Autumn is officially upon us—you can feel it in the crisp, cool air and the everlasting obsession with anything pumpkin spice-flavored. And there is something about the changing of seasons and fall foliage that makes us want to get in the kitchen and bake up a storm. The “secret” to the perfect fall baked good is a blend of spices, ranging from cinnamon and nutmeg to coriander, fennel seeds, and cloves.
These 15 fall baking recipes are perfect for those who love classics, like apple and pumpkin pie, or those who want to try something a bit more unique, such as a ginger apple tarte tatin and apple spice donut pudding. So stock up on those baking essentials and get to work on a fall treat!
Savory Seedy Granola
Making granola at home is incredibly easy, cost-effective, and healthier since it won’t have loads of sugar. But who says all granola has to be sweet? This savory and seedy granola recipe uses ingredients like fennel seeds, coriander, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes to add depth of flavor to every crunchy crumble.
Sheet Pan Apple Crisp
We’re all fans of sheet pan dinners but what about sheet pan desserts? This sheet pan apple crisp is beyond comforting, and is the perfect sweet to serve during the holidays or at a fall party.
Pumpkin Bread Trifle With Pepita Streusel
Making a homemade trifle might seem intimidating, but it’s easier than it looks (and will truly impress any crowd). Plus, there’s something so satisfying about layering cubes of homemade pumpkin bread with generous dollops of whipped cream cheese filling.
Ginger Apple Tarte Tatin
This time of year is all about apple pie and pumpkin-forward treats, but this ginger apple tarte tatin is so elegant and elevated. Frozen puff-pastry is the key to keeping this recipe simple, and the ginger apple filling is full of flavors that feel like a warm hug.
Apple Rugelach
It’s not every day that you come across an apple-filled rugelach, but this treat is just as delicious as the classic varieties like raspberry and cinnamon. And while this recipe teaches you how to make your own dough at home, you can always purchase store-bought dough to expedite the process.
Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
There’s nothing better than baking on a cool fall afternoon, and these pumpkin swirl cheesecake bars are the best thing you can make. They’re soft and creamy with the most decadent cheesecake frosting—truly what autumn dreams are made of.
Pistachio-Walnut Cheesecake
Warning: if you make this cake for your family and friends, they may start to request it for every occasion. It trades the typical graham cracker crust for a homemade Biscoff crust, and has vibrant lemon zest and sweet honey mixed into the cream cheese filling.
Pumpkin Spice Bread
Bye-bye banana bread—we’re obsessing over this warm and aromatic pumpkin spice bread that’s full of delicious fall flavors. Enjoy a slice on its own, or toast it with a schmear of butter and top with flakey sea salt.
Mini Pumpkin Pies With Speculoos Crust and Whipped Cream
In just a little over an hour, you can make devour-worthy personal pumpkin pies that are perfect for parties, holidays, and even upcoming bake sales. And while the creamy pumpkin filling is delicious, we just can’t get over the buttery Speculoos crust.
Apple Spice Donut Pudding
Move over bread pudding—apple spice donut pudding is all the rage this season. Transform an ordinary box of glazed donuts into a warm, comforting dessert that tastes just like an apple pie bread pudding.
Puff Pastry Cinnamon Rolls
Homemade cinnamon rolls tend to be a labor of love, usually taking hours to make from start to finish. But this cinnamon roll recipe takes just 30 minutes thanks to store-bought puff pastry, and calls for only a handful of ingredients.
Chewy Spice Cookies
You can think of these chewy, spice cookies as a scratch-made Ginger Snap. Molasses helps give each cookie a sweet taste and soft texture, while the perfect blend of spices rounds everything out.
Cinnamon Spiced Pumpkin Muffins
Need some inspiration for a quick breakfast or snack? These cinnamon spiced pumpkin muffins are flavorful and filling, and so easy to whip up in less than an hour.
Chickpea “Cookie Dough” Bites
Chickpea “cookie dough” has recently gained popularity because it’s a great way to get more protein in a yummy little treat. Once the garbanzo beans are put in a food processor with a few other ingredients and spices, it truly tastes like cookie dough!
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie
When in doubt, stick to the classics. Whether you’re tasked with baking something for a dinner party or potluck, you can never go wrong with this no-bake dessert that tastes like a cross between pumpkin pie and cheesecake.