11 Simple Fall Dessert Recipes For Cozy Autumn Nights

Q: What are some easy fall desserts for a crowd?

The best easy fall desserts for a crowd are typically made in a large baking dish. Think Pumpkin Crunch Cake, Caramel Popcorn Brownies, or Butterscotch Bread Pudding. These recipes are simple to assemble, can be baked in a standard 9x13 pan, and are easy to slice and serve to many guests without individual portioning.

Q: What are the classic fall flavors for desserts?

Classic fall dessert flavors are warm, rich, and often spiced, with the most prominent being apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, and maple. Nutmeg, ginger, and caramel are also key players. Nuts like pecans and walnuts are very common, and these ingredients are frequently combined to create the cozy and comforting taste profile associated with autumn baking.

As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves begin to turn brilliant shades of gold and crimson, do you find yourself craving the warm, comforting embrace of a homemade dessert? There’s something magical about the scents of cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin filling the kitchen on a chilly evening.

You want to capture that cozy fall feeling, but your busy schedule doesn’t leave room for complicated recipes with long ingredient lists and hours of prep work. You’re looking for simple, stress-free treats that deliver all the nostalgic flavor of autumn without the fuss. You need recipes that are as perfect for a quiet night in as they are for sharing with friends and family.

The best simple fall desserts feature iconic autumn flavors like apple, pumpkin, and maple, often using clever shortcuts like refrigerated pie crusts or brownie mixes. They focus on warm, comforting textures and are designed to be both delicious and incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.

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Craving Cozy Autumn Flavors? Here’s Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Guide

When the days get shorter and the nights get cozier, our kitchens call us to bake. It’s the season of comfort, and nothing says comfort quite like a warm dessert straight from the oven. We’ve all been there—scrolling through stunning photos of intricate pies and cakes, only to feel intimidated. But capturing the essence of fall doesn’t have to be complicated.

This guide is for everyone who loves the taste of autumn but appreciates the beauty of a simple, foolproof recipe. We believe that creating a memorable fall treat should be a joyful and relaxing experience. That’s why we’ve curated a list of desserts that are big on flavor but low on stress. From rustic skillet pies to no-bake fudge, these recipes are designed for real life, using common pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps. Get ready to fill your home with the delicious aromas of the season.

11 Simple Fall Dessert Recipes For Cozy Autumn Nights (Updated for October 2025)

Get ready to discover your new go-to autumn treat. We’ve handpicked 11 foolproof recipes that perfectly capture the warm and cozy essence of the season. Each one has been chosen for its straightforward instructions and crowd-pleasing results, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a fan of classic apple, rich pumpkin, or decadent caramel, there’s a simple and satisfying dessert here waiting for you.

1. Iron Skillet Apple Pie

Save this rustic pie recipe to your “Fall Baking” board!

This recipe delivers a classic apple pie with a rustic twist by baking it in a cast-iron skillet, which creates an unbelievably crisp crust.

Ingredients: 2 refrigerated pie crusts, 6-7 medium apples (peeled, cored, sliced), 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 2 tbsp butter. For topping: 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tbsp spiced rum (optional).
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Press one pie crust into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
2. In a large bowl, toss apple slices with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Pour the apple mixture into the skillet. Dot with butter.
4. Top with the second pie crust (whole or as a lattice). Crimp edges and cut slits for steam to escape.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. While the pie cools, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and spiced rum until stiff peaks form. Serve pie warm with a dollop of whipped cream.

Pro-Tip: Baking in a cast-iron skillet not only gives the pie a wonderfully crisp crust but also helps contain any bubbly filling, preventing messy oven spills.

2. Caramel Popcorn Brownies

Pin this indulgent brownie recipe for your next movie night!

This recipe elevates a simple box of brownie mix into an indulgent treat by topping it with a sweet and salty combination of caramel, popcorn, and peanuts.

