Apple Pie Recipes: 17 Takes On Your Traditional Apple Pie

Not to belittle traditional apple pie, which is one of the greatest creations man has ever seen, this July 4 we're trying to get a little creative. There are lots of ways to put a spin on your standard apple pie recipe and wow the crowd with something they've never seen before. Whether you're looking for something sweet or savory, light or heavy, there is an apple pie recipe for you. So this Independence Day, maintain the tradition of good ol' American Apple pie, but switch it up a notch with these creative variations of the classic favorite.

1. Apple Pie Doughnuts

Dunkin' Donuts will be begging you for the recipe to this festive treat. What can be tastier than a hybrid of pie and donuts, after all? Use Pillsbury biscuits for the doughnuts and then find the recipes for the filling and frosting here. 

2. Apple Pie in a Jar

Do as the hipsters do this July 4th — eat your apple pie out of a mason jar. The recipe is simple to follow, containing just apple crisps, granny smith apples sauteed in butter and brown sugar, apple sauce, cinnamon and cream. Just layer the ingredients in a jar and feast away. 

3. Apple Pie Grilled Cheese

For those who favor savory over sweet, this mealtime take on apple pie will blow you away. To make this incredible apple pie grilled cheese, spread butter and sprinkle walnuts and cinnamon on your bread of choice, then load the sandwich with cheese (aged Cheddar is a favorite) and melt away. 

4. Apple Pie Ice Cream

Summer nights are simply incomplete without ice cream, so why not dazzle up your cone with this apple pie flavor. Cook your apples in a scalding skillet with butter and sugar, add your heavy cream and churn. For an easier option, just mix the sauteed apple into pre-made vanilla bean ice cream. 

5. Apple Pie Macaroons

Apple pie macaroons are the the French twist on the American classic. Turn your pie into bite sized treats with this step-by-step recipe. 

6. Apple Pie Smoothie

Now you can have your pie and drink it too with the recipe for an apple pie smoothie. This simple recipe contains only five ingredients — apple juice, diced apples, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and frozen vanilla yogurt. Blend away and enjoy!

7. Pie Fries

It doesn't get better than this recipe for pie fries and apple jam dip, brought to you by Serious Eats. These fried, buttery scraps of pie dough will make your mouth water. Dip in a side of apple jam or preserves in order to really capitalize on the fourth of July flavor. 

8. Apple Pie Cookies

These apple pie cookies are essentially bite size pies, but they are less fluffy and more crispy with a gooey apple filling. Check out the recipe outlining the how to create the perfect crust and filling for your apple cookies. 

9. Pie Pops

Ever since Starbucks introduced their delicious, frosty cake pops, people have become infatuated with Popsicle versions of their favorite treats. If you are one of these fans, here is the perfect recipe for you: Try these apple pie pops, individual, tiny apple pies fastened on sticks that are both easy to eat and adorable. 

10. Apple Pie Granola

The best part about granola is that it is so adaptable to different flavors and new twists. Try this apple pie granola, the perfect snack to munch on throughout your Independence Day. Delicious in yogurt or to eat plain, this granola recipe made up of oats, sugar, spices and applesauce is easy to follow and fairly quick.

11. Apple Pie Egg Rolls

These apple pie egg rolls are essentially blintzes oozing in warm apple filling. To complete this festive recipe, just add a sweet diced apple mixture made of apples, cinnamon, butter and sugar to egg roll wrappers, paint with butter and bake until golden. 

12. Apple Pie Pop Corn

It's hard to go wrong with this delicious apple pie pop corn. The perfect blend of sweet and salty, this recipe is incredibly quick and it will keep your guests munching away. 

13. Apple Pie Moonshine

This apple-flavored moonshine recipe certainly isn't for everyone, but if you are daring enough to take a stab at it you'll be happy with the end result. The ingredients include apple juice, apple cider, white and brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and certainly not to be forgotten, 190 proof grain alcohol. 

14. Apple Pie in An Apple

This recipe might not necessarily be healthy, but it's certainly a nutritional step up from normal apple pie. Instead of in a crust, why not eat your apple pie right from an apple. Slice off the tops of the whole apples, core the insides and scoop out the apple flesh and then add the apple pie filling once baked.

15. Apple Pie Pizza

Making homemade pizza is an activity that kids love, and this pizza  with an apple twist could be the perfect idea for your July 4 dinner. The ingredients include ham, cheddar cheese and of course, apples. Just assemble the toppings on your pizza dough to taste, place in the oven and watch your dough bubble, rise and brown. 

16. Apple French Toast

There's no reason you shouldn't have your apple pie for breakfast. Try it out in the form of this delicious apple pie french toast. The recipe calls for french bread, but substitute for challah bread in order for a fluffier result. 

17. Cheddar Apple Pie Buttermilk Biscuits

This last recipe is a final savory snack in the midst of so many sweet apple pie variations. Cheddar apple buttermilk biscuits are the perfect way to give your sweet tooth a rest without completely losing the apple flavor. Fast and easy to make, these cheesy, flaky biscuits complete with an apple twist are a solid holiday treat.