Autumn is the perfect time for indulging in comforting treats that reflect the season’s rich flavors. Discover creative fall treat ideas that bring cozy warmth and festive cheer to your table. Think about enjoying spiced apple muffins or pumpkin pie with a crisp afternoon breeze.
These recipes are designed to infuse your home with delightful scents and make your seasonal gatherings extra special. Get inspired to bake up something sweet and satisfying that captures the essence of fall’s most beloved flavors.
Recipes
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Fall in a cup! This Pumpkin Spice Latte combines the cozy warmth of pumpkin with a blend of spices that’ll make you feel like you’re wrapped in a soft blanket. It’s perfect for those crisp autumn mornings or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 mins | 5 mins | Drink | American | Espresso Machine, Saucepan | 6 |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add milk and heat until steaming. Do not boil.
- Whisk vigorously to froth the milk.
- Brew your coffee or espresso.
- Pour the coffee into a mug, top with the pumpkin milk mixture, and add vanilla extract.
- Optional: garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
Serve with: A warm scone or muffin.
Drink with: A slice of apple pie or a fresh fruit salad for a perfect autumnal treat.
2. Apple Cider Donuts
Bite into these Apple Cider Donuts and you’ll get a burst of sweet, tangy cider flavor with a soft, fluffy texture. Coated in cinnamon and sugar, these donuts are a fall classic that make any day feel special.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 mins | 15 mins | Dessert | American | Donut Pan, Mixing Bowls | 10 |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a saucepan, reduce apple cider by boiling it down to 1/2 cup.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, melted butter, and reduced cider.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just blended.
- Spoon batter into the donut pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
Serve with: A hot cup of apple cider.
Drink with: A light tea or a glass of milk for a comforting treat.
3. Caramel Apples
These Caramel Apples are a sweet, gooey delight. Each bite gives you a crunchy apple covered in smooth, buttery caramel. Perfect for a fall treat or a fun dessert.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 mins | 10 mins | Dessert | American | Saucepan, Skewers, Parchment Paper | 5 |
Ingredients:
- 6 apples
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Wash and dry apples, then insert a skewer into each.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Dip each apple into the caramel, swirling to coat, then place on the parchment paper to set.
Serve with: A sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist.
Drink with: A glass of cold milk or a warm, spiced cider.
4. Pumpkin Pie
A Thanksgiving classic, this Pumpkin Pie brings together the smooth, creamy texture of spiced pumpkin custard in a flaky pie crust. It’s the ultimate fall dessert, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 mins | 50 mins | Dessert | American | Pie Dish, Mixing Bowls | 9 |
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Fit the pie crust into a pie dish and trim the edges.
- In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, salt, spices, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour filling into the pie crust.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Let cool before serving.
Serve with: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drink with: A spiced chai tea or a glass of sweet dessert wine.
5. Cinnamon Rolls
These Cinnamon Rolls are a breakfast favorite with their soft, fluffy dough swirled with sweet cinnamon and topped with a creamy glaze. They’re perfect for cozy mornings or as a special treat.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 hr 30 mins | 30 mins | Breakfast | American | Mixing Bowls, Baking Pan | 11 |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Warm the milk and add sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add melted butter, egg, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix to form a dough.
- Knead the dough until smooth and let it rise for about 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough and spread softened butter over it. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Roll up the dough and cut into 12 pieces. Place in a baking pan.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Serve with: A cup of fresh coffee or hot chocolate.
Drink with: A glass of orange juice or a fruity smoothie.
6. Pecan Pie
This Pecan Pie features a rich, gooey filling with crunchy pecans on top, all nestled in a buttery pie crust. It’s a beloved classic, especially around the holidays, and perfect for any dessert table.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 mins | 50 mins | Dessert | American | Pie Dish, Mixing Bowls | 8 |
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fit the pie crust into a pie dish and trim the edges.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and then stir in corn syrup and brown sugar. Remove from heat.
- Beat eggs and add to the sugar mixture. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Pour filling into the pie crust and arrange pecans on top.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until set. Let cool before serving.
Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Drink with: A glass of bourbon or a cup of strong coffee.
7. Maple Glazed Cookies
These Maple Glazed Cookies are like a little bite of autumn sweetness! With a tender, soft texture and a luscious maple glaze, these cookies make the perfect treat for any time of day.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 mins | 10 mins | Dessert | American | Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowls | 8 |
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1-2 tbsp milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cookies.
Serve with: A handful of mixed nuts or a piece of dark chocolate.
Drink with: A cup of coffee or a chai latte for a perfect pairing.
8. Sweet Potato Casserole
This Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, featuring creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. It’s a classic side dish that’s sure to impress.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 mins | 45 mins | Side | American | Baking Dish, Mixing Bowls | 10 |
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and boil sweet potatoes until tender. Drain and mash.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- For the topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans.
- Sprinkle topping over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 45 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve with: Roast turkey or ham for a hearty meal.
Drink with: A glass of sparkling cider or a creamy eggnog.
9. Cranberry Bread
Cranberry Bread is a delightful twist on traditional bread, packed with tangy cranberries and a hint of orange zest. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 mins | 60 mins | Bread | American | Loaf Pan, Mixing Bowls | 10 |
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp grated orange zest
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, orange juice, and zest.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in cranberries.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before slicing.
Serve with: A spread of butter or cream cheese.
Drink with: A hot cup of tea or a glass of fresh orange juice.
10. Hot Chocolate
This Hot Chocolate is a rich, creamy indulgence that warms you from the inside out. With a velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor, it’s the ultimate treat for chilly days.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 mins | 10 mins | Drink | American | Saucepan, Whisk | 5 |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, mix cocoa powder, sugar, and water. Heat over medium, stirring until smooth.
- Add milk and cream, continue to heat until hot but not boiling.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.
Serve with: A slice of chocolate cake or a batch of freshly baked cookies.
Drink with: A warm croissant or a piece of fruit tart.
11. Butternut Squash Soup
This Butternut Squash Soup is a velvety, comforting blend of roasted squash and savory spices. It’s perfect for cozying up on a cool day and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 mins | 45 mins | Soup | American | Blender, Pot | 9 |
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes.
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add roasted squash, broth, cumin, and cinnamon. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in coconut milk.
- Heat through and adjust seasoning.
Serve with: Crusty bread or a side salad.
Drink with: A glass of white wine or a sparkling water.
12. Spiced Apple Crisp
This Spiced Apple Crisp brings together tender apples and a crunchy, spiced topping. It’s a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special family gathering.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 mins | 45 mins | Dessert | American | Baking Dish, Mixing Bowls | 10 |
Ingredients:
- 6 cups sliced apples (peeled)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Place in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, oats, and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle topping over apples.
- Bake for 45 minutes until the topping is golden 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 chai tea or a glass of spiced cider.