When you find yourself surrounded by fresh Red Delicious apples, but unsure how to utilize them, don’t worry – there’s a plethora of possibilities! Their striking deep red hue and mild flavor make them an excellent choice for stocking up on. And the best part? They boast an impressive shelf life of three to five months, giving you ample time to get creative.
While they may not be the ideal choice for baking due to their tendency to become soft and mushy, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of this classic apple variety. Soft recipes like Instant Pot Applesauce or Caramel Apple Butter are perfect vehicles for showcasing their subtle sweetness.
Red Delicious apples also lend themselves well to adding a touch of sweetness to dishes like Apple Salad or Apple Pie Smoothie.
And if you’re looking for something sweet and indulgent, try incorporating them into an Apple Cinnamon Swirl Baking Mix – complete with your favorite candy bar!
If you do decide to bake with Red Delicious apples, don’t worry about their softer texture; there are plenty of options that won’t be affected. For inspiration, check out these 17 mouth-watering Red Delicious apple recipes and start cooking up a storm in your kitchen!
Apple Crumble
While some bakers may advise against using Red Delicious apples, their subtle sweetness and moderate flavor profile actually make them an excellent choice for a reliable Apple Crumble recipe. The result is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s reminiscent of a buttery oatmeal cookie.
Chicken Salad With Apples
Red delicious apples bring a delightful crunch and natural sweetness to homemade Chicken Salad. When used fresh, their texture provides a perfect contrast to the other ingredients. In fact, making your own Chicken Salad is a breeze, taking only about ten minutes of straightforward preparation time. The freshness of the dish doesn’t stop at the apples, however, as celery and crushed pecan pieces also contribute to its refreshing flavor profile.
Apple Cookie Snacks
Red Delicious apples are often showcased in recipes that highlight their natural juiciness and subtle crispness. When it comes to indulging in sweet treats, these Apple Cookies offer a delightful surprise – they’re so delicious, you won’t feel guilty about satisfying your cravings. On the other hand, pairing peanut butter, nuts, and chocolate chips with sliced Red Delicious apples creates a harmonious blend of fresh fruit and cookie-like flavors.
This unique combination is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it an excellent guilt-free treat for any occasion.
Apple Juice
When it comes to indulging in a refreshing and healthy drink, Apple Juice is an unbeatable classic. Whether you’re looking to provide your little ones with a natural, unprocessed beverage or simply want a revitalizing drink for yourself, Apple Juice has got you covered.
One of the best things about Apple Juice is that it can be made using Red Delicious apples, which naturally give it a sweeter taste without the need for excessive added sugar or sweetener.
This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to avoid artificial additives and preservatives.
The great thing about Apple Juice is that there are numerous methods you can use to make it, including using a juicer, blender, or even squeezing the juice by hand. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, boiling the apples on the stove is also an option.
But why stop at just plain old Apple Juice?
You can take your favorite recipe to the next level by adding in some extra ingredients like cinnamon, citrus fruits, or even some greens. This allows you to experiment and find your own unique homemade Apple Juice formula that suits your taste.
Baked Apple Chips
Indulge in the sweetness of red delicious apples with a crunchy and satisfying snack – Baked Apple Chips! This innovative recipe allows you to satisfy your sweet tooth without reaching for cookies. The added bonus is that it’s surprisingly easy to make. To take it to the next level, a light sprinkle of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can add an extra layer of depth and excitement to this delightful snack.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider whipping up a batch in your air fryer – the results will be simply divine!
Apple Fritter Rings
Indulge in the delightful taste of apple fritters, perfect for both breakfast and dessert. This recipe yields a donut-like confection that’s sure to please. The secret to achieving this scrumptious treat lies in using pancake mix to coat the apples, which not only saves time but also imparts a light and airy texture. After frying the fritters, finish them off with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar for an added layer of sweetness.
Baked Apples With Sausage Stuffing
Red apples bring a pop of color and creativity to traditional recipes. A classic example is serving sausage stuffing inside the natural cradle of a red apple, rather than alongside roasted turkey on Thanksgiving. The vibrant hue of the fruit creates an edible bowl that’s almost too beautiful to eat – but don’t worry, it won’t go uneaten! For added flair, you can even mix diced apples into your stuffing mixture for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Alternatively, fill hollowed-out red apples with your favorite sausage stuffing recipe for a delightful twist on a holiday classic.
Apple Salad With Pecans And Raisins
When you’re left with extra red delicious apples, there are plenty of creative ways to put them to good use. One approach is to whip up a refreshing salad that offers a delightful twist on the traditional Waldorf recipe. By introducing some subtle variations in flavor and texture, this revised salad provides a crisp and revitalizing snack.
What’s more, you don’t have to confine your creativity to savory dishes.
Simply substitute the mayo and celery with yogurt, and you’ll be rewarded with a sweet and satisfying dessert that’s sure to please.
Instant Pot Applesauce
Red Delicious apples are a great choice for making applesauce due to their tendency to retain some firmness even after cooking. This makes them an excellent option for creating a chunky or smooth applesauce texture.
