Best Fall Dessert Recipes to Bake and Share
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Fall is the perfect time to fill your kitchen with the comforting aromas of cinnamon, caramel, and pumpkin spice! From homemade apple pies and comforting quick breads to yummy cookies and creamy desserts, this collection of Fall baking recipes has something for every sweet tooth. Here you’ll find my family’s favorite tried-and-true Fall desserts, and I’ll bet your family will love them, too!
Cookies and Sweet Bites
There’s just something about fall baking that feels like home. The smell of cinnamon and ginger fills the kitchen, and before you know it, you’ve snuck that first warm, sweet bite straight from the oven — long before it ever reaches the cookie jar. With their comforting blend of spices, these little treats are perfect for fall gatherings or sharing with friends and family.
Cinnamon Roll Cookies
All the nostalgic flavor of a cinnamon roll, wrapped up in a cookie! These Cinnamon Roll Cookies feature a sweet, spiced swirl and a smoothy vanilla glaze for just the right amount of sweetness in every bite. Buttery, tender, and guaranteed to be a hit on any cookie tray.
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Chewy Molasses Crinkle Cookies (Ginger Cookies)
I started baking these Ginger Molasses Cookies with my daughters over 30 years ago, and every Christmas since, they’ve been a must-make in our kitchen. Crispy on the edges and chewy in the center, they’re filled with warm ginger, cinnamon, and molasses for that classic holiday flavor. Foolproof, fragrant, and full of memories — this recipe never fails.
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Pecan Shortbread Cookies (Pecan Sandies)
Shortbread cookies are the kind of treat that prove simple can be absolutely delicious. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a buttery, tender cookie that melts in your mouth and feels timeless. This version of Pecan Shortbread adds toasted pecans and a hint of almond extract which I think makes them just a little more special—perfect for the holidays or really any occasion!
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Brown Sugar Pecan Coffee Cake with Sour Cream
This Brown Sugar Pecan Coffee Cake is the kind of treat that makes mornings feel cozy. A buttery, moist crumb sits over a sweet brown sugar crust, finished with a pecan topping that bakes right in. It’s simple, comforting, and irresistible with a warm cup of coffee.
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Fig and Walnut Biscotti with Dark Chocolate
There’s something exceptional about these Fig and Walnut Biscotti. Freshly grated orange zest brightens the dough, while chunks of dried figs, toasted walnuts, and dark chocolate make each bite feel extra special. They’ve become one of my favorite cookies to gift during the holidays —elegant, homemade, and perfect with coffee.
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Banana Nut Muffins
The smell of bananas and cinnamon always makes the kitchen feel warm and welcoming! Over the years, I’ve found that the secret to the best Banana Nut Muffins is in the little details: don’t overmix, start the oven hot, and use extra ripe bananas. The result is tall, tender muffins that are full of flavor!
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Caramel and Crunchy Treats
There’s no denying that caramel and sweet treats steal the show at fall gatherings. Just imagine creamy caramel apple dip and crunchy caramel popcorn — among other sweet treats — coming together for a festive party spread that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
Caramel Apple Dip
Celebrate fall flavors with this Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip! With just a few simple ingredients, you get a creamy, sweet dip that’s perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving spreads, or any autumn occasion. It’s always a crowd favorite when apples are in season.
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Turtle Cookies with Peanut Butter and Chocolate
Indulge in these irresistible Turtle Cookies — soft peanut butter cookies filled with chocolate chips, crunchy toffee bits, and creamy caramel. A drizzle of rich chocolate ties it all together for a cookie that’s pure decadence.
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The Best Homemade Caramel Corn with Cashews and Pecans
This homemade Nutty Caramel Corn is a sweet, crunchy treat loaded with pecans and cashews. My daughters started requesting it every year — first when they came home for fall break, and again at Christmas — so it’s become one of our favorite family traditions. The rich, buttery caramel coating makes every handful irresistible, and the big-batch recipe is perfect for sharing or gift-giving.
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Caramel Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
These Caramel Pecan Thumbprint Cookies start with a buttery shortbread base, filled with creamy caramel, and finished with toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. Each bite is rich, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth good — a classic cookie that is always a big hit!
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Maple-Glazed Bacon Muffins
Bacon truly makes everything better — and these Maple-Glazed Bacon Muffins prove it! Soft and fluffy with a sweet maple glaze and crispy bacon on top, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. A fun breakfast twist that never lasts long!
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Favorite Pumpkin Desserts
Pumpkin desserts have long been a fall baking favorite — warmly spiced and full of homemade goodness. From creamy pumpkin dips to soft cookies, decadent bars, and moist cakes, these recipes celebrate the best of autumn baking.
Pumpkin Dump Cake with Pecan Crumble
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of dump cakes! They're ridiculously simple to make and they always turn out delicious. This Pumpkin Dump Cake is no exception! All you do is mix, dump, top with the pecan crumble (my favorite part!) and bake.
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Creamy Pumpkin Pie Dessert Bars
With a chewy crust, creamy pumpkin center, and fluffy Cool Whip topping, these Pumpkin Pie Bars are the perfect mix of texture and flavor. Simple to make and always a hit — a true win-win for fall baking.
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Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling
Enjoy the delightful combination of soft, spiced pumpkin cookies and luscious cream cheese filling in these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. They’re a nostalgic fall favorite — perfect for dessert tables, bake sales, or sharing with friends over coffee.
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Easy Pumpkin Dip Recipe
This Easy Pumpkin Dip with creamy mascarpone cheese is the ultimate fall party favorite! Serve it with gingersnaps, apple slices, or pretzels for a sweet-and-spiced seasonal snack everyone will love.
