As the leaves turn golden and the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s nothing quite like satisfying your sweet tooth with a warm, comforting dessert. This season, we’re indulging in the flavors of fall with 20 cozy dessert recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic pumpkin pie to innovative twists like spiced honey cake and caramelized pear and ginger cake, our collection has something for every level of baker. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece or a simple treat to satisfy your sweet cravings, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, cozy up with a cup of apple cider, and get ready to indulge in the flavors of the season.
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
These Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars are a perfect dessert for the fall season, combining the warmth of pumpkin and spices with the creaminess of cheesecake. With a shortbread crust and a gooey cheesecake topping, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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 canned pumpkin puree
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix crust ingredients; press into prepared pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth; add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
This comforting bread pudding combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, perfect for a cozy evening treat or breakfast on-the-go. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious dessert that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– Butter, melted (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Add bread cubes and toss until evenly coated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and beaten eggs.
5. Pour the wet ingredients over the bread mixture and stir until combined.
6. Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts!
Maple Pecan Pie
Maple Pecan Pie Recipe
A classic dessert with a twist, this Maple Pecan Pie combines the richness of pecans and maple syrup for a truly unique flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
- Precare the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly toasted.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Roll out the pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the pecan mixture and top with any remaining pecans.
- Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time:
Approximately 55-60 minutes total cooking time.
Caramel Apple Crisp
This classic dessert combines tender apples, gooey caramel, and a crunchy oat topping, perfect for cozying up on a crisp fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. Drizzle melted butter over the apples, followed by caramel sauce.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle topping evenly over the apple mixture.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spiced Pear Tart
Spiced Pear Tart Recipe
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this Spiced Pear Tart, featuring a flaky crust, tender pears, and warm spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon 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. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a large bowl, combine sliced pears, granulated sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until pears are evenly coated.
4. Arrange pear slices on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the pears to form a triangle or a square shape. Press edges to seal.
6. Brush melted butter over the pastry and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping
This classic Southern dessert gets a delightful twist with a toasted marshmallow topping, adding a fun and fluffy texture to the rich sweet potato filling.
Ingredients:
For the pie:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
– 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well.
3. Stir in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour mixture into a pie crust and bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
5. For the topping, place marshmallows on a baking sheet and toast under broiler for 30 seconds or until golden brown.
6. Drizzle corn syrup and water over toasted marshmallows and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cranberry Orange Scones
Brighten up your breakfast or brunch with these sweet and tangy scones, infused with the flavors of cranberries and orange zest. Perfect for a festive treat or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter; use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and orange zest. Pour into dry ingredients and stir until dough comes together.
5. Gently fold in cranberries.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface; pat into an 8-inch circle.
7. Cut into wedges; place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Perfect for fall baking, these soft-baked cookies combine the warmth of pumpkin with the richness of chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt; mix 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
Yield: About 24 cookies
Brown Butter Pecan Blondies
These chewy blondies are elevated by the deep, caramel-like flavor of browned butter and the crunch of toasted pecans. Perfect for a sweet treat or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; stir to combine.
4. Pour in browned butter mixture and stir until smooth. Fold in toasted pecans.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are golden.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chai Spiced Pumpkin Roll
Warm up with the flavors of fall by baking a Chai Spiced Pumpkin Roll!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, pumpkin puree, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before rolling up and dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Caramelized Pear and Ginger Cake
Caramelized Pear and Ginger Cake Recipe
Summary: Moist and flavorful cake infused with the sweetness of caramelized pears and the warmth of ginger, perfect for a special occasion or everyday treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), cored and sliced
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with cored pears and grated ginger, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Apple Cider Donuts
Warm up with the sweet and tangy taste of Apple Cider Donuts!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup apple cider (chilled)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, apple cider, sugar, and salt.
2. Add yeast and mix until dissolved.
3. Melt butter and stir into the mixture.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down dough and pipe into donut shapes using a piping bag or zip-top plastic bag with a corner cut off.
7. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including rising time)
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl
This moist and flavorful pumpkin bread is infused with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, topped off with a creamy cream cheese swirl that adds a tangy twist. Perfect for snacking or serving at your next fall gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Cream cheese swirl: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; beat until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
6. For cream cheese swirl: Mix softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Dollop on top of batter in the loaf pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters
Sweet and crispy apple fritters infused with warm cinnamon sugar – a perfect fall treat!
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters Recipe
Ingredients:
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup cold water
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add chopped apples, granulated sugar, cold water, and beaten egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
4. Using a spoon, drop small balls of the apple mixture into the hot oil, about 1/4 cup each.
5. Fry fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Remove fritters from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Toss warm fritters in cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total, depending on the number of fritters cooked at once.
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts
Warm up to the sweet and spicy flavors of fall with these soft and fluffy pumpkin donuts, topped with a sticky maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– Maple glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flours, sugar, pumpkin puree, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Add milk and eggs; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe donut batter into rings using a piping bag or a spoon.
5. Fry donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
7. Make maple glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup. Drizzle over cooled donuts.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on oil temperature)
Spiced Honey Cake
This moist and aromatic cake is infused with the warmth of spices and the sweetness of honey, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or special occasion dessert. With its simple yet impressive flavor profile, this Spiced Honey Cake is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
– 1 cup honey
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
3. In a large bowl, combine honey, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Baked Stuffed Apples with Oatmeal Crumble
A warm, comforting dessert perfect for a chilly evening. Core some apples and fill them with sweet spices, then top with an crunchy oatmeal crumble for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized apples
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Core the apples, leaving a small border at the bottom.
3. In a bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Stuff each apple with the mixture, dividing it evenly among the apples.
5. Top each apple with melted butter.
6. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until tender.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
Get cozy with these autumnal treats that combine the classic comfort of Rice Krispie treats with the warm, spicy flavors of pumpkin season. Perfect for a Halloween party or a fall gathering.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
– 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 12 tablespoons marshmallows
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: orange or yellow food coloring to enhance the fall color
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add the marshmallows and stir until they’re completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from heat and add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir until well combined.
4. Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal to the pot and stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
5. Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: None (as it’s not baked)
Chocolate Hazelnut Pumpkin Muffins
Get ready to experience the ultimate fall treat that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin, rich chocolate, and nutty hazelnuts. These moist and decadent muffins are perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
– 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°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 melted butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in hazelnuts and chocolate chips.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Transform stale bread into a decadent dessert with this easy-to-make caramel apple bread pudding recipe. Rich, buttery flavors meld together in a sweet and satisfying treat perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugars, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add bread cubes and stir until well coated.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
5. Drizzle caramel sauce over the bread, followed by diced apple.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these 20 cozy fall dessert recipes! From classic pumpkin pie and apple crisp, to creative twists like caramelized pear and ginger cake and chai spiced pumpkin roll, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm and comforting bread pudding or a sweet and indulgent cheesecake bar, this collection has it all. So go ahead, get baking, and let the cozy vibes of fall wash over you!
