What's better than a cup of hot spiced apple cider as you're driving up to see some impressive forests on a cold winter day? The answer is: hot spiced apple cider AND hot fruit pies and pastries! This is a great little stand that sells fruits (mainly several varieties of apples, pumpkins, persimmons, etc.) and also whole pies and little fruit pastries and desserts. The hot cider is to die for! I really liked the spices in it, and it wasn't too sweet like ciders you get at the store. You could tell it was freshly made. The apple pie turnover was also pretty delicious if you're not down to buy a whole apple pie. And even though this place is called the Red Apple, don't overlook the little cherry crumble pies - they're SO. FREAKIN. DELICIOUS. And I don't even like cherry pies normally! They also sell jugs of cider, jams, honey, and little pastry kits as well. read more

The most incredibly soft and cinnamon-y apple donuts. Eating one is like being hugged by a Care Bear. I shall forever cherish the memory of biting into one of these for the first time (apple donuts, not Care Bears). Their spiced cider is comforting for a cold day and their super freshly made apple pies are so heavy with apples that you'll work your biceps just carrying one out. read more

The Red Apple - apple donuts - Bakeries Near Me - Murphys, California

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Those Apple, strawberry, and peach turnovers though!!!!! Get some and you'll thank me later. Enough said. Freaking delicious

STOP!! Must Stop to get some Fresh Donuts, or a cup of the Fresh Hot Apple Cider!! Ok, so the last few times that I've been up here, I've stopped here on the way home and picked up a few things. It will help with the long drive back to wherever you're headed. The Fresh Donuts, warm, sprinkled with sugar.. Oh yeah!! If you are on a special diet, I think you'll be happy with a sack of apples! The pr Apple Cider, so fresh and full of goodness! I usually buy a 1/2 gallon as well as a Hot Cup of Cider for the road. The strudel is tasty! I only had a bite before my 2 little monsters smashed it! Well, I'm glad they liked it! Cash Only! There is an ATM which is probably in dial-up. Restrooms- There is an outhouse..ports-potty on the side of the building. Parking, be careful when entering and exiting the area. Once again, a must stop and try!! read more

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The original Darby brothers families operated this fruit stand-plus-bakery for nearly 100 years. They have retired and the stand was closed for a long while. In May of this year, the Bunch family took over operations and are now managing in the same spirit, and with the same recipes, as the original. I spent many days with the Bunches and Darbys producing a documentary segment about the Darby Red Apple for my television show, Calaveras Gold, The Best of Calaveras Country!" (www.calaverasgold.tv), including 2 days over Labor Day Weekend doing on-camera interviews with dozens of customers. I can tell you that The Red Apple has a huge following going back generations. They are locally famous for their Apple Donuts, Fruit Pies, and Apple Cider. Their bakery offers many delicious pastry delights and their store offers nuts, dried fruits, jams, jellies, and syrups. The fruit stand has a nice selection of fresh locally-grown fruits and vegetables at good prices. While you can't beat the yummy treats and drinks, I think the best thing about The Red Apple is the people. The new managers, Lloyd and Chris, are wonderful people who are committed to continuing The Red Apple traditions and values. Calaveras Country is very lucky that The Red Apple is back! You gotta be crazy to drive by The Red Apple on Highway 4 and not stop to get something fresh and delicious to take with you! read more

The Red Apple - Bakeries Near Me - Murphys, California

Stopped here on a whim one afternoon and hopped in line with the other dozen people. Surely a place must be good if there are that many people standing in line in the wind. They were right. We only got a cherry turnover and some hot spiced cider, but they were both excellent and surely reflect everything else there. In the morning we were kicking ourselves for not ordering some of the donuts or other goodies to bring home with us. read more

This time bought two types of apple: Honeycrisp and a kind I had never heard of, Summerfeld. Apple doughnuts for the kids. Whole apple pie. The apples are fantastic. As good as the honeycrisp were, we preferred the Summerfeld even more. A little less crisp, but a little more flavor. You don't get better apples. Tried a bite of the doughnuts again and they were pretty much as I remembered them. Tasty, but not my thing. Whole apple pie was really good as you would expect starting with such a fantastic product. However, it wasn't the best we've ever had. The filling needed a bit more lemon juice/salt. It was a little bland. The top crust would have benefited from a sprinkling of course sugar and/or cinnamon. Just some minor issues. Just go for the cider and apples. You will never be disappointed. read more

