Break out the brown sugar and cinnamon, because it’s officially pumpkin—and caramel and maple and apple—season. Is it just us, or does fall bring out the best in baking recipes? (Nope, it’s definitely not just us.) And even better news: Crafting up an autumnal recipe (whether it’s a batch of cookies, a cake or a pie) can be as easy as, well, apple pie. Save the tedious and time-consuming treats for the long winter months and make one of these 69 fall dessert recipes—like pumpkin angel food cake and caramel-stuffed ginger cookies—that are spiced, seasonal and also shockingly easy to make. Go ahead, have seconds (OK, thirds).
69 Easy Fall Dessert Recipes That Make the Most of Baking Season
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Published Jul 28, 2023
1. Caramel-Stuffed Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, <500 calories
Pumpkin for fall? It may not be groundbreaking, but it’s undeniably delicious, especially when paired with gooey caramel and cinnamon. (For a shortcut, you can skip the caramel core, but you will be missing out.)
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, kid-friendly
Think about it: You could eat one normal slice of pie or pop three tiny bites into your mouth in rapid succession. We know which choice we prefer; what about you?
3. Apple Cider Doughnut Cake with Brown Butter Icing
- Time Commitment: 2 hours, 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, kid-friendly
This is like an oversize version of the moist, fluffy farmstand doughnut, with a tender, softly spiced crumb and a brown butter icing to gild the lily. Serve the leftovers for breakfast—you have our permission.
4. Ina Garten’s Cinnamon-Spiced Shortbread
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 2 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, make ahead
Quick, someone go preheat the oven. These gently spiced cookies come together with just ten ingredients.
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
Your favorite holiday pie would be even better with a touch of chocolate, no? These decadent treats start with a boxed mix, so making a fall dessert has never been easier (or more impressive).
- Time Commitment: 2 hours, 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, beginner-friendly
We ever-so-slightly upgraded the nostalgic snack with homemade pudding and fall candies so it’s just the right amount of classy and kitschy. The parfaits wouldn’t look out of place in a cocktail party dessert spread, but kids wouldn’t turn them down either.
7. White Chocolate, Espresso and Cardamom Cookies
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
For anyone looking outside the usual cinnamon-caramel-pumpkin rotation, might we suggest trying cardamom? These cookies—which are inspired by Turkish coffee—feel seasonally appropriate for fall, yet wouldn’t be out of place year-round.
8. Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, ready in <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
Peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti and meatballs…some combinations are just meant to be. Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting? Call us basic, but we’re certain it’s a match made in autumnal heaven.
9. No-Cook Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu
- Time Commitment: 6 hours, 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Why I Love It: no-bake, beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy
This autumnal tiramisu is creamy, just sweet enough and laced with fall baking spices, plus it requires no fussing with a cooked custard. (Translation: You can’t mess it up.)
10. Pumpkin Black and White Cookies
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Half-moon, half-and-half, cake masquerading as a cookie: Call them whatever you want, but don’t forget to invite them to sweater season.
11. Apple Cider Caramel Poke Cake with Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
- Time Commitment: 2 hours
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion–worthy
True to its name, you’ll poke this cake all over (satisfying, right?), then top it with a gooey sauce that seeps into the holes, infusing the entire confection with extra flavor and moisture. Use store-bought caramel if you want, but know that the cider-infused version is worth the effort.
12. Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
If over-spiced cookies with a texture like cardboard aren’t your thing, try this easy cake recipe instead. It’s moist, tender and spiced just right.
13. Dorie Greenspan’s Miso-Maple Loaf
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
If pumpkin isn’t your think, try this inventive loaf. Its flavors are warm, sweet, robust and mysterious, thanks to the addition of miso. It adds a hint of savory je ne sais quoi without being overpowering.
14. Aran Goyoaga’s Spiced Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Time Commitment: 2 hours, 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, dairy free (optional), crowd-pleaser
This spiced snack cake, which is naturally dairy free, comes alive when paired with tangy cream cheese frosting, but if you want to make the frosting dairy free as well, just use plant-based cream cheese. You can make the cake batter with roasted pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree in place of sweet potato, too.
15. Cranberry-Orange Pie
- Time Commitment: 2 hours
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
Nothing against pumpkin, but fall has so many other flavors going for it. This tart-sweet cranberry pie is a good place to start.
16. Salted Caramel Apple Sundae
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, gluten free
Good news: Ice cream isn’t just for summertime. Even better news: The homemade caramel sauce calls for just three ingredients.
17. Chai Latte Cupcakes with Caramel Brûlée Frosting
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
The caramel brûlée frosting alone had our interest piqued, but add a touch of chai to offset the sweetness and we’re smitten.
