Step 1: Make One of These Fall Desserts. Step 2: Fall In Love.
I don't know about you, but when I think about fall (aka my favorite season), I think about getting all warm and snuggly under a big blanket and going in on a hot beverage and sweet treat. Baked goods and cool temps just go together like Bravo and catfights, and after the year we've had, I think it's safe to say we all deserve to indulge a little bit this cozy szn.
That's why I went ahead and rounded up 25 of the best fall recipes known to man (or at least to me), with picks for cinnamon fans, pumpkin lovers, maple syrup mamas, and everyone in between. Is this article basically a list of reasons why you should stay in and bake this weekend? Yes. Will it make you drool between scrolls? Yes, again. And it's so worth it.
Grab that cute pie dish that's been collecting dust since last Thanksgiving, check to make sure your flour isn't expired, then prepare to get down and dirty with these fall desserts. Your roommates thank you already.
Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
If you thought chocolate chip cookies were your favorite treat before, just try this ooey-gooey skillet cookie sprinkled with sea salt. Bonus points if your pan looks like it came from Joanna Gaines' kitchen, like the one in this photo.
Recipe from The Seasoned Skillet
Sweet Potato Pie
Southerners already know this is the ultimate semi-savory dessert, and everyone else should definitely give 'er a try—if only for that gorgeous torched marshmallow topping.
Nutella Stuffed Pumpkin Beignets
Fried dough stuffed with Nutella can't not be good, and these perfectly plump beignets from Half Baked Harvest are proof. The dough also calls for pumpkin purée and warm apple cider, so it's basically fall in doughnut form.
Recipe from Half Baked Harvest
Cinnamon Rolls with Brown-Butter Frosting
I'm obsessed with anything that includes brown butter (basically a nuttier, richer version of the butter you already know and love), and these cinnamon buns are no exception. They're also way better than anything you could get at the mall food court.
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
This may look like a dainty cake, but you can—and actually should—eat this monkey bread with your hands. It's basically a souped-up, pull-apart cinnamon roll.
Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake
You either have and love an instant pot...or you haven't tried one yet. This quick and easy recipe is for all the fanatics out there. It won't take up any room in the oven (ideal for balls-to-the-wall Thanksgiving feast prep) and has a delectable gingersnap crust.
Cardamom Apple Fritters with Maple Glaze
I don't know about you, but I can taste that sticky maple glaze just *looking* at these apple fritters. Yes, they're deep-fried, and yes, you can do it at home on your stove (promise). Trust me, they're worth it.
Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread
If you a) always reach for the caramel apple dip at the Halloween party and b) always think the bagel shop was stingy with the cream cheese, then man, oh man, do I have a treat for you. It's the best of both caramel apple and cream cheese worlds, topped with crunchy toffee bits.
Recipe from She Wears Many Hats
Dulce de Leche Pumpkin Toffee Pie
Perhaps no recipe on this list is more decadent than this delicious pumpkin pie with a seriously sweet twist: a layer of dulce de leche baked on top of the (storebought! aka easy!) crust.
Gizzada
This open-faced coconut tart is a classic Jamaican treat with a buttery crust and spiced coconut filling. It's delicious, and you should make it. End tweet.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Cupcakes With Butter Pecan Frosting
I don't think I even need to explain this one. Just read the recipe name and you'll find yourself driving to the grocery store for all the decadent ingredients.
Recipe from Half Baked Harvest
Cream Cheese Banana Bread
You may never eat regular banana bread again after you try this incredibly easy recipe with streaks of rich cream cheese. Truly the best way to make use of those spotty bananas you told yourself you were gonna eat.
Caramel Apple Tart
This caramel apple tart may look too pretty to eat, but I strongly urge you to chow down anyways. The thin-sliced apples paired with the puff pastry is just chef's kiss.
Glazed Donuts
I'm of the belief that the best donut is a plain glazed donut. They're pure in the best way possible. These yeast ones are light, fluffy, and taste damn good with a pumpkin-spiced latte (yes, you're allowed to like those).
Apple Dumplings
Some of the best memories from my childhood are getting freshly made apple dumplings at the farmer's market. This recipe brings those same vibes, but at home, with cinnamon-spiced apples stuffed inside a tender, buttery crust.
Caramel Apple Bites
I love anything served on a stick, and these bite-sized beauties are perfectly poppable. All you need are some caramel-covered chocolates, apple chunks, and pretzel bites.
Recipe from Easy Family Recipe Ideas
Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake With Spiced Cream
No matter your thoughts on the word "moist," just know that you can't find a cake much moist-er than this pumpkin tres leches cake. It's soaked in evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and half-and-half, and topped with spiced whipped cream. If you're lactose-intolerant, please skip. If not, please eat.
Nutella-Stuffed Pumpkin Cookie Bars
You're gonna wanna buy the big jar of Nutella for these bad boys. Not only are they stuffed with the good stuff, but they're drizzled with it too.
Recipe from Marsha's Baking Addiction
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
This bread pudding, baked in a pumpkin-spiced custard, is dreamy on its own, but absolute perfection when drizzled with the recommended bourbon butter sauce. I'm drooling just thinking about it.
Maple Butter Blondies
Not a fan of chocolate, but love the rich, dense texture of a brownie? I'd bet you'll love these blondies, which are made with maple butter and smothered in a creamy maple sauce.
5-Minute Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread Mug Cake
That's right, all you need is five minutes, a mug, and a few pantry staples to whip up this gooey, chocolatey banana bread. I won't tell anyone if you eat it for dessert and breakfast.
Recipe from Half Baked Harvest
Cinnamon Baked Apples
It's a tale as old as time: You went apple picking and paid a million dollars for bags of apples you're never going to finish. If you ever find yourself in this situation again, I want you to pull up this recipe and make this cinnamon-sprinkled treat.
Brown-Butter Pumpkin Tahini Bars
Tahini? In a dessert? You betcha. The sesame-seed paste makes these brown-butter pumpkin bars unbelievably moist. These babies are also gluten-free, for our friends that need to watch out for that.
Recipe from Dishing Out Health
Chocolate Pecan Pie
If pecan pie is your favorite dessert at the Thanksgiving table, here's a recipe that makes it even better, by adding chocolate chips.
Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
This crumbly cake would look reaaaaally good with your morning cup of joe, just sayin'. You deserve this.
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