Fall means homemade apple pies, hot apple cider, baked apples and a whole treasure trove of other apple-themed treats. For the perfect apple, you might usually turn to Honeycrisp or Gala. But this year, a new variety will hit the grocery store shelves, and it’s going to be a big deal.
The Cosmic Crisp apple is making a splash as one of the best-tasting apples on the market!
What exactly makes this apple so special?
There are so many kinds of apples at your grocery store already. Check out our explainer guide to the newer varieties. So why are people so excited about the Cosmic Crisp? Well, the taste and texture of the Cosmic Crisp are supposed to be unparalleled. It’s a cross between a Honeycrisp apple and an Enterprise apple. According to the Cosmic Crisp website, the apple “has a remarkably firm and crisp texture” and “provides ample sweetness and tartness.” This makes it an ideal apple to snack on.
The apple is called the Cosmic Crisp because of its bright white lenticels. (Lenticels are the little spots on apples that function as pores.) On the Cosmic Crisp apple, the lenticels look like bursts of lights you might see in outer space.
Where did the Cosmic Crisp come from?
The Cosmic Crisp apple was made at Washington State University’s fruit tree breeding program. Like most apples, the Cosmic Crisp grows in Washington. Development for this apple started in 1997, so the fruit has been 22 years in the making!
The Cosmic Crisp will debut in supermarkets this fall. Millions of Cosmic Crisp trees have been planted in Washington, so you can expect more to be in stores in the next couple years. If you plan to stock up on Cosmic Crisps, learn how you can store apples to last through the winter.
The Best Apple Recipes for Fall
1 / 58
Rustic Caramel Apple Tart
Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Apple-Mustard Chicken Tenders
My husband says this dish is sweet and a little bit sassy, just like me. I like to use Granny Smith apples for a bit of tartness. Winesaps are great for this dish, too. —Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois
Dutch Apple Cake
My husband and I came to Canada over 40 years ago from Holland. This traditional Dutch recipe is a family favorite and frequently goes along with me to potluck suppers and other get-togethers. —Elizabeth Peters, Martintown, Ontario
Slow-Cooked Bread Pudding
This warm and hearty dessert is perfect on any cold, blustery winter evening. And the slow cooker fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma. My stomach is growling just thinking about it! —Maiah Albi, Carlsbad, California
German Apple Pancake
If you're looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, try this. Everyone I've served it to has enjoyed it—except for one time, that is, when my husband tried to make it following my recipe, which I'd written down incorrectly! If you don't leave out the flour as I did, it'll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington
Apple Pumpkin Muffins
The combination of flavors makes this recipe a perfect treat for a cool fall day. These apple and pumpkin muffins are great for breakfast, dessert or an after-school snack. —Beth Knapp, Littleton, New Hampshire
Grilled Apple Tossed Salad
The grilled apples in this salad combine so well with the blue cheese, walnuts and balsamic dressing. I like to serve it on pink Depression glass dessert plates from my great-grandmother. —Paul Soska, Toledo, Ohio
Winning Apple Crisp
I live in apple country, and a delicious crisp is one good way to use them that doesn't take a lot of time. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin
William Tell's Never-Miss Apple Cake
I bake my family-favorite fall cake to usher in this abundant season. It looks so luscious that eating one piece is nearly impossible. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
Apple Kolaches
A fellow home cook shared this recipe for a sweet, fruit-filled pastry. My son, who isn’t a dessert fan, was disappointed when he came home to find his dad had polished off the last kolache in the batch.—Ann Johnson, Evansville, Indiana
Apple Cider-Glazed Ham
When I wanted to try something new with our holiday ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
Apple Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
Both my husband and I were raised on farms, and we prefer home cooking to eating out. That works out fine since I love trying new recipes! I've served this apple salsa as an appetizer and a snack. Plus, it's sweet enough to be a dessert. It's easy to transport besides. —Carolyn Brinkmeyer, Golden, Colorado
Apple Pear & Walnut Conserve
Fruit and walnuts pair beautifully in this homemade spread. It’s wonderful on toast, pound cake…even scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream
These apple pie cupcakes are always a hit! They are so easy to make and the flavor just screams fall—of course, apple cupcakes are just as delicious at other times of year, too. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Acorn Squash with Cranberry Stuffing
If you have squash or cranberry lovers at the table, here’s your new go-to recipe. It’s colorful, the blend of flavors is delicious and it’s a fitting addition to a Thanksgiving menu. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Upside-Down Apple Pie
This pie has won eight ribbons at area fairs. People say it looks and tastes like a giant apple-cinnamon bun. I take time off from work around the holidays to fill pie requests from family and friends. The recipe has become everyone's favorite. —Susan Frisch, Germansville, Pennsylvania
Bite-Sized Apple Pies
