10 Grandma-Approved Apple Recipes to Savor All Season

And to enjoy with family.

close up view of a slice of Apple Crisp garnished with vanilla ice cream with a spoon in a bowl
Photo: Allrecipes Magazine

When the leaves begin changing, you know apple season has finally arrived, and with that shift in temperatures and foliage comes the need for nostalgic apple recipes. These grandma-inspired apple recipes feature so many apple varieties, from sweet to tart, and they feature a plethora of ways to prepare them. It's no wonder that grandmothers take full advantage of this autumnal fruit when it's fresh off the trees. These grandma-approved apple recipes cover everything from desserts to side dishes and even have a little homemade moonshine thrown in the mix.

01 of 11

Grandma's Iron Skillet Apple Pie

top-down view of a golden brown crust of an apple pie in a cast iron skillet
Kim's Cooking Now

Break out the cast iron skillet to create a flaky and golden-brown apple pie. Using a pre-made pie crust cuts down on prep time, meaning you can have this dessert on the dinner table in just over an hour.

02 of 11

Granny's Sweet-and-Tart Apple Crisp

apple crisp on a glass plaate
It's a New Day

Featuring the trifecta of tart Granny Smith apples, sweet brown sugar, and heady spices, this apple crisp recipe is like a taste of fall. Kristi Celaya shares, "Goes great with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping! Wonderful hot or cold."

03 of 11

Grandma's Apple Dumplings

a close up view of a single golden-brown apple dumpling in a bowl topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Buttery and sweet, these apple dumplings feature tender pastry dough and sweet fruit, but they become even tastier when drizzled with the recipe's orange-vanilla sauce. "This was a very easy and tasty recipe. It turned out perfect," says reviewer Jill.

04 of 11

Grandma's Fresh Apple Cake

Grandma's Fresh Apple Cake on a white plate
lebaneze94

Studded with pieces of fresh apple, raisins, and walnuts, this simple apple cake is anything but boring. All it needs is a little sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

05 of 11

Nana's Apple Crumble

apple crumble in a crystal bowl
lutzflcat

"A family favorite, this apple crumble was originally my grandmother Hazel's recipe which my mom made on a regular basis," explains Heather Clements. "She would make two at a time to take to sick or shut-in friends, or to potlucks. There is never any left."

06 of 11

Nana's Apple Crisp

apple crisp with vanilla ice cream
Allrecipes Magazine

Easier than pie, and just as tasty, this crisp will become your go-to autumn dessert. Reviewer JOYOUS_E raves, "I have made dozens of apple pies and apple crisps using different recipes — this is hands down the BEST I have tried."

07 of 11

Grandma Jeanette's Amazing German Red Cabbage

red cabbage in white and blue bowl
lutzflcat

"My grandparents own a traditional German restaurant in Germany, and this is the closest red cabbage I have ever had to their restaurant's 'Rotkohl (Red Cabbage)," says reviewer Clara Carson.

08 of 11

Grandma's Apple Pie 'Ala Mode' Moonshine

Grandma's Apple Pie 'Ala Mode' Moonshine in mason jars
Photo by Tara.

With a base of apple juice and cider, this "moonshine" is full of fruity flavor. What takes it from a mixed drink to a liquor is the addition of grain alcohol and a hearty serving of vanilla-flavored vodka.

09 of 11

Gramma's Apple Bread Pudding

Gramma's Apple Bread Pudding in a glass bowl
Kim's Cooking Now

Gramma knew what she was doing when she gave bread pudding a fall makeover! "I'll admit, this was my first attempt at making a bread pudding, but I have eaten a ton if them in my lifetime, so I knew what I was looking for. If I could give this 10 stars I would! It was SO GOOD and SO EASY," says one rave review from Goudamanda.

10 of 11

Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Apple pie in a red pie pan.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

"This was my grandmother's apple pie recipe," shares MOSHASMAMA. "It will always be my favorite and has won me several first place prizes in local competitions."

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