Grab a comfy blanket, a good book and one of these soul-satisfying fall baking recipes. Our best sweet and savory autumn treats celebrate the season with pumpkin, apples, maple and warming spices.
43 Best Fall Baking Recipes
Updated on Aug. 29, 2025
1/43
Easy Apple Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After testing many apple cake recipes with fresh apples, I found this old-fashioned easy apple cake that is moist, dense and down-home delicious. Even better, it's quick to fix, and when it's served warm with whipped cream or a dollop of frozen custard, it's one of my family’s very favorites. —Sherry Ashenfelter, Waterville, Ohio
2/43
Chai Cinnamon Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These dirty chai cinnamon rolls have a traditional dough with a chai-spiced filling and a frosting flavored with espresso on top. Each bite is decadent and pillowy, and tastes just like your favorite dirty chai latte! —Hetal Vasavada, San Francisco, California
3/43
Swedish Cardamom Buns (Kardemummabullar)
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These Swedish buns are bursting at the seams with cardamom flavor. Crushed cardamom is in the dough and the filling, and you can even make a cardamom sugar for sprinkling on top if you want even more. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
4/43
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
3 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This combination of pumpkin, nuts and dates makes a delicious, golden pumpkin cream cheese bread. The surprise inside—a rich creamy swirl—is like a luscious layer of cheesecake in each slice. —Cindy May, Troy, Michigan
5/43
Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This apple cider doughnut cake looks like a giant doughnut covered in cinnamon sugar! Thanks to the apple cider and applesauce in the batter, the Bundt cake has lots of apple flavor. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
6/43
Brown Butter Blondie with Speculoos Buttercream
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is full of fall flavors without being pumpkin-spiced. And who doesn't like cookie butter? —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
7/43
Pumpkin Pie
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 pies (8 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Usually I prepare two different desserts for our holiday dinner, but one of them must be pumpkin pie—otherwise, it just wouldn't seem like Thanksgiving. My version calls for more eggs than most, making this pie's custard filling especially rich. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
8/43
Cranberry Curd Bars
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These cranberry curd bars are vibrant, creamy and packed with fall flavor. Fans of cranberry will be delighted to see these on the dessert tray. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
9/43
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These soft pumpkin snickerdoodles will satisfy that pumpkin spice craving come autumn. They're sweet, spicy, and have just the right amount of pumpkin flavor. —Brittney Greene, Cypress, Texas
10/43
Earl Grey Tiramisu
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of dipping ladyfingers into coffee or espresso and topping the dessert with cocoa powder, Earl Grey tiramisu coats the rounded cookies in a sweetened tea mixture and mixes infused Earl Grey whipped cream into the traditional mascarpone cheese layer. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
11/43
Pumpkin-Shaped Rolls
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cute pumpkin rolls are a festive fall favorite in my household and are definitely worth the extra effort. If you don't have pumpkin on hand, try using sweet potato. —Veronica Fay, Knoxville, Tennessee
12/43
Morning Buns
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Morning buns look like they could be cinnamon rolls, but the difference is they're made with a laminated croissant dough to create flaky layers throughout the rolled-up pastry. They take a little practice, but if you're up for the challenge you'll wind up with buttery, cinnamon-y bliss! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
13/43
Squash Focaccia
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
1 loaf (24 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This savory sage and squash foccacia recipe is a creative and delicious way to put a bumper crop to use in the fall. The veggie slices on top of the bread will make your friends, family, and guests do a double-take! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
14/43
Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Wow your guests with their own mini cake-like dessert. A warm brown sugar sauce tops this super moist sticky toffee pudding. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
15/43
Upside-Down Apple Bread
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 coffee cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
The texture of this upside-down apple bread could be described as a cross between sticky buns and coffee cake. The caramelized apples on top make every bite an indulgent sweet treat that's acceptable to eat as breakfast. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
16/43
Pear Olive Oil Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful cake is a lovely, understated way to finish your grand meal. It doesn't take a lot of time to prepare, which is a bonus during the holidays. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
17/43
Cinnamon Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cinnamon muffins, with a dash of nutmeg in the batter, are seasoned to please. My husband grew up enjoying these tender muffins that his mother made on special weekend mornings.—Katherine McVey, Raleigh, North Carolina
18/43
Sweet Potato Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Anyone living in or visiting the Southwest knows green chiles are a staple. I grew up on this delicacy and thought everyone must know how delicious it is. It seems to be even more popular now in this area. —Carrie Burton, Sierra Vista, Arizona
19/43
Pumpkin Brownies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate and pumpkin pair up to make a family-favorite fall dessert. These pumpkin brownies are fantastic for parties and picnics. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
20/43
Dutch Apple Pie
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everything about this Dutch apple pie recipe (especially the crumble!) makes it the top request at our family gatherings. The oat crust reminds me of a cookie, and the tart apple filling just can't be beat during harvest time. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan
21/43
Butter Pecan Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When my daughter was a teen, these butter pecan cookies earned her blue ribbons from two county fairs. Then a few years ago, her own daughter took home a blue ribbon for the same cookie. Needless to say, these mouthwatering morsels are winners! —Martha Thefield, Cedartown, Georgia
22/43
Streusel Pumpkin Muffins
Total Time
