I said it once, I’ll keep saying it. I have developed HUNDREDS of recipes in my tenure in the food world. Now that the weather is getting a little crispier (finally), I thought it would be fun to pass along some of my favorite recipes I’ve developed using apples.
These have been tested multiple times to ensure they work and are a great way to use up those apples you have from going apple picking. Plus, I’ve included a few savory recipes using apples that I think you will love.




Apple Loaf Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - In this fabulous, make-far-ahead recipe, apples are folded into a traditional loaf cake batter and swirled together with warming fall spices. The cake is baked and can be cooled, tightly wrapped and frozen as an easy option that will keep for weeks ahead of Thanksgiving or whenever you need it (hello, hostess gifts!).
Apple & Fennel Salad with Crispy Prosciutto - Apples are the perfect addition to any salad, but I love to make them the star of a salad. In this recipe, start by baking prosciutto on a sheet tray in the oven until crispy. Then, thinly slice apples and fennel and toss in an apple vinaigrette.
Easy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bites - I remember growing up and always picking the apple cinnamon oatmeal packet, there was something so cozy about diving into that spiced oatmeal, I just couldn't get enough. These bites are the perfect slightly sweet treat to have at any time of the day. They're easy to make and my go-to when I want something satisfying but not too unhealthy.
Pork & Apple Smashed Burgers - Apples and pork are a match made in heaven, but I love to find creative ways to change up the classic roasted apple and pork chop pairing. Say hello to these pork and apple smashed burgers, which are loaded with white cheddar and piled high with apple slaw. These are everything you love about a classic smash burger.
Overnight French Toast with Caramel Apple Sauce - I love this recipe because it is a great way to use bread that is going stale and make a fabulous breakfast dish that can be prepped the night before. All you have to do is pop it in the oven to bake off the next morning while you make the apple foster sauce. Plus, the flambé moment is a really fun entertaining trick for a crowd. This is a super decadent and delicious breakfast. The perfect sweet treat to add to your autumnal brunch display.



Apple and Tahini Rice Crispy Squares - Growing up, crispy rice treats was a constant in my family’s household. They were always what I brought to the bake sale and I was very passionate about the marshmallow-to-cereal ratio. One day I was eating apple cinnamon oatmeal and put a treat inside for some extra texture. I was so pleased with the combination of the two flavors that I instantly knew I had to channel it into crispy rice treats. This updated version adds tahini for some nuttiness and even more creamy texture — it pairs beautifully with the apples and crispy cereal. Everyone in your family is going to love these!
Apple Blondies with Browned Butter - Apple season is my inspiration for baking some amazing fall flavors into a bar cookie. These blondies emulate the texture of fudgy brownies and get nutty caramel notes from browned butter. Everything pairs perfectly with sliced apples that have simmered in warming spices on the stovetop and then get folded into the batter. Serve these awesome treats on their own, or top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with some whipped Greek yogurt. You may be surprised how easily these blondies come together.
I am posting a recipe for my favorite Portillo’s chocolate cake DUPE using Kewpie that I developed recently. If you want the recipe, please engage with the post! I will be sure to add it to next week’s Substack post!




Lastly, we are just a couple short weeks away from our final Lineup season of the year! I cannot believe 2025 programming is coming to an end and I am feeling nostalgic.
If you live in New York and want to come checkout our dinners, I highly recommend. It is the most affordable tasting menu + bev pairing you can get and you’re supporting the next gen chefs on their journey so we can continue having a wonderful food scene.
$165 for 5-courses a welcome bite and a speciality cocktail. Best deal in town!!
10/23, Payson Stultz from Lilia
11/6, Casey Lynfield from San Sabino
11/20, Lars Varley from HAGS
Get your tickets: here



Well, that’s all I got for ya this week. Thank you for being here and please let me know what other recipes you want access to so I can make sure I deliver them straight to your inbox.
Talk soon!
xx, Elena
instagram: @elenabesser
tiktok: @elenabesser
Apples are a new love of mine. 🤷♀️ I am super stoked to try these out. I would also love to have the recipes from the anniversary dinner you did for your neighbors that you posted on ig. Thanks for keeping your stacks free! Although tbh I would pay.😉
Those apple oatmeal bites!! Incredible!😀