As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the crisp autumn air sets in, there's nothing quite like indulging in a delicious apple dessert to celebrate the season. While apple pie is a classic and always a crowd - pleaser, there are numerous other apple - based treats that can take your fall dessert game to the next level.
One of the delightful alternatives is apple crumble. This dessert is incredibly easy to make and offers a wonderful combination of soft, spiced apples and a crunchy, buttery topping. To prepare an apple crumble, start by peeling, coring, and slicing about 6 - 8 medium - sized apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle with a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of lemon juice. For the topping, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and a generous amount of cold butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle the topping over the apples and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 - 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent touch.
Another great option is apple tart. A classic French dessert, apple tart showcases the beauty and flavor of apples in a sophisticated way. You can use a pre - made pie crust or make your own. Roll out the crust and place it in a tart pan. Arrange thinly sliced apples in a decorative pattern on top of the crust. Brush the apples with a bit of melted apricot jam to give them a shiny finish. Sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 - 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. The tart can be served warm or at room temperature, and it pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream.
Apple fritters are also a fun and delicious fall dessert. These deep - fried treats are made by combining diced apples with a batter made from flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and a bit of baking powder. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and cooked through. Drain them on a paper towel and dust with powdered sugar. Apple fritters are a great on - the - go dessert and are perfect for a quick snack during a fall hike or a day out at the apple orchard.
For those with a love for cheesecake, an apple cheesecake is a must - try. Start by making a graham cracker crust and pressing it into the bottom of a springform pan. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in diced apples that have been cooked with a bit of sugar and cinnamon until they are slightly softened. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and bake in a water bath at 325°F (160°C) for about an hour and a half, or until the center is almost set. Let it cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for a few hours. The result is a creamy, rich cheesecake with the wonderful flavor of apples.
Apple strudel is a traditional Austrian dessert that is both flaky and filled with sweet, spiced apples. To make the strudel, you'll need phyllo dough. Brush the phyllo dough with melted butter and layer it in a baking pan. Mix together cooked, spiced apples, raisins, and walnuts. Spread the apple mixture over the phyllo dough and roll it up tightly. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 - 35 minutes, or until the strudel is golden brown and crispy. Serve it warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
In conclusion, the fall season offers the perfect opportunity to explore a wide range of apple desserts. Whether you're in the mood for something simple like apple crumble or something more elaborate like apple cheesecake, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and make your fall even more enjoyable.
