Celebrate Fall with Our 19 Favorite Apple Cider Recipes

Posted: September 25, 2022 9:05 pm

Sweet and spiced, apple cider is as crisp and refreshing as fall weather. Maybe that’s what makes it one of the season’s most popular flavors for infusing into every meal, from breakfast to dessert.

If you’re looking for new ways to bring this flavor to your dinner table, we’re ready to help with nineteen of our favorite apple cider recipes, ranging from quick and easy main dishes to jaw-dropping desserts. There’s even a cocktail or two thrown in for good measure.

Apple Cider Mimosa

Why wait to kick off the party? These sweet and sparkling cider mimosas by Well Plated are stunning and super simple to make. For an extra spicy punch, just substitute Fireball whiskey for the recipe’s brandy.

Apple Cider Pancakes

Combining two fall favorites, apple cider and maple syrup, this fall-inspired pancake recipe will have you craving breakfast all day long. Sweet and tangy, thanks partly to the buttermilk, Bake it with Love pairs their fluffy cakes with either maple syrup, pan-fried cinnamon apples or homemade caramel apple cider syrup.

Baked Apple Cider Donuts

The most iconic apple cider treat (other than the drink itself), apple cider donuts are an essential fall treat. Sally’s Baking Addiction not only makes it easy to whip up a batch at home but also takes some of the guilt out of indulging. Baked, not fried, cooking these spiced treats is a cinch and the fat content is limited to a measly two tablespoons of butter for an entire dozen donuts.

No-Bake Caramel Apple Cider Cereal Bars

Does the cereal make these no-bake caramel apple cider bars count as breakfast food? Probably not, but we won’t tell if you don’t! Litehouse Foods’ spin on the classic Rice Krispies Treats uses caramel dip and 1-ingredient apple cider syrup to give these portable bars an autumn twist.

Apple Pecan Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Eating your sweets doesn’t have to include a guilt trip. Packed with fruit, candied pecans and creamy blue cheese, this sweet and savory fall salad recipe from Southern Bite is a healthy way to satisfy all our cravings.

Bourbon Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Meatballs

From gamedays to weekdays, meatballs are always a hit. Taking a grownup approach to the classic dish, Recipe Runner’s turkey meatball recipe is glammed up with a cider glaze packed with bourbon, soy sauce and maple syrup. Adding grated apple directly into the meat mixture amps up the cider flavor while ensuring your meatballs stay extra juicy.

Smoky Harvest Apple Cider Margaritas

Whether you’re making a bonfire or just dreaming about one, whipping up a batch of these smoky cider margaritas is the perfect way to wrap up the night. Infused with citrus and maple, this cocktail from Half Baked Harvest is so complex and flavor-packed, you won’t believe that it’s made with only five ingredients and a few simple garnishes!

Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder

The combination of apples, onions and pork is such a fall classic that some areas of the US actually serve this for Thanksgiving! Diethood makes its mark on the tradition by adding white wine, smoked paprika and, of course, apple cider to their braised pork shoulder. We’re sure you’ll be turning to this one-pot comfort dish all winter long.

Creamy Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

“Creamy” and “cold weather” are a match made in culinary heaven. Ready in under an hour, this one-pan chicken dinner recipe from House of Nash Eats is an indulgent way to get kids (and adults) to eat a healthy serving of fruit, vegetables (onions) and protein.

Spiced Apple Cider and Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl

This vegetarian grain and greens bowl by Heather Cristo has it all. Packing protein, carbs, vegetables, fruit and nuts, this recipe is a nutrient powerhouse. Tossed with a bright, homemade apple cider and Dijon vinaigrette, this dish can make the perfect weekday lunch prep and steal the limelight at a weekend dinner party.

Sheet Pan Cider Glazed Salmon

With only ten minutes of prep time and less than ten ingredients, this sheet pan salmon and veggie dinner from Seasonal Cravings is the easiest recipe to whip up (and clean up) on a busy weeknight. In addition to being quick and delicious, did we mention it’s also low-calorie and gluten-free?

Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Carrots

Say goodbye to forcing kids to eat their veggies. These sweet, caramelized cider-glazed carrots by The Roasted Root are so good, it feels like having dessert and dinner all at once. To raise this side dish to party-level, throw in a little bourbon, pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts for extra flair.

Apple Cider Glazed Turkey Breast

Proving that a turkey main dish isn’t reserved for Thanksgiving alone, The Noshery serves up this irresistible apple cider glazed turkey breast with a thick and creamy spiced apple cider gravy. Brining turkey overnight with sage, onion and garlic, this bird stays moist and full of earthy, autumn flavors.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apple Cider Glaze

There’s nothing that tops crispy roasted brussels sprouts on a chilly day. Except for sprouts with bacon and a sticky caramelized apple cider glaze. My Heart Beets brings all of these flavors together in an addictive sweet and salty side dish that rivals anything your local restaurants can serve up.

Apple Cider Glazed Butternut Squash Parfait

Squash in a dessert recipe? We were skeptical too, until we tried this sweet and savory parfait recipe from Heinen’s. The sweetness of roasted squash actually pairs well with rum, ginger and a homemade cinnamon maple whipped cream. If you’re up for pushing your culinary limits, take a chance and try this for yourself!

Apple Cider Cupcakes and Brown Sugar Cinnamon Buttercream

As the ultimate crowd-pleaser, it’s hard to go wrong with cupcakes. Wishes and Dishes loads sugar, spice and everything nice into their apple cider cupcake recipe. Topped with a fluffy homemade brown sugar and cinnamon frosting, these are so flavor-packed that you may want to sit down before taking your first bite.

Apple Cider No Bake Cheesecakes

Layered into clear jars or cocktail glasses, this 7-ingredient dessert looks glamorous enough to take center stage on the dessert table. Shockingly, Served Up With Love uses pre-made (or instant) ingredients to make their no-bake apple cider cheesecakes with less than 10 minutes of prep.

Apple Cider and Caramel Stuffed Snickerdoodles

If you thought regular snickerdoodles were pretty great, these stuffed snickerdoodles will knock your socks off. Wrapping cookie dough around apple cider caramels produces a secret pocket in each cookie, filled with a sweet and creamy surprise.

Apple Cider Floats

Not ready to say goodbye to summer yet? Luckily, this apple cider float merges the flavors of both seasons into one delicious treat. Although The Merry Thought uses homemade caramel sauce, feel free to use a store-bought version for a custom dessert made in under five minutes.

x

Newsletter

Get a daily dose of cooking inspiration! Be the first to see newly added recipes and holiday ideas.