Apple Dessert Recipes
These apple dessert recipes bring back the cozy feel of old-fashioned baking—simple ingredients, familiar spices, and lots of warm-from-the-oven comfort. From a cheddar-crust pie to an easy no-crust pie, plus a light apple torte and a nostalgic apple rolly poly, this page has four classic ways to bake with apples.
Use the jump links to go straight to the recipe you want, then scroll back anytime to try a different version for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.
Recipes on this page
Use the links below to jump directly to each apple dessert recipe.
Apple Cheddar Pie
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 8 tart apples
- 1/4 cup non-dairy dry cream
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Instructions
- Sift flour and salt. Cut in shortening.
- Stir in cheese. Cut in ice water until mixture holds a ball.
- Roll into a 12-inch circle and place in a 10-inch pie pan. Turn edges under and crimp.
- Pare, core, and cut apples into 8 pieces.
- Mix non-dairy dry cream, sugars, 1/3 cup flour, and spices. Divide mixture in half.
- Toss apples with half the mixture and place in the pie shell.
- Cut butter into the remaining half of the mixture and sprinkle over apples.
- Bake until apples are tender, 40 to 60 minutes.
No-crust Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup flour, sifted with 1 teaspoon baking powder and a pinch of salt
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Instructions
- Beat the egg, then add the remaining ingredients.
- Mix well and spread in a greased 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake 30 minutes.
Apple Torte
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs, well beaten
- 1 cup sifted flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped tart apples, pared
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Instructions
- Gradually add sugar to well beaten eggs, beating until thick and lemon-colored.
- Sift together dry ingredients and fold into egg mixture.
- Fold in apples and nuts.
- Grease the bottom of an 8 x 2-inch pan. Pour in batter.
- Bake 40 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.
- Serve with whipped cream and a little cinnamon. Serves 6.
Apple Rolly Poly
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Baking powder biscuit dough (or one recipe Birdie biscuit dough)
- 3 cups finely chopped apples, pared and cored
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Instructions
- Boil sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, water, and orange juice for 10 minutes. Pour into a baking pan.
- Roll biscuit dough into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle.
- Cover dough (to within 1/2 inch of the edge) with apples.
- Sprinkle with combined brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up like a jelly roll. Cut into 1 1/2-inch slices.
- Lay slices flat in the pan. Dot with remaining butter.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the biscuits in the middle are cooked through. Serves 9.
FAQ
What kind of apples are best for baking?
Firm, tart apples are great for baking because they hold their shape. If you like a sweeter dessert, use a mix of tart and sweet apples.
Can I use margarine or butter in these recipes?
Yes. Many vintage recipes use margarine, but butter works well too. Use whichever you normally bake with.
Do these desserts freeze well?
Most baked apple desserts freeze well once cooled. Wrap tightly, freeze, then thaw in the refrigerator and rewarm in the oven for best texture.