20 Healthy Apple Recipes For Any Occasion

No ratings yet34 Comments

20 healthy apple recipes that are easy, delicious, and packed with flavor. From breakfasts to snacks and desserts, these wholesome apple ideas are perfect for fall and beyond.

A healthy apple recipe, peanut butter apple overnight oats.

With the start of school comes the start of apple season! As temperatures start to cool down here in Michigan, I get excited to start making tons of sweet and savory dishes with freshly picked apples. While baked goods are an obvious go-to for apples, I love including them in oatmeal and smoothies. I have quite a few savory dinner recipes for apples as well!

We make it a family outing to go apple picking each year, and my boys are excellent at it by now, bringing me lots of fresh ingredients. If you love apples like I do, but want to switch things up, I’ve got you covered! I’ve compiled 20 Healthy Apple Recipes for every season, including vegan and gluten-free, and from breakfast to dessert!

Gluten free apple crisp, 20 healthy apple recipes.

Choosing the Right Apples for Every Recipe

Not all apples are created equal, and the type you use can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the perfect apple for your next healthy recipe!

Best for Baking: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn hold their shape well in the oven and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. They’re ideal for crisps, muffins, and baked apples.
Best for Snacking & Salads: Fuji, Gala, and Pink Lady are naturally sweet and crunchy, making them perfect for fresh salads, snack boards, or dipping in peanut butter.
Best for Sauces & Smoothies: McIntosh and Cortland soften quickly when cooked, which makes them perfect for applesauce, soups, or blended into smoothies.
Best All-Purpose Apples: Golden Delicious and Jonagold work well in both sweet and savory dishes, so they’re great to keep on hand for versatile cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the healthiest way to eat an apple?

The healthiest way to eat an apple is also the simplest. Grab a fresh apple, wash it, then take a bite skin and all!

Can you freeze apples?

Yes! Use freezer bags, and any apple will be good in the freezer for 3 to 6 months.

When is apple season in the US?

Apple season runs from late summer through fall, but many varieties store beautifully and are available year-round. For the freshest flavor and best prices, shop local orchards or farmers’ markets in the fall when apples are at their peak!

20 healthy apple recipes, apple cinnamon protein pancakes on a plate with cinnamon sticks.

20 Healthy Apple Recipes for Any Occasion

Pin Save for Later

Did you try any of these recipes and like it? The next time you make one, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.

Healthy Apple Recipes for Breakfast

Apple Banana Nut Oatmeal

5 stars average

A simple way to make oatmeal for yourself or your kids that is ready on the stove top in 7 minutes.

Try: Apple Banana Nut Oatmeal

Pin Save

Apple Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

4.64 stars average

Creamy, natural peanut butter and crisp, juicy apples are the perfect natural sweetener for overnight steel cut oats.

Try: Apple Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Save

Healthy Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins

4.59 stars average

These pumpkin-packed muffins with apples and walnuts are so light and fluffy your family will have no idea they’re actually good for you!

Try: Healthy Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins

Pin Save

Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

4.36 stars average

Naturally sweetened with fruit, these apple cinnamon protein pancakes are gluten-free and will fill you up while fulfilling the sweet craving in a healthy way.

Try: Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes

Pin Save

Slow Cooker Apple Butter

4.50 stars average

8 10

Made with no added sugar, this easy slow cooker apple butter recipe is scented with cinnamon and other warm fall spices.

Try: Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Pin Save

Healthy Apple Recipes for Dinner

Spelt Salad with Apples, Cheddar and Scallions

5 stars

A hearty and flavor-packed whole grain salad made with chewy spelt, crunchy apples and sharp cheddar cheese.

Try: Spelt Salad with Apples, Cheddar and Scallions

Save

Spelt Salad with Apples, Scallions and Cheese - The Lemon Bowl

Charoset (Apple and Walnut Salad)

5 stars average

Traditionally served on the Passover Seder plate, charoset is an apple and walnut salad made with sweet honey and red wine.

Try: Charoset (Apple and Walnut Salad)

Pin Save

Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Apples, Onions, and Sweet Potatoes

3.34 stars average

The ultimate no-mess sheet pan dinner recipe, pork chops are rubbed with olive oil and herbs then roasted with apples, onions and sweet potatoes. You won't believe how delicious or easy this pork recipe is to make!

Try: Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Apples, Onions, and Sweet Potatoes

Save

Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts

5 stars average

This hearty massaged kale salad is made with sweet apples and crunchy walnuts. Great for making ahead and packing in lunches!

Try: Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts

Pin Save

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Apples

4.70 stars average

This grilled cheese with apples is the perfect combination of creamy, salty, tart and sweet. Feel free to use your favorite cheeses and any variety of apple works with this delicious elevated grilled cheese sandwich.

Try: Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Apples

Pin Save

Healthy Apple Sweets

Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Cookies

4.63 stars average

The perfect portable make-ahead breakfast, these chewy oatmeal apple breakfast cookies are energy packed and lightly sweetened to make them loved by all!

Try: Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Cookies

Pin Save

Chewy Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies - The Lemon Bowl

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

4.67 stars average

These light and fluffy baked donuts are full of apple spice flavor without any of the heavy grease you find in a traditional fried donut.

Try: Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Pin Save

Gluten Free Apple Crisp

4 stars average

This easy and delicious apple crisp recipe is naturally gluten-free, made with juicy apples, warm cinnamon and a hearty oat topping.

