40 Fall‑Inspired Apple Pie Recipes to Celebrate Harvest Season

Welcome to Apple Pie Paradise

When the leaves start to change and there’s a crisp chill in the air, nothing signals the heart of fall quite like a homemade apple pie. I’ve gathered 40 incredible apple pie recipes that transform the classic apple pie recipe into exciting new variations guaranteed to impress your family and friends this season. Whether you’re craving traditional comfort or bold new flavors, this collection offers something for every taste preference and dietary need. From quick weeknight options to show-stopping holiday centerpieces, these apple-packed delights capture autumn’s essence in every slice.

As a passionate baker who’s tested countless pie techniques, I can promise you this: the perfect apple pie is within your reach—and it might not be the version you expected! Let’s explore these delicious ways to celebrate apple season.

1. Bourbon Apple Slab Pie

This Bourbon Apple Slab Pie takes your traditional apple pie recipe and transforms it into a party-ready dessert that feeds a crowd. The hint of bourbon adds a sophisticated warmth that perfectly complements the sweet-tart apples, while the rectangular shape makes it easier to slice and serve at gatherings. Perfect for Thanksgiving when you need to feed more people than a standard pie would allow for!

2. Flaky Vegan Apple Pie

Who says you need butter for a perfectly flaky pie crust? This Flaky Vegan Apple Pie delivers all the crispy, tender layers of traditional pastry with plant-based ingredients that everyone can enjoy. The secret lies in using cold coconut oil cut into the flour, creating pockets that expand during baking just like butter would. Your vegan and non-vegan friends alike will be asking for seconds!

3. Gluten-Free Almond Flour Apple Pie

This Gluten-Free Almond Flour Apple Pie proves that dietary restrictions don’t mean compromising on taste or texture. The almond flour creates a nutty, tender crust that pairs beautifully with cinnamon-spiced apples, adding a subtle flavor dimension that wheat flour simply can’t match. It’s a game-changer for those with gluten sensitivities who’ve been missing out on homemade apple pie at family gatherings.

4. Deconstructed Apple Pie

For when you’re craving apple pie but don’t want to commit to making a full crust, this Deconstructed Apple Pie delivers all the flavors in an artful, modern presentation. Featuring caramelized apple wedges, crispy pie crust pieces, and a drizzle of cinnamon-infused syrup, it transforms a homey classic into an elegant dessert. Ideal for dinner parties when you want to impress with minimal effort!

5. Chai Spice Apple Pie

This Chai Spice Apple Pie takes your taste buds on a journey with its complex blend of cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black pepper alongside traditional cinnamon. The warm, aromatic spices transform ordinary apples into an extraordinary filling that’s both comforting and exotic. If you’ve been making the same apple pie for years, this variation will rekindle your excitement for baking!

6. Cheddar Rye Crust Apple Pie

The Cheddar Rye Crust Apple Pie brings together the classic pairing of apple and cheese in a truly innovative way. The nutty rye flour and sharp cheddar create a savory crust that perfectly balances the sweet-tart apple filling, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that’s unexpected yet oddly familiar. This is the perfect dessert for those who typically pass on sweets but still want to enjoy a seasonal treat!

7. Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

These Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies deliver all the satisfaction of homemade apple pie in portion-controlled, portable packages—ready in a fraction of the time! The air fryer creates a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the filling juicy and tender, no oven required. Perfect for after-school treats or when you need a quick dessert but don’t want to wait for a full pie to bake.

8. Raw Vegan Apple Pie

This Raw Vegan Apple Pie harnesses the natural sweetness of dates and apples to create a guilt-free dessert that requires zero baking. The walnut-date crust provides a perfect foundation for the marinated apple filling, which develops deep flavors through a clever technique using lemon juice and cinnamon. It’s an ingenious way to enjoy apple pie on hot days or when you’re focusing on whole food nutrition!

9. Apple Crumble Slab Pie

The Apple Crumble Slab Pie brilliantly combines two beloved desserts – apple pie and apple crumble – in a format designed to feed a crowd. The buttery streusel topping adds irresistible texture while saving you the trouble of making a top crust. This is my go-to recipe for potlucks and family reunions where I know dessert lovers will be lined up for seconds!

10. Sourdough Discard Apple Crisp Pie

This innovative Sourdough Discard Apple Crisp Pie transforms leftover sourdough starter into a tangy, tender crust that adds unexpected depth to a traditional apple pie. The slight fermented flavor creates a beautiful contrast with the sweet apple filling, while the crisp topping adds the perfect textural element. It’s a brilliant way to reduce waste while elevating your baking game!

