Introducing Apple Goodie: A Generational Family Dessert Passed Down Among Apple Farmers

Browse through our collection of the 25 most irresistible apple desserts, and you'll find all the inspiration you need for autumn. From old-fashioned apple pie and easy-to-make apple cobbler to luxurious dumplings and fritter recipes worthy of a bakery, there are endless ways to enjoy fall's beloved fruit.

When it comes to apple baking, most Dinogo members immediately think of apple pie. You've shared countless apple pie recipes with us, and we totally get why it’s considered the quintessential fall dessert—especially when served warm with a scoop of ice cream!

However, during a recent conversation with an apple farmer for our guide to the best baking apples, we learned about another dessert that she adores even more.

What Exactly is Apple Goodie?

At their family farm in Belleville, Illinois, Angie Eckert, vice president of retail operations at Eckert’s Family Farms, shares, 'We grow over 13 different apple varieties.' Her top recommendation for making the most of them? Apple Goodie.

'Apple Goodie is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a cherished part of our family story. My husband, Chris, and I were living in Boston when we dined with the Cheney family, owners of a beautiful apple orchard in the area. They introduced us to their family’s beloved Apple Goodie, made with apples from their farm,' recalls Eckert.

While attending grad school in Ohio, Eckert recreated the apple crisp-inspired recipe, and it quickly became a favorite—especially because of its crunchy topping. 'It captures everything fall should be, with tender baked apples paired with a rich, buttery crumble topping that's both comforting and irresistible,' she says.

The name alone adds to its charm. 'The name ‘Apple Goodie’ always brings a smile to my face. I’m not sure how it got its name, but sometimes the best recipes don’t need fancy titles—they just need to taste amazing!' explains Eckert.

And amazing it is. We love how simple the ingredients are and how quickly we can dive into that first scoop. After peeling and slicing the apples, Apple Goodie requires just 5 minutes of prep time—often faster than it takes for our oven to preheat!

Helpful Tips for Perfecting Apple Goodie

Although the Cheney family has retired from managing their orchard, Eckert proudly shares that Apple Goodie 'lives on at Eckert’s here in the Midwest. This recipe has been passed down and cherished by families like ours, making it a beloved tradition that brings a taste of home with every bite.'

You can find Apple Goodie at their Illinois farmstand, of course, and also in the latest edition of the ‘Eckert Family Fall Cookbook.’ But Angie was kind enough to share her recipe and some key tips below, so you can make Apple Goodie a part of your own family’s fall traditions too.

To perfect your homemade Apple Goodie:

• Pick your fruit wisely. Golden Delicious also gets the green light from Eckert, but the absolute best apple for this dessert is the same one she and the other farmers agreed was the best across the board for baking: Jonathan. “I always use Jonathan apples because their tartness balances the sweetness in the rest of the recipe perfectly.
• Slice thin. Rather than dicing or thickly slicing your apples, Eckert suggests peeling and slicing them very thin, about 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick. This allows for neat layering in the dish and a more uniform and delicate structure that plays nicely with the topping, Eckert explains. Plus, even slices cook at the same rate, so you’ll be far less likely to end up with undercooked or overcooked bites. A mandoline makes this task quick and easy, although a sharp knife and a cutting board also work.
• Opt for a glass pan. Eckert recommends a glass 9-inch square baking pan over a metal or ceramic one “for even heat distribution, heat retention, and visibility—so you can wow guests,” she says.
• Don’t forget the toppings. Apple Goodie is great as-is, but it’s even better with some garnishes. Consider a drizzle of caramel or butterscotch sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of one of Eckert’s absolute favorites: “I love serving it with frozen vanilla or cinnamon custard.”

Apple Goodie with an Oatmeal and Brown Sugar Crumble Recipe

Ingredients List

For the Crumble Topping:

• 3/4 cup oatmeal
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter

For the Apple Filling:

• 5 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
2. Prepare the topping: In a mixing bowl, combine oatmeal, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the butter and work it with your fingertips until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Prepare the filling: Arrange the sliced apples in the greased baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the apples and toss to coat. Spoon the crumble topping over the apples and press down gently.
5. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a golden crust forms. Serve warm or chilled, ideally with a scoop of ice cream or frozen custard.

Serves 6 to 8.