There’s no better time than October to celebrate one of our favorite fruits in all its sweet, tart, and juicy glory. Apples are truly versatile, whether you are baking, snacking, or creating something healthy. They are also a good excuse to get into the kitchen! I’ve rounded up five apple recipes that are absolutely worth trying: 🍎cranberry apple pie, 🍎apple fruit salad, 🍎baked apple fritters, 🍎caramel apple slices, and 🍎banana apple bread. Hopefully each one can bring something different to your table!
1. Cranberry Apple Pie
Nothing says fall like a warm, cozy cranberry apple pie. The tartness of fresh cranberries pairs wonderfully with sweet and soft apples, , creating a delightful balance of flavors that’s irresistible.
Ingredients:
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4 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work great)
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1 cup fresh cranberries
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3/4 cup sugar
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1/4 tsp nutmeg
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Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Preparation Steps:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss apples, cranberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Pour mixture into pie crust, cover with top crust, and seal edges. Slice evenly to allow steam to escape. Bake for 50–60 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Pro tip: Evenly slice your apples with a sharp Kyoku chef's knife to help ensure each piece bakes correctly and also looks lovely in the finished pie.
2. Apple Fruit Salad
Looking for a fresh, healthy option? Try a crisp apple fruit salad. 🥗 This colorful mix combines the sweetness of apples with the juiciness of grapes and the tang of berries, all brightened by a splash of fresh lemon juice to keep it vibrant.
Ingredients:
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2 large apples, cored and thinly sliced (Fuji or Gala recommended)
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1 cup seedless grapes, halved
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1/2 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries)
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tbsp honey (optional)
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A handful of chopped fresh mint (optional)
Preparation Steps:
In a large bowl, gently toss apples, grapes, and berries. Drizzle lemon juice and honey over the fruit, then sprinkle with chopped mint if using. Mix lightly to combine. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
3. Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
If you're looking for something sweet and comforting, you have to try baked apple fritters. Soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside, these fritters are packed with warm apple flavor and fragrant spices.
Ingredients:
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1 cup chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith for tartness)
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ cup brown sugar
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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6 tbsp cold butter, cut into pieces
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½ cup milk
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1 egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation Steps:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles crumbs. In another bowl, mix milk, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in apples. Drop batter by spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet. Bake 11-13 minutes until golden. Optional: brush with glaze or drizzle with icing.
4. Caramel Apple Slices
Who can say no to caramel apple slices? 🍎 These bite-sized treats are a twist on a traditional caramel apple and are great for kids, parties, or just indulging yourself. The crispness of apples combined with creamy caramel creates a delightful texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
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3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), washed and thinly sliced
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1 ½ cups caramel bits
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¼ cup heavy cream
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Optional toppings: chopped nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles
Preparation Steps:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt caramel bits with heavy cream over low heat until smooth. Dip each apple slice into the caramel, letting excess drip off, then place on the baking sheet. Add toppings if desired. Chill in the fridge until set.
5. Banana Apple Bread Recipe
Last but not least, a cozy banana apple bread is the ultimate fall comfort food. 🍌 The sweet, ripe bananas combine with tart, diced apples to create a moist, flavorful bread perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Ingredients:
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2 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
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3 ripe bananas, mashed
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp cinnamon
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½ cup butter, melted
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¾ cup brown sugar
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2 eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation Steps:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, diced apples, melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Pour batter into greased loaf pan and bake 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.
Final Thoughts
National Apple Month provides a good opportunity to experiment with recipes and utilize this versatile ingredient in different ways. From the traditional pie to healthy salads, or perhaps a sweet treat—all can be done with apples! 🍎 And don’t forget: with a good knife at your disposal, prep can be fun instead of a burden. Kyoku knives will slice, dice, and chop with ease, letting you enjoy more time tasting and less time struggling. So go get your apples, preheat the oven, and have some fun. Happy National Apple Month!