11. Mini Apple Pies in Jars

These adorable Mini Apple Pies in Jars combine Instagram-worthy presentation with practical portion control. The individual servings bake evenly and stay fresh longer, plus they’re perfect for gifting or taking to outdoor gatherings. With their screw-on lids, you can even prepare these charming little pies in advance and transport them without worry!

12. Smoked Apple and Bacon Pie

The Smoked Apple and Bacon Pie boldly crosses the line between sweet and savory with spectacular results. Smoky bacon adds a salty, umami quality that enhances the natural sweetness of the apples, while a hint of maple brings everything together. This conversation-starting pie is perfect for brunch or as an unexpected end to a barbecue dinner!

13. Apple Pie Stuffed French Toast

This Apple Pie Stuffed French Toast transforms your favorite dessert into an indulgent breakfast that will make everyone rush to the table. Thick slices of challah bread sandwich a warm apple pie filling, then get dipped in cinnamon-vanilla custard and pan-fried to golden perfection. It’s the perfect special occasion breakfast when you want to treat your family to something extraordinary!

14. No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecake

When it’s too hot to turn on the oven but you’re craving apple pie flavors, this No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecake comes to the rescue! The creamy cheesecake layer is infused with cinnamon and topped with spiced apple compote, creating a refreshing yet comforting dessert. Perfect for early fall when temperatures are still high but you’re ready for autumn flavors.

15. Spicy Habanero Apple Pie

For adventurous eaters, this Spicy Habanero Apple Pie creates an unforgettable taste experience that dances between sweet, spicy, and tart. The subtle heat from habanero peppers intensifies the warming spices and brings out the sweetness of the apples in an unexpected way. It’s the perfect conversation starter at dinner parties and a thrilling twist for those who think they’ve tried every apple pie variation!

16. Sugar-Free Apple Pie

This Sugar-Free Apple Pie proves that you don’t need refined sugar to create a decadently satisfying dessert. Using a combination of sweet apple varieties and natural monk fruit sweetener, this pie delivers all the flavor without the sugar crash afterward. It’s perfect for diabetics, those watching their sugar intake, or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier version of this classic comfort food.

17. Earl Grey Infused Apple Pie

This Earl Grey Infused Apple Pie elevates the humble apple pie with sophisticated bergamot notes from steeped tea leaves. The subtle floral and citrus undertones complement the apples beautifully, creating a refined dessert perfect for afternoon tea or elegant dinner parties. It’s a wonderful way to surprise tea lovers with a familiar flavor in an unexpected context!

18. Apple Rose Tart

This stunning Apple Rose Tart delivers major visual impact with its beautiful spirals of thinly sliced apples arranged to resemble a bouquet of roses. Despite its impressive appearance, the technique is surprisingly accessible even for beginner bakers. Serve this showstopper at your next gathering to elicit gasps of admiration before anyone even takes a bite!

19. Paleo Apple Pie with Pecan Crust

This Paleo Apple Pie with Pecan Crust brings ancient nutrition principles to a beloved modern dessert. The grain-free pecan crust offers a rich, nutty foundation for the honeyed apple filling, creating a dessert that’s both incredibly satisfying and aligned with paleo dietary guidelines. Perfect for holiday gatherings where you need to accommodate multiple dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor!

20. Apple Pie Empanadas

These Apple Pie Empanadas brilliantly fuse Latin American culinary tradition with classic American flavors. The flaky pastry pockets filled with spiced apple filling are perfectly portable, making them ideal for lunch boxes, picnics, or eating on the go. Plus, their individual serving size makes portion control effortless while still satisfying your apple pie cravings!

21. Brown Butter Sage Apple Pie

This Brown Butter Sage Apple Pie brings a savory sophistication to the traditional dessert with its nutty, caramelized brown butter and earthy sage notes. The aromatic combination creates a complex flavor profile that’s unexpected yet perfectly complementary to sweet-tart apples. It’s the ideal dessert for those who appreciate culinary innovation and subtle flavor nuances.

22. Miso Caramel Apple Pie

The Miso Caramel Apple Pie introduces Japanese umami flavor to transform a classic American dessert. The fermented soybean paste adds an intriguing savory depth to the caramel that balances perfectly with the sweet apples. This innovative pie demonstrates how cross-cultural ingredients can create unexpected but delightful flavor combinations that keep guests guessing about your secret ingredient!

