On the hunt for amazing fall desserts? From decadent Pecan Pie Bars to crunchy Apple Crumble and buttery Maple Cookies, we’ve got all the fall feels right here. Here are 15 of our favourite fall desserts in no particular order.
I know it’s spring – and almost summer – here in Australia, but my friends in America are making all the fall bakes. Which means I’m nostalgic for all things cinnamon and pumpkin and maple and pecan.
So with Thanksgiving around the corner, and Christmas just weeks away, I wanted to share my favourite fall desserts with you.
Here are 15 deliciously easy desserts to try this fall – or spring – depending on where you live.
1 Apple crumble
This deliciously easy Apple Crumble is a staple in my kitchen. It’s super easy to throw together or make ahead for a dinner party. Serve with whipped cream or custard for a hearty dessert. And say goodbye to dry or lacklustre oat toppings, because my crumble taste like an oatmeal cookie. You. Are. Welcome.
It was soo easy and I loved the firmer apple under the delicious nutty buttery crumble!
Robyn, August 2020
2 Cinnamon Apple Cake
This Apple Cake is THE most popular recipe year-round on Sweetest Menu, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s incredibly easy to throw together – no electric mixer needed – but the flavours are on point. Think tender apples, soft cinnamon cake and a sweet sugar glaze ❤️
This is so delicious!! Doubled the portions and the whole family loved it and everyone had to go for seconds.
Irene, November 2020
3 Maple cookies
Maple Cookies. Who knew adding maple syrup to buttery cookie dough would be a game changer. Throw in chunks of white chocolate, toasted pecans and a sprinkling of sea salt, and you have the ultimate fall treat. P.S. You’ll want to make these cookies all year long.
4 Pecan Pie Bars
Nothing says fall more than Pecan Pie. But this year, do away with the time-consuming pie crust and try my Pecan Pie Bars. With ALL the flavours of the real thing but with half the fuss, these bars are a life-saver. Everyone will love their buttery shortbread crust, and sticky maple pecan filling.
Made this last night and had to patiently wait till this morning for it to set. Totally worth it! This recipe was super easy to make and tasted fabulous.
Varu, November 2020
5 Pumpkin Bread
Of course, you can’t talk about fall desserts without mentioning pumpkin. This year, instead of pumpkin pie, try a loaf of tender Pumpkin Bread. This simple, one bowl bake gives the classic Banana Bread a run for its money. Enjoy softly spiced pumpkin cake finished with a sweet cinnamon topping.
6 Snickerdoodle cookies
I adore Snickerdoodle Cookies. Soft and sweet, these buttery cinnamon cookies are perfect for seasonal gifting or making just because. They use only staple pantry ingredients and take only minutes to prepare. My advice? Make two batches because they’re sure to disappear.
These were so quick and simple to whip up! I doubled the batch and made 24 biscuits. I’ve spent the rest of the night fighting off my partner and two year old. I made them early this afternoon and they are now gone at 9pm. Will definitely be making again and again!
Khelia, May 2020
7 Turtle pie
For a truly decadent dessert, my Turtle Pie is a must. This recipe was inspired by the turtle candy bar which celebrates the combination of pecans, caramel and chocolate. It’s boasts a pecan cookie crust (can you even?!), a sticky brown sugar caramel and a surprisingly thick layer of chocolate ganache. Yes please.
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8 white chocolate blondies
Soft, fudgy and downright delicious. Meet my one bowl White Chocolate Raspberry Blondies. Somewhere between a cookie and a brownie, they just about melt-in-your-mouth. They take only minutes to make, but are perfect served alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
Everyone who tried these loved them! Such an easy recipe to follow and they came out looking exactly like the photos.
Grace, November 2020
9 Caramel apple buns
If buttery buns are your thing, you’re going to fall head over heels for my Caramel Apple Rolls. These decadent buns are filled with cinnamon sugar, crunchy apples and homemade caramel. Baked until golden, they’re soft, sweet and oh-so-irresistible. Thanksgiving breakfast anyone?
10 Cinnamon donuts
Who doesn’t love a warm cinnamon donut? And you’ll love these even more when you discover that they’re baked not fried. Meaning they’re easier to make and quicker too! Brushed with butter and coated in cinnamon sugar, these mini cakes taste just like their fried counterparts.
This is my go to recipe for oven baked cinnamon donuts! Simple and tasty!
Venus, October 2020
11 Hummingbird Cake
An American-inspired classic, the Hummingbird Cake is one of the most flavourful cakes out there. Made with bananas, pineapple and pecans, it’s unusually moist and oh-so-flavourful. Paired with cream cheese icing and coated in crunchy cookie crumbs, it’s a seriously punchy dessert.
Been making this for my family since I saw it in 2018… I do not make banana cakes anymore as this cake is soooooo much tastier! Thanks for the recipe.
Irene, August 2020
12 Apple Muffins
The humble muffin is elevated with the addition of juicy apples and sweet cinnamon. Once you learn how to make bakery-style muffins at home, you’ll never look back. These Apple Muffins are soft and tender and boast a real deal muffin top that’ll make you weak at the knees.
13 Cinnabon Cinnamon Buns
Don’t wait until Christmas to enjoy the wonder of homemade Cinnamon Rolls. These light and fluffy scrolls are filled with butter and cinnamon sugar, but perhaps the star of the show is that drippy cream cheese frosting.
I wanted a cinnamon roll that utilized cream cheese in the frosting, and this recipe is PERFECT! I think it will be my official cinnamon roll go-to recipe from now on. The rolls were light and fluffy, the cinnamon sugar was perfect, and the frosting delicious!
Patricia, September 2020
14 banana cake
Lightly spiced, this big, buttery Banana Cake is sure to become a family fave. Save your overripe bananas for this one, and enjoy a big slice for morning or afternoon tea. Of course, it’s hard to stop at just one piece when there’s a thick layer of frosting involved.
I made this cake a couple of weeks ago. I was told this is hands down the best banana cake and cream cheese frosting that they’ve ever had! It was DIVINE!
AJ, July 2020
15 cinnamon tea Cake
You can’t think about fall desserts, without thinking about cinnamon. My Cinnamon Tea Cake collides two of the best things in life: fried cinnamon donuts and homemade cake. This beloved recipe could not be easier to make, but produces a truly light and fluffy cake.
I have just completed baking this absolutely delicious cinnamon tea cake! 5 stars all the way!!!! The recipe is spot-on, and very flexible – I added some crushed walnuts to the batter. Soft, flavourful and scrumptious!
Hermana, October 2020
Hi, I’m Jess, the creator of Sweetest Menu and the author of Something Sweet. A self-taught baker and published recipe writer who can’t stop making easy and delicious baking recipes.
Jeannie Rumble says
hi i love your recipes however i feel for my taste theres way to much sugar, will recipes work with reduced amounts. thanks jeannie
Jessica Holmes says
Thank you for the feedback Jeannie! Tastes definitely vary, but just remember that sugar not only adds sweetness but moisture, texture and colour too.