15 Creative Granny Smith Apple Recipe Ideas
Granny Smith apples bring the perfect balance of tart and sweet to any dish. Their crisp texture and bright flavor make them ideal for both cooking and baking.
These versatile green apples hold their shape beautifully when heated and add incredible depth to everything from desserts to savory main courses.
01. Homemade Apple Fritters
Golden, crispy fritters packed with tender apple pieces and warm spices. These bakery-style treats are surprisingly easy to make at home and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅔ cup milk, 2 large eggs, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced), vegetable oil for frying, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk for glaze.
How To Make Homemade Apple Fritters
1. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth, then fold into dry ingredients just until combined.
2. Gently fold diced apples into the batter, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but scoopable, with apple pieces evenly distributed throughout.
3. Heat oil to 375°F in a heavy pot. Drop ¼ cup portions of batter into hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and cooked through.
4. Drain on paper towels, then whisk powdered sugar with milk to make glaze. Drizzle over warm fritters and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
02. Pork Loin with Apples and Sauerkraut
Tender pork loin roasted with tangy sauerkraut and sweet apples creates a perfect German-inspired meal. This one-pan dinner delivers incredible flavors with minimal effort required.
Ingredients: 3-pound pork loin roast, 2 Granny Smith apples (sliced), 2 cups sauerkraut (drained), 1 large onion (sliced), 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ cup chicken broth.
How To Make Pork Loin with Apples and Sauerkraut
1. Season pork loin generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the roast on all sides until golden brown, about 8 minutes total.
2. Remove pork and add sliced onions to the same pan. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then stir in sauerkraut, apple slices, brown sugar, and caraway seeds.
3. Nestle the seared pork back into the pan with the apple mixture. Pour chicken broth around the edges and transfer to a 350°F oven.
4. Roast for 45-60 minutes until pork reaches 145°F internally. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving with the flavorful apple-sauerkraut mixture spooned over top.
03. Classic Caramel Apples
Crisp Granny Smith apples coated in smooth, buttery caramel create the ultimate fall treat. The tart apple perfectly balances the sweet caramel for an irresistible combination.
Ingredients: 6 Granny Smith apples, 6 wooden sticks, 1 cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup water, ¼ cup heavy cream, 3 tablespoons butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Classic Caramel Apples
1. Wash and thoroughly dry apples, then insert wooden sticks firmly into the stem end. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with butter.
2. Combine sugar and water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook without stirring until sugar dissolves and turns deep amber, about 10-12 minutes, swirling pan occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, butter, vanilla, and salt. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious and whisk until completely smooth.
4. Let caramel cool for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Dip each apple into caramel, allowing excess to drip off, then place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until caramel is completely set. Serve immediately or wrap individually in cellophane for gift-giving or storage.
04. Southern-Style Fried Apples
Tender apple slices sautéed in butter with brown sugar and warm spices. This classic Southern side dish pairs beautifully with pork chops or fried chicken.
Ingredients: 4 Granny Smith apples (peeled and sliced), 4 tablespoons butter, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, pinch of salt, 2 tablespoons water.
How To Make Southern-Style Fried Apples
1. Slice apples into ¼-inch thick wedges, removing cores but keeping pieces uniform for even cooking. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming.
2. Add apple slices to the hot butter and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring, allowing them to develop a light golden color on one side.
3. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the apples. Gently stir to coat evenly, then add water to create a light syrup.
4. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but still hold their shape and the liquid has thickened into a glossy sauce.
05. Maple Apple Chicken Burgers
Juicy chicken burgers enhanced with diced Granny Smith apples and maple syrup. These unique burgers offer a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients: 1½ pounds ground chicken, 1 Granny Smith apple (finely diced), 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon sage, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, 4 burger buns, lettuce and tomato for serving.
How To Make Maple Apple Chicken Burgers
1. Combine ground chicken, diced apple, maple syrup, sage, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Form mixture into 4 equal patties, making a slight indent in the center of each to prevent puffing during cooking. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them hold together.
3. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and cook burgers for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internally.
4. Toast burger buns lightly and assemble with lettuce, tomato, and the maple apple chicken patties. The apple pieces add wonderful texture and moisture to each burger.
06. Traditional Apple Pie
Classic double-crust apple pie filled with perfectly spiced Granny Smith apples. This time-tested recipe creates the ideal balance of tender fruit and flaky, golden pastry.
Ingredients: 2 pie crusts, 6 Granny Smith apples (peeled and sliced), ¾ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 egg for wash.
How To Make Traditional Apple Pie
1. Roll out bottom crust and place in a 9-inch pie pan. Toss sliced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated.
2. Arrange seasoned apples in the prepared crust, mounding them slightly in the center. Dot with small pieces of butter to add richness and help create a glossy filling.
3. Cover with top crust, trim edges, and crimp to seal. Cut several steam vents in the top and brush with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
4. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and continue baking for 35-45 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling through the vents.
5. Cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set properly and make clean slicing possible.
07. Slow Cooker Spiced Applesauce
Smooth, naturally sweetened applesauce made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness to balance the warm spices throughout.
Ingredients: 8 Granny Smith apples (peeled and chopped), ½ cup water, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon cloves, pinch of salt.
How To Make Slow Cooker Spiced Applesauce
1. Add chopped apples, water, brown sugar, and all spices to your slow cooker. Stir everything together until apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until apples are completely tender and breaking down when stirred with a spoon.
3. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree to your desired consistency. For chunky applesauce, simply mash with a potato masher, leaving some texture.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as needed. Serve warm or refrigerate for up to one week in airtight containers.
08. Homemade Apple Butter
Rich, velvety apple butter made by slow-cooking applesauce until deeply concentrated. This luxurious spread delivers intense apple flavor perfect for toast, biscuits, or baking.
Ingredients: 4 cups homemade applesauce, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon cloves, ¼ teaspoon allspice, pinch of salt.
How To Make Homemade Apple Butter
1. Combine applesauce, brown sugar, and all spices in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
2. Continue cooking for 1-2 hours, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until the mixture darkens to a deep brown color and becomes very thick and spreadable.
3. Test consistency by spooning a small amount onto a plate. If no liquid separates around the edges, your apple butter is ready.
4. Stir in vanilla extract during the last few minutes of cooking. Pour into sterilized jars and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or process for longer storage.
09. Spiralized Apple Salad
Fresh, crisp apple noodles tossed with a tangy vinaigrette and crunchy additions. This unique salad showcases Granny Smith apples in a completely new and refreshing way.
Ingredients: 4 Granny Smith apples, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ cup chopped walnuts, ¼ cup dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, salt and pepper.
How To Make Spiralized Apple Salad
1. Using a spiralizer, create long apple noodles from the Granny Smith apples. If you don’t have a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons instead.
2. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until the dressing is completely emulsified and smooth.
3. Add the spiralized apples to the dressing immediately and toss well to coat, preventing browning and adding flavor to every strand.
4. Fold in chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley. Serve immediately while the apples are at their crispest and most vibrant.
10. Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Creamy, warming soup combining roasted butternut squash with sweet Granny Smith apples. This comforting bowl delivers complex flavors perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
Ingredients: 3 pounds butternut squash (cubed), 2 Granny Smith apples (chopped), 1 onion (diced), 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon sage, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ cup heavy cream, salt and pepper, olive oil.
How To Make Butternut Squash Apple Soup
1. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized around the edges.
2. Sauté diced onion in a large pot until softened, about 5 minutes. Add chopped apples and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add roasted squash, vegetable broth, sage, and cinnamon to the pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree until completely smooth. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
11. Country Apple Dumplings
Whole apples wrapped in tender pastry and baked in a sweet, buttery sauce. These old-fashioned dumplings create their own delicious syrup while baking.
