What to Do with Excess Apples: Creating Culinary Magic

What to Do with Excess Apples: Creating Culinary Magic
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Introduction to What to do With Excess Apples

Apple picking at an apple orchard or U-pick farm is a favorite fall tradition that can yield abundant fruit this time of year. If you wonder what to do with excess apples, look no further—this blog post covers the best ways to use those apples!


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A basket of apples and overflowing of apples  with the title "What to do with Excess Apples".

Fresh Apple Recipes

Nothing beats the taste of a fresh, crisp apple! They make a great snack all on their own.

Some of the most popular varieties of apples are: 

  • Honeycrisp
  • Pink Lady,
  • Macintosh
  • Fuji
  • Gala
  • Granny Smith
  • Golden Delicious

This blog post has some awesome recipes and ideas on what to do with excess apples so you can enjoy this delicious fall fruit more fully.

A small child is taking a bite of an apple

Fresh Delicious Apple Recipes: Apple Slaw

When it comes to apples, most people think of pies and cobblers. But, what to do with excess apples without cooking them?

There are many delightful recipes for fresh, uncooked apples that are sure to please everyone in your family.

Take apple slaw, for example. Thinly sliced apples mixed with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing make for a refreshing and crunchy salad.

A bowl of cut up apples, carrots, and raisins with a dressing - What to do With Excess Apples.
Apple Slaw

If you’re looking for something sweeter, try an apple salad. Chunks of apple mixed with raisins, nuts, and a honey-lime dressing will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Of course, we can’t forget about caramel apples! Dunk an apple in warm caramel for a fun, indulgent treat. 

Most apple varieties are great to eat as they are or cut into apple slices to enjoy. My favorite is Granny Smith Apples.

Two apples with caramel with nuts - What to do With Excess Apples.

The Simplicity of No-Bake Apple Dishes

No-bake apple dishes are a delightful alternative to baking an apple pie.

With their simplicity and vibrant flavors, these dishes are the perfect way to get your apple fix without heating up the oven.

Baked Apple Treats

Of course, sometimes baking is the way to go. Sweet and savory baked apple dishes are always a crowd-pleaser!

An apple pie with three apples next to it - What to do With Excess Apples.

Versatility of Cooked Apple Treats

The beauty of baked apple desserts lies in their versatility – they can be dressed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served alongside a piping hot cup of coffee or tea.

Classic Baked Apple Desserts

Examples of baked apple recipes:

With just a few simple ingredients like apples, cinnamon, sugar, and butter, these dessert dishes come together in no time.

Apple crisp dessert with ice cream on top - What to do With Excess Apples.
Apple Crisp

Using All Parts of The Apple

My favorite apple treat is to make apple cake. When we make fresh apple cider, I use the leftover apples to make apple cake and apple sauce.

First, I use my Kitchen Aid mixer to strain all the leftover apple stuff through a strainer. I then use the strained apples for applesauce and apple butter. I then use the cores and seeds that the Kitchen Aid strained out.

I put this leftover apple stuff in my Vitamix Blender with water until I get a nice thick and smooth mixture. I use this mixture to make apple bread. No part of the apple gets wasted!

Apple cake and slices of apple cake - What to do With Excess Apples.
Apple Cake

Tip for Making Homemade Pie Crusts

Take your time when mixing together ingredients like flour, butter, and ice water—it’s important not to overwork the dough. With practice, you can produce flaky, buttery crusts that will take your baked apples to the next level.

Homemade Apple Sauce

With just a few simple ingredients—sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg—plus some tart apples—you can create a sweet treat that is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

A bowl of apple sauce - What to do With Excess Apples.

Making Homemade Applesauce

To start, gather your ingredients – you’ll only need apples, water, sugar (optional), and some cinnamon.

Peel and core your apples, then chop them into small chunks. Add them to a pot with some water and bring everything to a boil.

Someone is coring an apple - What to do With Excess Apples.

From there, let the mixture simmer until the apples are soft. Add your sugar and cinnamon to taste, then blend the mixture (either with an immersion blender or a standard blender).

And just like that, you have a delicious, homemade applesauce that beats anything you could buy in a store!

A pot of applesauce with a spoon scooping some out - What to do With Excess Apples.

Using Applesauce in Various Recipes

Besides being a tasty snack all on its own, applesauce can also be used as an ingredient in many other dishes, such as a replacement for oil in cakes.

Dehydrating Apples

Dehydrating apples is a versatile way to transform them into a crispy, portable snack. This cheap healthy snack is perfect for breakfast or on-the-go snacking.

Lots of dehydrated apple slices - what to do with excess apples.

Canning and Freezing Apples

Canning and freezing are great options for ensuring your apples stay fresh for longer.

You can easily turn your fresh apples into homemade apple sauce by canning them in a water bath.

Another option is to freeze apples for future use. You can choose to coring and freezing them whole or slicing them before freezing.



Apple-Based Breakfast Ideas

If you’re looking for a delicious way to start the day, try some apple-based breakfast recipes.

Breakfast Options That Incorporate Apples

Start your day right with a stack of fluffy apple pancakes bursting with flavor. If pancakes aren’t your thing, try a comforting bowl of apple oatmeal.

Add your toppings, like nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, for extra flavor.

A bowl of apple oatmeal - what to do with excess apples.
Apple Oatmeal

Ideas for Apple Muffins and Apple Granola Bars

For a real treat, whip up a batch of apple muffins—they’re soft and fluffy, with chunks of juicy apple in every bite.

For a healthy snack on the go, make apple granola bars. They’re packed with oats, nuts, and dried fruit for a satisfying crunch.

