10 Guilt-Free Apple Spice Recipes For Fall

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, is there anything better than cozying up with a good book, a hot cup of tea, and a comforting apple-spice dish? I mean, who doesn't love the comforting combo of apples and spices during fall? Not only do apples bring a hint of natural sweetness to any dish, but they're also packed with fiber and vitamins - a great ingredient for those of us trying to eat a bit healthier. And when you mix 'em with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg? It's like a big, cozy hug in the form of food!

So, are you ready to embrace the season with some delicious, comforting, and healthy apple-spice dishes? I've got 10 recipes that'll make you feel like you're wrapped up in a big, cozy sweater, no matter how chilly it gets outside.

1. Apple Spice Overnight Oats

Imagine waking up to a breakfast that's already made and absolutely bursting with fall flavors. Sounds pretty good, right? All you need are rolled oats, grated apples, cinnamon, chia seeds, and almond milk. Toss it all in a jar, let it sit overnight, and bam! You've got a hearty, ready-to-eat breakfast. Throw some chopped nuts on top for extra crunch and protein, and you're good to go.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

• 1 apple, grated

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

• Optional toppings: chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh apple slices

Instructions:

1. In a mason jar or bowl, combine the oats, almond milk, grated apple, chia seeds, cinnamon, and maple syrup.

2. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

3. In the morning, stir the mixture and add more milk if needed to loosen the consistency.

4. Top with nuts, dried fruit, or fresh apple slices before serving.

2. Baked Apple Spice Oatmeal

This one's for those chilly fall mornings when you need something warm and comforting. It's simple, delicious, and you can make it ahead of time and reheat it throughout the week. How's that for convenient?

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 ½ cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

• 2 apples, peeled and diced

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)

• ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, almond milk, diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and chia seeds.

3. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth the top.

4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the oatmeal is set.

5. Let cool slightly before serving. Top with chopped nuts if desired.

3. Apple Spice Chia Pudding

If you're after a healthy snack or dessert, this is the one. Chia seeds, almond milk, grated apples, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup all mixed together and left to sit in the fridge. 

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup chia seeds

• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

• 1 apple, grated

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)

• Optional toppings: nuts, granola, or extra apple slices

Instructions:

1. In a bowl or mason jar, combine chia seeds, almond milk, grated apple, cinnamon, and maple syrup.

2. Stir well and cover. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

3. Stir the pudding before serving. Top with nuts, granola, or extra apple slices if desired.

4. Apple Spice Smoothie

Who said smoothies are only for summer? This nutrient-packed smoothie is like fall in a glass, and it's an absolute treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, cored and sliced

• 1 banana

• 1 handful of spinach

• 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: 1 scoop protein powder

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine apple slices, banana, spinach, almond milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

2. Blend until smooth.

3. If using, add protein powder and blend again.

4. Serve immediately.

5. Apple Spice Energy Balls

Need a quick pick-me-up? These no-bake energy balls are your answer. And the best part? They're super easy to make and store in the fridge.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dates, pitted

• 1 cup dried apples

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ¼ cup almond butter

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine dates, dried apples, and oats. Process until finely chopped.

2. Add almond butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Process until the mixture sticks together.

3. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and refrigerate.

4. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

6. Apple Spice Quinoa Salad

A light yet satisfying lunch that's perfect for those autumn days when you want something a bit different.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled

• 1 apple, diced

• ¼ cup walnuts, toasted

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced apple, walnuts, and dried cranberries.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.

4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

7. Apple Spice Baked Apples

This healthy dessert is so good, you won't even feel like you're being good.

Ingredients:

• 4 apples, cored

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ¼ cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Optional: honey or extra maple syrup for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix together oats, chopped nuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Stuff the mixture into the cored apples.

4. Place the apples in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.

5. Drizzle with honey or extra maple syrup if desired before serving.

8. Apple Spice Granola

Who doesn't love homemade granola? Especially when it's packed with fall flavors

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 apple, diced

• ¼ cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans)

• ¼ cup maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine oats, diced apple, chopped nuts, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crisp.

5. Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

9. Apple Spice Soup

A savory take on apple spice that's perfect for those cool autumn evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, peeled and chopped

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the apples, butternut squash, and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.

2. In a large pot, heat a little olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add the roasted apples and vegetables to the pot along with vegetable broth, cinnamon, and ginger.

4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

5. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and purée until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

10. Apple Spice Muffins (Gluten-Free)

A batch of these gluten-free apple spice muffins makes for a wholesome snack or breakfast that's low in sugar and carbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups almond flour

• ½ cup applesauce

• 2 eggs

• 1 apple, diced

• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, applesauce, eggs, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.

3. Fold in the diced apple.

4. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Let cool before serving.

These healthy apple spice recipes are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall without compromising on nutrition. From breakfast staples like overnight oats and smoothies to sweet treats like baked apples and energy balls, these dishes will help you embrace the season with wholesome ingredients that keep you feeling good. Enjoy the warmth of apple and spice in your kitchen all season long!