Falling for Fall Apples

I feel like Louisa must have taken a peek at my calendar for this week. She sent over some amazing recipes that use apples… and we’re planning on apple picking later this week. Last year we ended up with so many extra apples that we gave them away to friends and neighbors. Hopefully, I’ll be able to bake up a storm this time around!

Falling for Fall Apples

Guest post by Louisa from Living Lou

All of a sudden this week it started feeling like fall in Toronto. There is a crisp chill in the air, and I’ve found a few bright red leaves on the ground, but the best part? The apples! Have you tried a crisp in-season apple yet? While apples are a standard snack pretty much all year, there is nothing better than a crisp and sweet Honey Crisp or Granny Smith apple in the fall.

You know the way most people feel about pumpkin come fall? That’s how I feel about apples. Here are five of my favorite fall apple recipes.

1. Baked apple French toast

This recipe will seriously elevate your brunch game! This is a baked French toast that is the perfect recipe to feed a crowd, just wait for all those oohs and ahs as you bring it to the table. This recipe uses the more tart Granny Smith apple to balance the sweetness.

2. Caramel apple crisp cheesecake

You don’t always need to use fresh apples to get delicious apple flavor; my caramel apple crisp cheesecake uses a homemade apple caramel sauce as well as frozen apple juice concentrate directly in the cheesecake for the perfect fall dessert. If you love cheesecake, you seriously have to try this recipe.

3. Apple crisp (gluten free!)

A favorite gluten-free dessert in my house, this is your classic apple crisp recipe with a gluten-free crumble topping made from almond meal and rice flour. Give this recipe a whirl if you’re trying to eat gluten-free but still craving those delicious fall desserts (also, bookmark this recipe for Thanksgiving)!

4. Whole wheat applesauce muffins

Yes, even fall baking can be on the healthy side. I just posted this recipe for whole wheat applesauce muffins using unsweetened applesauce to add flavor as well as decrease the fat (oil in this case) required in a muffin. I’m using store bought applesauce in here, but if you want to make your own, all the power to you. I love to bring these to the office for a mid-morning snack!

5. Apple cider vinaigrette

Yes, I even have a recipe for salad dressing using apples — well, in this case, apple cider. I love apple cider and in this recipe, it is used to add sweetness to a homemade salad dressing. I also have a hint of cinnamon in here which adds warmth, making this the perfect fall salad.