16 Clever Ideas for Using Apples

It’s apple season. And you find yourself with so many apples that you don’t know how you are going to work your way through them. Sure, they are delicious on their own or thrown into your morning smoothie, But you know there is no way you will get through them all that way. Don’t fear! I’ve got 16 easy ways to use up those apples.

Cook Them

Here are some delicious ways to cook with apples: 

Apple Crisp. This is a classic for a reason. It’s a simple dessert everyone will want to gobble up. Try this classic apple crisp recipe. 

Pancakes. Liven up your morning pancakes by adding in some grated apples to the batter. Cook them up as you normally do, or add a little bit of cinnamon for some extra spice flair. 

Applesauce. Making applesauce is actually quite easy. Simply combine apples, water and a little bit of sugar in a saucepan and cook until the apples are soft. Then mash them up, and you have easy, homemade applesauce.

Apple Cake Mix Cookies. Cake mix cookies are so simple and one of my go-to recipes. Adding apples was a no-brainer. These tasted just like fall. Get the recipe!

Dip Them

Apples are the perfect vehicle for dipping.

Frosting. Have some extra Betty Crocker frosting in the fridge? Use apple slices and dip in for a satisfying sweet treat. 

Apple Dip. Any fruit dip will work…the possibilities are endless! How about this Fantastic Fruit Dip recipe? 

Caramel Dipped Apples. These shouldn’t be reserved for the county fair. Caramel apples are actually quite easy to make at home, and the kids will have fun helping. 

Peanut Butter. Peanut butter and apples is a classic combination. But try dipping in the peanut butter, and then drizzling with honey or jelly or dipping into mini chocolate chips.

Snack on Them

Besides just eating them plain, there are many ways to enjoy snacking on apples. Try one of these snacks to get in that apple a day. 

Peanut Butter Apple Rings. Slice the apple into slices, remove the core, and then spread with peanut butter. Add your other favorite toppers, like raisins or chocolate chips. Get the recipe!

Apple Chips. Slice the apples as thin as possible (a mandolin comes in really handy here) and place them on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar if desired and bake for about an hour at 225°F. A healthy, easy treat! 

Apple Toast. Spread peanut butter on bread and then top with apple slices; sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. 

Apples and Cheese. This is one that I never understood as a child, but as an adult, I really love the combination. It’s especially good with really sharp cheese.

Play with Them

Apples aren’t just for eating! Try one of these creative ways to use up your apples.

As a Place Setting. Throwing a fall party? Use an apple as a place setting. Make a thin slice across the top of an apple and insert the name tag. Easy and inexpensive! 

Bobbing for Apples. Sure, it’s fun at a party, but bobbing for apples also makes for a great afternoon activity with adult supervision. Both kids and adults will like to participate! Apple Votives. Use a paring knife to cut a circle out of the top of the apple. Insert a votive candle. 

Apple Stamps. I remember making potato stamps as a kid. You can also make beautiful artwork by cutting apples in half, applying paint to the flesh and stamping on paper. 

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to use up that bag of apples. In fact, you might need to go out and get another one!