When the weather starts to cool off and the leaves turn those gorgeous shades of orange and red, you know it’s time to bring out the fall desserts. Whether you're baking for a cozy night in, planning a Thanksgiving menu, or just want your kitchen to smell like cinnamon and apples, these ideas have you covered.
From easy bakes to make-ahead options, here’s a roundup of the most comforting, crowd-pleasing fall treats—plus a few twists on the classics you might not have tried yet.
Classic Fall Desserts
These are the tried-and-true favorites that scream fall. They're nostalgic, warm, and totally worth baking from scratch (or semi-homemade—we don’t judge!).
1. Apple Crisp
Nothing beats warm apples baked under a brown sugar-oat topping. Top with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cozy bite.
Try this version from The Belle of the Kitchen; it is a huge hit everywhere we bring it.
2. Pumpkin Pie
You can’t have a list of fall desserts without pumpkin pie. Whether you’re team homemade crust or store-bought, it’s all about that creamy filling.
All The Healthy Things' recipe uses maple syrup instead of sugar for a richer (and healthier) fall flavor.
3. Pecan Pie
Sweet, gooey, crunchy—pecan pie is a fall staple that never disappoints. Serve it chilled or slightly warm.
Feels Like Home has a pecan pie recipe that skips the homemade crust but still nails that classic fall favorite.
4. Apple Cider Donuts
These are a fall farmers market classic—and they’re easier to make at home than you might think.
Check out Cake Wiz's baked version if you’re not into frying.
5. Pumpkin Bread
Perfect for breakfast or dessert, pumpkin bread is moist, flavorful, and super easy to freeze for later.
No Plate Like Home adds chocolate chips to hers, and it’s absolutely worth trying.
Fall Desserts with a Twist
These desserts lean into fall flavors but switch things up for something a little different.
6. Chai-Spiced Cheesecake
Think creamy cheesecake but infused with the warming spices of chai tea—cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Julie Marie Eats has an expert tip to ensure it doesn't overbake.
7. Sweet Potato Cupcakes
Like pumpkin’s slightly sweeter cousin, sweet potatoes add rich flavor and moisture to cupcakes. Top with cream cheese frosting and a toasted marshmallow.
The Gracious Wife adds homemade caramel frosting and a bit of pecans on top for a little crunch.
8. Caramel Apple Galette
All the cozy vibes of apple pie but way less effort. Rustic and beautiful, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
If you're looking to make a "lazy pie," Sally's Baking Addiction is a must-try addition to your fall dessert lineup.
9. Maple Walnut Blondies
Buttery, nutty, and gooey with just a touch of maple flavor—these bars are dangerously good.
If you love that sweet-salty combo, Scotch & Scones' maple walnut blondies with a splash of bourbon and a sprinkle of sea salt are fall baked into a bar.
10. Cranberry Orange Pound Cake
Bright, citrusy, and dotted with tart cranberries—this one’s great for Thanksgiving or anytime you want a break from pumpkin.
That Oven Feeling shares a glaze that adds just the right zing.
Easy Fall Desserts for a Crowd
Hosting a group? These desserts are great for feeding a crowd without making you live in the kitchen.
11. Pumpkin Dump Cake
This one’s just what it sounds like—dump it all in a pan and bake. Shockingly good for something so low-effort.
Need something easy that still tastes like fall magic? On My Kids Plate has a pumpkin dump cake that uses cake mix and a few pantry staples—but tastes like you baked all day.
12. Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
One pan, loads of flavor. This is a great option for potlucks or family dinners.
Handle the Heat’s caramel apple sheet cake is soft, buttery, and loaded with fall flavor—plus that salted caramel drizzle takes it totally over the top.
13. Fall-Themed Dessert Charcuterie Board
Not technically “baked,” but totally on-trend. Fill a big board with mini donuts, caramel dip, sliced apples, cookies, and candy corn.
[Blogger Name] includes a homemade pumpkin dip that’s always a hit.
14. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups
Layer pumpkin cheesecake filling with crushed gingersnaps in small jars or cups—easy to prep and serve.
Artful Homemaking's version uses whipped cream cheese for a super light texture.
15. Apple Slab Pie
Pie crust in a sheet pan = more servings, fewer dishes. It’s easy to slice and take on the go.
Persnickety Plates has an amazing oat crumb topping that adds the perfect sweet crunch to her apple slab pie—like a mash-up of pie and crisp in every bite.
Fall Desserts for Kids or School Events
If you’re baking for a class party or just want something fun and easy, these will make the kids (and probably the grown-ups) happy.
16. Acorn Donut Holes
Dip donut holes in melted chocolate, then roll in crushed pretzels to make cute little “acorns.”
Mom Spark adds a pretzel stick stem for the cutest touch.
17. Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats
Same marshmallowy goodness, just tinted orange and shaped into pumpkins.
DIY & Fun uses Tootsie Rolls for stems, now add some frosting for vines.
18. Caramel Apple Nachos
Slice apples thin, drizzle with caramel, and top with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed cookies.
Chelsea's Messy Apron has a fun take on apple nachos with tons of topping ideas—so everyone can build their own sweet, crunchy masterpiece.
19. Apple Pie Pops
Mini apple pies on a stick? Yes, please. Fun to eat and even more fun to make with kids.
Artsy Fartsy Mama uses refrigerated pie dough to make it super simple.
20. Candy Corn Fudge
This no-bake treat layers white, orange, and yellow fudge to look just like candy corn—but tastes way better.
No Dash of Gluten shares a microwave version that’s fast and foolproof.
Fall desserts are more than just sweet treats—they're memories, warmth, and comfort in every bite. Whether you go all out with homemade pies or just whip up a batch of pumpkin cupcakes from a mix, it’s all about that fall feeling.
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