35 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These pumpkin streusel muffins are a great accompaniment to any meal—or try them for breakfast, dessert or a snack. The pumpkin flavor is complemented by a sweet brown sugar topping. —Connie Pietila, Atlantic Mine, Michigan
23/43
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
A touch of cinnamon helps blend the flavors in this tender pumpkin chocolate chip bread. And since the recipe makes two loaves, you can send one to a bake sale and keep one for your family to enjoy. —Lora Stanley, Bennington, Kansas
24/43
Cinnamon Crackle Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the compilation of many years of baking. I make these cookies for a holiday bazaar and year-round for our family. They freeze well. —Vicki Lair, Albert Lea, Minnesota
25/43
Pecan Pie Bars
Total Time
45 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These bars are decadently rich—just like pecan pie! They’re sure to disappear from the dessert table at your next gathering, so you might want to save one for later before putting them out. —Carolyn Custer, Clifton Park, New York
26/43
Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the excellent texture of this easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma’s! Make it the night before a holiday to save time in the morning. —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida
27/43
Maple Butter Twists
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 coffee cakes (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My stepmother gave me the recipe for a delicious yeast coffee cake shaped into pretty rings. When I make it for friends, they always ask for seconds. —June Gilliland, Hope, Indiana
28/43
Butterscotch Pie
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This pie's filling is like creamy pudding and is crowned with golden peaks of meringue. —Cary Letsche, Brandenton, Florida
29/43
Dutch Apple Cake
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I came to Canada from Holland more than 40 years ago. This traditional Dutch recipe is a family favorite and has frequently gone along with me to potluck suppers and other get-togethers. —Elizabeth Peters, Martintown, Ontario
30/43
Apple Monkey Bread
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a fun sweet treat that's certain to satisfy, try this recipe. Drizzled with icing, each finger-licking piece has a yummy surprise filling of apples and pecans. It's well worth the bit of extra effort. —Carolyn Gregory, Hendersonville, Tennessee
31/43
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was young we produced several ingredients for this longtime favorite on the farm. We raised pumpkins in our large vegetable garden, and made our own butter and lots of sour cream using milk from our dairy herd. —Evonne Wurmnest, Normal, Illinois
32/43
Apple Crostata
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
33/43
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16
From the Recipe Creator:
This fall treat is like two desserts in one! Combine the flavors and textures of perfectly spiced pumpkin cookies and a surprise cheesecake filling. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
34/43
Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this recipe for baked apple dumplings with Mountain Dew from a friend of mine, then tweaked it to suit my family's tastes. The soda is definitely the secret ingredient in this rich apple dessert. —Chris Shields, Monrovia, Indiana
35/43
Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart, juicy cranberries enhance the delicate pumpkin flavor of these muffins. Sometimes I dust the tops with powdered sugar to add a little sweetness. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
36/43
Pecan Cheesecake Pie
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In fall or at any time of year, this nutty, rich and delicious pecan pie recipe is one I'm proud to serve. While it seems very special, the caramel pecan cheesecake is a snap to make. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa
37/43
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
38/43
Maple Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe after tasting maple cookies with a maple glaze at a bakery in Stowe, Vermont, some years ago. I get many requests to bring them for bake sales, parties and ski trips. —Delores Day, Wolcott, Vermont
39/43
Pear Bundt Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Next time you make cake from a mix, try my easy and delicious recipe. The pears and syrup add sweet flavor and prevent the cake from drying out. And since there's no oil added to the batter, this tender fall-perfect cake is surprisingly low in fat. —Veronica Ross, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
40/43
Butternut Squash Doughnuts
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother and I used to make several batches of these butternut squash doughnuts at a time. They're not only different, they're delicious, too! —Elizabeth Leighton, Lincoln, Maine
41/43
Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a charming use for pumpkin. Bursting with flavor and plenty of eye-catching appeal, these sweet and spicy filled cupcakes are bound to dazzle your family any time of the year. —Ali Johnson, Petersburg, Pennsylvania
42/43
Pear Bread Recipe
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
When our tree branches are loaded with ripe and juicy fruit, I treat my family and friends to lots of easy pear recipes. I always receive raves and requests for this particular pear bread recipe because of the mix of fun ingredients.—Linda Patrick, Houston, Texas
43/43
Gingerbread Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The rich molasses and spice flavor of this old-time dessert is complemented with a buttery caramel sauce.—Joy Sparks, Muskegon, Michigan
Fall Baking Recipes FAQ
What are the flavors of autumn baking?
The flavors of autumn baking include classics like pumpkins, apples, pears, cinnamon (and other warming spices), brown sugar, caramel and maple. While they’re not as common, other ingredients like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pecans, cranberries, butterscotch, brown butter, Earl Grey tea, gingersnaps, toffee, chai and dark chocolate also evoke autumn flavors.
What are the best fall baking ideas for breakfast?
The best fall baking ideas for breakfast use fall-inspired ingredients to create a flavorful twist on dishes like French toast, coffee cake, muffins, cinnamon rolls or doughnuts. Try making pumpkin French toast casserole or adding cinnamon to your favorite coffee cake recipe. You could also serve croissants or homemade biscuits with pumpkin butter or apple butter.
What sweet treats should I bake to celebrate fall flavors?
Some of our favorite sweet treats that celebrate fall flavors are chai cinnamon rolls, pumpkin brownies, brown butter blondies with Speculoos buttercream, pumpkin snickerdoodles, squash focaccia, apple monkey bread, pumpkin cheesecake, apple crostata and pumpkin-apple muffins. To make any fall baking recipe more autumnal, try adding fall spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg or cloves. Or add nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Lucy Wang
Lucy is a first-generation Asian American mom and influencer who loves creating fun, approachable recipes.
