Apples are one of the most versatile and beloved fruits in the kitchen, especially when cooked in a Dutch oven.
From savory stews to sweet desserts, the Dutch oven’s ability to retain and evenly distribute heat makes it the perfect tool to transform simple apple dishes into extraordinary meals.
Whether you’re craving a cozy apple cinnamon bread pudding, a flavorful apple-glazed pork tenderloin, or a rustic baked apple dessert by the campfire, these recipes harness the magic of the Dutch oven to bring out the natural sweetness and comforting warmth of apples.
In this collection of 23+ Dutch oven apple recipes, you’ll find a wide variety of dishes that are easy to prepare, hearty, and full of seasonal flavor — ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
23+ Delicious Dutch Oven Apple Recipes to Warm Your Kitchen
Exploring these 23+ Dutch oven apple recipes offers a wonderful way to celebrate the apple’s rich flavor in both sweet and savory forms.
The Dutch oven’s unique cooking properties allow you to create dishes that are tender, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized every time.
Whether you prefer a comforting apple lentil stew or a decadent caramel apple dump cake, there’s something here for every palate and occasion.
Embrace the ease and versatility of your Dutch oven, and let these recipes inspire you to bring warmth and deliciousness to your table with apples as the star ingredient.
Baked Cinnamon Apples
This warm and cozy apple dessert is easy to make in a Dutch oven and captures the essence of fall.
The apples become perfectly tender as they simmer in a rich, buttery cinnamon sauce, filling your kitchen with comforting aromas.
Ingredients:
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
- Lemon juice
- Butter
- Cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Water or apple cider
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Peel, core, and slice the apples. In the Dutch oven, melt butter and add brown sugar, spices, lemon juice, water or cider, and salt. Stir until combined and gently simmer. Add the apples and cook covered over medium-low heat until they are soft and the sauce has thickened, about 25–30 minutes. If needed, use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce further.
Thanks to the even heat distribution of the Dutch oven, the apples cook gently and evenly, resulting in a sweet and spiced treat that pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Apple Crisp
This classic dessert gains extra depth when made in a Dutch oven.
The apples become soft and juicy beneath a golden oat crumble topping, and the entire dish cooks evenly for perfect texture in every bite.
Ingredients:
- Apples, peeled and sliced
- Sugar and brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- All-purpose flour
- Old-fashioned oats
- Butter, cold and cubed
- Lemon juice
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon, then spread them evenly in the Dutch oven. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create a crumbly topping. Sprinkle over the apples. Cover and cook over low heat or bake uncovered in a preheated oven until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
The Dutch oven creates a moist environment that softens the apples beautifully while allowing the topping to crisp up just enough, making this an irresistible comfort dessert.
Apple Butter
Making apple butter in a Dutch oven is both simple and deeply rewarding.
This thick, caramelized spread is slow-cooked to perfection, filling your home with the scent of warm spices and sweet apples.
Ingredients:
- Apples, peeled and chopped
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon, cloves, and allspice
- Vanilla extract
- Apple cider or water
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to the Dutch oven and stir to coat the apples evenly. Cover and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. After a few hours, once the apples are very soft, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture. Continue simmering uncovered until the mixture darkens and thickens to a spreadable consistency.
The Dutch oven’s heavy lid and consistent heat help the apples cook slowly and evenly, reducing to a rich, spiced apple butter that stores well and tastes amazing on toast, pancakes, or biscuits.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This incredibly simple dessert comes together effortlessly in a Dutch oven.
With layers of spiced apples, boxed cake mix, and melted butter, it creates a golden, gooey treat with minimal prep—perfect for a campfire or cozy indoor baking session.
Ingredients:
- Canned apple pie filling or fresh sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar
- Caramel sauce or soft caramel candies
- Yellow or spice cake mix
- Butter, melted
- Chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Spread apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the Dutch oven. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans if using. Pour dry cake mix evenly over the top and drizzle melted butter to cover most of the surface. Cover with lid and bake over coals or in the oven until golden brown and bubbly, about 45–50 minutes.
