As the leaves start to change and the crisp autumn air sets in, our sweet tooth cravings become more pronounced. There’s something so comforting about indulging in a warm, gooey dessert on a chilly fall evening. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 cozy fall dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. From classic pumpkin pie to innovative creations like maple pecan pie bars and caramel apple crisp, these treats are perfect for serving at your next dinner party or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning.
From the comforting warmth of spiced pear tart to the indulgent richness of chocolate chip pumpkin bread, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a fan of classic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or more unique flavor combinations like gingerbread spice cookies and caramelized fig and honey galette, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So go ahead, grab a cup of coffee, and get cozy with these delicious fall dessert recipes!
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
Get ready to celebrate the fall season with a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake: Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake! This creamy, flavorful dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the richness of cream cheese and graham cracker crust.
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 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix crust ingredients and press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and beat until combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Pour batter into crust and bake for 55-60 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake
Moist apple cake filled with the warmth of cinnamon and topped with a crunchy streusel topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup diced apples (about 2-3 medium-sized)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Streusel topping ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in diced apples and cinnamon.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
6. Prepare streusel topping by mixing together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry blender or fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle over cake batter.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
These Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a twist on the classic pecan pie, with the added bonus of a gooey maple syrup filling. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these bars are easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and stir until combined.
3. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle pecans evenly over the crust.
5. Drizzle maple syrup over the pecans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caramel Apple Crisp
This classic dessert combines tender apples with a rich caramel sauce, topped with a crunchy oat crumble. Perfect for a cozy fall evening or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples and granulated sugar. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together caramel sauce, butter, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the apple mixture; toss to coat.
4. In another bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and 1/4 cup water. Mix until crumbly.
5. Transfer the apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish. Top with oat crumble.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spiced Pear Tart
Elevate your dessert game with this flavorful Spiced Pear Tart, perfect for any occasion. A buttery crust and sweet pears are infused with warm spices, creating a delightful combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. In a bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
4. Arrange pear slices on the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Drizzle honey over pears and sprinkle with spiced mixture.
6. Fold crust edges up to form a crusty border.
7. Brush egg wash over crust for golden glaze.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden.
Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping
A sweet and indulgent twist on the classic pumpkin pie, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the fluffy texture of marshmallows.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 large eggs
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Marshmallows, for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, heavy cream, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs until well combined.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with sweet potato mixture.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and top with marshmallows.
7. Return to oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until marshmallows are toasted.
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding
Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
This moist and flavorful bread pudding is perfect for the holiday season, featuring sweet and tangy cranberries and the brightness of orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Add bread cubes to the wet ingredients and stir until well coated.
4. Fold in cranberries and orange zest.
5. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
This moist and flavorful bread combines the comfort of pumpkin spice with the richness of dark chocolate chips, making it a perfect treat for cozy fall gatherings or as a snack for the family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Gingerbread Spice Cookies
Gingerbread Spice Cookies Recipe
Warm up your holiday season with these soft, chewy cookies infused with the inviting aromas of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp molasses
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and molasses.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Caramelized Fig and Honey Galette
This caramelized fig and honey galette is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. The caramelized figs add a deep, rich flavor to the flaky pastry crust, while the drizzle of honey adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2-3 ripe figs, stems removed and chopped
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together chopped figs and honey. Arrange the fig mixture on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the other half of the pastry over the fig mixture, pressing gently to seal.
5. Brush the top with butter and sprinkle with salt to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the warmth of pumpkin spice with the richness of dark chocolate chips, perfect for a cozy fall treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 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. In a medium bowl, 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 mix in the dry ingredients, then stir in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
These soft and fluffy donuts are a perfect treat for any time of day. By baking them instead of frying, you’ll get to enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness without the guilt!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, egg, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared donut pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. While still warm, toss donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture (1 tablespoon granulated sugar + 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon).
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Brown Butter Pecan Blondies
Brown butter and pecans come together to create a decadent and aromatic blondie that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a nutty aroma and a deep golden color, these Brown Butter Pecan Blondies are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (12 tablespoons)
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until dissolved.
4. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped pecans.
8. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Apple Cider Donut Holes
These bite-sized treats capture the essence of fall with a sweet and tangy combination of apple cider and donuts. Perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon snack, these donut holes are easy to make and fun to eat.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, apple cider, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and whisk until smooth.
4. Use a piping bag or a spoon to drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, about 1/4 cupfuls.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Remove donut holes from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar while still warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the donut holes.
Spiced Chai Latte Cupcakes
Warm up with the aromatic flavors of spiced chai in these moist and delicious cupcakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black tea leaves (or 1 teaspoon chai spice mix)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy. Add egg and mix until combined.
4. Add milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and tea leaves (or chai spice). Mix until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Pear and Almond Frangipane Tart
This elegant tart combines the sweetness of pears with the nutty flavor of almonds, all wrapped up in a buttery pastry crust. Perfect for a special occasion or as a dessert to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup almond paste
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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.
3. Spread almond paste over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Arrange pear slices on top of the almond paste.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush the pastry with melted butter and egg wash.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
This classic dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the tanginess of cream cheese, wrapped up in a tender and flaky pastry. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday parties.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Cream cheese filling (recipe below)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Cream Cheese Filling:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
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, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before filling with cream cheese mixture.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Scones
Start your day with a warm and aromatic treat, infused with the flavors of fall. These moist and flavorful scones are perfect for a chilly morning or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 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 and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in pumpkin puree, egg, and maple syrup.
5. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times until it comes together.
6. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a biscuit cutter to create shapes.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Warm up with a comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of caramelized apples and crispy bread pudding. This recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Pour in melted butter and stir until bread is evenly coated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and caramel sauce.
5. Pour egg mixture over bread mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Toasted Coconut Pumpkin Pie
Savor the flavors of fall with this unique pumpkin pie, infused with toasted coconut and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream, pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until smooth.
3. Stir in toasted coconut and eggs until well combined.
4. Roll out pie crust and fill with the pumpkin mixture.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake an additional 30-35 minutes or until filling is set.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Summary
Cozy up with these delicious fall dessert recipes! From classic pumpkin pie to creative twists like maple pecan pie bars and caramelized fig and honey galette, there’s something for everyone. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add depth to treats like apple crisp, spiced pear tart, and gingerbread spice cookies. Plus, sweet potato pie with marshmallow topping and chocolate chip pumpkin bread will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, these 20 recipes are sure to please.