Last year, it was just my wife and I stopping in. This year, we brought our daughter along to share in the memories of my youth and the Red Apple. Calling ahead on a Sunday, we wanted to confirm they'd be open on a Monday in mid September. Being the off season after Labor Day, you just never know. We were pleased to hear they'd be open and did we want to special order anything? Thinking there might be a rush on those "to die for" donuts, we placed an order for a dozen and an apple crisp to pick up around noon on Monday. We arrived as scheduled and were met with the wonderful aroma of fresh baked treats as we opened the car doors. We probably looked like a pack of hound dogs, sniffing the air as it lead us into the store. Spying some dried apples, some cider, some apple sauce we loaded our arms full of apple bounty before reaching the counter where we were greeted with a warm and welcoming, "Howdy". They had our order of donuts and crisp ready. We got a strudel too. And a sippy cup shaped like and apple for my 20 year old daughter....to which the gentlemen laughed and said, "Ma'am, I do believe you are the oldest person I've ever sold a sippy cup to!" Saying our good byes, we were barely in the car before we tore into the fresh hot donuts. They did not disappoint. A cakey treat, rolled in sugar with a hint of apple, cinnamon and spice. Dunked in some cider and I think it's one of the best treats this side of heaven. Okay...so why the star deduction from last year? Oh, the crisp and the strudel looked divine and smelled just as good. But unfortunately, they were a disappointment for taste. I'm not sure WHAT was missing. But all three of us WANTED it to better than it really was. Which is not to say it was bad but any means. Just not as good as we'd hoped. My wife is a darn fine cook and her apple pie and apple crisp are not easily matched. I think that is why we were ultimately disappointed and so it is with a heavy heart, I must deduct a star.....'cause it just isn't "as good as it gets" (5 stars). But hey, we are "still a fan" at four stars. read more

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Great donuts, and other amazing food there. I see no point in not stopping by and having something to eat

I'm an east coaster and you cannot find apple cider doughnuts anywhere! But we were driving to camping and I saw the sign ("apple stand and bakery) -- "could it possibly be - the elusive apple cider doughnut is made here??" My bf has been hearing about them for years - fingers crossed we went in. BINGO - delicious mini apple cider doughnuts in raw sugar. The gal said they are most likely warm between 9 and 11 am on weekend mornings...oh what I would have given to have tasted them warm. We ordered 1/2 dozen ($3.50) for the four of us but she gave us 8 (what a doll!). read more

Darby Red Apple Ranch is attached to the red apple. This is the part you really want to go in! They have a wide variety of baked good and other treats, some apple themed / flavored and some not. I had an apple pastry, not sure what it was, that was delicious. The outside was flaky and the inside was sweet and gooey. We also slit a cup of apple cider which was sweet and refreshing. It seemed very concentrated with a strong flavor and sweetness with a touch of cinnamon. read more

5 stars isn't enough. I've tried cookies, apple dumplings, a few different cobblers and the apple crisp and they are all DELICIOUS! I've tried some fruit from there and the cold cider, both were ok, but I'm here every week for the desserts. An apple cobbler is like 3 whole apples per serving anyway, so I'm still getting my recommended daily amount of fruit ‍ We have family from out of town that requests mini pies (cobblers) every time they know we're coming down the hill. If you're passing by and curious, take that short detour, you will NOT regret it! The treats are wonderful, the service is good and prices are very reasonable, you really can't ask for more.. read more

Delish!!! Stop in whenever I can. Warm Apple spice donuts are the best, but get there early.

Apple pies were HUGE and delicious. Donuts are overrated but still worth trying a couple. Great stop to pick up something that will take a moment on the lips and stay with you for a lifetime on your hips read more

Out of this world cider donuts! Just like I would have as a kid. Mmmmm. Plus delicious turnovers and apple cider and apple bread. They have a walk-up window so it felt safe during Covid. Open til 5pm (not 3pm as listed here). Totally worth it, go get some of those amazing donuts right now! read more

Worth the trip for their amazing Apple cider doughnuts! They have other bakery items as well, cider, honey, fresh fruit, etc. The doughnuts, though.. crisp on the outside, melt in your mouth tender inside. You need this in your life! Be advised, they're cash only, so be prepared. read more

