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40 Healthy Apple Desserts That Taste Super Decadent

August 29, 2018
Photo: José Picayo
Apples are autumn’s sweet treat for us to enjoy. Green or red ones are both delicious, especially when baked into pies, tarts, crisps, or cobblers. These healthy apple desserts are quick, easy, and sure to satisfy.
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40 Healthy Apple Desserts That Taste Super Decadent

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Apple Pies, Apple Crisps, and More

Photo: José Picayo
View Recipe: Double-Crust Apple Pie

Once the weather starts to cool down, you can’t go wrong with apple desserts. Apples get tender when baked, but still hold their form, making them one of our favorite fruits to bake with. Whether you are cooking for the holidays, or just making a quick sweet treat for tonight, you will love these delicious apple dessert ideas. Best of all, you'd never guess how healthy they are!

First up, we have a traditional apple dessert—apple pie. A double crust on this pie seals in the apples' natural juices as the pie bakes for full-on apple flavor. Tossing the apples with apple juice keeps them from browning as you peel and slice them, and it adds a boost of apple flavor.

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Sweet and Spicy Apple Chips

Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Apple Chips

These apple crisps are the perfect sweet treat to enjoy after dinner—or as a healthy snack during the day. Long, low-heat baking dehydrates the apple slices so they become wonderfully crunchy once they cool. Ancho chile powder and cayenne pepper lend moderate heat—adjust the amount to suit your taste.

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Hasselback Apples

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Hasselback Apples

Simple and easy to make ahead—this twist on the apple crumble is unbelievably good. With cinnamon-sugar butter between the layers, a crispy streusel sprinkle, and a dollop of ice cream on top, there’s no doubt this will be a hit. For a gluten-free version, omit the flour and substitute with certified gluten-free oats.

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Triple-Apple Pie

Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Triple-Apple Pie

This flavor-packed apple pie proves just how next-level store-bought crust, smart touches of fat and flavoring, and a trio of apples fit together fabulously.

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Mom's Rhubarb-Apple Crisp

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Mom's Rhubarb-Apple Crisp

Rhubarb's bracingly tart flavor pairs perfectly with sweet fruit in crisps and pies. Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious apples hold their shape well and won't get too mushy after baking. Brown sugar lends deep molasses flavor to the topping.

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Chocolate-Peanut Butter Apple Wedges

Photo: Kelsey Hansen
View Recipe: Chocolate-Peanut Butter Apple Wedges

We make the classic candied apple snack-size by cutting into wedges before drizzling with all the goodies. Not only is the treat easier to eat, but you get more chocolate and peanut butter in each bite. Peanut butter powder adds an intense peanut butter flavor to the white chocolate drizzle; you can find it at most supermarkets. You can also use the powder as part of a breading for baked chicken or fish, stir it into a smoothie for a protein boost, or use as a coating for peanut-flavored truffles.  

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White Chocolate-Pumpkin Pie Caramel Apples

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: White Chocolate-Pumpkin Pie Caramel Apples

This pumpkin-spiced apple has three decadent layers to make for a crumbly, dangerously-good dessert. 

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Graham Cracker-Apple Crisp

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Graham Cracker-Apple Crisp
This crisp is just as delicious for breakfast as it is when served for dessert. The combination of gluten-free oats and graham crackers gives the topping a unique texture that complements the soft apple filling.
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Apple Spice Bundt Cake With Cider Glaze

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Apple Spice Bundt Cake with Cider Glaze

Don’t be afraid to go 100% whole-grain with desserts; we use all spelt flour here with amazing results. The nutty flour boosts the taste of the butter, spices, and vanilla, unlike all-purpose flour, whose bland nature would dilute those flavors. Be sure to weigh the flour for accuracy; using too much will make the cake dry.

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Miso Caramel-Apple Pie

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez
View Recipe: Miso Caramel-Apple Pie

You've no doubt heard of—and enjoyed—salted caramel. Miso caramel takes that concept one step further, offering the irresistible salty-sweet flavor combo along with a richness that's unparalleled. You may just love this caramel so much that you want to make a big batch for yourself or to give as holiday gifts; we won't blame you. And even though this pie is rather decadent, it still comes in with 12g less sugar than a popular online version of caramel apple pie. Ever been disappointed by an apple pie where the fruit was still just a little crunchy, not tender as you'd hoped for? This recipe makes sure you end up with buttery-soft fruit by first covering the raw apple slices with boiling water to soften them before they even go in the crust.

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Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Salted Caramel Apple Pie

A quick homemade caramel sauce that’s folded into fresh apple slices and baked in a whole-grain crust takes this classic holiday pie to the next level. A hint of salt in the sauce intensifies the apple flavor and balances the sweetness. Apples contain a natural thickener called pectin; grating some of the fruit will ensure a gooey, cohesive mixture once baked. Crisp, sweet Fuji apples bake beautifully and will contrast the salty caramel. You can also use Cripps Pink or Honeycrisp apples.

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Whole-Grain Apple Cake With Yogurt Cream

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Whole-Grain Apple Cake With Yogurt Cream

Apple cake has delicious versatility: It's a fall family favorite that not only satisfies that between-the-meal and post-dinner sweet spot but also works wonders in the wee hours of the morning with a warm cup of coffee. 

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Toffee Dip with Apples

Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: Toffee Dip with Apples

Crunchy toffee bits stirred into a creamy dip make this impossible to stop eating. It’s kid and adult friendly. Coating the apples with pineapple juice prevent them from browning.

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Photo: Jason Wallis; Styling: Cindy Barr
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Double-Crusted Apple Pie

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Double-Crusted Apple Pie

With crust above and below, this classic apple pie offers ample flaky crispness as a counterpoint to the soft, moist, tart-sweet filling made of Granny Smith apples.

