Rosh Hashanah always brings me back to the scent of baked apples, the warmth of golden honey, and that first sweet bite that marks a hopeful new beginning.
In our home, desserts aren’t just an afterthought – they’re part of the tradition.
Apple and honey represent wishes for a sweet new year, so I make sure to bake with heart and intention.
Whether you’re hosting family or just want something symbolic for the holiday table, here are 12 apple & honey desserts for Rosh Hashanah that feel festive, easy, and meaningful.
Let’s make the Jewish New Year as sweet as it should be!
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1. Apple Honey Upside-Down Skillet Cake
This one feels rustic and comforting – just like the New Year should.
Thin apple slices are layered over melted butter and honey, then topped with a spiced cinnamon cake batter.
I bake mine in a cast iron skillet to get those beautiful caramelized edges. The moment you flip it, the honey-soaked apples glisten like stained glass.
Serve warm with whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt if you’re keeping things kosher dairy-free.
2. Apple and Honey Rugelach
Think of these as tiny rolled bites of heaven. I use a cream cheese dough (you can sub pareve margarine) and fill it with finely chopped apples, crushed walnuts, cinnamon, and a generous drizzle of honey.
After baking, I brush them again with warm honey for a beautiful sticky finish. These freeze beautifully too – perfect for prepping ahead.
3. Mini Apple-Honey Galettes
These little rustic tarts are so charming. I roll out store-bought or homemade pie dough into small rounds, pile in spiced apple slices, fold the edges, and bake till golden.
A drizzle of warm honey on top seals in the sweetness. The best part? No need for a tart pan and no perfection required – these look best when a little uneven.
4. Honey Apple Pomegranate Parfaits
Here’s something lighter but still deeply symbolic. I layer honey-sweetened Greek yogurt with roasted cinnamon apples and fresh pomegranate arils for crunch.
A sprinkle of granola or crushed almonds adds a nutty texture. It’s perfect for brunch or a refreshing dessert after a big meal.
5. Apple Honey Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream
These little beauties are soft, moist, and practically melt in your mouth. I fold grated apple and a spoonful of honey into the batter for a natural sweetness that feels just right.
The cinnamon buttercream on top is optional – but trust me, it takes these cupcakes from holiday treat to party showstopper.
Add a tiny apple slice or honey drizzle as garnish and you’ve got something Instagram and Pinterest-worthy.
6. Honey Roasted Apple Nachos
This is my fun twist on dessert when I want something the kids can help with. Thinly sliced apples are arranged like nachos and roasted slightly to soften.
Then we drizzle warm honey, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or granola, and top with mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts. It’s casual, interactive, and gone in minutes.
7. Gluten-Free Apple Honey Almond Cake
This one’s perfect for guests with dietary restrictions – and it doesn’t taste like a compromise.
Almond flour keeps it naturally gluten-free, while apples and honey lock in moisture. I usually add orange zest and a pinch of cardamom for warmth.
Dust the top with powdered sugar or add a honey glaze before serving.
8. Apple Cider Honey Sorbet
If your Rosh Hashanah falls during a heat wave (and let’s be real, it often does), this cool treat saves the day.
Simmer fresh apple cider with honey, lemon juice, and a cinnamon stick.
After cooling, churn it in an ice cream maker or freeze in a tray and blend later. It’s refreshing, symbolic, and makes a lovely palate cleanser after dinner.
9. Honey Apple Bread Pudding with Raisins
This is one of those cozy, comforting dishes I make when I have leftover challah (especially round challah from the night before).
Cubes of bread are soaked in a honey-egg custard, folded with sautéed apples and golden raisins, and baked till golden. I serve it warm with a drizzle of honey or a spoon of coconut cream on top.
10. Caramelized Apple & Honey Puff Pastry Tarts
Need something fast but fancy? These puff pastry tarts look like you spent hours, but they’re honestly foolproof.
I top puff pastry squares with thin apple slices, brush with honey and cinnamon, then bake until flaky. A tiny sprinkle of sea salt and crushed pistachios adds contrast and crunch.
11. Apple & Honey Cheesecake Bites
If you want something bite-sized and crowd-friendly, these mini cheesecake cups hit the mark.
The base is crushed graham crackers or crushed honey biscuits. The filling? Classic vanilla cheesecake sweetened with honey.
Top each with a small apple compote spoonful or a raw apple-honey mixture for crunch.
12. Baked Honey Apples Stuffed with Walnuts & Dates
This one feels ancient in the best way – like something a Jewish grandma would’ve passed down.
I core large apples and fill them with chopped dates, cinnamon, crushed walnuts, and honey. Then I bake them till soft and fragrant. They’re rich, warm, and totally traditional.
Final Thoughts
Rosh Hashanah is more than just a celebration – it’s a time to reflect, reset, and reconnect with what really matters. In our house, desserts are our way of sharing those blessings.
A warm slice of apple cake or the sticky sweetness of honey on challah reminds us of the joy in tradition and the love that gets baked into every bite.
Whether you’re keeping things simple or going all out this year, I hope these recipes inspire you to slow down, savor the moment, and sweeten your family’s start to the New Year.
Here’s to a year full of flavor, faith, and fresh-baked memories. Shanah Tovah.
