Celebrate the season with 8 great vegan apple recipes that are cozy, comforting, and 100% plant-based. From sweet desserts to simple everyday dishes, these easy apple recipes will inspire you all year long.
Apples are one of the most versatile ingredients in a vegan kitchen, whether you're baking, blending, or snacking straight from the orchard. While October happens to be National Apple Month, the truth is, apples shine in recipes year-round. From homemade applesauce to moist and tender applesauce cake, these recipes celebrate the timeless flavor of apples in every season.
Apples pair beautifully with so many flavors, and a few of my favorite recipes make the perfect companions. Try dunking fresh apple slices into a warm, melty pot of Vegan Cheese Fondue, drizzle them with silky Vegan Caramel Sauce, or bake them right into hearty Vegan Oatmeal Muffins. Each recipe highlights the sweet-tart charm of apples in a different way, making it easy to enjoy this fruit beyond pies and crisps.
Table of Contents
🍏 Popular Apple Varieties
Not all apples are created equal - some are best eaten fresh, while others hold their shape beautifully when baked into pies or simmered into sauces.
To help you pick the right apple for every recipe, I've put together a guide to the most popular varieties, highlighting their colors, textures, and flavors. Whether you're craving a crisp snack, a cozy baked dessert, or an all-purpose apple that does it all, you'll find the perfect match here.
🍎 Best for Eating Fresh
Honeycrisp - Bright red with golden streaks. Incredibly crisp and juicy with a balanced sweet-tart flavor. A snacking favorite.
Fuji - Red with yellow-green undertones. Dense, very sweet, and crisp with low acidity. Stores well and great for fresh eating.
Gala - Yellow-orange with red striping. Mildly sweet, aromatic, and tender-crisp. Perfect for kids and everyday snacking.
Ambrosia - Pink-red with creamy yellow background. Honey-sweet, low-acid, and crisp yet tender. Excellent fresh or in salads.
McIntosh - Deep red with green patches. Very juicy with a tangy, wine-like flavor and softer flesh. Best eaten soon after harvest.
🍏 Best for Cooking
Granny Smith - Bright green skin, firm and tart. Holds its shape well in cooking, making it ideal for sauces, chutneys, or savory dishes.
Cortland - Red with streaks of green. Juicy, tender, and slightly tart. Known for resisting browning, great for salads and sautéing.
Empire - Deep red with creamy flesh. A cross between McIntosh and Red Delicious; crisp, sweet-tart, and excellent for pan-cooking or skillet dishes.
Jonathan - Bright red with yellow-green undertones. Tart and tangy, with a firm texture that softens well in cooking.
Jonamac - Similar to Jonathan, with red and green skin. Tart with a hint of spice, ideal for applesauce and stews.
🍎 Best for Baking
Braeburn - Red with orange striping. Firm and crisp with complex sweet-tart flavor. Bakes beautifully in pies and crisps.
Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) - Pink blush over yellow-green skin. Firm, tangy, and slow to brown. Perfect for tarts and galettes.
Golden Delicious - Yellow-gold skin. Sweet, mellow, and tender. Holds up in pies and cakes without overpowering flavors.
Rome Beauty - Bright red and glossy. Mild in flavor but firm and dense, excellent for baked apples and pies.
Northern Spy - Red and green mottled skin. Tart, juicy, and crisp. A classic pie apple known for rich flavor and structure in baking.
Here are eight great vegan apple recipes that highlight the very best of this versatile fruit, from sweet treats to cozy comfort food. Happy cooking! 🍎
🍏 Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
Old Fashioned Apple Crisp 🍎 A simply sweet & scrumptious vegan version of a classic apple dessert made even tastier with a splash of orange juice, a sprinkle of tart cranberries and a crispy caramelized oat topping. Oh my, it's easier than pie!
🍏 Applesauce with Maple Syrup
Homemade Applesauce with Maple Syrup 🍏 An easy and simply delicious recipe for preparing the best applesauce you've ever had! Fresh apples, lemon juice, maple syrup & cinnamon are all you need to create this classic comfort food favorite.
🍏 Vegan Honey with Apple Juice
Vegan Honey (with apple juice) 🍯 This recipe for a sweet & delicious vegan honey substitute is made with just 4 simple ingredients: Apple juice, sugar, lemon, and clover tea. You won't believe it's not bee-made honey!
🍏 Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake
Old Fashioned Applesauce Cake 🍏 We've updated a beloved family recipe by creating the perfect marriage of apples, spice and everything nice using all vegan ingredients in this scrumptiously moist & delicious cake.
🍏 Mom's Apple Pie
Mom's Vegan Apple Pie 🍏 An easy and delicious homemade apple pie made with fresh apples, cinnamon, pure maple syrup, vegan butter and a splash of lemon juice baked in a light & flaky pastry crust.
🍏 Fresh Cranberry Relish with Apple
Fresh Cranberry Pineapple Relish 🍎 A bright & tangy combo of finely chopped fresh cranberries, pineapple, apples & oranges lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup and a pinch of spice.
🍏 Pumpkin Bread with Applesauce
Pumpkin Bread with Applesauce 🍎 A simply delicious plant-based quick bread and muffin recipe made with pumpkin, spice, and everything nice. The addition of applesauce boosts the flavor and texture you love, while using less fat & sugar.
🍏 Cranberry Applesauce
Homemade Cranberry Applesauce 🍎 A bright and delicious applesauce blended with fresh cranberries lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup, a touch of holiday spice, lemon juice and orange zest.
🍏 FAQ's
Q: What are the best apples to use for baking?
Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of baked goods.
Can I substitute one apple variety for another in recipes?
Yes, but keep flavor and texture in mind. Sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala may make desserts less tart, while softer apples like McIntosh break down faster in sauces.
How do I keep cut apples from browning?
Toss slices in a little lemon juice or diluted apple cider vinegar. The acidity slows oxidation and keeps apples looking fresh.
Do I need to peel apples before cooking or baking?
It depends on the recipe. Leaving the peel on adds texture and fiber, but for sauces, pies, or cakes, peeling helps create a smoother texture.
How much applesauce can replace eggs in vegan baking?
Use ¼ cup of applesauce to replace one egg. It adds moisture and binding without altering flavor too much - perfect for cakes, muffins, and quick breads.
Did you enjoy these apple recipes? 🍎 Please let me know by leaving a comment below. I'd love to know your favorites!
Jan says
Great blog great recipes 👌🍷👍
Connie says
Thank you kindly Jan!💚