Irresistible Fall Treats Recipes To Bake This Autumn

As soon as the first crisp breeze of autumn rolls in, do you feel an almost primal urge to preheat your oven and pull out the cinnamon? That desire for warmth, comfort, and the nostalgic scent of baking spices is a universal sign that the coziest season of the year has arrived.

The craving for fall flavors is real, but sometimes the thought of complicated recipes can feel overwhelming. You want to capture that perfect pumpkin-spice-and-everything-nice feeling, but you need recipes that are reliable, delicious, and don’t require a culinary degree to master. You’re looking for the joy of baking, not the stress.

Fall treats recipes are all about embracing seasonal flavors like pumpkin, apple, maple, and warm spices. This guide provides easy, irresistible recipes for everything from moist pumpkin bread and classic apple pie bars to chewy cookies and kid-friendly no-bake desserts perfect for any autumn occasion. As a lifelong baker who waits all year for ‘baking season,’ I’ve gathered my absolute favorite, no-fail fall recipes that bring warmth and joy into any kitchen.

Craving That Cozy Autumn Feeling? Here’s How to Bake It at Home

The best way to capture that cozy autumn feeling is by filling your home with the scents of seasonal baking. Nothing compares to the aroma of warm cinnamon, spiced pumpkin, or baked apples wafting from the oven. These flavors are more than just ingredients; they are the essence of fall, transforming your kitchen into a haven of comfort. This curated list of irresistible fall treats recipes is designed to be easy to follow, ensuring you can create delicious memories for every occasion this season, from a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea to a bustling family gathering.

5 Quintessential Pumpkin Treats to Kick Off the Season

The best way to kick off the fall baking season is with quintessential pumpkin treats that are both versatile and beloved. Pumpkin is the undisputed star of autumn, and these recipes—from classic moist bread to creative savory pastries—showcase its incredible range. I’ve tested each of these recipes to ensure they have the perfect balance of spice and moisture, guaranteeing delicious results every single time you bake.

1. The Ultimate Super Moist Pumpkin Bread

This is the best recipe for a simple, reliable, and incredibly delicious classic pumpkin bread. This one-bowl wonder is perfect for a crisp fall morning or a cozy afternoon snack.
* Pin this recipe to your “Fall Baking” board!
* Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree.
* Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and all the warm spices.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: both sugars, oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree until everything is smooth and well-combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter.
5. Pour the final batter into your prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro-Tip: For an extra moist loaf, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The secret is letting the loaf cool completely before slicing to lock in moisture.

2. Crowd-Pleasing Pumpkin Pie Bars with Gingersnap Crust

These bars are an easier alternative to traditional pumpkin pie that serves a larger group perfectly. The spicy gingersnap crust adds a wonderful crunch that complements the creamy filling.
* Save this easy dessert for your next fall gathering!
* Ingredients: Crushed gingersnap cookies, melted butter, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt.
* Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a bowl, mix the crushed gingersnaps, melted butter, and brown sugar. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes.
4. While the crust bakes, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until completely smooth.
5. Pour the creamy filling over the warm crust.
6. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the center of the bars is set.
7. Let the pan cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting and serving.

Pro-Tip: Don’t overbake the bars. The center should have a very slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven; it will set fully as it cools.

3. Chewy Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

This is a unique and flavorful fall cookie recipe that combines classic snickerdoodles with pumpkin and nutty brown butter. The result is a chewy, deeply flavorful cookie that screams autumn.
* The ultimate fall cookie is here! Pin it now!
* Ingredients: Unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, egg yolk, vanilla extract. For coating: granulated sugar, cinnamon.
* Instructions:
1. First, brown the butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Let it cool slightly.
2. Whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and spices in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooled brown butter, both sugars, pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. The dough will be soft, so you must chill it for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Mix the coating sugar and cinnamon in a small, shallow bowl.
7. Roll the chilled dough into balls, coat them generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place them on a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 9-11 minutes until the edges are just set. They will look slightly underdone in the center.

Lesson Learned: Chilling the dough is non-negotiable! It prevents the cookies from spreading too much and deepens the brown butter and spice flavors.

4. Fluffy Pumpkin Scones with Maple Icing

This recipe helps you make a bakery-style pumpkin scone at home for a special fall breakfast or treat. They are tender, flaky, and topped with an irresistible maple glaze.
* Perfect for a fall breakfast! Save this scone recipe.
* Ingredients: All-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cold cubed butter, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, egg. For icing: powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk.
* Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and egg.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until a shaggy dough just comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, form it into a circle about 1-inch thick, and cut it into 8 wedges.
6. Place the wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
7. Whisk the icing ingredients together until smooth and drizzle over the completely cooled scones.