Using an Instant Pot to prepare your applesauce is not only convenient but also eliminates much of the prep work involved. Simply combine your ingredients into the Instant Pot, let it cook, and then mash the mixture to your desired consistency once it’s finished cooking.
The best part? Both kids and adults alike will love this homemade applesauce, making it a great option for family gatherings or snacks on-the-go.
Shredded Apple Pie
When seeking out recipes that feature red delicious apples as the star ingredient, you’ll likely encounter a plethora of apple pie variations. However, not all of these recipes may be suitable for red delicious apples due to their unique characteristics.
Fortunately, by shredding your red delicious apples before baking them into a pie, you can still create a delicious and satisfying dessert that showcases the classic variety.
This simple trick allows the natural sweetness and tender texture of the apples to shine through, resulting in a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
When served warm with a rich caramel sauce and a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, this apple pie is sure to win over even the most skeptical eaters. The combination of flavors and textures is truly irresistible, making it the perfect dessert option for any occasion.
Apple Cider
While Apple Cider and Apple Juice may share some similarities, the most notable distinction lies in the presence or absence of pulp. The inclusion of pulp gives cider a distinct texture and character that sets it apart from its juice counterpart.
The choice of apple variety can also significantly impact the flavor profile of the cider. Red Delicious apples, for instance, bring a soft texture and natural sweetness to the brew, making them an excellent selection for crafting a delicious cider.
As the seasons change and the weather cools, sharing a warm mug of Apple Cider with loved ones is a wonderful way to create lasting memories and bond over a tasty homemade treat.
Fried Apples
The iconic Red Delicious apple is already renowned for its delectable taste. Building on this natural sweetness, it’s astonishingly easy to transform them into a mouth-watering dish when pan-fried.
With just a hint of sugar and butter, these apples are transformed into a delightful side dish or light dessert option. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible even for novice cooks, making it an ideal starting point for anyone looking to add some culinary flair to their repertoire.
Taffy Apple Salad
In what can only be described as a unique dessert-salad hybrid, the combination of whipped cream, sugar, pineapple, and salted peanuts comes together to create a texturally intriguing experience. The sweetness from the sugar and fruit is perfectly balanced by the crunch of the nuts, while the apples add a natural freshness to the dish. What’s even more astonishing is that despite its undeniable caramel flavor profile, this salad doesn’t contain any actual caramel.
Instead, it’s the apple cider vinegar that plays a crucial role in bringing all the flavors together, resulting in a sweet and creamy taste that will leave you wanting more.
Apple Pie Smoothie
When it’s breakfast time and you’re faced with a surplus of red delicious apples, take just five minutes to whip up an Apple Pie Smoothie that’s reminiscent of a warm slice in a glass. Start by blending the apples with a pinch of cinnamon – the perfect addition to bring out the sweet, pie-like flavors. Next, add some nonfat Greek yogurt and old-fashioned oats to give your smoothie a satisfying crunch and a boost of energy to keep you going throughout the morning.
Snickers Apple Salad
When seeking a sweet dish to bring to a potluck that deviates from the classic taffy salad recipe, this twist is an excellent option. By incorporating a cheesecake mixture with folded-in apples, topped with bite-sized Snickers pieces and a drizzle of caramel sauce, you’ll create a unique and delectable dessert. To ensure optimal flavor, keep this chilled until serving time.
A significant portion of the Snickers Apple Salad can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to simply fold in the apples and add toppings when you’re ready to serve.
Caramel Apple Butter
Caramel Apple Butter is a delightful condiment that pairs beautifully with a variety of foods, including toast, oatmeal, pancakes, and even pork. Its versatility makes it a staple in many kitchens. What’s more, making your own Caramel Apple Butter is an incredibly rewarding experience. By taking control of the ingredients and adjusting to taste, you can create a spread that perfectly suits your palate. One of the best parts about this recipe is its ease of preparation.
Simply combine the mixture with a crockpot, and let the slow cooker do the work for you. This approach not only simplifies the process but also allows you to make a bulk batch of apple butter at an affordable price. Using red delicious apples adds a natural sweetness to the spread, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce added sugars.
And if you’re not a fan of caramel, don’t worry – there’s an alternative recipe that uses applesauce as a base, offering a unique twist on this classic condiment.
Cinnamon Apple Cake
Indulge in the flavors of fall by transforming an abundance of red delicious apples into a mouthwatering Cinnamon Apple Cake. This delightful dessert is perfect for utilizing ripe apples and kicking off the season with a sweet treat.
The key to avoiding the unpleasant texture that can result from cooking overly ripe apples lies in cooking them briefly before baking. A skillet is all you need to give your apples a gentle heat, ensuring they retain their natural texture and flavor.
Finish this masterpiece by dusting it with powdered sugar and serving it warm. The perfect way to savor the sweetness of autumn!
The bottom line
While red delicious apples may not steal the spotlight like some other varieties, they’re incredibly versatile and a staple in many kitchens. Not only are they widely available and relatively affordable, but they also possess a unique combination of characteristics that make them perfect for a range of uses.