The Dutch oven’s enclosed heat creates a perfectly gooey apple layer and a crispy, buttery top, making this dessert a fuss-free favorite with rich autumn flavors.
Dutch Oven Apple Bread
This tender, cinnamon-spiced apple bread bakes beautifully in a Dutch oven, resulting in a moist crumb and golden crust.
It’s ideal for breakfast, snack time, or paired with coffee for a sweet midday treat.
Ingredients:
- Apples, peeled and diced
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar and brown sugar
- Eggs
- Butter or oil
- Baking soda and baking powder
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Whisk together dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Fold in the apples, then pour the batter into a greased loaf pan or directly into a lined Dutch oven. Bake uncovered until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean, about 50–60 minutes depending on the size.
Thanks to the Dutch oven’s ability to hold heat evenly, the bread bakes with a soft, moist interior and a beautifully crusted top—perfect for slicing and sharing.
Savory Apple and Pork Stew
Apples aren’t just for dessert—they shine in this savory pork stew, where their natural sweetness balances the richness of the meat.
The Dutch oven is ideal for slow simmering the ingredients into a satisfying, hearty meal.
Ingredients:
- Pork shoulder or loin, cubed
- Apples, peeled and chopped
- Onion and garlic, chopped
- Chicken broth or apple cider
- Fresh thyme
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Brown the pork in batches in olive oil, then remove. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Stir in apples, broth or cider, mustard, and thyme. Return the pork, cover, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until tender. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
This recipe highlights how well apples pair with savory flavors.
The Dutch oven allows everything to blend slowly, giving you a stew that’s rich, balanced, and perfect for cool evenings.
Spiced Apple Oatmeal
This warm, hearty oatmeal is elevated with fresh apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg—all simmered slowly in a Dutch oven for a creamy, deeply flavorful breakfast.
The apples soften and infuse the oats with a subtle sweetness that feels wholesome and comforting.
Ingredients:
- Rolled oats
- Apples, diced (leave skin on for texture or peel for softness)
- Milk or a milk alternative
- Water
- Brown sugar or maple syrup
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
- Butter (optional)
Instructions:
Combine oats, apples, milk, water, spices, and salt in the Dutch oven. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook until the oats are tender and creamy, about 20 minutes. Stir in brown sugar or syrup and a pat of butter for richness before serving.
Cooking oatmeal in a Dutch oven allows the flavors to deepen slowly and ensures that the texture stays creamy without sticking or burning—perfect for feeding a cozy crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Cinnamon Apple Monkey Bread
A fun twist on classic monkey bread, this pull-apart treat is loaded with chunks of apple, cinnamon, and sweet glaze.
The Dutch oven creates even heat for a perfectly golden crust and a gooey, pull-apart center.
Ingredients:
- Refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade dough
- Apples, peeled and chopped
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter, melted
- Vanilla glaze (optional)
Instructions:
Cut biscuit dough into pieces. Toss dough pieces and apple chunks in a cinnamon-sugar mix. Layer them in a greased Dutch oven, then drizzle melted butter over the top. Cover and bake until the dough is cooked through and golden brown. Drizzle with vanilla glaze if desired.
The Dutch oven’s sealed environment helps the bread steam and bake evenly, creating a soft and sticky interior with a lightly crisped exterior—making this a crowd-pleasing dessert or brunch centerpiece.
Rustic Apple Galette
This free-form tart is as impressive as a pie but much easier to make.
Baked in a Dutch oven, the galette’s flaky crust and soft, spiced apple filling come together beautifully with minimal effort and no need for a pie dish.
