Starting off strong with an autumn favourite is apple crumble. Crumble is the perfect recipe to celebrate apples, bringing out their sweetness and warmth in a simple but scrumptious dessert. The best crumbles are homemade, and fortunately it is a super easy recipe! Just rub butter, flour and brown sugar together to make the 'crumble' element. Preparing your own cooking apples can be a nice homely touch, but the easier option of tinned apples works perfectly well; adding other tinned fruit like pears or berries is a great way to add extra flavours and customise your crumble. To serve, choose your perfect topping: a dollop of hot or cold custard, a splash of double cream, a scoop of ice cream… a very tough decision.
Apple strudel and pie are also great autumn puddings. Whilst the pastry-making may seem intimidating, BBC Good Food has an ‘Easy apple pie’ recipe that serves you this comforting classic in just six steps. Alternatively, most supermarkets sell ready-made pastry, or even ready-made apple pies!
If you're a confident baker and up for something new, why not put a twist on the upside down pineapple cake by instead using tinned apple slices and dusting with cinnamon! Cooked apples not for you? Chop up some fresh apple and sprinkle with cinnamon or coat with peanut butter for a quick, healthy snack. Prefer a savoury dish? Add a serving of apple chutney to a cheese board or roast meat. There really is something for everyone.
If you don’t fancy cooking, there’s still no excuse not to enjoy some apple on the 21st October - head down to your nearest Wetherspoons for a bramley apple crumble and a cider. Or even better - get in one of your five a day and enjoy a sweet, crispy apple this International Apple Day.