23. Apple Pie Parfaits

These elegant Apple Pie Parfaits deconstruct the classic dessert into beautiful, layered individual servings that showcase each component. The alternating layers of spiced apples, crumbled pie crust, and vanilla custard create a perfect bite every time, while the glass presentation adds a touch of sophistication. Perfect for dinner parties when you want an impressive but make-ahead friendly dessert!

24. Apple-Blackberry Crumble Pie

This Apple-Blackberry Crumble Pie marries the traditional comfort of apple pie with the bold, juicy punch of blackberries. The berries add a gorgeous purple hue and tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness, while the buttery crumble topping provides the perfect textural contrast. It’s a wonderful bridge dessert between summer berry season and fall apple harvest!

25. Maple Walnut Apple Pie

This Maple Walnut Apple Pie celebrates the quintessential flavors of the Northeast with pure maple syrup and crunchy walnuts. The maple brings a complex sweetness different from sugar, while toasted walnuts add wonderful texture and a slightly bitter contrast that balances the dessert perfectly. It’s like taking a fall foliage tour in New England, but in dessert form!

26. Orange Zest & Dried Apricot Apple Pie

This Orange Zest & Dried Apricot Apple Pie brightens the traditional apple pie with sunny Mediterranean flavors. The orange zest adds a fragrant citrus note while chewy dried apricots provide concentrated fruit flavor and interesting texture among the tender apples. It’s an unexpected twist that transforms a cozy fall dessert into something that feels fresh and lively!

27. Cardamom and Pear Apple Pie

This Cardamom and Pear Apple Pie combines two complementary fall fruits with the exotic warmth of cardamom for a sophisticated flavor profile. The slightly floral, citrusy notes of cardamom elevate the familiar apple pie, while pears add subtle honey sweetness and a different texture. It’s the perfect dessert for when you want to impress discerning guests with something familiar yet extraordinary.

28. Caramel Apple Pie Moonshine Tart

This adults-only Caramel Apple Pie Moonshine Tart infuses the classic dessert with a spirited kick that’s perfect for grown-up gatherings. The moonshine adds complex notes while burning off just enough alcohol to leave a warming finish without overpowering the caramel-apple flavors. Serve this at your next dinner party for a dessert that doubles as a nightcap!

29. Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Pie

This Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Pie ensures that everyone at your table can enjoy a slice of America’s favorite dessert, regardless of dietary restrictions. The blend of alternative flours creates a surprisingly flaky crust, while coconut oil and almond milk step in for dairy with delicious results. Keep this recipe handy for inclusive holiday gatherings where you want everyone to feel remembered and accommodated!

30. Apple Pie with Pretzel Crust

This innovative Apple Pie with Pretzel Crust introduces a salty-sweet dynamic that transforms the traditional dessert. The crushed pretzel base provides a crunchy texture and savory counterpoint that highlights the sweetness of the apples. It’s the perfect choice for those who find traditional pie crust too bland or are looking for a unique twist on a classic favorite!

31. Crustless Baked Apple Pie

This Crustless Baked Apple Pie focuses on what many consider the best part—the filling! Without the crust, the apples take center stage, creating a lighter dessert that’s quicker to prepare. The apples form their own caramelized edges during baking, while a touch of flour in the filling helps everything hold together beautifully. Perfect for weeknights when you want homemade comfort without the fuss!

32. Apple Pie Oatmeal

This Apple Pie Oatmeal transforms dessert flavors into a nutritious breakfast that will make you excited to get out of bed on chilly mornings. Packed with fiber, protein, and warming spices, it delivers the comfort of apple pie in a form that nourishes your body for the day ahead. Prep it the night before for an effortless morning meal that feels like an indulgence!

33. Gouda and Thyme Apple Galette

This Gouda and Thyme Apple Galette beautifully walks the line between sweet and savory with its combination of aged cheese, aromatic herbs, and sweet-tart apples. The rustic, free-form crust requires no special pie dish and forgives imperfections, making it approachable for novice bakers. Serve this as a sophisticated appetizer with wine, or as an unexpected first course or cheese course replacement!

