10 Apple Treats for Chilly Nights

Warm Apple Crisp

A warm apple crisp is the quintessential chilly night treat, combining tender apples with a crunchy, buttery topping.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups thinly sliced apples
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place sliced apples in a greased baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples.
5. Bake for 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
6. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Spiced Apple Cider

Nothing warms the soul like a steaming mug of spiced apple cider on a cold evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Cooking method:

1. Combine cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange slices, and sugar in a large pot.
2. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain the spices and orange before serving.
4. Serve hot in mugs.

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

This dessert combines the sweetness of caramel with the comforting texture of a classic bread pudding.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed bread
• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a greased baking dish, layer the bread and apples.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
4. Pour the mixture over the bread and apples.
5. Drizzle caramel sauce on top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until set.
7. Serve warm with extra caramel sauce.

Apple and Cheddar Soup

This savory-sweet combo makes for a unique and comforting soup perfect for cold nights.

Ingredients:

• 4 apples, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent.
2. Add apples and broth, simmering for 20 minutes.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth.
4. Return to heat and stir in cheddar cheese and cream until melted.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Baked Apple Pancakes

These pancakes offer a delightful twist on a breakfast staple, perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in apple slices.
5. Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Apple-Cinnamon Scones

These scones make a delightful treat, with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold butter
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 apple, peeled and diced

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
3. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
4. In another bowl, whisk egg and milk, then stir into dry ingredients.
5. Fold in diced apple.
6. Knead dough briefly, then roll out and cut into triangles.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Serve warm, optionally with clotted cream.

Apple and Walnut Salad

This salad is a refreshing and crunchy side that pairs well with any fall meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine apples, walnuts, greens, and feta cheese.
2. Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Serve immediately.

Stuffed Baked Apples

These baked apples filled with nuts, spices, and dried fruits, make for a warm and comforting dessert.

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Core apples, creating a pocket but not cutting through the bottom.
3. Mix nuts, raisins, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
4. Stuff each apple with the mixture and top with a small piece of butter.
5. Place in a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream.

Apple Pie Bars

Apple pie bars are a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie without all the fuss.

Ingredients:

• 3 apples, peeled and diced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
4. Press half of the mixture into a greased baking pan.
5. Layer apples on top, then sprinkle remaining crumb mixture.
6. Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool before cutting into bars.

Apple Cider Donuts

These donuts, infused with apple cider, are the perfect sweet treat to end a chilly night.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 egg
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Reduce apple cider in a saucepan until 1/4 cup remains, then cool.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, whisk reduced cider, butter, and egg.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
5. Roll out and cut into donut shapes.
6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot, and fry donuts until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels and dust with cinnamon sugar.