Pro-Tip: The key to a tender, flaky scone is using very cold butter and not overworking the dough. Handle it as little as possible.

5. Savory Pumpkin Parmesan Rugelach

This is a unique, savory fall recipe that uses pumpkin in an unexpected way, perfect for appetizers or holiday parties. The flaky, cheesy pastry is an unforgettable treat.
* Try something different this fall! Pin this savory recipe.
* Ingredients: For dough: all-purpose flour, salt, cold butter, cream cheese. For filling: pumpkin puree, grated parmesan cheese, fresh sage, black pepper, chopped walnuts.
* Instructions:
1. Make the simple dough by pulsing the flour, salt, cold butter, and cream cheese in a food processor until it comes together. Chill for at least 1 hour.
2. On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a large circle.
3. Spread a very thin layer of pumpkin puree over the dough.
4. Sprinkle evenly with grated parmesan, chopped fresh sage, black pepper, and finely chopped walnuts.
5. Cut the circle into 16 wedges, like a pizza. Roll each wedge up from the wide end to the point to form a crescent.
6. Brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with a little more parmesan cheese.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and flaky.

Lesson Learned: A savory twist on a classic sweet treat can be a showstopper. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary in the filling.

4 Irresistible Apple Recipes to Make This Autumn

The best way to celebrate the crisp, sweet flavor of fall apples is with classic and comforting recipes that everyone loves. From gooey caramel bars to warm baked doughnuts, these apple desserts are timeless favorites for a reason. I’ve found that using a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter apples like Honeycrisp creates the most complex and delicious flavor in any baked good.

1. The Easiest Classic Apple Crisp

This is a simple, foolproof recipe for a classic and comforting apple crisp. It has a bubbly, tender apple filling and a crunchy, buttery oat topping.
* The perfect cozy dessert is just a pin away!
* Ingredients: For filling: tart apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch. For topping: old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cold butter.
* Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel, core, and slice your apples. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Spread this mixture into a baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
4. Cut in the cold butter with your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when squeezed.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture.
6. Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the topping is a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbly and thick.

Pro-Tip: Don’t skip the lemon juice on the apples! It not only prevents browning but also brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness of the dish.

2. Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Sugar

This recipe lets you make a healthier, baked version of the classic fall apple cider doughnut at home. They are soft, cakey, and packed with apple flavor.
* Bring the apple orchard to your kitchen! Save this recipe.
* Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, melted butter, egg, apple cider, applesauce. For topping: melted butter, cinnamon, sugar.
* Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a donut pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a larger bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, egg, apple cider, and applesauce until smooth.
4. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Do not overmix.
5. Pipe or carefully spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. While the donuts are still warm, dip each one first in melted butter, then dredge it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.

Pro-Tip: For the most intense apple flavor, reduce your apple cider first. Simmer 1.5 cups of cider on the stove until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. Let it cool completely before using in the recipe.

3. Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

This is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the best parts of apple pie and salted caramel into an easy-to-serve bar. The shortbread crust is a game-changer.
* The ultimate fall indulgence! Pin this caramel apple recipe.
* Ingredients: For crust/topping: all-purpose flour, sugar, cold butter. For filling: apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar. Plus, your favorite store-bought or homemade salted caramel sauce.
* Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the crust ingredients (flour, sugar, cold butter) until the mixture is crumbly. Press about half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan.
3. Toss your sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar. Spread this apple filling evenly over the crust.
4. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the top of the apples to create a streusel topping.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
7. Drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce right before you cut and serve them.

Lesson Learned: Let the bars cool completely before drizzling with caramel and cutting. If you cut them while warm, they’ll be delicious but messy. Patience yields perfect squares!

4. Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon Glaze

This is a moist, flavorful apple cake that is easy to make and looks impressive thanks to a simple bundt pan and cinnamon glaze. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any fall occasion.
* The perfect cake for a fall afternoon. Save it!
* Ingredients: All-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, shredded apples. For glaze: powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, vanilla.
* Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a bundt pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.
4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the shredded apples.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a plate to cool completely.
8. Whisk the glaze ingredients together and pour over the cooled cake.

Pro-Tip: Using sour cream is the secret to an incredibly moist cake that stays fresh for days. Shredding the apples, rather than dicing, ensures they melt into the cake and distribute their flavor evenly.

3 Easy No-Bake & Kid-Friendly Fall Treats

The easiest fall treats are often simple, no-bake recipes that are fun to make with children or when you’re short on time. These recipes are perfect for weekend projects, classroom parties, or a last-minute dessert contribution. As a parent, these are my go-to recipes for getting my kids excited in the kitchen. They’re quick, require minimal cleanup, and the results are always a huge hit!

