11 Easy Fall Desserts to Sweeten Your Season

Autumn’s chill brings with it the perfect excuse to whip up some tasty desserts that celebrate the season’s best flavors. Think cinnamon-spiced apples, creamy pumpkin delights, and caramel-filled goodies that make every bite feel like a warm hug.

These easy fall dessert ideas will bring the cozy vibes right into your kitchen, offering simple recipes packed with autumnal goodness. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something sweet, these treats are sure to satisfy your fall cravings without a lot of fuss. Ready to indulge in some delicious seasonal baking?

Recipes

1. Apple Crisp

There’s something so comforting about the warm, spiced aroma of Apple Crisp filling your kitchen. This dessert brings together tender, juicy apples with a crumbly, buttery topping that’s just the right amount of sweet and crunchy. It’s like getting a hug from your oven!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Baking dish, mixing bowls, oven
No. of Ingredients: 8

Ingredients:

6 cups sliced apples
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the apples with granulated sugar and cinnamon. Place them in a greased baking dish.
In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, oats, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Serve With: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Drink With: A warm cup of spiced cider or a cozy chai tea.

2. Pumpkin Spice Muffins

These Pumpkin Spice Muffins are perfect for a crisp fall morning. Moist and flavorful, they’re packed with warm spices and the rich taste of pumpkin. Each bite feels like a little celebration of autumn.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Course: Breakfast/Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk
No. of Ingredients: 12

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and milk.
Mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Serve With: A smear of cream cheese frosting or a pat of butter.
Drink With: A hot latte or a glass of cold apple cider.

3. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars blend creamy cheesecake with tangy apples and a rich caramel swirl. They’re decadent and delightful, making them a standout treat for fall gatherings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer
No. of Ingredients: 12

Ingredients:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup diced apples
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix until combined.
Fold in diced apples and cinnamon.
Spread the cheesecake mixture over the crust. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Bake for 45 minutes or until set. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Serve With: A drizzle of extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Drink With: A cup of hot coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

4. Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious twist on a classic pie, offering the same sweet and nutty filling in a more convenient bar form. They’re the perfect balance of crunchy, gooey, and utterly irresistible.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer
No. of Ingredients: 11

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
For the crust, combine flour and sugar, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the pan and bake for 15 minutes.
For the filling, beat brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. Stir in pecans.
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until set.
Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Serve With: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drink With: A cup of black tea or a glass of bourbon.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts are a fall favorite with their soft, fluffy texture and sweet, spiced coating. These treats are perfect for a cozy morning or a little indulgence any time of the day.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Donut pan, mixing bowls, whisk
No. of Ingredients: 10

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup melted butter
1 large egg

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, combine buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
Mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined.
Spoon batter into the donut pan and bake for 15 minutes.
Toss warm donuts in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.

Serve With: A cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk.
Drink With: A steaming mug of coffee or a chai latte.

6. Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Maple Pecan Cupcakes are a delightful fall treat with their sweet maple flavor and crunchy pecan topping. Each bite delivers a cozy taste of autumn, perfect for enjoying with friends and family.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Cupcake tin, mixing bowls, electric mixer
No. of Ingredients: 12

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in maple syrup and vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
Fold in chopped pecans.
Divide batter among cupcake liners and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Serve With: A drizzle of extra maple syrup or a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans.
Drink With: A hot cup of tea or a glass of apple cider.

7. Sweet Potato Pie

A true comfort classic, Sweet Potato Pie is like a warm hug for your taste buds. The creamy, spiced filling and flaky crust come together in perfect harmony, creating a dessert that’s both cozy and indulgent. It’s a staple for holiday gatherings and a great way to showcase the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Pie dish, mixer, oven
No. of Ingredients: 8

Ingredients:

2 cups sweet potato puree (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine sweet potato puree, brown sugar, heavy cream, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until smooth.
Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Allow the pie to cool before serving.

Serve With: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drink With: A glass of spiced cider or a cup of coffee.

8. Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Bars are a seasonal treat that’s hard to resist! They’re moist, spiced to perfection, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Ideal for sharing, these bars combine the best flavors of fall into one sweet package.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Baking pan, mixer, oven
No. of Ingredients: 11

Ingredients:

1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt

Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Gradually add to the pumpkin mixture and mix until combined.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy.
Once bars are cool, frost with cream cheese frosting.

Serve With: A cup of tea or a latte.
Drink With: A warm chai tea or a cold glass of milk.

9. Warm Chocolate Molten Cake

Imagine a decadent chocolate cake with a gooey, molten center. That’s what you get with Warm Chocolate Molten Cake—a dessert that’s pure indulgence in every bite. Perfect for special occasions or when you need a chocolate fix, these cakes will wow anyone who loves rich, molten chocolate.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Ramekins, mixer, oven
No. of Ingredients: 8

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and flour four ramekins.
Melt butter and chocolate together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
Whisk in powdered sugar until combined. Then add eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla, mixing well.
Stir in flour and salt until just combined.
Divide batter among the ramekins and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still soft.
Let cool for a minute, then carefully invert onto plates.

Serve With: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Drink With: A glass of red wine or a hot espresso.

10. Apple Cider Doughnuts

These Apple Cider Doughnuts are a fall favorite! With a soft, cake-like texture and a hint of apple cider, they’re rolled in cinnamon sugar for the perfect finish. These doughnuts are sure to make your morning a bit sweeter.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Course: Breakfast/Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Doughnut pan, mixer, fryer
No. of Ingredients: 11

Ingredients:

1 cup apple cider
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup melted butter

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, reduce apple cider over medium heat until it’s about 1/4 cup. Let cool.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a doughnut pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and reduced cider. Combine with dry ingredients and mix until just blended.
Spoon batter into the doughnut pan and bake for 12-15 minutes.
For the coating, mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Brush warm doughnuts with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.

Serve With: A cup of hot coffee or apple cider.
Drink With: A glass of cold milk or a spicy chai tea.

11. Pear and Ginger Crisp

This Pear and Ginger Crisp is a delightful twist on the classic fruit crisp. The tender pears, spiced with ginger, are topped with a crunchy, buttery oat topping. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for cozy evenings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Equipment: Baking dish, oven
No. of Ingredients: 10

Ingredients:

6 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
In a large bowl, toss pear slices with granulated sugar, flour, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.
Sprinkle the oat mixture over the pears.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden and the pears are tender.

Serve With: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Drink With: A glass of dessert wine or a cup of hot tea.