Ingredients: 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients on box), 3 cups popped popcorn, 1/2 cup peanuts, 1/4 cup chocolate chips, 1/4 cup peanut butter chips. For caramel: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, 2 tbsp milk.
Instructions:
1. Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Pour into a greased baking pan.
2. Sprinkle popcorn, peanuts, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips evenly over the batter.
3. To make the caramel, melt brown sugar and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in milk and bring to a gentle boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Drizzle the homemade caramel syrup over the toppings.
5. Bake according to brownie package directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely before cutting.

Pro-Tip: For the best texture, use plain, unbuttered popcorn. The richness will come from the brownie and the decadent caramel drizzle.

3. Baked Apples with Oatmeal Filling

Save this simple and healthy dessert idea to your “Easy Recipes” board!

This is a ridiculously easy and relatively healthy dessert where whole apples are stuffed with a simple oatmeal crumble and baked until tender.

Ingredients: 4 large baking apples (like Honeycrisp or Braeburn), 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 4 tbsp butter (cold, cubed).
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash the apples. Using a spoon or melon baller, scoop out the core and a bit of the flesh from the top of each apple, creating a cavity for the filling. Do not go all the way through the bottom.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with your fingers until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Stuff the oatmeal mixture into each apple.
5. Place the apples in a small baking dish. Pour about 1/2 inch of water into the bottom of the dish to prevent burning.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender. Serve warm.

Lesson Learned: Choosing a firm baking apple is key. Softer apples like McIntosh can turn to mush, so stick with varieties that hold their shape well when cooked.

4. 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge

Pin this super-easy no-bake treat for a quick dessert fix!

This no-bake fudge is the ultimate simple treat, using just creamy peanut butter and maple syrup to create a rich, smooth fudge in minutes.

Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup maple syrup.
Instructions:
1. Line a small loaf pan or container with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the maple syrup for 15-20 seconds. This helps it mix more smoothly.
3. Add the peanut butter to the bowl with the warm maple syrup.
4. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and starts to thicken.
5. Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Freeze for at least 15-20 minutes, or until firm. Cut into squares and store in the freezer.

Pro-Tip: For the best creamy texture, use a natural, drippy peanut butter where the only ingredients are peanuts and salt. Avoid brands with added sugars or oils.

5. Butterscotch Bread Pudding

Save this soul-satisfying bread pudding recipe for a chilly evening!

A true comfort food classic, this recipe creates a rich, custardy bread pudding loaded with sweet butterscotch chips with only 10 minutes of active prep time.

Ingredients: 6 cups of day-old bread cubes, 4 large eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup butterscotch chips.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. Place the bread cubes in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips over the bread.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s soaked.
5. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Pro-Tip: Using day-old, slightly stale bread is essential. Fresh bread is too soft and will result in a mushy pudding rather than a distinct, custardy texture.

6. Frosted Cereal Bars with a Fall Twist

Pin this upgraded no-bake classic for your next party!

This recipe gives a classic no-bake cereal treat a substantial fall upgrade with a rich, swirled topping of melted chocolate and butterscotch chips.

Ingredients: 6 cups crispy rice cereal, 1 (10 oz) bag marshmallows, 3 tbsp butter. For topping: 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup butterscotch chips.
Instructions:
1. Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
3. Add the crispy rice cereal and stir until well coated.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a greased spatula. Let cool slightly.
5. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and butterscotch chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
6. Pour the melted topping over the cereal bars and spread evenly. Let it set completely before cutting into squares.

Pro-Tip: To get clean, sharp squares, let the topping set fully at room temperature or for a short time in the fridge. Use a large, sharp knife lightly greased with butter or cooking spray.

7. Boardwalk Quality Maple Walnut Fudge

Save this 5-ingredient fudge recipe for holiday gifting!

You can make creamy, high-quality maple walnut fudge in just 10 minutes using only five simple ingredients, making it a perfect quick dessert or holiday gift.

Ingredients: 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk, 2 cups white chocolate chips, 1/4 cup butter, 1 tsp maple extract, 1 cup toasted walnuts (chopped).
Instructions:
1. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, white chocolate chips, and butter.
3. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chips and butter are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the maple extract and toasted walnuts.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Cut into small squares to serve.