34. Apple Pie Vodka

This homemade Apple Pie Vodka captures all the cozy flavors of freshly baked pie in a smooth, sippable form that’s perfect for fall entertaining. The infused spirit makes an impressive homemade gift and serves as the foundation for countless seasonal cocktails. Keep a batch in your freezer for impromptu gatherings or adding a festive touch to holiday celebrations!

35. Caramel Apple Pie Ice Cream

This Caramel Apple Pie Ice Cream delivers all the comforting flavors of a traditional apple pie in a cool, creamy format perfect for warmer fall days. Chunks of real pie crust and spiced apples are swirled with ribbons of salted caramel throughout vanilla ice cream, creating a dessert that satisfies multiple cravings at once. It’s the perfect way to extend apple pie season into Indian summer!

36. Apple Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

These Apple Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust deliver all the flavor of apple pie in a convenient, portable form that’s perfect for lunch boxes, bake sales, or snacking on the go. The buttery shortbread base provides a sturdier foundation than traditional pie crust, making these bars easy to cut and serve without plates or forks. Make a double batch—they’ll disappear faster than you expect!

37. Cranberry Apple Pie with Lattice Crust

This Cranberry Apple Pie with Lattice Crust brings together two quintessential fall fruits in a show-stopping holiday dessert. The tart cranberries cut through the sweetness of the apples while adding a vibrant ruby color that peeks beautifully through the woven lattice top. It’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table when you want a classic with a colorful twist!

38. Sparkling Apple Pie Mocktail

This Sparkling Apple Pie Mocktail captures all the beloved flavors of apple pie in a refreshing, effervescent drink everyone can enjoy. The combination of fresh apple cider, warming spices, and bubbly seltzer creates a festive non-alcoholic option perfect for holiday gatherings with guests of all ages. Serve in cinnamon-rimmed glasses for an extra special presentation!

39. Irish Cream Apple Pie

This Irish Cream Apple Pie brings the beloved liqueur’s creamy, whiskey-tinged flavor profile to a traditional apple dessert with magnificent results. The subtle hints of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla in the Irish cream complement the spiced apples perfectly while adding a sophisticated edge. It’s the perfect dessert for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or anytime you want to add a little Irish warmth to your table!

40. Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Apple Pie

This Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Apple Pie pushes boundaries with its unexpected combination of tart apples, rich dark chocolate, and flaky sea salt. The chocolate adds depth without overwhelming the apples, while the salt crystals provide occasional bursts that enhance both the sweet and bitter notes. Serve this to chocolate lovers who think they’ve tried every dessert combination possible!

Autumn’s Ultimate Comfort in Every Slice

There you have it—40 incredible ways to transform the humble apple pie recipe into something spectacular! From traditional takes to innovative flavor combinations, there’s truly an apple pie for every taste preference and dietary need in this collection. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat, a show-stopping holiday centerpiece, or a creative way to use up fall’s apple bounty, these recipes have you covered.

I’d love to hear which recipe you try first! Drop a comment below sharing your favorite apple pie variation or any creative twists you’ve added to make these recipes your own. And don’t forget to bookmark this page—apple season comes every year, and you’ll want to work your way through this delicious collection.

For more seasonal inspiration, check out our collections of pumpkin desserts, warming fall soups, or holiday baking ideas. And if you’re as apple-obsessed as I am, sign up for our newsletter to get fresh seasonal recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples to use for apple pie?

For the perfect apple pie, use a mix of apple varieties to create complex flavor and texture. Granny Smith provides tartness and holds its shape, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and juiciness. Other excellent options include Braeburn, Jonagold, and Golden Delicious. Avoid Red Delicious apples as they tend to become mushy when baked.

How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust in my apple pie?

To prevent soggy bottom crust, try these techniques: 1) Blind bake your bottom crust for 10-15 minutes before adding filling, 2) Toss apple slices with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to absorb excess juices, 3) Place the pie on a preheated baking sheet or the lowest oven rack, and 4) Allow your filling to cool slightly before adding it to the crust.

Can I freeze apple pie before or after baking?

Yes to both! To freeze before baking: assemble the pie completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen, adding 15-25 minutes to the baking time. To freeze after baking: cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

What’s the difference between Dutch apple pie and regular apple pie?

The main difference between Dutch apple pie and traditional apple pie is the topping. Regular apple pie typically features a second layer of pie crust on top, often in a lattice or decorative pattern. Dutch apple pie (also called apple crumb pie) has a streusel topping made of butter, flour, and brown sugar that creates a sweet, crumbly texture contrast to the soft apple filling beneath.