From iconic pies to comforting crisps to apple cider doughnuts that are practically a tradition, there’s no better way to savor the sweet side of fall than by making homey apple desserts. Get inspired by a few favorites or explore this fruit's savory side. Also, consult our guide to learn which apple varieties are best for cooking.

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Apple Upside-Down Cake

The beautiful flower pattern that’s revealed once this cake is inverted will be defined best by an apple that holds its shape. A sweet variety, like Braeburns, Cameos, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisps will complement the nutty brown butter in which the apples are cooked.

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Apple Cider Doughnuts

Who says doughnuts are just for breakfast? These sweet treats are a fall tradition worth keeping. Hot chocolate, coffee, or tea is optional, but recommended!

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Rustic Apple-Cinnamon Tart

When you're craving apple pie, but want to try something a little different, this free-form tart baked on a cookie sheet is the perfect solution, and it’s a gorgeous way to show off your favorite in-season apples.

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Moist Apple Cake

Applesauce makes this cake wonderfully moist and it works just as well as a snacking cake or even for breakfast.

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Apple-Pear Cobbler

Easier than pie, but just as scrumptious, this skillet-cobbler pairs fresh, ripe apples and pears with a crisp brown sugar-pecan topping.

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Fried Apple Pies

These mini pies pack all the flavor and nostalgia of a classic apple pie into a sweet little package you can eat out of hand.

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Apple-Blackberry Crisp

Crisps are the comfort food of the fruit world. In this version, the apples and blackberries marry perfectly and the chopped hazelnuts add texture and make for a crunchy top.

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Apple Brown-Butter Jalousie

You don’t have to be a pastry chef to make this elegant French dessert. With frozen puff pastry and ripe apples, it comes together surprising quickly and serves eight, so it’s a natural for entertaining.

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Tarte Tatin

In this simple yet irresistible classic, tender caramelized apples are topped with an all-butter short-crust pastry; then the tart is baked until gloriously golden and flipped upside down.

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Almond Cheesecake Apple Bars

Sweet apple fillings and nutty crumb toppings are a marriage made in heaven. Add that classic cheesecake tang and texture, and you’ve got one delicious bar.

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Classic Apple Pie

The filling in this iconic dessert is a lovely blend of sweet Cortlands and tangy Granny Smiths, laced with just enough sugar and spice to make the apples’ flavors sing.

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Apple Cranberry Crisp

Using a combination of apple varieties in this crisp delivers an unexpected range of textures and tart-sweet flavors.

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