Ingredients:
- Pie dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Apples, thinly sliced
- Sugar and brown sugar
- Lemon juice
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter, cubed
- Egg wash for brushing
Instructions:
Roll out the pie dough into a rough circle and place it on parchment paper. Toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Arrange in the center of the dough, leaving a border. Fold the edges over the apples, pleating as needed. Dot with butter and brush crust with egg wash. Transfer to a preheated Dutch oven and bake uncovered until the crust is golden and apples are tender.
The Dutch oven gives the galette a consistent bake with excellent heat distribution, resulting in a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant—perfect for showcasing fresh apples with a flaky finish.
Apple Cider Braised Chicken
This savory dish brings together tender chicken, tart-sweet apples, and rich apple cider for a comforting one-pot meal.
The Dutch oven ensures everything cooks evenly and retains moisture, resulting in succulent, flavorful bites throughout.
Ingredients:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Apples, sliced
- Apple cider (not vinegar)
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Season and brown the chicken in olive oil in the Dutch oven, then remove. Sauté onions and garlic until soft, then add apples and herbs. Pour in apple cider and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and braise at low heat or in the oven until the chicken is fully cooked and tender—about 45 minutes to an hour.
This hearty dish combines sweet and savory in a way that feels both rustic and refined. The Dutch oven’s sealed heat environment locks in all the flavor, making it ideal for weeknight meals or dinner parties.
Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
Apples bring natural sweetness and warmth to this festive and nourishing dish.
When cooked inside tender roasted acorn squash, they create a satisfying vegetarian entrée or side dish packed with fall flavors.
Ingredients:
- Acorn squash, halved and seeded
- Apples, diced
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
- Butter
- Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
Place squash halves cut side down in the Dutch oven with a bit of water. Cover and roast until just tender. Meanwhile, combine apples, dried fruit, nuts, sugar, and spices. Flip squash, fill each half with apple mixture, dot with butter, and drizzle with maple syrup if desired. Cover and bake again until the squash is soft and the filling is bubbling.
The Dutch oven’s even heat makes for perfectly roasted squash and a soft, spiced apple filling that complements the earthy flavor of the vegetable beautifully.
Apple and Sausage Breakfast Hash
Combining sweet apples, savory sausage, and crispy potatoes, this breakfast hash is a satisfying, flavor-packed way to start the day.
The Dutch oven makes it easy to sauté and roast everything in one pot.
Ingredients:
- Breakfast sausage, crumbled
- Apples, diced
- Potatoes, cubed
- Onion, chopped
- Bell peppers (optional)
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika
Instructions:
Cook sausage in the Dutch oven until browned, then set aside. Sauté onions and potatoes in the rendered fat with a bit of oil or butter, adding paprika and seasoning. Once they begin to brown, add apples and bell peppers. Return the sausage and cook everything together until the potatoes are crispy and the apples are tender.
This hash brings together a balance of textures and flavors, and the Dutch oven allows each element to cook evenly without burning or drying out—making it ideal for weekend brunch or meal prep.
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
This cozy, custardy dessert transforms day-old bread and fresh apples into a rich, spiced treat.
Baked in a Dutch oven, the pudding turns soft and creamy inside with a golden, crisp top—perfect for cool-weather comfort food.
Ingredients:
- Cubed stale bread (brioche or French bread)
- Apples, peeled and chopped
- Eggs
- Milk or cream
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Butter
Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, spices, and vanilla. Add the bread and apples, stirring gently to coat. Let soak for 10–15 minutes. Butter the Dutch oven and pour in the mixture. Dot with butter on top and bake uncovered until puffed and golden, about 45–55 minutes.
Thanks to the Dutch oven’s excellent heat retention, this bread pudding bakes evenly and stays moist inside while forming a lovely crisp on top.
Serve warm with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.
Apple Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This savory-sweet dish is a wonderful blend of seared pork tenderloin and a tangy apple glaze.
Using a Dutch oven allows for a perfect sear followed by gentle roasting, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat.
Ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin
- Apples, thinly sliced
- Apple juice or cider
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and thyme
Instructions:
Season and sear the pork tenderloin on all sides in the Dutch oven. Remove and sauté garlic and apples briefly. Deglaze with apple juice and stir in mustard and thyme. Return the pork to the pot, cover, and roast until cooked through (internal temp around 145°F), basting occasionally with the glaze.
The Dutch oven’s ability to transition from stovetop to oven makes it ideal for sealing in moisture and flavor, leaving you with tender pork and a glossy apple glaze in every bite.
Baked Apple French Toast
This overnight-style breakfast bake features layers of soft bread, spiced apples, and a rich egg custard, all baked until puffed and golden.
The Dutch oven ensures even cooking, and it can go straight from oven to table for easy serving.
Ingredients:
- Sliced bread (challah or brioche preferred)
- Apples, thinly sliced
- Eggs
- Milk and cream
- Brown sugar and cinnamon
- Butter
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
Grease the Dutch oven and layer bread and apples. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the bread and press lightly. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 30 minutes. Bake covered, then uncover for the last 10–15 minutes to brown the top.
This dish is both comforting and convenient, ideal for brunch gatherings or a make-ahead weekend breakfast. The apples soften into the custard, and the Dutch oven ensures it cooks evenly without drying out.
Campfire Baked Apples
Perfect for camping or backyard fires, these baked apples are stuffed with warm spices, nuts, and sweeteners, then cooked in a Dutch oven until meltingly tender.
It’s a nostalgic, no-fuss dessert that brings the taste of fall to any setting.
Ingredients:
- Whole apples, cored
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Butter
Instructions:
Core the apples and place them in a greased Dutch oven. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, spices, nuts, and dried fruit. Stuff the mixture into each apple, then top with a small pat of butter. Cover and cook over hot coals or in the oven until the apples are soft and the filling is bubbling—about 25–35 minutes.
This classic dessert is made even better in a Dutch oven, where the consistent heat ensures perfectly cooked apples with a luscious, spiced center—ideal for a fireside treat or a cozy night in.
Apple and Sweet Potato Gratin
Sweet potatoes and apples make a fantastic pair in this comforting, slightly savory gratin.
Thinly sliced and layered with herbs, butter, and a hint of cheese, it’s a unique side dish that feels both hearty and elegant.
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- Apples, thinly sliced
- Fresh thyme or rosemary
- Butter
- Grated parmesan or gruyère (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Heavy cream or milk
Instructions:
Layer sweet potato and apple slices in a buttered Dutch oven, seasoning each layer with salt, pepper, and herbs. Pour a bit of cream over the top, add cheese if using, and dot with butter. Cover and bake until tender, then uncover for the last 15 minutes to brown the top.
The Dutch oven’s gentle heat cooks the layers evenly, allowing the natural sweetness of the apples to blend beautifully with the creamy richness of the potatoes and herbs.
Apple BBQ Chicken Thighs
This recipe combines the smoky, tangy goodness of barbecue sauce with the natural sweetness of apples.
Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender when simmered in a Dutch oven, making this dish both easy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Apples, peeled and chopped
- Barbecue sauce
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Season the chicken and sear skin-side down in the Dutch oven until golden. Remove and sauté onions, garlic, and apples until soft. Stir in barbecue sauce and return the chicken to the pot. Cover and bake or simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thick and flavorful.
This dish takes full advantage of the Dutch oven’s ability to sear and slow cook in the same vessel. The apples add a subtle sweetness that balances the bold BBQ flavor, creating a delicious, fuss-free meal.
Apple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
This savory-sweet side dish brings together crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and sweet apple slices for a flavorful and textural contrast that’s irresistible.
Cooking it in a Dutch oven allows for perfect caramelization and even heat.
Ingredients:
- Brussels sprouts, halved
- Apples, thinly sliced
- Bacon, chopped
- Olive oil or bacon fat
- Salt and black pepper
- Balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
Cook chopped bacon in the Dutch oven until crispy, then set aside, leaving the fat in the pot. Add Brussels sprouts and cook until they begin to brown, then toss in the apples. Cook until the sprouts are tender and the apples are softened but not mushy. Stir in the cooked bacon and a splash of balsamic vinegar if desired.
