17 Crisp, Sweet, and Savoury Apple Recipes for Fall Cooking
17 Crisp, Sweet, and Savoury Apple Recipes for Fall Cooking
From sweet to savoury, these apple recipes highlight the best of fall harvest cooking.
As the air turns crisp and the trees burst into colour, apple season arrives in Ontario like a warm hug. For me, nothing says fall quite like a trip to the orchard with my kids, running between rows of trees, filling baskets with apples that are just too irresistible not to eat on the spot. We come home with far more than we planned, and then the fun begins: baking, simmering, slicing, and finding creative ways to enjoy every last one.
Apples have been part of Canadian kitchens for generations, a staple fruit that ties us to the land and to family traditions. They’re also incredibly versatile, equally at home in a sweet pie as they are in a savoury salad or roasted alongside vegetables. And let’s not forget the health benefits: apples are packed with fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them a wholesome addition to every meal.
This recipe collection brings together some of my favourite apple-focused dishes from Rily. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, a lunchbox-friendly snack, or a show-stopping dessert, you’ll find something here that makes the most of apple season’s bounty. These recipes highlight apples in all their forms, baked until caramelized, shredded into batters, or layered into crisp salads, so you can savour the flavour of fall in Ontario.
My advice? Buy a big bag of mixed varieties. Honeycrisp for eating fresh, Cortland for baking, Gala or McIntosh for sauces, and let these recipes inspire you. They’re approachable, nourishing, and perfect for busy families who want to make the most of apple season without overcomplicating things.
So grab a basket, head to your local orchard or farmers’ market, and celebrate one of Ontario’s most iconic fall harvests with these apple-forward recipes.
Easy Stovetop Apple Butter
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This stovetop apple butter is the perfect fall staple - rich, spiced, and naturally sweetened without refined sugar. Think of it as applesauce’s more concentrated cousin: thicker, darker, and packed with cozy flavour. Slowly simmered until velvety smooth, it’s delicious spread on toast, swirled into yogurt, or served alongside roasted meats. A batch keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it a versatile addition to your fall kitchen.
Simple Apple Crisp
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Few things feel cozier than warm apples baked with oats and cinnamon. This apple crisp is simple to make, full of fibre-rich ingredients, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing. With a crunchy golden topping and tender baked apples, it’s a healthier take on a classic dessert that pairs perfectly with vanilla yogurt or ice cream. Ideal for family gatherings or just a weeknight treat.
Apple & White Cheddar Chicken Salad
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Sweet apple, sharp cheddar, and tender chicken combine in this quick and nourishing salad. It’s a great option for meal prep; packed with protein, healthy fats, and greens for a balanced plate. With its crisp textures and bright flavours, it’s the kind of lunch that keeps you satisfied and energized without feeling heavy. Double or triple the recipe to have easy grab-and-go meals ready for the week.
One Pan Sautéed Pork Chops & Apples
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
This classic sweet-and-savoury pairing makes a simple weeknight dinner shine. Juicy pork chops are pan-seared and finished with apples that caramelize beautifully in the same pan. The result is a flavourful, comforting meal that comes together in under 40 minutes. With just one pan to clean, it’s an easy, family-friendly dish that feels like a cozy nod to fall cooking traditions.
Apple Cider Muffins
Recipe by Fran Allen
These apple cider muffins are cozy, wholesome, and full of warm spices. They use both cider and apples, making them a perfect way to put orchard leftovers to good use. Tender and lightly sweetened, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or tucked into lunchboxes. Pair one with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon, or make a batch to freeze for easy grab-and-go mornings.
Air-Fryer Apple Crisp
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This single-serve apple crisp is perfect when you’re craving dessert without the fuss of baking a full pan. Juicy apples are topped with cinnamon-spiced oats and cooked in the air fryer for a warm, comforting treat in just 20 minutes. A drizzle of almond butter adds richness and balance, making this a healthier take on a classic. Quick, cozy, and portion-controlled — ideal for satisfying fall cravings.