1. 5-Minute Pumpkin Spice Truffles

This is a super fast, no-bake dessert recipe with a delicious pumpkin spice flavor. These truffles come together in minutes and require just a few simple ingredients.
* The easiest fall treat ever! Save this no-bake idea.
* Ingredients: Crushed vanilla wafers or gingersnaps, softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice. Optional coatings: melted white chocolate, fall-themed sprinkles.
* Instructions:
1. In a food processor, pulse the crushed cookies until they form fine crumbs.
2. Add the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Pulse until a thick, uniform dough forms.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
4. Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch balls.
5. If desired, roll the balls in sprinkles or dip them in melted white chocolate.
6. Refrigerate the finished truffles until you are ready to serve.

Pro-Tip: If the mixture is too sticky to roll, add a little more powdered sugar or crushed cookies until it’s manageable. Chilling is key!

2. Halloween Candy Corn Bark

This is a festive, easy, and no-bake treat for Halloween that kids can help make. The sweet and salty combination is completely addictive.
* Perfect for a Halloween party! Pin this easy recipe.
* Ingredients: White chocolate melting wafers or high-quality chips, candy corn, small pretzels, Halloween-themed sprinkles.
* Instructions:
1. Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each one, until it’s completely smooth.
3. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer.
4. Immediately sprinkle the candy corn, pretzels, and festive sprinkles over the top. Gently press them into the chocolate so they stick.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the bark is completely firm and set.
6. Once firm, break the bark into pieces and serve.

Lesson Learned: Work quickly once the chocolate is melted! It starts to set up fast, so have all your toppings ready to go before you even start melting.

3. Classic Candied Apples

This recipe teaches you how to make the iconic, glossy red candied apples from scratch. It’s a fun project that brings the feeling of a fall festival right into your kitchen.
* A timeless fall classic! Save this project for a fun weekend.
* Materials Needed: Tart, crisp apples (like Granny Smith), sturdy sticks, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, red food coloring, a candy thermometer.
* Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Wash and dry your apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating. Insert the sticks firmly into the stem end of each apple.
2. Line a baking sheet with well-greased parchment paper.
3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
4. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Continue to cook the mixture, without stirring, until it reaches the “hard-crack” stage, which is between 300-310°F (149-154°C).
5. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and carefully stir in the red food coloring.
6. Working quickly and carefully, dip each apple into the hot syrup, tilting the pan to coat it completely.
7. Let any excess syrup drip off, then place the apple on your prepared baking sheet to cool and harden completely.

Pro-Tip: The most common mistake is not removing the wax from store-bought apples. A quick dip in boiling water for a few seconds, followed by a thorough drying with a towel, will ensure the candy coating sticks perfectly.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to the Best Fall Treats

• Embrace the Classics: You can’t go wrong with pumpkin and apple. Recipes like Super Moist Pumpkin Bread and Classic Apple Crisp are timeless for a reason—they’re easy and always delicious.
• Don’t Fear the Twist: Elevate familiar treats with simple additions. Browning your butter for cookies or adding a savory element like parmesan to pumpkin can create a showstopping new favorite.
• Simplify for Crowds: When baking for a group, choose bars over individual pies or cakes. Pumpkin Pie Bars and Salted Caramel Apple Bars deliver all the flavor with a fraction of the effort.
• Get the Kids Involved: No-bake recipes like Candy Corn Bark and 5-Minute Truffles are the perfect way to make fun fall memories in the kitchen without the stress of using an oven.

49 of Our Best Fall Desserts

People Also Ask About fall treats recipes

What is the most popular fall dessert?

While it varies by region, pumpkin pie is arguably the most iconic and popular fall dessert in North America, closely followed by apple pie and apple crisp. These classics embody the core flavors of the season—pumpkin spice and warm cinnamon apples—making them staples for holiday gatherings and cozy nights in. Updated for 2025.

What are some easy fall treats for a crowd?

The best fall treats for a crowd are sheet pan recipes like bars and crisps. Consider making Apple Pie Bars, Pumpkin Pie Bars, or a large Apple Crisp. These recipes are simple to scale up, can be made ahead of time, and are easy to serve to a large number of guests with minimal fuss.

How can I make fall baking recipes healthier?

To make fall baking healthier, you can substitute whole wheat flour for some of the all-purpose flour, reduce the sugar content slightly, and replace oil with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt for moisture. Opting for baked versions of classics, like Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts instead of fried, also significantly reduces fat content.

Final Thoughts

This autumn, let your kitchen be the heart of your home, filled with the incredible scents of cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin. Baking these treats is about more than just dessert; it’s about creating warm, cozy moments that you’ll cherish all season long. We hope this list inspires you to preheat your oven and create something wonderful.

What’s the one fall treat you absolutely have to bake every single year? Share your favorites in the comments below