Using a Dutch oven makes it easy to build layers of flavor—starting with crispy bacon, then caramelizing the vegetables, and finally bringing it all together in a balanced, hearty dish.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
This simple dessert uses minimal ingredients and delivers maximum payoff. Apples, cake mix, and buttery caramel bake into a warm, gooey treat—all in one Dutch oven.
It’s great for a crowd or a fuss-free weekend bake.
Ingredients:
- Canned apple pie filling or fresh sliced apples with cinnamon sugar
- Yellow cake mix
- Caramel sauce
- Butter, sliced
Instructions:
Grease the Dutch oven and add the apple filling to the bottom. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the top without stirring. Drizzle caramel sauce generously and top with slices of butter. Cover and bake until golden and bubbly.
The Dutch oven creates the perfect environment for this easy bake, yielding a crisp, golden top and a soft, saucy center.
It’s a dump-and-go recipe that feels homemade and indulgent with minimal effort.
Apple Lentil Stew
A hearty and wholesome one-pot meal, this stew combines lentils, root vegetables, and apples for a comforting, slightly sweet and savory experience.
The Dutch oven helps everything cook evenly while developing deep, rich flavor.
Ingredients:
- Green or brown lentils
- Apples, chopped
- Carrots and celery, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Thyme and bay leaf
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onion, garlic, and vegetables in olive oil until softened. Add lentils, apples, broth, and herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer in the Dutch oven, covered, until lentils are tender—about 30–40 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
This nourishing stew is simple yet satisfying. The apples add a gentle sweetness that brightens the earthy lentils, while the Dutch oven ensures a smooth simmer and hearty texture.
Spiced Apple Chicken Stew
This aromatic stew blends tender chicken with sweet apples, root vegetables, and warm spices like cinnamon and ginger.
The result is a cozy, fragrant dish that’s perfect for cool weather and fills your kitchen with inviting aromas.
Ingredients:
- Boneless chicken thighs, cubed
- Apples, peeled and chopped
- Carrots and parsnips, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Ground cinnamon and ginger
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil in the Dutch oven until fragrant. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned. Stir in the chopped vegetables and apples, sprinkle in the spices, then pour in broth to cover. Simmer, covered, until everything is tender and the flavors have melded—about 45 minutes.
The Dutch oven keeps all the ingredients tender and juicy, allowing the spices and apples to infuse the broth and elevate a humble chicken stew into something warm and special.
Apple Cranberry Roast
This simple yet elegant roast pairs tart cranberries and sweet apples to create a tangy-sweet glaze over a tender cut of meat, like pork loin or chicken.
It’s ideal for holiday meals or any time you want something festive with little fuss.
Ingredients:
- Pork loin or whole chicken
- Apples, sliced
- Fresh or dried cranberries
- Onion, sliced
- Apple cider or juice
- Olive oil
- Rosemary or thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Place the meat in a Dutch oven, scatter apples, cranberries, and onions around it, then pour in apple cider. Drizzle with oil and season with herbs. Cover and roast until the meat is cooked through, removing the lid near the end to brown the top.
The Dutch oven locks in moisture and allows the fruit to break down and form a delicious, naturally sweet glaze. The flavors are bright and bold, offering a nice contrast to rich, savory meat.
Conclusion
From comforting casseroles to decadent desserts, the variety of Dutch oven apple recipes showcases just how adaptable apples can be in the kitchen. Cooking with a Dutch oven makes it easy to develop deep, layered flavors while maintaining the perfect texture in your dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, these recipes will help you make the most of your apples and your Dutch oven alike. Dive into this collection and discover new favorites that combine wholesome ingredients, ease of preparation, and the timeless appeal of apples cooked to perfection.