18. Cinnamon Roll Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Can these count as breakfast? Asking for a friend.
19. Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
They’re soft and chewy like your favorite classic molasses cookies, but the extra addition of chocolate takes them to a new level.
20. Mini Mason Jar Apple Pies
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion–worthy
It doesn’t get more autumnal than this apple pie upgrade. Adorable and delicious, they take no time at all to make (thanks to premade pie dough).
21. Mini Caramel Apples
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, gluten free, <10 ingredients
Don’t tell the dentist, but we’re probably going to eat three. (What? They’re mini!)
22. Candy Corn Surprise Cake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
Nothing says holiday like a cake filled with more sugar. Bring it to the table whole, then slice and delight the kids and adults alike.
23. Giant Cinnamon Roll
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: one pan, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
This skillet pastry is proof that sometimes more is more. And since it’s made with grocery store crescent dough, it’s ready in an hour, tops.
24. Apple Upside-Down Cake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
Well hello there, beautiful. They say “an apple a day,” and this one has three, so it’s basically healthy…right?
25. Apple Pie Biscuits
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
You might find this hard to believe, but they’re actually easier to make than apple pie.
26. Biscuit Dough Pumpkin Hand Pies
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
All the delicious things about pumpkin pie (flaky crust, sweet-spicy filling) without the messy slicing, cleanup or fuss.
27. Apple-Cider Pear Spelt Cake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: <500 calories, crowd-pleaser
This slightly sweet, kinda healthy cake has a secret: It’s stuffed with plump, juicy, cider-poached pears. Just wait for the oohs and ahhs.
28. Brown-Sugar Pear Puff Pastries
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
A flavor combination that can’t be beat, plus a presentation that rivals any fancy bakery? Sounds like you just won dessert.
29. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Two desserts in one? Don’t mind if we…eat the whole batch.
30. Sticky Toffee Honeycomb Cake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
You could save this one for a special occasion or party (it’s certainly pretty enough), but it’s actually easy enough to make anytime your sweet tooth strikes.
31. Easy Cranberry-Pecan Sandwich Cookies
- Time Commitment: 2 hours, 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
These simple fall sandwich cookies hit all the right flavor notes: They’re fruity, nutty, salty and just a little tart—sure to be a hit.
32. Apple Tart with Soft-Pretzel Crust
- Time Commitment: 2 hours, 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
OK, this apple stunner takes a little extra effort. But just look at her. Worth it, right?
33. Cinnamon Sheet Cake with Cider Frosting
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
A foolproof fall cake recipe is hard to come by. This one is that, and so much more. Don’t skimp on the apple cider frosting (it’s the best part).
34. Pecan Pie Scones
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
If you look up the word buttery in the dictionary, you’ll find this recipe. We don’t want to spoil the surprise…but there are pie crust pieces in the dough.
35. Pumpkin Spice Pecan Rolls
- Time Commitment: 3 hours, 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
We’d say the creamy icing is optional…but we’d be lying. This is all our favorite fall flavors rolled into one dessert.
36. Maple Baked Pears
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, beginner-friendly, <500 calories
It doesn’t get easier (or more elegant) than this. Even better, they’re practically healthy but definitely don’t taste like it.
37. No-Bake Mini Mason Jar Spiced Cheesecakes
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
No oven? No problem. These festive cuties take a quick ten minutes to whip up, then magically come together in the fridge. The hardest part is waiting to dig in.
38. Snickerdoodle Chocolate-Chunk Bundt Cake
- Time Commitment: 2 hours
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, kid-friendly
This is what happens when a cookie meets a cake and has a very delicious baby. The chocolate chunks and glaze are extra…but what’s not to love? (Got kids? They’re about to go wild.)
39. Gluten-Free Apple Rose Tart
- Time Commitment: 2 hours, 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, <500 calories
This gorgeous gluten-free tart needs no introduction. The crust is press-in and so easy, which leaves you ample time to craft a breathtaking apple-rose topper.
40. Cinnamon Roll Pie Crust
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
This might be the easiest recipe ever. Five ingredients, 20 minutes and voilà, a sensational base for whatever filling tickles your fancy…
41. Pumpkin Pie with Cinnamon Roll Crust
- Time Commitment: 3 hours, 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
…such as this classic pumpkin pie. Use pre-made pumpkin pie spice, or make your own from your favorite fall spices.
42. Maple-Pecan Icebox Cookies
- Time Commitment: 3 hours, 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, make ahead
As if you needed any excuse to make a batch of these guys, they’re entirely make-ahead.
43. Mini Apple Tarts
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Quick, grab every mason jar you can find. We’re making tarts.
44. Cardamom Cream-Filled Bundt Cake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
It’s like eating a spicy, sweet, fluffy cloud. Who’s ready for a slice?