Ingredients: 6 Granny Smith apples (peeled and cored), 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ⅔ cup shortening, ½ cup cold water, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 3 tablespoons butter, ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
How To Make Country Apple Dumplings
1. Make pastry by combining flour and salt, then cutting in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water gradually until dough forms, then divide into 6 portions.
2. Roll each portion into a square large enough to wrap around one apple. Place an apple in the center and bring corners up to the top, sealing edges with water.
3. Place wrapped apples in a buttered 9×13 baking dish. Boil sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon together for 3 minutes to create the syrup.
4. Pour hot syrup around the dumplings and bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until pastry is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced.
12. Apple Potato Pancakes
Crispy potato pancakes enhanced with grated Granny Smith apples for extra flavor and texture. These unique pancakes make an excellent side dish or brunch option.
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes (grated), 1 Granny Smith apple (grated), 1 small onion (grated), 2 eggs, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, vegetable oil for frying.
How To Make Apple Potato Pancakes
1. Grate potatoes and apple using the large holes of a box grater. Place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible for crispier pancakes.
2. Combine drained potato mixture with grated onion, beaten eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Heat ¼ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop ¼ cup portions of mixture into hot oil and flatten slightly with a spatula.
4. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately while hot and crunchy.
13. Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash halves filled with a savory-sweet mixture of apples, onions, and cheese. This colorful dish works beautifully as either a vegetarian main or elegant side.
Ingredients: 2 acorn squash (halved and seeded), 2 Granny Smith apples (diced), 1 onion (diced), 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon sage, salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
How To Make Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash
1. Cut acorn squash in half and scoop out seeds and strings. Brush cut surfaces with melted butter and season with salt and pepper, then roast cut-side down at 400°F for 30 minutes.
2. While squash roasts, sauté diced onion in butter until softened, about 5 minutes. Add diced apples and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes more.
3. Stir sage and maple syrup into the apple mixture, then season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and fold in half the shredded cheese.
4. Turn squash cut-side up and fill cavities with the apple mixture. Top with remaining cheese and bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
14. Apple Tarte Tatin
Elegant upside-down French tart featuring caramelized Granny Smith apples beneath flaky pastry. This impressive dessert is surprisingly achievable for home bakers with stunning results.
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, 8 Granny Smith apples (peeled and quartered), ¾ cup sugar, 4 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt.
How To Make Apple Tarte Tatin
1. Arrange apple quarters in overlapping circles in a 9-inch oven-safe skillet or tart pan, packing them tightly as they will shrink during cooking.
2. Sprinkle sugar evenly over apples and dot with butter pieces. Cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until sugar caramelizes and turns deep amber colored.
3. Add lemon juice, vanilla, and salt to the caramel, being careful as it will bubble vigorously. Continue cooking until apples are tender and caramel is thick.
4. Roll puff pastry slightly larger than your pan and place over apples, tucking edges down around the fruit. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden.
5. Cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around edges and invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
15. Apple Baked Beans
Traditional baked beans enhanced with chunks of Granny Smith apples for extra sweetness and depth. This unique twist on a classic side dish will become a family favorite.
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked navy beans, 2 Granny Smith apples (diced), ½ cup molasses, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons mustard, 1 onion (diced), 4 strips bacon (chopped), 1 cup water, salt and pepper.
How To Make Apple Baked Beans
1. Cook chopped bacon in a large oven-safe pot until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and sauté diced onion in the rendered fat until softened and translucent.
2. Add diced apples to the onions and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften but still hold their shape for texture in the final dish.
3. Stir in cooked beans, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, cooked bacon, and water. Season with salt and pepper, then bring mixture to a simmer on the stovetop.
4. Cover and transfer to a 325°F oven. Bake for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed, until beans are tender and sauce has thickened beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Granny Smith apple recipes showcase the incredible versatility of this beloved variety. From sweet desserts to savory main dishes, these tart apples enhance every meal.
Whether you’re baking a classic pie or trying something new like apple burgers, Granny Smiths deliver consistent results and amazing flavor every single time.
