Apples All Around : Where Your Favorite Apple Desserts Come From

You can be a lover of the ultimate American apple pie, passionate about traditional English apple crumble, or fascinated about French Tart-Tatin, whoever you are and wherever you come from – you've got to love apples. Whether it comes with pastry on top or pastry on the bottom, apple desserts have always been and always will be – the most comforting dessert ever. How many versions of apple desserts do you know?

Apple Pie

Although the original apple pie was imported to the US from Europe, you can’t get more American than apple pie.  Succulent Bramley or Gala apples homed in a double crust of golden pastry and served with ice cream or whipped cream. Choose (or not) to decorate the top with cutout shapes, and your guest’s satisfaction is guaranteed.

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Shutterstock

Apple Crumble

Crumbles today can be found in a variety of fruits and combinations; however, the Apple crumble is the king of them all. It is relatively a new apple dessert that was introduced to the world during World War II.  Flour, Butter, and sugar are all mixed together to create a simple yet comforting coating for fresh or cooked fruit. Unexpected guests? This is the dessert for you.

Tart Tatin

Like all French idols, the Tart Tatin carries a classic story behind it. Named after the two French Tatin sisters who turned this dessert of caramelized apples into their signature dish. Like many other foods, the tart Tatin was created accidentally. Overcooked apples were rescued by a layer of puff pastry, then placed into an oven and, when cooked, turned upside down. Completes every dinner with a French Touch.

Apple Strudel

Our central European entry into the list. An Austro-Hungarian cake made from thickly grated apples, tightly tucked and rolled in layers of thin pastry. This traditional imperial dessert has become an icon in culinary culture and is as famous as the Viennese Schnitzel. Non-sweetened cream will accompany this creation the best.

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Shutterstock

Apple Cake

Traditional apple cakes contain (besides the apples) a variety of spices and nuts such as cinnamon or nutmeg, walnuts, and almonds which provide a warm and indulgent dessert that goes perfectly with your daily cup of coffee. There are many sorts and shapes of apple cake originating from all corners of the globe as the natural sweetness of this biblical fruit has always made it the best companion for simple battered mixtures.

Candy Apples

Candy apples are not really considered desserts (well, at least not for us mature readers); however – they are sweet, and they consist of apples, so they are on the list!  A whole unpeeled apple inserted on a thick stick, coated with a glowing layer of red sugar candy. Over one hundred years ago, experiments took place in a candy store, preparing Christmas decorations while apples were dipped in red candy syrup for display. Since then, circuses, fairs, stores, and holidays all have this glowing red apple ball as a significant part of the festive treats.

So, which is your favorite?