45. Candy Apples
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, gluten free
Pick up a bag of Jolly Ranchers at the store, and you’re halfway to this quintessential fall treat. Want to dress it up even further? Add dark or milk chocolate into the mix.
46. Mini No-Bake Gingersnap Icebox Cakes
- Time Commitment: 2 hours
- Why I Love It: no cook, crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
A finishing drizzle of caramel sauce is optional, but highly encouraged.
47. Caramel Almond Cake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
You won’t even miss the frosting with this candied, crispy topping.
48. Giant Brown-Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: ready in <30 minutes, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
These are the over-the-top comfort food of our dreams. Serve them with a tall glass of milk to indulge your inner child.
49. Caramel-Stuffed Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Time Commitment: 3 hours
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Sweet and spicy cookies stuffed with molten caramel. Need we say more? (Using store-bought caramel candies makes it so easy.)
50. Cardamom Crème Brûlée
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients, gluten free
FYI, it’s actually pretty easy to make crème brûlée at home, crackly topping and all. The touch of cardamom is a welcome upgrade that keeps it fresh and fall-ready.
51. Sweet Potato Pots de Crème with Toasted Marshmallow
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
If you’re trying to look like a restaurant pastry chef for your next socially distant dinner party, look no further. These custardy fall treats are secretly simple to make but don’t taste like it.
52. Creamy Pumpkin Eton Mess
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly
This beauty tastes like all the best parts of pumpkin pie, thanks to cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
53. Spiced Palmiers
- Time Commitment: 4 hours, 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
These pretty cookies are, admittedly, a bit of a project. But it’s worth the effort to spice your own puff pastry, and you’ll be the talk of the town at your next party.
54. Sweet Potato Sugar Cookies with Marshmallow Topping
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
This is like the cookie version of that sweet potato casserole with toasted marshmallows on top. Even better, a batch can be yours in all of 30 minutes.
55. Cinnamon Meringue Pie
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
Say hello to pumpkin pie’s chic cousin from the city. Don’t be put off by the prep time; you can use a store-bought pie crust as a quick shortcut.
56. Pumpkin Brioche
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes (plus rise time)
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
You can’t celebrate fall without pumpkin-y carbs; why not up the ante this year? This bread is fluffy, buttery and—dare we say?—even more delicious than the original.
57. Carrot Cake Doughnuts with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
When you need a break from pumpkin but not the warm, cozy fall spices, make these guys for dessert…or breakfast. They’ve got carrots so they’re, uh, healthy.
58. Roasted Apple Pavlova with Honey Whipped Cream
- Time Commitment: 3 hours, 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, gluten free
Make sure you cook the apples until deeply caramelized for the best flavor. Assemble, then dive straight in with a spoon.
59. Pumpkin Angel Food Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Hi there, beautiful. You may look all decadent and luscious, but we know you’re as light and fluffy as any angel food cake on the inside (and taste like a fall fever dream).
60. Caramelized Butternut Squash Upside-Down Cake
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Running out of fall dessert ideas? Look to the vegetable aisle. This butternut squash cake is anything but savory, and you’ll want to make it again and again.
61. Fig Tarte Tatin
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, one pan, special occasion–worthy
Fall isn’t just apple season…it’s fig season too. This all comes together in a single skillet, and the most work you’ll have to do is slice some figs. You’ve got nothing to lose.
62. Caramel Coconut Macaroons
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, gluten free
The kids will think these quick bites taste like their favorite Halloween candy. Bonus: They’re naturally gluten free.
63. Mini Cranberry Pot Pies
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly
Hosting a pandemic-era potluck has never been simpler. No one really wants to share a pie, anyway.
64. Pumpkin Spice Icebox Cake
- Time Commitment: 12 hours, 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, no cook
As much as we love pie, we’re always looking for new ways to get our pumpkin fix, and this easy icebox cake is just the thing. Psst: No oven necessary.
65. Mini Caramel Pecan Pies with Cinnamon Roll Pie Crust
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
They’re seasonal, adorable and quick to make. Seriously, they’re ready in under an hour. The secret? Store-bought pie crust and a mini muffin tin.
66. Apple-Cider Doughnut Holes
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
If fall were a dessert, this would be it. The good news is you probably already have some cider in your fridge, just waiting for its moment to shine.
67. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Pumpkin bread is a classic. Add a swirl of cream cheese and cinnamon streusel on top and you’ve got a masterpiece.
68. The World’s Biggest Peanut Butter Cup
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
You might not trick-or-treat anymore, but who said chocolate candy was just for the kids? This is like a giant version of our favorite Halloween treat.
69. Ginger Cherry Pie
- Time Commitment: 3 hours, 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
Cherries for fall? You better believe it. Find them in the frozen aisle for a super-simple filling. The crust requires a bit more effort, but the gingerbread-y flavor is worth it.
