18 Must-Try Fall Dessert Recipes for the Season

Hey, fellow foodie! Is there anything better than cozying up with a warm, indulgent dessert when the leaves start to fall? Whether you’re craving something pumpkin-spiced, apple-packed, or just plain comforting, I’ve got you covered with 18 must-try fall dessert recipes that’ll make your kitchen smell like autumn heaven. These treats are easy to whip up, bursting with seasonal flavors, and perfect for sharing (or hoarding, no judgment 😉). Ready to bake your way through the season? Let’s get to it!

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

What’s more fall than a PSL in cupcake form? These babies combine coffee-kissed cake with a creamy pumpkin frosting that’s basically a hug in dessert form.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup espresso or strong coffee
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl.
3. Mix brown sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and espresso in another bowl until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until blended.
5. Scoop batter into liners, filling ⅔ full, and bake for 18–20 minutes.
6. Cool completely. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla for frosting, then pipe onto cupcakes.

Why You’ll Love It

These cupcakes are like sipping a PSL while eating dessert—total win. I once made these for a potluck, and they vanished faster than my willpower around a candy bowl. Perfect for coffee lovers!

2. Apple Crisp with Oat Crumble

This is the dessert you make when you want your house to smell like an apple orchard. Juicy apples and a crunchy oat topping make it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 6 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup butter, cold and cubed
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8 baking dish.
2. Toss apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in the dish.
3. Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, butter, and salt until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle crumble over apples and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
5. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why You’ll Love It

This crisp is stupidly easy and tastes like fall in every bite. Pro tip: don’t skip the ice cream—it melts into the warm apples like a dream. I tried using margarine once, and let’s just say butter is non-negotiable.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins

Donut or muffin? Why choose when you can have both? These fluffy bites are rolled in cinnamon sugar for that churro-like vibe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon (for coating)
• ¼ cup butter, melted (for coating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and sugar in a bowl.
3. Whisk melted butter, buttermilk, and eggs in another bowl.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently.
5. Fill muffin cups ¾ full and bake for 15–18 minutes.
6. Dip warm muffins in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.

Why You’ll Love It

These are dangerously addictive—consider yourself warned. I made a batch for brunch, and my friends fought over the last one. Perfect for cozy mornings or midnight snacks.

4. Maple Pecan Blondies

Chewy, nutty, and dripping with maple syrup flavor, these blondies are like fall in bar form. Who needs brownies when you’ve got these?

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
2. Mix butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, then stir in flour.
4. Fold in pecans and spread batter in the pan.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool before slicing.

Why You’ll Love It

The maple-pecan combo is pure autumn magic. I once swapped walnuts for pecans, and it was fine, but pecans are the real MVPs here. Great for gifting—if you can resist eating them all.

5. Spiced Pear Galette

This rustic tart looks fancy but is secretly easy. Pears and warm spices make it a showstopper for any fall gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 pears, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ginger
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp turbinado sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and roll out pie crust on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Toss pears, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and lemon juice in a bowl.
3. Arrange pears in the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border.
4. Fold edges over pears, brush with egg, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.

Why You’ll Love It

This galette is all about that rustic charm—imperfect edges are the vibe. It’s my go-to when I want to impress without stressing. Serve with whipped cream for extra points.

6. Chai-Spiced Rice Krispie Treats

Take a childhood classic and give it a fall twist with chai spices. These are stupidly simple and insanely good.

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp butter
• 10 oz marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cardamom
• ½ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp cloves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over low heat.
2. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
3. Mix in cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
4. Stir in Rice Krispies until coated.
5. Press into a greased 9×13 pan and cool before cutting.

Why You’ll Love It

These treats are nostalgic but elevated with that chai kick. I made these for a bonfire, and they were gone in minutes. No baking required—score!

7. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Think cheesecake meets apple pie with a drizzle of caramel. These bars are rich, creamy, and perfect for fall potlucks.

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 apples, diced
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup caramel sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment.
2. Mix graham crumbs and butter, then press into the pan.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour over crust, top with apples and cinnamon, and bake for 40–45 minutes.
5. Drizzle with caramel sauce and chill before slicing.

Why You’ll Love It

These bars are a dessert triple-threat: creamy, fruity, and caramel-y. I brought them to a family dinner, and my aunt asked for the recipe—high praise! They’re a bit indulgent, but worth every bite.

8. Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Topping

Move over, pumpkin pie—this sweet potato version with a gooey marshmallow top is stealing the show.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 2 cups sweet potato puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Mix sweet potato, brown sugar, eggs, cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Pour into crust and bake for 45–50 minutes.
4. Top with marshmallows and broil for 1–2 minutes until golden.

Why You’ll Love It

The marshmallow topping makes this pie next-level cozy. I tried it with canned sweet potatoes once, and fresh is way better—trust me. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any chilly night.

9. Cranberry Orange Bread

This zesty quick bread is like a burst of fall in every slice. Cranberries and orange make it festive and bright.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
• Zest of 1 orange

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 loaf pan.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar.
3. Whisk egg, orange juice, butter, and zest in another bowl.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries.
5. Pour into pan and bake for 50–60 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It

This bread is tart, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or dessert. I love slicing it thick and slathering it with butter. It freezes well, too, if you don’t eat it all in one sitting :).