Try: Gluten Free Apple Crisp

Pin Save

Cinnamon Baked Apples with Walnuts and Spices

3 stars average

1 15

The ultimate fall dessert, baked apples are stuffed with walnuts and spices then baked in apple cider until soft and sweet. Serve with vanilla ice cream to make a la mode!

Try: Cinnamon Baked Apples with Walnuts and Spices

Save

Jewish Apple Cake

4.25 stars average

1 30

A traditional Jewish dessert recipe, my Ema Ljuba would frequently make this apple cake on Friday for Shabbat, and it would stay moist all week long. A parev (kosher) dessert, this cake can be eaten with either meat or dairy. A huge family favorite among all of Ljuba’s seven children and many grandchildren.

Try: Jewish Apple Cake

Pin Save

Healthy Apple Drinks

Carrot Apple Ginger Green Smoothie

5 stars average

This Carrot Apple Ginger Green Smoothie in the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors to start your morning.

Try: Carrot Apple Ginger Green Smoothie

Pin Save

Best Apple Pie Protein Smoothie

4.38 stars average

This Apple Pie Protein Smoothie Recipe is the ultimate healthy drink recipe for fall – ideal for breakfast, a snack or dessert!

Try: Best Apple Pie Protein Smoothie

Save

Sparkling Apple Cider Punch

4.38 stars average

Made with or without alcohol, your guests will love this Sparkling Apple Cider Punch- perfect for fall entertaining!

Try: Sparkling Apple Cider Punch

Pin Save

Apple Cinnamon Smoothie

5 stars

This thick and creamy breakfast smoothie recipe is made with ripe bananas, juicy apples and warm cinnamon. It's the ultimate healthy meal or snack for on-the-go!

Try: Apple Cinnamon Smoothie

Pin Save

Apple Cider Gin Fizz

No ratings yet

This crisp and refreshing cocktail recipe is made with apple cider, gin, fresh lemon juice and sparkling water to top.

Try: Apple Cider Gin Fizz

Pin Save

34 responses to “20 Healthy Apple Recipes For Any Occasion”

Charli

I tried the sparkling apple cider punch. It’s amazing !!!

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  So glad you enjoyed it Charli!
  
Todd @ HonestlyYUM

Heck yes! Thank you for the best list EVER!!

Liz DellaCroce

I am obsessed with your fruit leather!! It’s so dang cute!

Gaby

Wonderful roundup! Now I need to make every single one of these!

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  You and me both sista!! Happy apple season. :) (PS: Do you have apple season?)
  
Liz DellaCroce

I want your pizza now!!

Liz DellaCroce

Thank you so much Jen!!

Liz DellaCroce

I KNOW!! I’m dying over those too!!!

Liz DellaCroce

My pleasure!! Hope you’re doing well friend!

Liz DellaCroce

Thanks my dear!! Can’t wait to have cider with you!

Liz DellaCroce

Hopefully you have some great apple options near you!!

Liz DellaCroce

Thanks so much Carrian!! Hope you had fun on your orchard tour!!

Liz DellaCroce

Same here!!! I just got another big batch of apples so I can’t wait to get busy in the kitchen!

Kate

What a great roundup! I love Fall, and I look forward to apple season. There are so many great recipes on here that I want to try! Thanks for putting this together and for including my recipes!!

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  I love fall too!! Thank you for the wonderful recipes!!
  
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes

I have to stop myself from eating more than one apple a day at this time of year. I tend to overdo it and give myself a belly ache. Lol. I love these recipes. i am so glad to see this flourless apple brownies recipe. My neighbor called me last night asking if I knew of a good apple brownie recipe. I’ll have to ass it on to her.

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  lol it’s funny you mention that – I had to cut my 2 year old off at the orchard this morning!!! PS: I’m cracking up at your last sentence… freudian slip? :)
  
  1. Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes
    
    Lol! Not at all. Proofreading is not my strong suit.
    
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg

Nice roundup! They all look so good. I like the picture of you little man picking apples. So cute! Pinned!

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  Thank you – he loves apple picking. :)
  
Lauren at Keep It Sweet

I better go back to the farm for more apples:-) Thanks for including me in this awesome roundup, Liz!

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  Yes you better!!! Wish you lived closer – I have about 100 pounds to share.
  
Maria Tadic

Love this list!!! Apples are so delicious and I’m stoked they’re in full swing!!! Definitely wanna try some of those pizzas!!!

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  I know me too!! I was resisting for a little while but I’m ready for them now!! :)
  
Liz DellaCroce

Oh good!!! Enjoy the apple picking!! Can’t wait to see what beautiful recipes you come up with!

Liz DellaCroce

Thank you!! I’ll be honest, it took about 100 years but hopefully it makes it easier for people to find their favorites. :) Thanks for your awesome recipes!!

Liz DellaCroce

Me too!!! It makes my heart sing. :) Thanks so much – he loved picking! We will need to go again this year. :)

Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon

I love Apple season! Can’t wait to try some of these apple recipes out! Thanks for sharing such a great round up!

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  Oh good let me know if you try anything!!! PS: Soon it will be lemon season. ;-)
  
Ali @ Inspiralized

This makes me so excited that it’s October 1st already!!

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  Me too!!! I woke up so happy today. :)
  
Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama

What a great round up! I’ve been dreaming of that pulled pork and apples for days.

1. Liz DellaCroce
  
  It’s funny I need to make it again because I’ve been dreaming of it too!!! Can’t wait for your pumpkin month!