Fall is here, and it’s time to enjoy all your fall favorites! The one fruit that often steals the show during the fall and winter months is the apple, and it’s not hard to understand why. With so many varieties, this fruit can be tart, sweet, and anything in between—making it a great option for dessert or just to be enjoyed on its own. We’ll get you fall-ready with some delicious apple recipes and ways to use this local produce in your next dish!
When Are Apples in Season?
While you may be able to find apples at the grocery store all year long, they begin to really shine in the late summer to winter months. Apple trees (depending on their variety) will begin to yield deliciously ripe fruit as soon as August or as late as a cool December day.
Modern farming advances let us enjoy this popular treat year-round by slowing the apple’s aging process. But this process can sometimes reduce the apple’s natural flavor and sweetness, leaving something to be desired. For the freshest, most ripe apples, you’ll want to begin buying and enjoying this fruit as fall comes into full swing.
5 Cozy Apple Recipes to Try This Fall
You can enjoy your favorite apple variety as is, as sweet jam or apple butter, or turn it into a delicious dish that’s sure to please any crowd this fall! Here are five apple recipes to try as we enjoy the cooler weather.
1. Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
Nothing is more nostalgic than a classic, old-fashioned apple crisp to start the fall season. This warm dessert has a great mix of crunch, softness, and sweetness. Pair it with vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience, or eat it as is. Plus, all the seasonings and fresh apples will leave your kitchen smelling great long after you’re done baking. The best part? This easy recipe uses ingredients you likely already have in your home!
2. Baked Apples
Want something more apple-forward? Look no further than this delicious baked apple recipe! Similar to the apple crisp, this recipe uses rolled oats and sugar to create a crunchy center, but the apple is truly the star of the show here. Create it as a simple late-night snack or wow your guests with this spectacular dessert!
3. Cinnamon Apples
If you’re looking to reduce your sugar content but still want to enjoy an apple snack, try making these cinnamon apples! Using only a tablespoon of maple syrup, this recipe lets the apple’s natural sweetness shine. It only takes 15 minutes to cook on the stovetop, and you can use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal bowls, a light dessert with ice cream, or even as a snack on its own!
4. Fall-Themed Simmer Pot
Do you have some apples that are past their prime and want to use them before they go bad? A great way to repurpose them is with a simmer pot. Simmer pots are a natural way to add fragrance to your home without any chemicals. All you have to do is add water to a pot, add in fruits, herbs, or seasonings, and let it simmer throughout the day.
This fall-themed simmer pot uses apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. No need to peel—just quarter the fruit and throw it all together in some water. You can even use a crockpot on high for an even easier option.
5. Homemade Apple Cider
There is nothing more fall-like than ending the day with a warm cup of apple cider. If you’re up for the challenge, you can try to make your own apple cider this year. This simple recipe shows you how to make apple cider using your crockpot. All you have to do is some simple prep and then let the crockpot do the rest! Adjust the sweetness to your liking, and create a new tradition the whole family is sure to enjoy.
Fall in Love with Apples This Season at Ward’s Supermarket
At Ward’s Supermarket, we love to bring in seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the year for you to enjoy. We believe in fresh, local produce that is delivered straight from the farm to your table. This fall, we encourage you to shop local and try our seasonal apple varieties—hopefully the recipes we’ve shared have you excited to begin apple season! Check our weekly specials to see if your favorite variety of apples or other fall produce is on sale.
