79 Best Fall Desserts That Are Perfect to Make for Autumn
Treats made with apple, pumpkin spice, chocolate and more to satisfy your sweet tooth this season.
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It’s hard to say what the best part about fall is. For some, it’s the leaves changing, for others, it's all about the pumpkin-spice-flavored treats and Thanksgiving desserts. But those are not the only autumn desserts on the menu this year. While classics like apple and pumpkin pie should definitely be in your rotation, we’ve also rounded up plenty of seasonal favorites that include fall cupcakes, pumpkin cookies and even Halloween desserts that can help you mix things up a bit. From elegant pecan cupcakes that are sure to wow any crowd to white chocolate meltaways that come together using just two ingredients, these fall dessert ideas are sure to be a hit.
And if you have dietary restrictions, don’t worry: you don’t have to skip dessert. We’ve included some sweets that are vegan-friendly desserts, and others that will be fine to eat if you’re looking for a treat that is gluten-free or dairy-free. Many of these recipes could also be modified to suit different diets, so no one has to miss out.
These recipes will be a hit at any family meal, Halloween party or Thanksgiving dinner. But we wouldn’t blame you for making one of these fall desserts all for yourself. Just saying, these sweets are the perfect thing to have when watching a fall movie or enjoying a seasonal cocktail on a cozy night in!
Mini Apple Pies
Everyone will be wowed by these adorable seasonal treats. The secret is to use two different kinds of apples, plus some raisins for extra sweetness.
Get the Mini Apple Pies recipe.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Chocolate + caramel + flaky sea salt = these delectable cookies perfect for fall (or any season).
Get the Chocolate Caramel Cookies recipe.
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White Chocolate Meltaways
Need a fall dinner party dessert in a hurry? These white chocolate meltaways only require two ingredients and 15 minutes.
Get the White Chocolate Meltaways recipe.
Mixed-Berry Cornmeal Cobbler
You can use the last of the summer berries for this crumbly dessert. If you don't have any fresh fruit on hand, you can use frozen berries and strawberries for this crisp, buttery dessert.
Get the Mixed-Berry Cornmeal Cobbler recipe.
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Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake
This delicious cake gets some extra crunch thanks to the walnut, brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. And hey, you could technically eat this dessert for breakfast if you wanted.
Get the Raisin-Walnut Coffee Cake recipe.
Vegan Apple Cake
This cake is perfect for everyone: It's vegan, gluten-free and totally delicious with warming spices and a fluffy vegan buttercream frosting.
Get the Vegan Apple Cake recipe.
Blondies
With notes of caramel and butterscotch, Blondies make the perfect (easy!) fall dessert.
Get the Blondies recipe.
Harvest Pear-Blackberry Pie
Why should apple pie recipes and pumpkin pie recipes get all the fall attention? This autumn dessert mixes creamy Bartlett pears with juicy blackberries for the perfect pie.
Get the Harvest Pear-Blackberry Pie recipe.
Pecan Cupcakes with Spiced Vanilla Frosting
Made with finely ground pecans, cinnamon and nutmeg, these spiced cupcakes are perfect for fall.
Skillet Cookie Sundaes
This warm and melty chocolate chip skillet cookie is customizable for the ultimate fall dessert for a crowd. We'll be topping ours with candied pecans and miso caramel, thank you.
Get the Skillet Cookie Sundaes recipe.
Spiked Hot Chocolate
This warming fall drink topped with a toasted marshmallow (and spiked with rum or bourbon!) doubles as dessert.
Get the Spiked Hot Chocolate recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Mousse
Who says pumpkin desserts can only be in pie form? This cool and creamy mousse has all the right fall flavors.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Mousse recipe.
Red Velvet Cookies
Instead of opting for white chocolate chips, this recipe doubles down on the chocolate flavor (using both semi-sweet chips and rich cocoa powder), to make a cookie that every chocolate dessert-lover will adore.
Get the Red Velvet Cookies recipe.
Fudgy Beet Brownies
Psst! We snuck some vegetables into brownies and no one will ever know because they're that good.
Get the Fudgy Beet Brownies recipe.
Brown Sugar Pecan Pie
Looking for a pecan pie recipe without corn syrup? Our brown sugar-maple syrup version is sticky, sweet and irresistible.
Get the Brown Sugar Pecan Pie recipe.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
These creamy, ultra-rich slices make an excellent Thanksgiving dessert that's easy to share.
Get the Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Aztec Chocolate Granola Bark
We sprinkled decadent dark chocolate with a sweet and spicy pumpkin seed granola, making this crunchy fall sweet basically healthy, right?
Get the Aztec Chocolate Granola Bark recipe.
Pecan Pie Bars
These bars use honey and dark brown sugar for gooey sweetness with rich caramel notes. A splash of bourbon is the secret ingredient!
Get the Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Warning: This will be the dessert the whole family begs you to bake each fall.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.
Chocolate and Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
Sandwich pumpkin pie ice cream in between chocolate graham crackers for an easy fall or Halloween treat.
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