe from the Galvin brothers will not disappoint. It’s made with shop-bought puff pastry, giving you time to make a killer crème normande.
This regional apple cake recipe is made with fresh bramley apples, lemon juice and zest and ground almonds which keep it moist and bright. Serve big slices with clotted cream, you won’t regret it.
Everyone loves a crumble. Here a biscuity, crumbly mix tops vanilla scented apples for glorious results. Better still, it can all be cooked in one pan. Score.
Deal with an over-ripening fruit bowl in one recipe with this apple and banana loaf. Grated apple and mashed banana totally count towards your five a day, and if you serve this loaf with an extra dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey, you can definitely call this a balanced brunch too.
Apple, rose and pistachio tarts
Do you like to pull out all the stops? Then opt for our apple rose tarts: they’re impressive, a joy to make, and most importantly, tasty as can be.
Cavolo nero, apple and mint salad
This cavolo nero, apple and mint salad is exactly how we want to be eating our greens come autumn. This dish is very versatile; it is great on the side of a vegetarian pie, meat dish or even a roast dinner.
Who said tarte tatin had to be sweet?! Here we add shallots, bacon and goat’s cheese for a filling main that is Sunday dinner worthy.
This is the recipe to go to when you’ve got a glut of fruit as it’s easily doubled or tripled! It’s a ten minute pudding, and can be served with ice cream, custard or just as it is (with a dash of extra maple syrup!). It freezes well too.
This speedy slaw puts apples front and centre and is dressed with yogurt, mustard and lemon juice for a truly lip-smacking side dish.
Apple soufflées with salted caramel sauce
Go-big-or-go-home with these soufflés. Apples are roasted first to release their natural sugars, then baked into fluffy sweet soufflés and served with a salted caramel sauce.
Baked apples with calvados glaze
Baked apples, made all the more sophisticated with a calvados glaze. It doesn’t get finer than this.
Try as you might, we are afraid you’re not going to find a better accompaniment for roast pork than our apple sauce.
How could we talk about our best ever apple recipes without mentioning the quintessential apple dish? Pie! This recipe is a no brainer because it tastes as good warm with custard as it does cold for breakfast…
Toffee apple sticky toffee pudding
What happens when two great sweet treats get together? This sticky toffee pudding, that’s what! Round off a sumptuous Sunday roast with this twist on a classic sticky toffee pudding.
Apple pancakes with salted caramel sauce
Eric Lanlard’s apple and rum pancake recipe has apple in the batter itself, and is served with a creamy caramel sauce. Hold back on the rum if you prefer your breakfast alcohol-free, though these make a great dessert too.
What’s your favourite apple recipe? We’ve got dozens more here!
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