Apple granola bars with 3 apples - what to do with excess apples.
Apple Granola Bars

Apple Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to add more fruit and vegetables to your diet.

Try an apple smoothie. Blend together apples, yogurt, honey, cinnamon, and other goodies for a wonderful treat that’s full of nutrients.

Apples Beverages

From classic homemade apple cider to modern twists, there are plenty of ways to enjoy apples as a drink.

Cider, Juice, and Tea

Nothing beats a warm mug of spiced apple cider when the weather cools. Simmer fresh-pressed juice with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for an aromatic delight.

A cup of apple cider with a cinnamon stick in it - what to do with excess apples.

If you want something a bit lighter, try spiced apple tea. Steep dried apples and spices in hot water to make a soothing brew that’s perfect for chilly autumn nights.

Another delicious thing to make with apples is homemade apple juice. 

Apple-Inspired Smoothies and Apple Lemonades

Cool down with an apple-infused smoothie if you’re looking to beat the summer heat.

For something more tart and tangy, try homemade apple lemonade. Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with apple cider and cane sugar for a refreshing, lightly sweetened drink.

Cups of Apple Lemonade with lemon slices and apples slices - what to do with excess apples.

Dinners Using Apples

Incorporating apples into your family dinners can add a sweet twist to savory dishes and enhance their overall flavor.

Pork and Apple Recipes

Pork and apples are a classic pairing that never disappoints. Cook up some pork chops with sautéed apples and onions for a hearty and satisfying meal.

For a lighter option, try an apple chicken stir-fry. Marinate chicken in apple juice and toss with veggies, rice, and a splash of soy sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.

Roast pork with apples and herbs is another delicious option. Simply rub a pork loin with herbs, top with sliced apples, and bake for a flavorful and tender main dish.

Conclusion of What to do With Excess Apples

So now you won’t have as much trouble wondering what to do with excess apples! From apple pies and pancakes to your own cider and smoothies, apples can be used in various ways, and you can make many delicious treats with them.

Two baskets full of apples - what to do with excess apples.

Various Creative Apple-Filled Ideas

From the crisp crunch of fresh apples to the irresistible allure of baked treats, this blog post is brimmed with a tantalizing array of apple-filled ideas on what to do with excess apples that are bound to captivate anyone’s taste buds.


If you liked this blog post, please share on Pinterest:

A basket of apples with the title, "What to do with Excess Apples".

The possibilities for creating delicious apple-filled dishes are endless, and I showcased just a few of the many ideas available.

A pan of apple crisp - what to do with excess apples.
Apple Crumble

Embrace Your Surplus of Apples and Try Out New Recipes

Apples are an incredibly versatile fruit and can make a delightful addition to various dishes.

Don’t let your surplus of apples go to waste this apple season– experiment in the kitchen and find creative ways to use all those apples! There’s no telling what magic you’ll whip up.

So, now you know what to do with excess apples- try these ideas and recipes and embrace your abundance of apples!

Three baked apples - what to do with excess apples.
Baked Apples

Your Favorite Way to Use Surplus Apples

In the comment section, share your favorite ways on what to do with excess apples. I’d love to hear about all the unique ways you like using apples.


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      Comments

      1. Perfect list of things to do with extra apples! This is perfect timing for the upcoming fall apple picking events.

      2. Great list! I have one recipe appel with spicy and sweet peanut sauce, the local name call “Bumbu Rujak”

      3. Wow, these apple recipes are cool! I’m eager to try the apple salad and bread. It’s nice to find options that aren’t just cobbler and are better for you, too.

      4. this is such a fantastic list of ways to use apples, with apples coming into season this is perfect right now!

      5. My grandmother used to have 6! apple trees. Every year we picked such a huuuge amount of apples and we too had to come up with various ways to use them. This post definitely adds to the list of things you can do with them, so thank you for sharing 🙂 – now I’m super hungry…I guess I’m gonna go and get an apple 🙂

      6. This is such a useful and detailed list of things to do with leftover apples. I tend to just turn them into unsweetened applesauce (which I use for baking) but I love the other ideas included here. Fantastic!

      7. This is a post full of ideas. Apple tea is something new to me. I love the delights and these crunchy granola bars. Thanks for sharing this awesome post!

      8. so many options! I feel a little sad apples are rare where I live and we hardly ever have too many. it is such a wonderful versatile fruit

      9. Apple picking season is fast approaching so I]m sure I’ll have this problem myself. Thanks for the list!

      10. I love these ideas! I especially want to try out making apple granola bars and apple pancakes! Thank you for sharing!

        1. We love apple pancakes. It’s always included on the menu for our Christmas day brunch and sometimes other days of the year.

      11. This is great! I always have an extra apple or two just chilling on the kitchen counter. These suggestion will definitely be used!

      12. So many great ideas for using up excess apples! Never would I have thought of making granola bars!!
        Thanks for sharing these great tips!

      13. Hi Catherine, your article about what to do with all those excess apples has really made me see how much i love apples and how they are such a comfort food for me… my mothers apple crumble, apple slaw and baked apples. I love the name and focus of your blog too as I hate waste in all its forms and embrace the frugal life.

        1. Thank you, Lee! I’m so glad you stopped by my blog! It sounds like you have great memories of your mom’s baked apple treats!

      14. Great ideas for what to do with excess apples! This is especially appropriate for me because we have an apple orchard and are blessed with excess apples every year. Thank you for sharing!

      15. These are great tips on what to do with excess apples to create culinary magic. Since I was little, apple crisp has always been one of my favorite desserts and a perfect way to use up some extra apples!

      16. Love this because we refrigerated our apples last year and they lasted for months. We end up needing plenty of recipes for them.

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