Don’t Let Those Apples Go To Waste! 10 Delicious Ways To Use Up Bad Apples

We’ve all been there – you bought a bag of apples with the best intentions. You were going to eat one a day to get more fruit into your diet. But then life got busy, and now those apples are starting to get a little wrinkly and soft.

Don’t despair! With a little creativity, those not-so-perfect apples can be turned into something delicious. Here are 10 great ways to use up apples that are past their prime:

1. Apple Pancakes or Muffins

One of the easiest ways to use up browning apples is by chopping them up and adding them to pancake or muffin batter. The apples add moisture and a sweet flavor to breakfast baked goods. Simply peel and chop up the apples into small pieces, then fold them into your favorite pancake or muffin recipe. The heat from cooking will soften up the apples perfectly.

2. Classic Apple Pie

An apple pie is a perfect way to mask the flavor of apples that are going a bit mealy. Peel and slice the apples, and they’ll soften up beautifully when baked into a pie. Feel free to add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger to amp up the flavor. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate treat.

3. Quick Apple Bread

Apple bread is another great way to use up aging apples. Like with muffins the apples add moisture and sweetness to the bread. Apple bread makes a tasty and healthy on-the-go breakfast or snack. Simply fold chopped apples into your favorite bread recipe, or look online for recipes specifically for apple bread or apple cake.

4. Applesauce

When apples start getting spotty but aren’t completely rotten, making applesauce is a nutritious way to preserve them. Simply peel, core and chop the apples, then cook them down with a little water or apple juice until they break down into sauce. Add a pinch of cinnamon or other spices for extra flavor. Homemade applesauce is delicious and contains no added sugar!

5. Homemade Apple Butter

For super soft, flavorful apples, try your hand at making apple butter. Cook chopped apples with apple juice or cider until very soft and caramelized, then puree them into a sweet spread. Apple butter is delicious served on toast, pancakes, oatmeal or even pork chops. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.

6. Apple Chips

If you have apples with cosmetic blemishes or soft spots, don’t let them go to waste! Simply slice the apples thinly and bake at a low temperature until dried out and crispy. Season with cinnamon and sugar if desired. Apple chips make a healthy sweet snack and are perfect for packed lunches.

7. Fall Fruit Salad

Chop up those aging apples and mix them into a fresh fruit salad for a nutritional boost. The sweetness of the apples will complement the other fruits. Top your salad with granola or yogurt for extra flavor and nutrition.

8. Chicken or Pork Chop Apple Topping

Saute chopped apples with onions, garlic, fresh herbs and a splash of cider vinegar, then spoon them over baked chicken breasts or pork chops. The softened apples make a sweet flavorful topping for savory proteins.

9. Easy Apple Sauce Barbecue Sauce

Pulse apples, onions, garlic, mustard and cider vinegar in a blender, then simmer until thickened. Sweeten with honey if desired. You’ve just made a tasty homemade barbecue-style sauce to slather on ribs, chicken or burgers.

10. Apple Cider

Have more spotty apples than you know what to do with? Consider making your own apple cider! Chop up apples -even ones with blemishes or soft spots – and simmer in water with cinnamon sticks and a touch of sugar. Strain out the solids and you’ll be left with delicious fresh apple cider that’s perfect for fall.

As you can see, a bag of less-than-perfect apples doesn’t have to go to waste. With a little creativity right in your kitchen, you can transform those aging apples into something downright appetizing. Not only will you save money by not throwing them out, but you’ll get to enjoy delicious apple-y treats in the process!