As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, it's the perfect time to indulge in the delightful flavors of fall. I am lucky enough to have Nigerian dwarf goats who eat the fallen leaves from my trees. If only they baked fall treats too!
I love the smell of fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The aroma that fills my homestead kitchen when I do fall baking brings my heart joy. From comforting pies to spiced cakes, here are the top five irresistible fall desserts that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.
1. Apple Pie
A fall classic, apple pie captures the essence of the season with its sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and flaky pastry crust. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate autumn treat.
Apple pie is a Thanksgiving staple, so start practicing making it now before the holidays!
Can I use pre-made pie crust for this apple pie?
Yes, you can use pre-made pie crust to save time. Just make sure to follow the baking instructions on the pie crust package and proceed with the apple filling and assembly as directed in the recipe.
What's the best way to prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, you can blind bake the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the apple filling. Another tip is to sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust before adding the apples; this helps absorb excess moisture.
Ready to bake an iconic apple pie? Print this Apple Pie recipe here and get started on this delicious fall dessert.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes
For lovers of all things pumpkin spice, these cupcakes are a must-try. Moist pumpkin cake is topped with a creamy espresso-infused frosting, creating a delightful blend of pumpkin and coffee flavors.
I love and adore everything pumpkin spice, especially when it comes to tasty treats. I have a sweet tooth for espresso-flavored things like chocolate and cheese as well! Imagine an espresso-infused frosting on a fall treat—it can’t get better than that!
Can I substitute brewed coffee for the espresso in the cupcake recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brewed coffee for the espresso. While espresso provides a stronger coffee flavor, brewed coffee will work well to infuse that delightful coffee taste into your cupcakes.
Is it possible to make these cupcakes without frosting?
Absolutely! If you prefer a simpler treat, you can skip the frosting and enjoy the moist and flavorful pumpkin spice cupcakes on their own. Dust them with a bit of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Don't miss out on these Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes! Print this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes recipe here and savor the delightful taste of fall.
3. Caramel Pecan Bars
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of caramel pecan bars. These sweet and nutty treats are perfect for snacking on cool fall evenings. The combination of caramel and pecans is simply irresistible. My mom would start making these around the holidays growing up, so these are definitely one of my favorite fall treats. I love their simplicity but rich flavor, and they remind me of my sweet mom!
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making caramel from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce to save time. Simply heat it slightly to make it easier to spread over the pecans in the recipe.
What's the best way to store leftover caramel pecan bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to maintain their delightful texture.
Ready to make these sweet indulgences? Print this Caramel Pecan Bars Recipe here and enjoy the irresistible combination of caramel and pecans.
4. Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Warm, spiced, and comforting, cinnamon apple crisp is the quintessential fall dessert. Sliced apples are baked with a crumbly oat topping until they are tender and bubbling. Top it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra decadence. This was one of the first desserts I ever learned how to make. Apples are everywhere in the fall, so stop by a local farm to pick your own so you can stock up for the winter!
Can I make cinnamon apple crisp ahead of time and reheat it?
Yes, you can prepare the crisp ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day or two. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain its crispness.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for the crisp topping?
Certainly! You can use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in the crisp topping to make this dessert gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture. In my experience, gluten-free flour can make the dessert a bit dry so I will throw in a tablespoon or two of sour cream to bring moisture back into the dough.
Craving the flavors of cinnamon and apple? Discover this cinnamon apple crisp recipe here and bake this comforting fall dessert at home.
5. Maple Pecan Pie
Maple pecan pie takes the classic pecan pie up a notch with the addition of rich, aromatic maple syrup. The sweet and nutty filling is encased in a flaky crust, creating a dessert that's the epitome of fall flavor.
I have family in Texas, and I will never forget the first time they came to visit me up north, they brought a maple pecan pie. They claimed it was a taste of the south. To me, it is a taste of fall.
What's the key to a perfect pecan pie filling?
The key to a perfect pecan pie filling is achieving the right balance between sweetness and nuttiness. Using high-quality pecans and pure maple syrup enhances the flavor. Don't forget to arrange the pecan halves evenly for an attractive finish.
Do not buy cheap maple syrup that has fillers in it. The difference will be night and day if you invest in a pure maple syrup. The tradition of making this pie stemmed from my great-great-great grandparents from New England who would tap their own maple trees for syrup to make this pie. Even if you aren’t tapping your own trees, get high quality syrup for this recipe.
Can I make this pie a day ahead of serving?
Yes, you can make the maple pecan pie a day ahead of serving. Allow it to cool completely, cover it, and store it at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a delicious pie.
Ready to try this elevated pecan pie? Get and print this maple pecan pie recipe here and savor the richness of maple and pecans in this fall dessert.
These are my top five favorite fall recipes. Each recipe provides the taste and smell of fall. The aromas while baking each one will fill your kitchen and warm your heart.
