Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Apples
When apple season hits, it’s easy to end up with way more apples than you planned on. Sure, an apple pie is a fall favorite, but if your counter (like mine) is piled high with leftover apples, there are so many other ways to use them up without letting them go to waste.
Enjoy fall with in-season apples
We love all sorts of apples around here. In many parts of Canada, most varieties ripen between late August and November, and those months bring the sweetest, juiciest fruit of the year. Whether you buy them at the store, visit a local farmers’ market, or go apple picking, chances are you’ll come home with more than you need.
According to the U.S. Apple Association, apples are grown in all 50 states, and there are more than 7,000 varieties. They’re also the most eaten fruit in the country, which means plenty of options for baking, cooking, preserving, and snacking.
In Canada, apples are a big part of the harvest season, with more Canadian apple varieties available than ever before. A recent report says we have over 18,000 hectares of apple orchards across the country. Canadians enjoy popular varieties like McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Ambrosia.
Ontario and British Columbia lead production, and each fall they deliver a bumper crop. Using older apples for soups, crisps, or baked goods helps cut down on food waste while making the most of this seasonal bounty.
Apple pie will always have its place, but leftover apples are way too versatile to stop there. Use these ideas to make the most of your fall apple haul before those apples get old and shriveled.
Apple desserts beyond pie
Apples have just the right mix of sweet and tart, which is why they shine in baked goods like apple crisp bars. Warm them up and they soften perfectly for muffins, breads, cakes, and crisps.
If you want the cozy flavors of pie without the fuss, try a crumble or microwave apple crisp. Apple quickbread or apple sour cream coffee cake makes a great breakfast or afternoon snack.
Apple fritters and apple donuts are a fun way to use diced apples. Applesauce or apple cider can also be stirred into baked goods (like my apple cider blondies) for a boost of moisture and flavor. In fact, applesauce is a healthy ingredient swap for oil when baking.
The trick when baking with apples is picking the right variety so the apples hold their shape in the oven instead of turning mushy.
Adding apples to everyday meals
A big bag of leftover apples can go a long way in savory recipes, too. Serve apples alongside pork dishes, or as a side dish to ham and potato soup.
Breakfast with apples
Try stirring diced apples into a bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal, or blend them into smoothies to balance stronger greens like kale or spinach. If you’re baking something for breakfast, apples bring natural sweetness and keep the texture moist.
Lunch and dinner ideas
Apples add crunch to salads, especially those with heartier greens like this kale chicken cranberry salad. A classic Waldorf salad combines apples with celery, nuts, and grapes in a creamy dressing. Shredded apples in a slaw brighten up sandwiches or tacos.
My girls love these classic apple oatmeal cookies as a light dessert with their lunches.
For something simple, layer apple slices in a grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar or brie. Or pair apples with chicken or pork—apple pork chops are a good place to start. Tossing an apple into blended soups, like butternut squash or potato, adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Apples for snacks
Apples on their own make an easy snack, but it’s simple to dress them up. Sprinkle with cinnamon, dip in peanut butter or yogurt, or make caramel apples for a treat.
If you want something you can make ahead, bake a batch of apple chips. They’re crispy, keep well, and make your kitchen smell like fall. And if you want an unusual and pretty snack, these apple cider shortbread cookies are a must-try.
Preserving leftover apples
Still have more apples than you can eat? Preserving them is the answer, and yes, even the cores and skins can be used. For example, we’ve been making homemade apple cider vinegar from scraps for years.
Cook down apples with cinnamon and sugar for homemade applesauce, or let them simmer longer for apple butter. If you enjoy canning and preserving, try applesauce preserves so you’ll have jars ready for months. Apples also dehydrate well—slice them thin and dry in the oven or a dehydrator for a snack that lasts.
What to Do With Old Apples
Not every apple in your basket stays crisp. When apples get soft or a little wrinkled, they’re still good for cooking.
Old apples are perfect for turning into applesauce, apple butter, or slow-simmered jams where the texture doesn’t matter. You can also grate them into muffins, cakes, or pancakes for natural sweetness without needing as much sugar.
Get ready for apple season
Apple pie may be the classic, but it’s just the beginning. With so many options for breakfast, dinner, snacks, and preserves, leftover apples can stretch far beyond dessert. Stock up now and try something new this fall.
FAQs about leftover apples
Do you still have questions about what to do with leftover apples? Here are some of the most common ones. If yours isn’t listed, drop it in the comments.
How long do leftover apples last?
Whole apples usually keep for up to six weeks in the fridge, depending on the variety. Once cut, they should be stored in an airtight container and eaten within three days.
Can you freeze apples for later use?
Yes. Slice and core them first, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to freezer bags. Frozen apples are best used in baked goods, sauces, or soups.
What can I make with applesauce if I have too much?
Too much applesauce is never a bad thing. Try it in baked goods like applesauce banana bread, or muffins, or use it in smoothies and marinades.
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