These little bites are fun for kids to make. Simply wrap strips of pastry around apple wedges and shake on some cinnamon-sugar. Then just bake and watch them disappear! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
All-Day Apple Butter
I make several batches of this simple and delicious homemade apple butter recipe to freeze in jars. Depending on the sweetness of the apples used, you can adjust the sugar to taste. —Betty Ruenholl, Syracuse, Nebraska
"Everything" Stuffing
Of all the stuffing recipes, my husband and father both go crazy for this particular dish! The leftovers freeze well so we can enjoy it long after Thanksgiving has passed. —Bette Votral, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Apple Cider Doughnuts
Apple donuts remind me of family trips to South Dakota. We’d stop at Wall Drug for a dozen or so before camping in the Badlands. Maple glaze was and still is my favorite. Share a batch with friends and family who appreciate a hot, fresh apple cider donut. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
German Apple Strudel
This gorgeous strudel has just what you crave this time of year: thin layers of flaky crust and lots of juicy apples. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Apple Dumpling Rollups
A family friend gave me a simple way to make apple dumplings without lots of steps. I love the sticky cinnamon topping. —Jenny Leighty, West Salem, Ohio
Apple Chicken Quesadillas
My sister came up with an easy recipe that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. People are surprised by the combination of chicken, apples, tomatoes and corn inside the crispy tortillas, but they love it. —Stacia Slagle of Maysville, Missouri
Glazed Apple-Maple Blondies
My 6-year-old son and I conjured up this recipe to use up the last of the apples we picked from the local apple orchard. Serve it with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine
Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
Cheese and sage go well with apples, so why not put them all in scones? These mini ones make a fall brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Apple Pie
I remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested, "Maybe a slice of my homemade apple pie will make you feel better." One bite, and Grandma was right. If you want to learn how to make homemade apple pie filling, this is really the only recipe you need. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington
Cinnamon-Apple Pork Chops
When I found these pork chops and apples recipe online years ago, it quickly became a favorite. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand, and the one-pan cleanup is a bonus. —Christina Price, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Apple Pie Filling
My family is always delighted to see an oven-fresh pie cooling on the counter. What a convenience it is to have jars of homemade freezer apple pie filling on hand so I can treat them to pies year-round. —Laurie Mace, Los Osos, California
Apple-Spice Angel Food Cake
I dressed up an angel food cake mix with some nuts, spice and applesauce to make an easy and light dessert. I serve it with a dollop of whipped topping mixed with a half cup of sour cream. —Joan Buehnerkemper, Teutopolis, Illinois
Butternut Squash Apple Bake
Even those who aren't fans of squash enjoy this side dish. Sweet slices of butternut squash are topped with apples covered in a cinnamon-sugar glaze for a quick and easy dinner accompaniment. —Ellie Klopping, Toledo, Ohio
Apple and Onion Beef Pot Roast
Rely on your slow cooker to help prepare this moist pot roast. I thicken the juices to make a pleasing apple gravy that's wonderful over the beef slices and onions. —Rachel Koistinen, Hayti, South Dakota
Slow-Cooker Pork and Apple Curry
Here's a gentle curry dish that's sure to please American palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California
Garlic-Apple Pork Roast
This is the meal I have become famous for, and it is so simple. The garlic and apple flavors really compliment the pork. It's great with steamed fresh asparagus and roasted red potatoes. —Jennifer Loos, Washington Boro, Pennsylvania
Festive Apple Dip
I came up with this layered peanut butter treat when my dad gave me a big bag of apples. The dip has been one of my favorites ever since. In addition to serving it with apples, try it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, banana chunks or animal crackers. —Theresa Tometich, Coralville, Iowa
German Red Cabbage
Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Apple Kuchen Bars
This apple kuchen is about family, comfort and simplicity. My mom made this delicious sweet treat many a winters night and served it up warm with some of her famous homemade ice cream. I like to make a double batch and pass on the love! —Elizabeth Monfort, Celina, Ohio
Maple Cran-Apple Breakfast Pizza
When hosting overnight guests, I like to start their day with a giant surprise – a breakfast pizza with apples, sausage and cranberries. Bye-bye, ho-hum morning. —Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, TX
Apple-Almond Muffins
I like to snack on apple slices slathered with almond butter. That's the flavor combo that inspired these muffins. Add a dash of almond extract to boost the nuttiness. —Kelly Alesso, Chicago, IL
Apple-Sage Sausage Patties
Apple and sausage naturally go together. Add sage, and you’ve got some standout patties. They’re freezer friendly, so I make them ahead and grab when needed. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Fruity Baked Oatmeal
This is my husband’s favorite breakfast treat and the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, filling and always a hit when I serve it to guests. —Karen Schroeder, Kankakee, Illinois.
