Oh hey. Let’s stuff our faces with crab apples and pretend it’s normal. K? Yes? We doin this?
Okay, maybe I’m out of line. I admit to the crab apple weirdness today. But guys. BE RATIONAL for two seconds, puhhlease.
Obviously weird and delicious are not mutually exclusive, which means PARTY IN YOUR MOUTH! With crab apples!
I mean, think about what this list means. It means you are going to take those tiny, tart little fruits and turn them into luscious sweet and savory jelly, pickles, and baked goods. It is the definition of BOTH weird and delicious.
1. Caramel Crab Apple
We all know the struggle of trying to finish a massive caramel apple at a festival.
Enter the crab apple. These are the perfect petite option for when you want that caramel apple vibe but in a fun, finger food size.
You just dip these cuties in a homemade caramel sauce and roll them in tiny chocolate chips. It is a little bite of joy.
2. Crab Apple Bread
Sometimes I don’t have much of an appetite in the morning, so a slice of bread with a cup of coffee is just enough to fuel my day.
Grab some butter and slather it on this apple bread before heating it up in a skillet.
You will have a warm, sweet, and soft breakfast loaded with crab apple, candied orange slices, and nuts.
3. Fall Crab Apple Jam
This chunky fall jam might actually save us from pumpkin overload this season. It features a blend of rosehips, ginger, and orange slices for an aromatic and indulgent jam that is fit for your most epic charcuterie board.
4. Crab Apple Pie Bars
Crab apples are really showing off in these crumbly, gooey apple pie bars. Just look at those incredible layers. You have an unreal shortbread base, an applesauce filling, and an oatmeal topping.
This is the perfect family baking activity and exactly what you need when that late night sweet craving hits.
5. Homemade Crab Apple Jelly
If apple butter isn’t your thing, you might want to take a stab at this homemade jelly.
Think of this as a fun side project that spans a few days, because good things take time. After you extract the juice, you cook it on the stovetop with sugar until it reaches that perfect jelly consistency.
Wrap a bow on a personal sized jar and you have the cutest thoughtful gift ever.
6. Crab Apple Liqueur
Are you looking for a festive way to use up that pile of heirloom apples?
This recipe gives you crab apples two ways: a chutney and a chilled liqueur. You can use the chutney on a holiday cheese plate or to season a pork roast.
Then you pair it with the vodka based liqueur for a sweet and fruity martini that everyone will love.
7. Crab Apple Yogurt Bundt Cake
This star shaped bundt cake looks like it came straight out of a magazine.
It stands proud with a beautiful rose colored hue and a tangy twist that is going to shock your tastebuds in the best way possible.
Finish it off with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some fresh raspberries for a truly unforgettable dessert.
8. Spiced Pickled Crab Apples
We knew fermenting fruit was a thing, but pickled apples? Yes please.
This recipe breaks the mold by jarring spears of crab apple that have been cooked in apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
It is such a cool way to make the most of nature’s bounty.
9. Crab Apple Raisin Muffins
I give you the world’s best homemade snack option.
These bad boys are spongy and flavorful, plus they are super easy to store and freeze. Forget dishing out cash for snacks at the theme park or the lake because these apple raisin muffins are here to save the day.
10. Crab Apple Sauce
You can enjoy this crafty sauce for breakfast or as a nutritious snack for the kids. It is simple in prep and ingredients, using only the apples, water, and cane sugar.
Pro tip: you can repurpose this sauce by using it in a bread recipe or swirling it into oatmeal.
11. Crab Apple Fritters
If I had to choose a final meal, it is entirely possible it would be these apple fritters.
Imagine sinking your teeth into fluffy dough stuffed with cinnamon apple filling and drizzled with glaze. Pure euphoria.
12. Slow Cooker Crab Apple Butter
Do you need to use up large quantities of apples before they rot? This apple butter is perfect for when your apples have softened or are too bitter for other dishes.
You just cut them up and place them in a slow cooker with water, sugar, and lemon juice.
Mash it all together with an immersion blender, season with some cinnamon, and you can store it for up to 6 months.
13. Crab Apple Pie
We obviously couldn’t leave this one off the list. Cooked in a deep dish, this pie is robust and definitely not for the faint of heart.
Using brown sugar in the pastry as well as the filling makes it a madly addictive dessert that might just require two spoons.
14. Crab Apple Cake
This is similar to a tart, and you can prepare the flaky pastry and fruity filling with just a few ingredients.
This makes for a light and airy treat that satisfies your sweet tooth and is totally irresistible with a morning cup of coffee.
15. Crab Apple Fruit Leather
Are you dying to ditch those packaged fruit roll-ups the kids can’t stop eating? You should try this tempting fruit leather.
Does it sound like too much work? Don’t worry.
You simply put together a basic apple sauce, dehydrate it, and boom—homemade candy.
16. Crab Apple Hot Pepper Jelly
Grab a tall glass of milk because this jelly brings the heat.
It is an excellent addition to your pork or chicken marinade, or served as an appetizer with cream cheese and crackers. It’s got a kick that is sure to make you sweat.
17. Crab Apple Strawberry Tart
Okay, we talked a little smack about strawberries earlier, but it is clearly water under the bridge.
This recipe prides itself on a crispy but doughy crust that circles around an open fruit tart center, displaying crab apple, strawberry, and sliced almonds.
18. Crab Apple Crisp
I have always referred to apple crisp as the sleepy apple pie, and that is exactly why it is so beloved.
There is no need to peel the apples here. Just slice and add them to an oven dish and cover with your crumbling topping.
Bake it to perfection and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
19. Overnight Crab Apple Juice
There is no need for a juicer for this recipe, just a cheesecloth!
With a handful of crab apples, water, sugar, and cream of tartar, all you have to do is pour the mixture over the apples and let it seep overnight.
Drain it using the cheesecloth in the morning, and enjoy a refreshing glass with your morning meal.
