17 Easy Desserts for Fall

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

If you’re looking for easy dessert ideas and recipes for fall, you’ve come to the right place! This collection of 17 fall desserts is all the inspiration you need for creating sweet treats at home that are perfect for crisp autumn evenings. 

Here’s why I think you’ll love these recipes:

  • Seasonal Flavors: Each recipe celebrates classic fall ingredients like apples, pumpkins, pears, and warm spices, offering a comforting and nostalgic taste of the season.
  • Ease of Preparation: These recipes are designed to be simple and straightforward, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned cooks looking for quick and easy dessert options.
  • Versatility: From baked goods to chilled treats, there’s a wide variety of desserts to suit different tastes and occasions, including parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home.
  • Crowd-Pleasers: With familiar flavors and appealing presentations, these desserts are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults, making them ideal for entertaining.
  • Healthier Options: Some recipes, like baked pears and apple chips, provide lighter, fruit-based options that can satisfy sweet cravings while being mindful of health.
  • Customizable: These desserts can easily be adapted or customized with different fruits, spices, or toppings to suit personal preferences or dietary needs.

Let’s take a look at the recipes… 

1. Caramel Apple Crisp

caramel apple crisp

This Caramel Apple Crisp is a delicious combination of tender apples, warm spices, and a buttery oat topping, all drizzled with rich caramel sauce. It’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing dessert.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a baking dish, layer the apple slices and drizzle with caramel sauce.
  3. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly.
  4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
  6. Serve warm with ice cream if desired.

2. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

pumpkin spice cupcakes

These Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes are moist and flavorful, infused with warm spices and topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting. They’re perfect for any fall celebration.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cream cheese frosting
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and sugar until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
  5. Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting mixed with ground cinnamon.

3. Spiced Pear Galette

spiced pear galette

This Spiced Pear Galette is a rustic and elegant fall dessert featuring sweet pears spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, wrapped in a flaky pastry crust.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 3 pears, sliced
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface and transfer to a baking sheet.
  3. In a bowl, toss pear slices with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Arrange the pear slices in the center of the puff pastry, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
  5. Fold the edges of the pastry over the pears, brushing with melted butter.
  6. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the pears are tender.
  8. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4. Maple Pecan Blondies

maple pecan blondies

These Maple Pecan Blondies are rich and chewy, with a delicious maple flavor and crunchy pecans. They’re an easy and satisfying treat for fall.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in chopped pecans.
  7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let cool before cutting into squares.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips

cinnamon sugar apple chips

These Cinnamon Sugar Apple Chips are a healthy and delicious snack or dessert, featuring thinly sliced apples baked to crispy perfection with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 3 apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Arrange apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheets.
  3. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
  4. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apple slices.
  5. Bake for 2-3 hours, until the apples are dry and crisp. Make sure you keep checking on them regularly so they don’t burn! 
  6. Let cool completely before serving.

6. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft and chewy, filled with pumpkin flavor and studded with chocolate chips. They’re a perfect fall treat.

Serves: 24

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
  6. Stir in chocolate chips.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
  9. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Peach Cobbler

peach cobbler for fall

This Peach Cobbler is a warm and comforting dessert featuring juicy peaches baked under a buttery biscuit topping. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy fall peaches.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups sliced peaches
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a baking dish, combine sliced peaches, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Stir in milk until just combined.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of the batter over the peaches.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the peaches are bubbly.
  8. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

8. Spiced Pumpkin Bread

spiced pumpkin bread

This Spiced Pumpkin Bread is moist and flavorful, filled with warm spices and pumpkin goodness. It’s perfect for an autumn breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Maple Pecan Tarts

maple pecan tarts

These Maple Pecan Tarts are a sweet and nutty treat, featuring a buttery tart shell filled with a gooey maple and pecan filling. They’re perfect for fall gatherings.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet pie crust, thawed
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin.
  2. Roll out the pie crust and cut into small circles to fit the muffin tin.
  3. Press the dough circles into the muffin tin to form tart shells.
  4. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and pecans until well combined.
  5. Spoon the filling into the tart shells.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
  7. Let cool before removing from the tin.

10. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

caramel apple cheesecake bars

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and a topping of caramel apples.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 apples, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
  4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
  5. Arrange the diced apples on top of the cheesecake layer.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheesecake is set.
  7. Let cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce and cutting into bars.

11. Gingerbread Whoopie Pies

gingerbread whoopie pies

These Gingerbread Whoopie Pies are a festive and fun dessert, featuring soft gingerbread cookies sandwiched with a creamy vanilla filling.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup vanilla frosting

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add molasses and egg, and mix until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Let cool completely before spreading vanilla frosting on the flat side of half of the cookies and topping with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.

12. Cinnamon Baked Pears

cinnamon baked pears

These Cinnamon Baked Pears are a simple and elegant dessert, featuring ripe pears baked with cinnamon and brown sugar until tender and caramelized.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 pears, halved and cored
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange pear halves in a baking dish.
  3. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
  4. Drizzle the mixture over the pears.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pears are tender and caramelized.
  6. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

13. Pumpkin Spice Pudding

pumpkin spice pudding

This Pumpkin Spice Pudding is a creamy and flavorful dessert, filled with warm spices and pumpkin flavor. It’s a perfect fall treat for pumpkin lovers.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Whipped cream for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  2. Whisk until smooth and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Pour the pudding into serving dishes and refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
  5. Serve with whipped cream.

14. Apple Cinnamon Scones

apple cinnamon scones

These Apple Cinnamon Scones are buttery and flaky, filled with chunks of fresh apples and warm cinnamon. They’re perfect for a fall breakfast or dessert.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 apple, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
  5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in diced apple.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick.
  8. Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and sprinkle over the scones.
  10. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
  11. Serve warm.

15. Maple Walnut Ice Cream

maple walnut ice cream

This Maple Walnut Ice Cream is a rich and creamy dessert, filled with the sweet flavor of maple syrup and crunchy walnuts. It’s a perfect fall treat.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and maple syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
  4. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
  6. Transfer to a container and freeze until firm.
  7. Serve scoops of ice cream in bowls.

16. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

pumpkin cheesecake bars for fall

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are a deliciously creamy and spiced dessert, featuring a graham cracker crust and a pumpkin cheesecake layer.

Serves: 12

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, and mix until combined.
  4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the cheesecake is set.
  6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

17. Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding

caramelized banana bread pudding

This Caramelized Banana Bread Pudding is a warm and comforting dessert, featuring chunks of banana and caramelized sugar in a rich custard.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cubed bread
  • 2 bananas, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
  2. Arrange the cubed bread and banana slices in the baking dish.
  3. In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns golden brown. Remove from heat and add milk and cream, stirring until smooth.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and vanilla extract. Slowly add the milk mixture, whisking constantly.
  5. Pour the custard over the bread and bananas.
  6. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and melted butter. Drizzle over the bread pudding.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.
  8. Serve warm.

These 17 easy fall desserts are sure to bring warmth and comfort to your table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these delicious and seasonal treats are perfect for celebrating the flavors of autumn. Enjoy!