Pro-Tip: Toasting the walnuts is a small step that makes a huge difference. It deepens their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy fudge.

8. Skillet Apple Brownie

Pin this unique skillet dessert for a new fall favorite!

This unique dessert is a deliciously simple cross between a cake and a brownie, infused with chunks of fresh apple and baked right in a cast-iron skillet.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 medium apple (peeled, cored, and chopped).
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease an 8- or 9-inch cast-iron skillet.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in the chopped apples.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Serve warm, preferably with ice cream.

Lesson Learned: The recipe source is adamant about not using glass or ceramic dishes for this. The temperature shock can cause them to break. Stick to cast iron or a well-greased metal pan for safety and the best results.

9. Flaky Apple Turnovers

Save this easy pastry recipe for a bakery-style treat at home!

Create warm, buttery, and flaky apple turnovers that taste like they came from a bakery by using store-bought puff pastry as a simple shortcut.

Ingredients: 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed), 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, finely diced), 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash).
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
3. Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into four equal squares.
4. Spoon the apple mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a small border.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and cut small slits in the top for steam to escape.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Pro-Tip: Make sure your puff pastry is cold but thawed when you work with it. If it gets too warm, the butter layers will melt, and you’ll lose that signature flaky puff.

10. Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Pin this recipe! It’s the perfect dessert for any fall gathering.

This recipe creates a deliciously layered dessert with a rich, custardy pumpkin base and a crunchy, buttery pecan topping, all made incredibly simple with a box of cake mix.

Ingredients: For the base: 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree, 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk, 3 large eggs, 1.5 cups sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon. For the topping: 1 box yellow cake mix, 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 cup melted butter.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pan.
4. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the pumpkin layer.
5. Top with the chopped pecans.
6. Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the entire surface.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

Pro-Tip: Don’t mix the topping ingredients! The magic of this “dump cake” style recipe is layering the dry cake mix over the wet base and letting the melted butter create the perfect crumbly, crunchy topping as it bakes.

11. Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Save this fun handheld dessert recipe for your next get-together!

These handheld treats feature soft, cake-like pumpkin cookies spiced with classic fall flavors, sandwiched together with a rich and tangy cream cheese filling.

Ingredients: For the cakes: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 egg. For the filling: 8 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup butter (softened), 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat brown sugar and oil. Add pumpkin puree and egg and mix well. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared sheets, about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when touched. Let cool completely.
6. To make the filling, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth.
7. Spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cake and top with another. Repeat with remaining cakes.

Pro-Tip: For perfectly uniform whoopie pies, use a cookie scoop to portion the batter. This ensures they all bake evenly and are the same size for easy pairing.

49 of Our Best Fall Desserts

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Simple Fall Desserts

Feeling inspired but not sure where to start? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you pick the perfect recipe for any occasion.

Easiest Overall: The 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Freezer Fudge requires no baking and just 15 minutes of prep.
Best for a Crowd: The Pumpkin Crunch Cake is made in a 9×13 pan and serves many people with minimal effort.
Most Impressive Shortcut: Use refrigerated puff pastry to make flaky, bakery-quality Apple Turnovers in under 30 minutes.
Best Cozy Classic: The Iron Skillet Apple Pie delivers all the classic comfort with a rustic, no-fuss presentation.
Healthiest Option: Baked Apples with Oatmeal Filling provide a warm, satisfying dessert without a lot of added fat or complexity.

Final Thoughts

Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere this autumn is easier than you think. With these simple, delicious recipes, you can fill your home with the incredible scents and flavors of the season without spending hours in the kitchen. Each dessert is a celebration of fall’s best offerings, designed to bring comfort and joy.

So go ahead, pick the recipe that speaks to you, put on your favorite cozy sweater, and enjoy the simple pleasure of baking.

Which of these cozy fall desserts are you most excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below

11 Simple Fall Dessert Recipes For Cozy Autumn Nights

Craving Cozy Autumn Flavors? Here’s Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Guide