Delicious Recipes to Make After Apple Picking This Fall

Discover delicious fall recipes to make after apple picking, including sourdough apple turnovers, apple muffins, apple cinnamon sourdough bread, and more! Perfect for using up fresh apples with simple, homemade recipes.

Fall is the perfect time to head to your local apple orchard, fill your basket with fresh apples, and bring home the cozy, comforting flavors of the season. Whether you’re baking with sourdough discard or just looking for a quick treat, these apple recipes are ideal for savoring autumn’s best fruit.

Below you will discover a list of my favorite recipes to use with apples! You’ll find a mix of sweet and tangy, warm and spiced recipes—from crisp turnovers in puff pastry to hearty muffins, these ideas will help you use up every last apple.

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Sourdough Apple Turnovers

Overview: These flaky sourdough apple turnovers are made with a tender sourdough pie crust and filled with cinnamon-spiced apple slices. The crust adds a subtle tang that complements the sweet filling perfectly.
Why It’s Perfect: It’s a great way to use up your sourdough starter and enjoy a handheld pastry that’s great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Plus, it’s a fun project to involve the family for a cozy fall weekend.

Apple Muffins (Sourdough Discard)

Overview: These moist, fluffy apple muffins use sourdough discard for a subtle tang and extra tenderness. Loaded with chopped apples and fall spices, they make a delightful grab-and-go breakfast. The cinnamon streusel and brown sugar make these muffins the most delightful treat anytime!
Why It’s Perfect: Quick to whip up with pantry staples, these muffins are an easy and delicious way to put your discard to use while showcasing your freshly picked apples. You can even pair them with freshly made apple butter for an extra treat!

Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Bread (Overnight Fermentation)

sourdough apple cinnamon bread on parchment

Overview: This rustic apple cinnamon sourdough bread features an overnight fermentation, making it full of complex flavor and light texture. Bits of apple and warm cinnamon are swirled throughout. I promise your whole family will devour this tasty treat in minutes, especially when it is warm out of the oven!
Why It’s Perfect: The long fermentation gives it that signature sourdough tang while the apples add juicy sweetness. It’s perfect toasted with butter for breakfast or served alongside a fall soup.

Quick & Easy Apple Crisp (with Discard)

Overview: This apple crisp comes together quickly with a buttery oat topping and a lightly spiced apple base. A bit of sourdough discard adds complexity to the crumble.
Why It’s Perfect: No fuss, no chilling—just toss it together and bake in a pie dish. It’s the perfect last-minute dessert that makes your kitchen smell like fall. The apples are soft like in an apple pie, but the sourdough crisp on top is what makes it the real winner!

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Sourdough Apple Cake (with Discard)

Overview: This apple cake is moist, rich, and speckled with tender apple chunks throughout. Sourdough discard adds a hint of tang and depth without overpowering the sweetness. We love to pair it with homemade ice cream or my favorite homemade whipped cream!
Why It’s Perfect: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make ahead, travels well, and pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, you can sneak a piece for breakfast, and it is perfectly acceptable!

Applesauce Fritters

Overview: These golden applesauce fritters are soft inside with crisp, sugary edges. Made with simple ingredients, they’re fried in your dutch oven until perfectly fluffy and delicious. The fritter glaze on top is a must!
Why It’s Perfect: Whether you use homemade or store-bought applesauce, these fritters are a comforting fall treat you can have ready in no time—ideal for spontaneous weekend cravings. Plus the recipe is easy and straightforward.

Bringing It All Together

There’s something deeply rewarding about making food with your own hands—starting with simple, seasonal ingredients and turning them into something warm, comforting, and made with love–something I have intentionally learned over the years.

These apple recipes are more than just delicious treats; they’re an invitation to slow down, savor the season, and create moments that bring people together. For me, baking with fresh apples and sourdough has become a cherished part of home life, filling our kitchen with cozy scents and meaningful memories.

If you are thinking more about intentionally making more meals or foods from scratch, feel free to check out my post on how to get started! You won’t regret it! I hope these recipes inspire you to start your own traditions and discover the quiet joy that comes from homemade food.

Additional Fall Recipes

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