Seasonal Delights: Easy Apple & Pear Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

As the air gets crisp and the leaves turn golden, apples and pears arrive in abundance — sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. These humble fruits are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly versatile. Whether you're prepping snacks for little ones, planning a cozy weekend brunch, or looking for simple desserts, seasonal fruit can transform everyday meals into something special.

Cooking with seasonal apples and pears is not only cost-effective, but it also helps you make the most of fresh, local produce. From sweet sautéed pears to hearty sausage rolls and cozy desserts, here are four recipes designed to be easy, family-friendly, and packed with flavor.

1. Sautéed Cinnamon Pears – A Naturally Sweet Treat

This simple recipe turns ripe pears into a warm, caramelised topping or snack that’s perfect on its own, over yogurt, or spooned onto pancakes. Recipe by Yummy Toddler Food

Ingredients

• 4 medium pears (any variety)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or coconut or avocado oil)

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

Method

1. Dice the pears into ½-inch pieces. (Keep the peel for extra fiber, or peel if you prefer.) Discard the core and stem.

2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and melt the butter (or oil). Add the pears and stir.

3. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, until soft when poked with a fork.

4. Stir in the cinnamon, and serve warm or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tip: If cooking for babies or toddlers, make sure the pears are soft enough to mash between your fingers.

2. Carrot & Apple Sausage Rolls – A Savory Snack with a Sweet Twist

These sausage rolls are a clever way to sneak in extra fruit and veggies — and they’re always a hit at family gatherings or lunchboxes. Recipe by Meals for Mini Mouths

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated carrot

• 1 cup grated apple

• 2 cups sausage meat

• 1 roll puff pastry

• 1 egg (whisked)

• Mixed herbs

Method

1. Mix the carrot, apple, and sausage meat in a bowl.

2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into two long rectangles.

3. Divide the sausage mix into two equal portions and roll each into a long sausage shape.

4. Place the filling on each pastry strip, brush one edge with egg, and fold over.

5. Press along the edge with a fork to seal.

6. Brush egg over the top, cut into 3–4 cm pieces, and place on a lined baking tray.

7. Sprinkle with mixed herbs and bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.

Tip: These freeze well before baking — perfect for quick after-school snacks!

3. Pear Muffins – A Wholesome Bake for All Ages

These moist, spiced muffins are perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or weekend baking with the kids. Recipe by My Kids Lick The Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain flour (150 g)

• 1 cup wholemeal flour (150 g)

• ½ cup brown sugar (100 g)

• 3 tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup milk

• 80 ml oil (⅓ cup)

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 cup diced pear

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease or line a muffin tin.

2. In a large bowl, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.

3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix gently.

5. Fold in the diced pear.

6. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.

Tip: These freeze beautifully — just pop them in the microwave or oven to warm through on busy mornings.

4. Honey & Cinnamon Apples with Ginger Crumble Oats – A Warm, Comforting Dessert

This is autumn in a bowl: sweet apples, warm spices, and a crunchy ginger-oat topping. It works beautifully as dessert, or even breakfast on a chilly morning. Recipe by Meals for Mini Mouths

For the Apples

• 4–5 cooking apples

• 4 tbsp honey

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 cup water

For the Crumble

• 2 cups oats

• 1 cup mixed nuts (Brazil, cashew & pistachio work well)

• 1 tsp ginger

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 ginger nut biscuits

Method

1. Peel and slice the apples. Add them to a pan with honey, water, and cinnamon.

2. Cover and gently simmer for 20 minutes. For a smoother texture, blend to your liking.

3. In another pan, melt the butter and stir in oats and ginger. Cook for 2–3 minutes.

4. Blend nuts and crush the biscuits, then add both to the oats.

5. Serve warm apples topped with the crunchy crumble.

Tip: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Make it a family activity:

• Let kids help with peeling, mixing, or sprinkling toppings. Our Children's Aprons and Splash mats will help keep the mess to a minimum.
• Serve these dishes for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick grab-and-go options.

Bonus Tip: Mix and match flavors — apples and pears pair beautifully with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. They also complement nuts, oats, and even savory meats, making them incredibly versatile in the kitchen.