Fall in New York means apple season. If your family has a trip planned to the orchard (or just comes home with a big bag from the farmer’s market), chances are you’ll end up with more apples than you know what to do with. The good news? Apples are the perfect ingredient for kid-friendly kitchen fun. These recipes are simple enough for little helpers and tasty enough for the whole family.

Here are five ideas to make the most of your apple haul:

1. No-Bake Apple Pie Parfaits

When the kids get home from school and need something sweet but not too heavy, this parfait checks every box. It layers all the cozy flavors of apple pie in a quick, no-bake snack.

How to make it:

• Sauté chopped apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon until just soft.
• In a clear cup, layer Greek yogurt (or whipped cream), the warm apples, and crushed graham crackers.
• Let kids top their parfait with granola, raisins, or a drizzle of honey.

Kid job: Crushing graham crackers and layering the ingredients.

2. Apple “Donuts”

This recipe is half snack, half art project. Kids love turning apple slices into edible masterpieces.

How to make it:

• Slice apples crosswise into rounds, then use a small cookie cutter (or bottle cap) to pop out the core.
• Spread with cream cheese, nut butter, or sunflower butter.
• Set out toppings like shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or rainbow sprinkles and let kids decorate.

Kid job: Choosing the toppings and designing their own “donut.”

3. Cheesy Apple Grilled Sandwiches

When the weather cools down, this twist on grilled cheese feels like the ultimate comfort food. The crisp apple slices cut through the melty cheddar for a sweet-and-savory bite.

How to make it:

• Butter two slices of bread.
• Layer cheddar cheese and thinly sliced apples inside.
• Grill in a skillet until golden brown and gooey.
• Pair with tomato soup for an easy dinner.

Kid job: Laying the apple slices and cheese on the bread before grilling.

4. Slow-Cooker Applesauce

This one will make your whole house smell like fall. It’s low-effort, delicious, and doubles as a sensory experience for little chefs.

How to make it:

• Peel and chop 8–10 apples.
• Toss into a slow cooker with a splash of water, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a spoonful of brown sugar (optional).
• Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then mash with a fork for chunky applesauce or blend for smooth.

Kid job: Stirring the pot (with supervision) and taste-testing to decide if it needs more cinnamon.

5. DIY Caramel Apple Bar

This is more of a party idea than a recipe—and it’s guaranteed to be a hit for playdates or family gatherings.

How to make it:

• Slice apples into wedges and stick each wedge on a popsicle stick.
• Melt caramel or chocolate for dipping.
• Fill bowls with toppings: crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, sprinkles, graham cracker crumbs, or chopped nuts.
• Let everyone dip and roll to create their own “mini caramel apple.”

Kid job: Choosing their toppings and decorating their apple slices.

Why Cook With Kids?

Beyond the tasty results, inviting children into the kitchen encourages independence, sparks creativity, and introduces basic math and science skills in a hands-on way. Measuring flour, counting apple slices, or watching apples transform into warm sauce are all mini lessons wrapped in fun.

And perhaps the biggest benefit? It slows everyone down. Amid school schedules, after-school activities, and the busyness of fall, cooking together creates a pocket of connection—something families will remember just as fondly as the orchard trip itself.

Want more ways to keep the creativity flowing this fall? Check out Shine’s classes and events designed for kids (and parents) to learn, play, and grow together.