Apple-Feta Tossed Salad
A friend of mine shared this recipe with me after I raved about the delightful salad at dinner. I have served it for years now, and no matter where i take it, I have to bring along copies of the recipe to hand out. -Marlene Clark Apple Valley, California
Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars
The streusel topping that comes with this recipe for apple cream cheese bars is absolutely irresistible. If you can’t resist a “taste test” before a party, just arrange each apple bar on a serving platter and no one will know a piece is missing from the pan! —Katherine White, Henderson, Nevada
Glazed Cinnamon Apples
If you are seeking comfort food on the sweet side, this warm and yummy apple dessert, made with cinnamon and nutmeg, fits the bill. —Megan Maze, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Potluck German Apple Cake
My mother made this German apple cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It's an excellent choice for potlucks any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Apple-Stuffed French Toast Bake
This is baked stuffed french toast casserole a great breakfast dish to make ahead for holidays or Sunday brunch. I run a bed and breakfast and tea room cafe, and this recipe is often requested by customers. —Kay Clark, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Contest-Winning Caramel Apple Crisp
When my kids and I make apple crisp, we use all sorts of apples to boost the flavor and texture. Add melted caramels, and you’ve got something scrumptious. —Michelle Brooks, Clarkston, Michigan
Pecan Apple Pancakes
Weekend breakfasts are a big deal here in Texas, and these sweet, well-spiced pancakes make any breakfast special. So put on your apron and invite the neighbors in! —Sharon Richardson, Dallas, Texas
Apple Dumplings with Sauce
This warm and comforting recipe for apple dumplings is incredible by itself or served with ice cream. You can decorate each dumpling by cutting 1-inch leaves and a 1/2-inch stem from the leftover dough. —Robin Lendon, Cincinnati, Ohio
Candy Bar Apple Salad
This creamy, sweet snickers salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Golden Harvest Apple Pie
You'll think Grandma was baking in the kitchen when you taste your first bite of this old-fashioned pie. The golden, tender crust holds a yummy apple filling with a hint of orange.—Drew Menne, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Grain-Free Apple Pie Granola
Because of food allergies, I’ve learned to swap ingredients. There are no grains in this granola but loads of nuts and apples. Try it with yogurt or milk. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Tempting Caramel Apple Pudding with Gingersnap Crust
The crunchy apple topping gives way to a creamy layer of cream cheese and butterscotch-caramel pudding. The gingersnap crust lends a spicy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Apple-Cranberry Grains
These delicious slow-cooker grains are perfect. I set my slow cooker to start automatically overnight and a hearty breakfast is ready in the morning, making this quick and healthy recipe a favorite in my home. —Sherisse Dawe, Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada
Apple Brown Betty
This apple brown betty recipe can be whipped up in no time. It costs little to prepare, but it's big on flavor. —Florence Palmer, Marshall, Illinois
Apple Pear Coffee Cake
A friend gave me this apple pear coffee cake recipe to make for a breakfast I was hosting. The pan was empty before the breakfast was over! It's one of my most-requested recipes, probably because it's a bit different. —Joanne Hoschette, Paxton, Massachusetts
Apple Cranberry Slab Pie
My husband loves pie, so I made one with apples, raspberries and cranberries. It’s so good, I bend the rules and let the grandkids have it for breakfast. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan
Chunky Applesauce
There's just something extra special about a homemade applesauce recipe like this one. This simple dish is tart and not too sweet. It makes the perfect side, especially with pork chops or a pork roast. —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
Northwoods Wild Rice Salad
This is my Minnesota version of a vintage German slaw served at church suppers. The wild rice has a nutty flavor that’s perfect with tangy sauerkraut. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
The post The Cosmic Crisp Apple Is Being Released This Fall—and People Are Already Obsessed appeared first on Taste of Home.
Sophia Lo