Got hot apple cider and apple cinnamon donuts. Both are as good as other reviews indicate. So happy for this place where we can stop through when in the area. I look forward to trying more things out next time. read more

This place has exceptional pies, honeys and hot spiced apple cider. Its been our pie spot for 2 Years now and the quality has always been great. Friendly staff and open space to play in the snow! read more

The Red Apple - Bakeries Near Me - Murphys, California

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OMG - Hot out of the oven, the donuts melt in your mouth! I don't even like donuts, wasn't hungry and had no idea why I was waiting in line until I actually ate one. Do. Not. Miss. read more

We love the red apple!!! The doughnuts are UH- mazing! Even the days olds (to counter the bad reviews of the day olds); bring them home and back them at 325 for 5-10 mins. One of my all time favorite guilty pleasures. read more

Everything we have gotten from here is just amazing. The pies taste good. The pressed apples cider is the best thing ever. The apple donuts are so delicious. What's amazing is when items aren't "beautiful" they are marked down. But they still taste amazing. We always stop here when we come to our cabin. read more

Saw their shop driving up to Big Trees park and we impulsively had to stop by. Probably the best dang apple donut I've ever had. The gentleman ringing us up was so kind & I love that everything is locally sourced. read more

The best apple donut you will ever taste! The cider is sooo refreshing and comforting when warmed up :) This is such an easy place to stop for some quick goodies read more

The Red Apple - Apple donuts - Bakeries Near Me - Murphys, California

Now open Thursday thru Sunday 10 to 5. Must haves include the cider, apple cider donuts and great turnovers. I got cherry and apricot turnovers today. read more

I'm not from the area, so whenever I'm headed to Arnold, I make sure to make a pit stop at The Red Apple whenever I can. I've always seen this place as I drove by but never made a point to visit. The first time I went, they went way over my expectations! Everything I've tried from this place has been so amazingly delicious. What you really need to try are the apple cider donuts and the cold (or hot) apple cider. The donuts are extremely soft and crisp on the outside, and they're even better when they're fresh from the fryer. The apple cider is TO DIE FOR. It literally tastes like you've bitten into a crisp, juicy apple. If that's not enough, the staff here are super friendly. I always have a pleasant experience when coming here and they make me feel at home every time. Thank you for such great food and service! read more

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OMG.... The Apple Cinnamon Donuts are soooooo damn good. Can't wait to head back to Arnold California, just to stop here.. Great customer service. read more

Call here and ask what time they closed and if they had apple turnovers. Lady said they have a line but are making them as fast as they can. Get here and was told something totally different and walked away with no apple turnover!!! If you go here and call first don't expect them to give you correct information.... read more

I cannot rave about this place enough! Forget Apple Hill because none of the treats there hold a candle to The Red Apple! We tried the apple donuts, apple turnover, strawberry rhubarb turnover, apple dumpling, and hot apple cider. The apple donuts are made fresh numerous times a day. They were slightly crunchy on the outside, warms and soft on the inside and rolled in cinnamon and sugar. These were amazing! The turnovers were flaky and delicious. They almost melt in your mouth! None of the fillings were overly sweet. The apple dumplings were a real treat! We took ours home and warmed it up. This had a welcome burst of flavor! The warm apple cider was perfect for the chilly day. I have also tried whole pies from here and all I can say is that even though this is an hour drive from me, I will only serve pies at my family gatherings from here from now on! Make the drive (it's a nice one no matter where you're coming from). You won't be disappointed! read more

On the way to Arnold, I stopped by this place to get apple cider. I then got a peach cobbler and apple frittata for Christmas dessert. The pastries are big and tasty. read more

Love the Apple turn overs and they put out great pies (pumpkin, apple, cherry, pecan and others). What a great little place.