Apple & Sage Turkey Burgers
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These juicy turkey burgers bring fall flavours right into your weeknight routine. Shredded apple adds natural sweetness and moisture, while sage delivers savoury depth. Topped with a slice of cheddar, these burgers strike a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Serve them on gluten-free buns with your favourite fixings for a wholesome dinner that’s seasonal, family-friendly, and meal-prep ready.
Hot Apple Cider
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Warm up on a chilly day with this spiced hot apple cider. Simmered with oranges, maple syrup, and cozy spices, it fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas while delivering a naturally sweet, soothing drink. Perfect for gatherings, or just for sipping on a quiet evening at home, this recipe makes a generous batch that’s great for sharing, or reheating all week long.
Chai Oatmeal with Apple Pear Compote
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This hearty oatmeal is taken to the next level with a spiced apple-pear compote. Rolled oats, shredded coconut, and chia seeds pack in fibre, healthy fats, and protein, while warm chai spices bring a cozy fall flavour. A nourishing breakfast that doubles as meal prep, it’s ideal for busy mornings when you want comfort and nutrition in one bowl.
Apple Cinnamon Bliss Balls
Recipe by Julia Gibson
These no-bake energy bites capture the flavours of apple pie in a portable snack. Sweetened naturally with dates and maple syrup, and spiced with cinnamon, they’re full of fibre, protein, and healthy carbs for steady energy. Perfect for school lunches, post-workout snacks, or afternoon pick-me-ups, they’re a quick-prep recipe that makes healthy eating feel effortless.
Stewed Apples
Recipe by Carley Nadine
Sweet, tart, and lightly spiced, these stewed apples are a versatile fall staple. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a topping that turns oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or toast into a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert. With minimal ingredients and big flavour, this recipe is a go-to for making everyday meals taste like apple pie.
Gluten-Free Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Moist, warmly spiced, and naturally sweetened, these baked doughnuts are full of apple flavour from cider and applesauce. Dusted with cinnamon sugar, they’re a healthier twist on a fall favourite; tender on the inside with just the right touch of sweetness. Perfect for cozy weekends, school treats, or pairing with your morning coffee, they bring orchard-season joy to your kitchen without frying.
Almond Flour Apple Carrot Muffins
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
These moist, nutrient-dense muffins combine apples and carrots for natural sweetness and extra fibre. Made with almond flour, they’re gluten-free, high in protein, and lower in carbs, making them a smart option for blood sugar balance. With hemp hearts and applesauce for added nutrition, they’re perfect for on-the-go breakfasts, after-school snacks, or freezing in batches for quick healthy options anytime.
One Pan Honey Garlic Sausage, Apples & Veggies
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
This one-pan dinner blends sweet and savoury flavours into a balanced, hands-off meal. Juicy sausages roast alongside apples and seasonal vegetables, caramelizing together for a hearty and nutritious dish. Finished with a bright honey garlic dressing, it’s simple to prep, full of fibre and protein, and perfect for busy weeknights. Comfort food made easy.
Creamy Celery & Apple Salad
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This refreshing salad pairs crisp celery and apples with a creamy yogurt dressing. Topped with toasted walnuts, dill, and parsley, it’s crunchy, flavourful, and nourishing. Light but satisfying, it makes a great side dish for fall dinners or a crisp, healthy lunch. A perfect way to enjoy apples in their freshest form.
Gluten-Free Apple Scones
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Tender, flaky, and perfectly spiced, these gluten-free scones showcase apples in a cozy baked treat. Lightly sweetened with your choice of coconut sugar, brown sugar, or monk fruit, they’re customizable to your taste and dietary needs. Pair them with tea or coffee for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack. Ideal for fall baking when apples are at their peak.
Meal Prep Apple Spiced Bircher Muesli
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This overnight muesli is a make-ahead breakfast that delivers big on flavour and nutrition. Grated apple, chia seeds, spices, and coconut yogurt come together with oats and almond milk for a creamy, fibre-rich meal. Perfectly spiced and endlessly versatile with toppings, it’s a grab-and-go option that makes busy mornings easier while celebrating apple season.
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