Apple Dessert Recipes (4 Classics)
These apple dessert recipes bring back the cozy feel of old-fashioned baking — simple ingredients, warm spices, and plenty of comfort. From a unique cheddar-crust pie to an easy no-crust version, a light apple torte, and a nostalgic rolly poly, you’ll find four classic ways to enjoy apples.
Recipes on this page
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, pared, cored, and cut into wedges
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Sift flour and salt. Cut in shortening. Stir in cheddar cheese, then add ice water and mix until dough forms.
- Roll into a 12-inch circle and fit into a 10-inch pie pan. Flute the edges.
- Mix non-dairy dry cream, both sugars, 1/3 cup flour, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Divide in half.
- Toss apples with half the mixture and place in the pie shell.
- Cut butter into the remaining mixture and sprinkle over apples.
- Bake 40–60 minutes until apples are tender and crust is golden.
No-Crust Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup flour (sifted with 1 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Beat egg, then add all remaining ingredients and mix well.
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Gradually add sugar to beaten eggs and beat until thick and lemon-colored.
- Sift dry ingredients and fold into egg mixture.
- Fold in chopped apples and walnuts.
- Pour into a greased 8x2-inch pan and bake 40 minutes.
- Cool, cut into squares, and serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Apple Rolly Poly
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Baking powder biscuit dough (or Birdie biscuit dough)
- 3 cups finely chopped apples, pared and cored
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Boil sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, water, and orange juice for 10 minutes. Pour into baking pan.
- Roll biscuit dough into a 12 x 8-inch rectangle.
- Cover dough (leaving ½-inch border) with chopped apples. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up jelly-roll style and cut into 1½-inch slices.
- Place slices cut-side down in the pan and dot with remaining butter.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until center biscuits are cooked through.
Apple Dessert FAQ
What kind of apples are best for baking?
Firm, tart apples (such as Granny Smith) hold their shape best. A mix of tart and sweet apples also works well.
Can I use margarine or butter in these recipes?
Yes. Many vintage recipes use margarine, but butter gives excellent results too.
Do these desserts freeze well?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.