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: Whipping up an autumnal recipe can be as easy as, well, apple pie. Save the tedious and time-consuming treats for winter and make one of these 50 fall dessert recipes that are spiced, seasonal and also shockingly easy to make. Go ahead, have seconds (OK, thirds).
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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.
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.
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.
Pumpkin bread is a classic. Add a swirl of cream cheese and cinnamon streusel on top and you’ve got a masterpiece.
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.
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).
Don’t tell the dentist, but we’re probably going to eat three. (What? They’re mini!)
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.
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.
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Well hello there, beautiful. They say “an apple a day,” and this one has three, so it’s basically healthy…right?
You might find this hard to believe, but they’re actually easier to make than apple pie.
All the delicious things about pumpkin pie (flaky crust, sweet-spicy filling) without the messy slicing, cleanup or fuss.
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.
A flavor combination that can’t be beat, plus a presentation that rivals any fancy bakery? Sounds like you just won dessert.
Two desserts in one? Don’t mind if we…eat the whole batch.
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.
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.
OK, this apple stunner takes a little extra effort. But just look at her. Worth it, right?
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).
If you look up the word buttery in the dictionary, you’ll find this recipe.
We’d say the creamy icing is optional…but we’d be lying. This is all our favorite fall flavors rolled into one dessert.
It doesn’t get easier (or more elegant) than this. Even better, they’re practically healthy but definitely don’t taste like it.
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.
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.)
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.
This might be the easiest recipe ever. Five ingredients, 20 minutes and voilà, a sensational base for whatever filling tickles your fancy…
…such as this classic pumpkin pie. Use pre-made pumpkin pie spice, or whip up your own from your favorite fall spices.
As if you needed any excuse to make a batch of these guys, they’re entirely make-ahead.
Quick, grab every mason jar you can find. We’re making tarts.
It’s like eating a spicy, sweet, fluffy cloud. Who’s ready for a slice?
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.
A finishing drizzle of caramel sauce is optional, but highly encouraged.
You won’t even miss the frosting with this candied, crispy topping.
These are the over-the-top comfort food of our dreams. Serve them with a tall glass of milk to indulge your inner child.
Sweet and spicy cookies stuffed with molten caramel. Need we say more?
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.
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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.
This beauty tastes like all the best parts of pumpkin pie, thanks to cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
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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.
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.
This is like 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.
You can’t celebrate fall without pumpkin bread, but why not up the ante this year? This bread is fluffy, buttery and—dare we say?—even more delicious than the original.
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.
Make sure you cook the apples until deeply caramelized for the best flavor. Assemble, then dive straight in with a spoon.
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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).
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.
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.
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The kids will think these quick bites taste like their favorite Halloween candy. Bonus: They’re naturally gluten-free.
Hosting a socially distant potluck has never been simpler. No one really wants to share a pie, anyway.
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.
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