During the fall season, there’s nothing better than going apple picking with your family, but if you’re like me, once you’re home you’re wondering: what am I going do with all these apples? Apple pie is a no-brainer but most are loaded with added sugars and besides, how many pies can you really make? What you really need are healthy apple recipes that have good-for-your-kids ingredients, are low in sugar, and quick and easy to pull together. Here, read on for 15 healthy apple recipes that aren’t apple pie.
1. PALEO CARAMEL APPLE CRISP
With two secret ingredients—orange zest and homemade double coconut salted caramel sauce—this Paleo Caramel Apple Crisp has 5 grams of protein and nearly 5 grams of fiber thanks to the almond flour, apples and pecans.
2. CINNAMON APPLESAUCE (SLOW COOKER)
I love making applesauce for my kids in my Crock Pot—the aroma that fills my house is to die for, but the flavors and texture are like nothing you’ll find in store-bought brands.
This 4-ingredient Cinnamon Apple Sauce has only 9 grams of sugar, no artificial ingredients, and only takes 15 minutes to pull together in your slow cooker.
3. GLUTEN-FREE APPLE CINNAMON MUFFINS
These Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins are vegan, allergy-free, and thanks to flaxseed, have a dose of the healthy fats kids need.
The naturally sweet cinnamon topping also makes it a kid-friendly breakfast or after-school snack.
Related: 25 Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Kids
4. QUINOA FRUIT SALAD
If your kid refuses to eat quinoa for dinner, try this Quinoa Fruit Salad.
With apples, pears, cherries, pomegranate and pine nuts, this dish is filled with protein, fiber, and a ton of variety—which studies show can encourage kids to make healthy choices. Serve it as a side dish or as a healthy breakfast—either way, it’s sure to be win.
5. HEALTHY APPLE NACHOS
Swap regular ‘ol nachos for these kid-friendly Healthy Apple Nachos. With plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, these are the ultimate snack to share after-school or on game day.
6. VEGAN APPLE PIE MICROWAVE OATS
Oatmeal is an easy, healthy, egg-free breakfast and this recipe for Vegan Apple Pie Microwave Oats couldn’t be more simple.
With 4 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, this kid-friendly option is ready in less than 10 minutes.
7. APPLE HONEY CHIPOTLE BBQ PORK CHOPS
Whether your kids are doing distance learning or attending school in-person, you need easy, healthy dinner ideas.
That’s why I had to add this recipe for Apple Honey Chipotle BBQ Pork Chops to my list of healthy apple recipes. Sweet and savory, this dish is protein-packed, and takes only 5 minutes to pull together in the slow cooker.
Related: 12 High-Protein Foods For Kids
8. APPLE SLICES WITH PEANUT BUTTER
Getting your kids in the kitchen or taking a kids cooking class together (I recommend the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse) are great ways to encourage kids to eat healthy.
If you need a quick and easy idea, try these Apple Slices With Peanut Butter. With tons of vitamins and minerals, protein and fiber, and tons of flavor and texture, this is one of the best healthy apple recipes.
9. AIR FRYER APPLE CRISP SLICES
With a cinnamon and sugar coating, these Air Fryer Apple Crisp Slices are the ultimate comfort food for after-school snacks or anytime of day.
What I love most about this recipe is that it has a dip—which kids love and can encourage them to eat more fruits and veggies.
10. INSTANT POT APPLESAUCE
If you don’t want to wait all day for applesauce to cook in the slow cooker, try this Instant Pot Applesauce.
With no added sugars, you can also customize this applesauce in peach, strawberry and blueberry flavor—yum!
11. PUMPKIN APPLE HARVEST MUFFINS
Pumpkin (a vegetable) is a superfood for kids and these Pumpkin Apple Harvest Muffins are the perfect way to start their morning.
These muffins are moist, have a ton of flavor and texture, and are done in less than 30 minutes.
12. ONE HOUR NO SUGAR APPLE BUTTER
Whether you use it in recipes or spread it on your kid’s morning toast, this One Hour No Sugar Apple Butter has simple ingredients, is bursting with flavor, and has a hint of spice.
13. CRISPY AIR FRYER APPLE CHIPS
Store-bought dried apple chips can be high in added sugars and pricey, so instead, try these Crispy Air Fryer Apple Chips.
With just two ingredients (apples and cinnamon), these apple chips have no sugar or oil, and are gluten-free, low-carb, Paleo, Whole 30, and vegan so everyone in the family will love them. Even better—they’re ready in just 10 minutes.
14. APPLE PIE SMOOTHIE
Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or after-dinner dessert, this Apple Pie Smoothie is plant-based, naturally sweet, and an excellent source of protein, fiber healthy fats, potassium, and calcium.
Related: How To Make Smoothies For Kids
15. AIR FRYER BAKED APPLES
My kids’ (and my) favorite afternoon snack is a baked apple. I sprinkle it with cinnamon and pop it in the microwave but if you have an air fryer, this recipe for Air Fryer Baked Apples is even better.
Made with easy, simple ingredients, they’re filled with a healthy and delicious oat crisp and have 7 grams of fiber per serving.
How do you get the recipes. I love all of these recipes but being legally blind I’m not very good with these things.
Hi Carrie! Thanks for reaching out. I know about a company called Aira.io that may be able to help.