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Libby’s Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These easy Libby’s Pumpkin Bars are moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. They’re simple to make and always a hit for potlucks, bake sales, or any fall gathering.
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Frozen Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
No baking required! This Frozen Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake is smooth, creamy, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor. It’s a simple,make-ahead dessert that tastes like fall in every cool, creamy bite.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies are picture-perfect with swirls of orange and white cheesecake baked into rich, fudgy brownies. Each bite is chocolatey and creamy — ideal for parties or gifting to your favorite pumpkin lover.
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Pumpkin Delight Dessert Bars
This layered Pumpkin Delight Dessert starts with a buttery cookie crust topped with sweetened cream cheese, creamy pumpkin pudding, and a fluffy Cool Whip crown. Sprinkle on crunchy Heath bits for the perfect finishing touch — it’s a fun, make-ahead dessert everyone loves.
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Light, airy, and full of fall flavor, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts. They’re soft, spiced, and perfect for sharing at fall parties, tailgates, or as a weekend treat at home.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Gingersnap Crust
Layers of silky pumpkin pie and creamy cheesecake sit atop a crisp gingersnap crust, finished with a drizzle of decadent caramel pecan sauce. It’s a dessert that feels special enough for the holidays yet simple enough to make any weekend feel like a celebration.
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Pumpkin Bread
A beloved campus tradition, this Pumpkin Bread recipe comes straight from the University of Tennessee’s own Smokey’s campus bakery. I make it at least a couple of times every season — sometimes more — and it’s always a hit. Try tossing in a handful of chocolate chips for a delicious contrast!
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Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar
These Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar are bursting with fall flavor! Each bite is soft, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar for that just-baked warmth.
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Classic Apple Desserts
Apple desserts bring a taste of nostalgia to every fall table. From warm apple crisps and crumb-topped pies to tender cakes and sweet breads, these desserts capture that just-picked freshness of tart, juicy apples.
French Apple Tart
If you love the flavors of classic apple pie but want something easier, this Rustic French Apple Tart is just the thing. Made with crisp Granny Smith apples and a light apricot glaze, it’s a beautiful, no-fuss dessert that tastes like fall in every bite
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Apple Walnut Cake with Cinnamon Glaze
Tender, flavorful, and filled with bits of crunchy walnut, this Apple Walnut Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like home. It’s simple enough for everyday baking yet perfect for special occasions or family get-togethers.
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Easy Apple Crisp
This Easy Apple Crisp combines lightly spiced apples with a crispy oat-pecan topping for the ultimate comfort dessert. Serve it warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it disappear in minutes!
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Cinnamon Apple Bundt Cake with Walnuts
Studded with tart Granny Smith apples, crunchy walnuts, and cinnamon spice, this Cinnamon Apple Bundt Cake is easy to prepare and stays wonderfully moist for days. It’s the perfect dessert for fall gatherings — simple to make and serves a larger group.
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Apple Crumble Pie
Also known as Dutch Apple Pie, this Apple Crumb Pie features a buttery cinnamon streusel that bakes into a crisp, golden topping over tender, spiced apples. It’s irresistible served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
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Apple Cinnamon Bread
This Apple Cinnamon Bread is loaded with bits of tender fruit and crunchy pecans in every slice. The batter comes together in minutes, then bakes into a golden, fragrant loaf that makes your kitchen smell heavenly. Perfect for breakfast, gifting, or a special afternoon treat.
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Old-Fashioned Apple Pie
Homemade Apple Pie may seem intimidating, but this recipe proves anyone can make one from scratch! With a flaky, golden crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this classic pie is warm, nostalgic, and always worth the effort.
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Cranberry and Citrus Confections
Bright and tangy, cranberry and citrus desserts bring a burst of freshness to holiday baking. From orange-scented cakes to cranberry-studded bars and breads, these recipes strike the perfect balance of sweet and tart — just right for holiday celebrations
Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Recipe)
Enjoy your favorite coffeehouse treat right at home! These Cranberry Bliss Bars are loaded with white chocolate, dried cranberries,and topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting and orange drizzle.
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Cranberry Fluff
This pretty pink salad is a nostalgic favorite that’s light, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible. Fresh cranberries and oranges are folded into a sweet cloud of whipped cream and cream cheese for the perfect make-ahead dessert.
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Cranberry Orange Bread
Tart cranberries and sweet oranges come together in this moist, flavorful quick bread. Finished with a bright orange glaze, it’s perfect for brunch, gifting, or a sweet afternoon treat.
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Orange Cranberry Muffins
With tangy cranberries and a fresh citrus glaze, these muffins are bursting with flavor. Enjoy them warm for breakfast or as a wholesome snack anytime of day.
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Fresh and Easy Orange Bars
These Fresh and Easy Orange Bars combine a buttery crust with a smooth, tangy citrus filling. Sweet, bright, and simple to make, they’re a year-round favorite for dessert lovers.
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Easy Rum Orange Cake
This Easy Rum Orange Cake starts with a boxed mix and lemon pudding for effortless preparation. Fresh orange juice and a splash of rum add bold flavor and irresistible moisture to every bite.
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Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti
Festive and crisp, this Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti is dipped in creamy white chocolate for a bakery-style finish. With a delicate vanilla flavor and nutty crunch, it’s perfect for coffee breaks or holiday gifting.
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From spiced cookies and caramel treats to pumpkin favorites and bright citrus desserts, these recipes celebrate everything we love about fall baking. If you’re craving even more sweet inspiration, explore my full dessert collection for cakes, pies, cookies, and treats fit for every season.
