15 Retro Apple Recipes Boomers Will Never Stop Making

Apple recipes have been a favorite for generations, and these 15 retro dishes are ones boomers will always make. They feature familiar, comforting flavors that stand the test of time. Whether it’s for a family meal or a special occasion, these recipes bring a sense of tradition to the table. These apple-based dishes are simple, delicious, and always crowd-pleasers.

A slice of crumb-topped pie on a white decorative plate with a fork next to it. A red and white cloth is partially visible in the corner. — Apple Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Apple Bacon Beer Bread

Loaf of bread with slices and a knife on a wooden cutting board, next to a red apple and a blue checkered cloth. — Apple Bacon Beer Bread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Apple bacon beer bread is a savory, slightly sweet bread that takes about 60 minutes to prepare. The bread combines apples, bacon, and beer for a rich flavor. The apples add moisture, while the bacon gives the bread a savory kick. It’s a unique twist on traditional beer bread.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bacon Beer Bread

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

A cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting on a decorative plate, accompanied by a fork. Slices of apple and cinnamon sticks are visible in the background. — Apple Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Apple cinnamon rolls are a delicious breakfast treat that takes around 90 minutes to make. The rolls are filled with spiced apples and topped with a sweet glaze. The cinnamon and apples create a comforting, warm flavor that’s perfect for mornings. These rolls are a great addition to any brunch spread.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

A bowl of butternut squash soup with a spoon on a colorful blue and white plate. — Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy butternut squash apple soup is a warming, savory soup that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The soup combines butternut squash and apples for a smooth, slightly sweet base. It’s creamy and comforting, with a subtle hint of cinnamon. This soup is perfect for a cozy fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Cranberry Apple Stuffing

Cranberry apple stuffing is a savory side dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The stuffing combines apples, cranberries, and herbs for a balance of flavors. The apples add sweetness, while the cranberries bring a tart contrast. This dish is a great side for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

A butterscotch apple crumble in a cast iron skillet on a wooden cutting board. — Butterscotch Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Butterscotch apple crisp is a rich, comforting dessert that takes around 45 minutes to prepare. The crisp is made with apples and a butterscotch topping, creating a sweet, buttery flavor. The result is a warm dessert with a crumbly topping that pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream. It’s an ideal fall treat.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Mini Apple Pies

Mini pies with lattice crusts are arranged on a white plate. — Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Mini apple pies are a bite-sized dessert that takes around 45 minutes to prepare. The recipe features apples, dates, and a buttery pie crust. The sweetness of the apples and dates combines perfectly with the flaky crust. These little pies are perfect for serving at parties or as a quick treat.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies

Apple Potato Latkes With Curried Yogurt Sauce

A plate of latkes topped with garnish, surrounded by apples, a bowl of cranberries, and muffins on a table. — Apple Potato Latkes With Curried Yogurt Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Apple potato latkes with curried yogurt sauce are a savory and slightly sweet dish that takes about 30 minutes to make. The latkes combine potatoes and grated apples, creating a crunchy texture. The curried yogurt sauce adds a tangy and spicy contrast to the latkes. This dish is a unique take on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Apple Potato Latkes With Curried Yogurt Sauce

Apple Olive Oil Cake

Apple olive oil cake is a moist, flavorful cake that takes around 60 minutes to prepare. The cake uses olive oil for a rich, subtle flavor and is packed with fresh apples. The apples add moisture, and the olive oil gives the cake a tender texture. It’s a simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Apple Olive Oil Cake

Rustic Apple Galette

A slice of apple galette with ice cream on a plate. — Rustic Apple Galette. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Rustic apple galette is a simple, free-form tart that takes about 45 minutes to prepare. The galette features apples wrapped in a flaky pastry crust and baked until golden. It has a perfect balance of sweet apples and buttery crust. This dessert is both easy to make and visually impressive.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Apple Galette

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a comforting, easy-to-make dessert that takes around 45 minutes to prepare. The crisp is made with apples and a crumbly topping of oats, butter, and brown sugar. The result is a warm, satisfying dessert with a perfect mix of textures. It’s a classic fall favorite that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp

Apple-Granola Baked Bimuelos (Hanukkah Honey Puffs)

A stack of doughnuts on a white plate. — Apple-Granola Baked Bimuelos (Hanukkah Honey Puffs). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Apple-granola baked bimuelos are a sweet, spiced dessert that takes about 50 minutes to prepare. These puffs combine apples, granola, and honey for a rich, flavorful treat. The honey adds sweetness, while the granola gives a satisfying crunch. This recipe is a unique twist on a traditional Hanukkah treat.
Get the Recipe: Apple-Granola Baked Bimuelos (Hanukkah Honey Puffs)

Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses

A cake with apples on top of a white plate. — Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Almond apple cake with apple roses is an elegant dessert that takes around 70 minutes to prepare. The cake features almonds, apples, and a delicate rose design made from thin apple slices. The result is a rich cake with a slightly nutty flavor and a beautiful presentation. It’s a great dessert for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses

Apple Pancakes

Apple pancakes are a quick and easy breakfast option that takes around 20 minutes to prepare. The pancakes are filled with fresh apples, adding sweetness and texture. They’re soft and fluffy, with a hint of cinnamon to enhance the flavor. This dish is a perfect way to start your morning.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pancakes

Apple Cranberry Muffins With Streusel Topping

Three apple cranberry muffins on a striped surface, surrounded by fresh apples and scattered cranberries. — Apple Cranberry Muffins With Streusel Topping. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Apple cranberry muffins with streusel topping are a flavorful, easy-to-make snack that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The muffins are filled with apples and cranberries, providing a balance of sweet and tart flavors. The streusel topping adds a crunchy texture to each bite. These muffins are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Muffins With Streusel Topping

Apple Pie

Apple pie is a classic dessert that takes around 60 minutes to prepare. The pie is made with fresh apples and a buttery, flaky crust. The apples are seasoned with cinnamon and sugar, creating a sweet and comforting flavor. This timeless dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie