As the crisp autumn air sets in, our thoughts turn to cozy nights by the fireplace, surrounded by loved ones and the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats. And what’s more inviting than a warm, comforting dessert to round out a satisfying fall dinner? This season, we’re trading in summer’s bright colors for rich, earthy tones and embracing the flavors that make us feel all snugly inside. From classic apple crisp to creative pumpkin cheesecake dip, we’ve rounded up 19 simple yet impressive desserts that are sure to become new favorites this autumn.
These easy-to-make treats are perfect for a family gathering, a casual get-together with friends, or even just a sweet treat to enjoy on your own. So grab a cup of hot cider and settle in – it’s time to get baking!
Apple Cinnamon Crisp
This classic dessert combines tender apples, sweet cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping for a perfect comfort treat. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious crumble to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together apples, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
3. Transfer the apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
5. Spread the oat topping evenly over the apple filling.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
These moist and flavorful cupcakes capture the essence of autumn with a blend of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for a cozy gathering or as a treat to brighten up your day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Elevate your dessert game with these rich and gooey Maple Pecan Pie Bars, featuring the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add cold butter; use a pastry blender or fingers to work into mixture until crumbly.
3. Press half of the mixture into prepared baking dish. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
4. Top with remaining crust mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
This decadent dessert combines the flavors of caramel, apples, and creamy cheesecake, perfect for a cozy fall evening. With its gooey caramel topping and crunchy apple streusel, this cheesecake is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce
– Streusel topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup cold butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare crust: Mix crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Make cheesecake: Beat cream cheese until smooth; add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Pour into crust.
4. Top with apple and streusel: Arrange chopped apple on top of cheesecake; sprinkle with streusel topping.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until center is set.
6. Let cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pear and Ginger Tart
A sweet and tangy tart that combines the flavors of pears and ginger, perfect for a dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, ginger, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Arrange pear slices on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle the sugar-ginger mixture evenly over the pears.
6. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape.
7. Brush the egg wash over the pastry to give it a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato Brownies
Sweet Potato Brownies: A Unique Twist on a Classic Treat
These brownies combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of dark chocolate, creating a unique and delicious dessert. Perfect for anyone looking to mix things up in the kitchen!
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and cocoa powder; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stovetop. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Fold the melted chocolate into the batter until well combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional bread pudding, this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding is perfect for the holiday season. Made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a hint of cinnamon, this dessert is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Fold in cranberries and orange zest.
6. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spiced Pumpkin Bread
This sweet bread is a perfect blend of autumnal spices and comforting pumpkin flavor, perfect for snacking or as a gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, and melted butter. Beat in eggs until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the best of fall and winter: the warmth of pumpkin and the richness of chocolate. Perfect for a cozy evening or as a sweet treat for your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin puree and eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Caramelized Pear Galette
Caramelized Pear Galette: A sweet and elegant dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of pears with a buttery crust and a hint of caramel.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange pear slices in a spiral pattern, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle sugar over pears and dot with melted butter.
5. Fold edges of pastry up over pears, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush top of galette with honey and sprinkle with salt.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple Cider Donuts
These sweet treats are perfect for a crisp fall day or any time you want to indulge in the flavors of apple cider and cinnamon. With their tender texture and warm spices, these donuts will be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup (cooled)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. Whisk together flour, milk, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and apple cider mixture; whisk until smooth.
4. Cover dough and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Fry donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels; dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (frying time)
Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this creamy and sweet Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip! Perfect for fall gatherings, this easy-to-make dip is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled with graham crackers, apple slices, or your favorite dippers.
Cooking Time: None! This dip is best served cold.
Maple Glazed Pecan Cookies
These chewy cookies are elevated by a rich maple glaze and crunchy pecans, making them the perfect treat for a cozy afternoon or a special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these delicious cookies that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Stir in flour mixture, then fold in chopped pecans.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Brown Butter Apple Cake
A moist and flavorful cake filled with the sweetness of caramelized apples and the richness of brown butter.
Ingredients:
– 2 large apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add sliced apples to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir in the brown butter and apple mixture until well combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chai Spiced Rice Pudding
This creamy rice pudding infused with the aromatic spices of chai is perfect as a comforting dessert or a warm breakfast treat. The combination of fluffy cooked rice, sweet condensed milk, and warming spices will leave you feeling cozy and satisfied.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups water
– 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 3 cups of water.
2. In a large saucepan, combine cooked rice, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
3. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the pudding has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in melted butter and salt to taste.
6. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pumpkin Dump Cake
This Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe is a quick and easy dessert that combines the flavors of pumpkin, spice, and cake mix. Perfect for a cozy fall gathering or a last-minute dessert, this dump cake requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree
– 1 package of yellow cake mix
– 1/2 cup of melted butter
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Add cake mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the pumpkin mixture. Mix until combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with chopped walnuts, if using.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Streusel Muffins
Brighten up your morning with these moist and flavorful apple streusel muffins, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup diced apples (about 2-3 medium-sized)
– 1/4 cup streusel topping (see below)
Streusel Topping:
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and apples; stir until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
5. Top each muffin with streusel topping (mixing well before spooning over).
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
Spiced Honey Walnut Tart
A sweet and savory tart that combines the warmth of spices with the crunch of walnuts and the richness of honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together honey, rosemary, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Spread evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle walnuts and sugar over the honey mixture. Drizzle with melted butter.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramel Apple Blondies
These chewy blondies are infused with the sweetness of caramel and the crunch of apples, making them a perfect treat for any time of day. Perfectly sweet and perfectly indulgent!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (such as dulce de leche or caramel ice cream topping)
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and diced apple to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
As the weather cools down, cozy up with these 19 simple and easy fall dessert recipes. From classic apple crisp to creative pumpkin cheesecake dip, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Try making sweet treats like maple pecan pie bars, caramelized pear galette, or brown butter apple cake. Or, indulge in warm spices like chai spiced rice pudding or spiced honey walnut tart. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these recipes are sure to satisfy your fall cravings and become new family favorites.