The best apple dumplings ever made can be found here. I highly recommend calling ahead to place an order as their baked goods go quickly. Also for anyone with but allergies, I also suggest calling ahead as they can make without for you. One other cool thing... they have the option for apple pies to be taken home to bake! Yummy!! Just love this place and they have amazing produce as well! read more

Ordered 10 pies from this small place for a small wedding in Murphy's. All of the pies were well made and were enjoyed by all! While picking up the pies, we noticed they also sold apple fritters. Being a doughnut connoisseur, I simply had to try one and I'm so glad I did!! This was the best Apple Fritter I have had in my life - the perfect balance between crispy and soft. I'm not the only one in my group that agreed with me. In fact, they were so good we took some other family members up for a separate trip to reload on the Apple Fritters!! Seriously, if you stop at this place, you gotta try them. It is a hole-in-the-wall place, so nothing fancy in regards to atmosphere or anything. Pretty barebones but a great value. My wife purchased some fresh fruit from their stand as well and was pleased with the quality (priced typically for local farms). If I am in the area again, hell yes I'm stopping by again just for the doughnuts.... read more

I recently moved to the area, and was so excited to finally make my first trip to The Red Apple yesterday, June 12, 2021. Gotta say I left with a bad taste in my mouth!! Not over their food, but because the lady at the front counter waiting on Customers. You know, the people like me who are what your business counts on to survive, yeah probably one of the rudest people I have met since I moved here. That being said, I did purchase their Apple Crisp and it is delicious. Do I recommend The Red Apple, well I gave a 2 star only because what I got there is delicious, but absolutely not worth being treated rudely! You can go to Walmart get the same thing for half the price and be treated better than I was at The Red Apple, and I have!! So, no I do not recommend this place. If this family owned and operated business disrespects their customers, (who have been nothing more than nice and respectful), no hello, no smile, with a tone in the voice and look on their face that says, "yeah, give me your damn money and get outta here". No! that business doesn't deserve patronage. And you know what, that sucks!! Because I really was looking forward to becoming a regular customer, and giving my customers a wonderfully positive rave review and recommendation. That sucks for me, that sucks for their business, and that sucks for the local economy that thrives on vacationers and word of mouth! What am I going to recommend, don't go to The Red Apple, head up to Big Trees Market instead, because their customer service is excellent!! read more

The Red Apple - Bakeries Near Me - Murphys, California

The wait was long on a Sunday afternoon, but we'll worth it for the apple cider donuts, some fresh raw apple juice, and pies!!

The Red Apple in Murphys is our new favorite MUST STOP, when we're up there! When I contacted the owner, to make a special request, for my dad's 87th birthday, she was so gracious, accomodations, and kind. The apple cider doughnuts are delicious! The cider is refreshing and so yummy. It's probably best that they are 300 miles away from my home, because I would be 300 pounds...lol. I can't say enough good things about the owner, my new friend Christie, and her wonderful establishment. read more

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A must do if driving to Arnold and beyond in the Sierra mountains. Make sure you keep your eyes open for this place as it appears around a corner and is usually packed with cars and people. A few things I highly recommend are the apple donuts! Super soft and fresh! They have a hint of cinnamon. If you are not in the mood for apples, then I recommend the strawberry/rhubarb turnover. Super good. Anything you get here, you really can't go wrong. Just note they only do cash, so come prepared! read more

The BEST Apple fritters you'll have. Second best is the Dutch apple pie. We often say that we are almost glad we don't live closer lol. I recently learned that you can pre-order, so we will be doing that from now on. read more

Such a wonderful place with fruit , vegetables, jams, cider, and beautiful pies with homemade dough! Everyone is so friendly. A step back in time. Know your baker!! read more

The Red Apple - The best Strawberries ever..!! - Bakeries Near Me - Murphys, California

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I've been lied to my whole life. Okay, not really but I always thought this place was a gimmick, one of those roadside stands that overpriced their lackluster goods. I could not have been any more wrong. I have gone past this place for literal years, I visited this area yearly for 18 years and never once stopped, I can assure you, I will never go up WITHOUT stopping now. Hands down, the absolute best, most refreshing apple cider on the planet. My girlfriend and I stopped in, grabbed a small bottle of the cider to share and a couple apple dumplings to snack on. I promptly went and purchased two gallons of cider. My life is not the same now that the cider is gone. The sky lacks color, the sun lacks warmth. If only they could ship this nectar of the gods, maybe then I could realize true happiness. Very cute spot with delicious baked goods and amazing cider, very reasonable prices and a very adequate parking area. They even have some picnic benches to relax at while you enjoy. read more

This makes the drive worth it. The apple donuts are the best fresh but if you are lucky behind the counter they will have an apple fritter for you. The family swears by the donut but I hold out for the apple fritter. The unfiltered juice is pretty tasty too. read more