Having too many apples is a good thing, whether you want to take advantage of the low price of apples at the store, you got too many apples in a farm share, or you picked too many apples. To make it easier for you, I wanted to share some of my favorite apple-using tips and recipes.
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!
Don’t Peel the Apples
Many apple sauce recipes out there will have you peel the apples. Avoid this step because it takes a lot of time and the peels already have a lot of good vitamins and fiber. Plus, if you keep the peel on, the apple sauce will have a much nicer color to it.
Cut into Chunks, Not Slices
When making apple pies and some other apple recipes, it’s better to slice the apples rather than chunk them. But for apple sauce, it doesn’t matter what size the chunks are; they will cook quickly and easily.