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Date-Caramel Apple Pops

Jamie Vespa
View Recipe: Date Caramel Apple Pops

Our plant-based riff on traditional caramel apples acquires its sweetness from fiber-rich dates, which help slash calories in half. Cacao nibs stand in for nuts to lend a pleasing crunch. Serve these kid-friendly pops at Halloween parties or any fall festivity for a healthier alternative to candy and cakes.

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Apple, Pear, and Cranberry Crisp

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Apple, Pear, and Cranberry Crisp

The tart and tangy cranberries complement the sweet apples and pears in this warm, streusel-topped delight. Try serving it à la mode as the grand finale of a holiday dinner.

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Apple-Cherry Cobbler with Sweet Spiral Biscuits

Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Apple-Cherry Cobbler with Sweet Spiral Biscuits

Fresh apples and frozen cherries create the ultimate marriage of sweet-tart flavors in this kid-approved dessert. Gluten-free spiral biscuits take the place of the traditional drop biscuit dough used to top cobblers.

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Apple-Toffee Hand Pies

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Apple-Toffee Hand Pies

You can use other cookie-cutter shapes for the pastry, like hearts for Valentine's Day.

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Maple-Walnut Apple Crisp

Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Maple-Walnut Apple Crisp

A crispy crust and gooey, sweet center make this wholesome treat something to write home about.

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Chocolate-Toffee Apples

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Chocolate-Toffee Apples

These candied apples combine the buttery richness of caramel apples with the fun crunch of candied ones—two old standards twisted together.

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Cast-Iron Apple Cobbler

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Cast-Iron Apple Cobbler

Entertaining a smaller crowd? This homey apple cobbler recipe can be easily halved and baked in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet.

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Cinnamon-Apple Cake

Cooking Light
View Recipe: Cinnamon-Apple Cake

Originally appearing in an issue from 1997, this Cinnamon-Apple Cake is one of our most loved recipes and can be served as dessert or a breakfast coffee cake. The cream cheese in the batter gives the cake lots of moisture. We recommend using mild-tasting Rome apples.

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Caramel-Apple Cheesecake

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Caramel-Apple Cheesecake

This creamy cheesecake combines the pleasant tartness of fall apples with the buttery sweetness of caramel to really showcase fall flavors.

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Apple-Buttermilk Custard Pie

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Warm Apple-Buttermilk Custard Pie

Warm, cinnamon apples combine with a creamy custard for a fun twist on apple pie. Tip: The key to both a flaky piecrust and crisp streusel topping is to keep them as cold as possible before putting them into the oven.

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Apple Kuchen

Quentin Bacon
View Recipe: Apple Kuchen

The sweet flavors of fall are found in this dessert. Sweet fuji apples flavored with the fruit's classic spice of choice, cinnamon, will make for a pleasing after-dinner treat.

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Apple Upside-Down Cake

Gentyl & Hyers
View Recipe: Apple Upside-Down Cake

Mild Rome apples are great for baking this scrumptious upside-down cake however you can also use Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold apples. Dollop the cake with a bit of whipped cream, if desired.

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Rhubarb Apple Pie

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Rhubarb Apple Pie

Spring is the season for fresh rhubarb. So take advantage of this seasonal fresh flavor and dish up homemade Rhubarb-Apple Pie.

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Apple Galette With Vanilla Yogurt Drizzle

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Apple Galette With Vanilla Yogurt Drizzle

This fall apple tart saves on saturated fat and makes the whole-grain crust even tenderer by swapping in low-fat yogurt for some of the butter. Make the crust a day ahead and refrigerate, or a couple weeks ahead and freeze (just remember to thaw completely before rolling). 

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French Apple Tart

Photo: Charles Masters
View Recipe: French Apple Tart

The free-form apple tart is mighty easy because it works from a store-bought crust—yet it's just spectacular, and so evocative of the season.

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Apple Marzipan Galette

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Apple Marzipan Galette

The scrumptious pie has a caramel apple flavor and is a welcomed variation of classic apple pie. Marzipan (sweetened almond paste) can be found with other baking ingredients in the supermarket. Look for it packaged in a small box or can.

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Individual Apple Strudels

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr
View Recipe: Individual Apple Strudels

You can make these several hours ahead; tent loosely with foil and leave at room temperature. Put in a 400° oven for a few minutes to warm and crisp just before serving.

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Amaretto Apple Streusel Cupcakes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Amaretto Apple Streusel Cupcakes

Top tender apple cupcakes with a sweet and crunchy topping of brown sugar and almonds, then drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze.  The amaretto adds an even more distinct almond flavor to the cupcakes, but if you don't have it, you can use almond extract instead.

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Cheddar-Apple Pie

Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Cheddar-Apple Pie

Tart and tangy, sweet and spiced, this intensely flavored homemade apple pie is thickly layered into a sharp cheddar cheese-enhanced crust. It's a gluten-free remake of an American classic.

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Cranberry-Apple Pie

Photo: Charles Masters
View Recipe: Cranberry-Apple Pie

This juicy double-crusted beauty combines two favorite fall flavors. We suggest using grade B maple syrup in the pie filling because it is less refined and has a stronger maple taste, though grade A will work just fine in this recipe.

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Carrot-Apple Spice Cake With Browned-Butter Glaze

boblin
View Recipe: Carrot-Apple Spice Cake With Browned-Butter Glaze

We challenged ourselves to come up with a showstopping dessert that uses boxed cake mix as a starting point—and we succeeded. Fresh carrot and apple plus a splash of bourbon boost the flavor of the layers, while the browned-butter glaze is, well, the wildly delicious icing on the cake.

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