10. Brown Butter Pumpkin Cookies

These soft, chewy cookies with brown butter and pumpkin are like little bites of fall. Drizzle with glaze for extra decadence.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, browned
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Brown butter in a pan, then cool slightly.
3. Mix butter, brown sugar, pumpkin, and egg.
4. Add flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice.
5. Scoop dough onto sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
6. Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze and drizzle over cooled cookies.

Why You’ll Love It

The brown butter adds a nutty depth that’s pure magic. I made these for a bake sale, and they sold out in record time. They’re soft, spiced, and impossible to resist.

11. Apple Cider Donuts

These apple cider donuts are crispy outside, fluffy inside, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Fall mornings just got better.

Ingredients

• 2 cups apple cider, reduced to ½ cup
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• Cinnamon sugar for coating

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Simmer apple cider until reduced, then cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sugar.
4. Whisk cider, butter, and eggs, then combine with dry ingredients.
5. Pipe batter into donut pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
6. Roll warm donuts in cinnamon sugar.

Why You’ll Love It

These donuts scream fall festival vibes. I tried frying them once, but baked is just as good and less messy. Pair with coffee for ultimate coziness.

12. Pecan Pie Bars

All the gooey goodness of pecan pie in easy-to-eat bar form. Perfect for holiday parties or sneaky midnight snacks.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups flour
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup corn syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment.
2. Mix flour, butter, and sugar for crust and press into pan.
3. Bake crust for 15 minutes.
4. Mix brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and pecans.
5. Pour over crust and bake for 25–30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It

These bars are rich but not cloying, thanks to the pecans. I cut them small for portion control, but good luck sticking to one. They’re a holiday must-have.

13. Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Pumpkin and chocolate in one fudgy bite? Yes, please. These brownies are a decadent fall treat.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment.
2. Mix butter, sugar, and eggs, then add flour and cocoa.
3. Spread most of the batter in the pan.
4. Beat cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, and spice, then dollop over batter.
5. Swirl with remaining batter and bake for 30–35 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It

The pumpkin-chocolate combo is a game-changer. I brought these to a party, and people were scraping the pan for crumbs. Fudgy and festive!

14. Spiced Molasses Cookies

These chewy molasses cookies are like gingerbread’s cooler cousin. Warm spices make them perfect for fall.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 2 ¼ cups flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ginger
• ½ tsp cloves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar, then add egg and molasses.
3. Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then roll dough into balls.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It

These cookies are soft, spicy, and perfect with a cup of tea. I made them for a cookie swap, and they were the talk of the night. Roll in sugar for extra crunch.

15. Baked Cinnamon Apples

Simple, healthy-ish, and oh-so-cozy, these baked apples are like apple pie without the crust.

Ingredients

• 4 apples, cored and halved
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ¼ cup walnuts, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and place apples in a baking dish.
2. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, and walnuts.
3. Spoon mixture into apple halves.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until tender.

Why You’ll Love It

These are guilt-free and smell amazing while baking. I serve them with yogurt for breakfast or ice cream for dessert. So versatile!

16. Gingerbread Loaf

This gingerbread loaf is moist, spicy, and perfect for slicing and sharing. It’s like Christmas in a pan.

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup molasses
• 1 ¾ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cloves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 loaf pan.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar, then add eggs and molasses.
3. Mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
4. Combine and pour into pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It

This loaf is a holiday classic that’s great any time. I love it toasted with a smear of cream cheese. It stays moist for days—if it lasts that long.

17. Salted Caramel Pumpkin Tart

This pumpkin tart with a salted caramel drizzle is fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ cup caramel sauce
• Pinch of sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and place pie crust in a 9-inch tart pan.
2. Mix pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, cream, and spice.
3. Pour into crust and bake for 35–40 minutes.
4. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.

Why You’ll Love It

The salted caramel takes this tart to another level. I served it at a dinner party, and everyone thought I was a pro baker. It’s our little secret.

18. Chocolate Hazelnut Tart

Rich chocolate and toasty hazelnuts make this tart a decadent way to end your fall dessert lineup.

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup hazelnuts, chopped
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake pie crust in a 9-inch tart pan for 15 minutes.
2. Heat cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate and stir until smooth.
3. Add sugar and vanilla, then pour into crust.
4. Sprinkle with hazelnuts and chill for 2 hours.

Why You’ll Love It

This tart is like a grown-up candy bar. I made it for a date night, and let’s just say it was a hit. Silky, nutty, and oh-so-rich.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it—18 fall dessert recipes that’ll make your season sweeter than a candy apple. From pumpkin to apples to chai spices, these treats are all about cozy vibes and big flavors. Pick one (or five) and get baking—you’ll thank me when your kitchen smells like autumn and your friends are begging for seconds. What’s your favorite fall dessert? Drop it in the comments—I’m always up for more foodie inspo! 😊