Fall Dessert Recipes: 9 Easy Autumn Desserts from Apples to Pumpkin

By Aquarium Guides Editorial Team · Updated November 10, 2026

Last Updated: November 10, 2026

Fall desserts rely on seasonal fruit, warm spices, caramel, and nuts. The nine recipes below range from a simple baked-apple dish to a layered crisp and a stovetop pudding, with options for every skill level and oven schedule. Quantities serve 6 to 8 unless noted, and each recipe is written in short form so you can scan the list and choose.

How to Choose

If you need something fast, pick the baked apples or the pudding. For a crowd, the apple crisp, pumpkin bars, and pear galette scale easily. For make-ahead desserts, the cheesecake and the bread pudding improve after a rest in the refrigerator.

1. Classic Apple Crisp

Ingredients

• 6 cups sliced baking apples, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon flour
• Topping: 3/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup oats, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Method

Toss the apples with sugar, lemon, cinnamon, and flour in a 9×13-inch dish. Rub the topping ingredients into crumbs and sprinkle over the fruit. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes until bubbling.

2. Maple Baked Apples

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples, cored, 1/3 cup oats, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 cup water

Method

Stuff each apple with the oat mixture, set in a dish with water, and bake at 375°F for 35 to 45 minutes until tender.

3. Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients

• Crust: 1 1/2 cups gingersnap crumbs, 5 tablespoons melted butter
• Filling: 24 ounces cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 cup pumpkin, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla

Method

Press the crust into a 9-inch springform pan. Beat the filling until smooth, pour in, and bake at 325°F for 55 to 65 minutes until the center barely jiggles. Cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour, then chill overnight.

4. Pear and Almond Galette

Ingredients

• 1 sheet pie dough, 3 ripe pears sliced, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/4 cup sliced almonds, 1 egg for brushing

Method

Roll the dough into a 12-inch round, pile the sliced pears in the center, fold the edges over, brush with egg, and bake at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes.

5. Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread, 2 diced apples, 4 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Method

Combine everything but the caramel, let the bread soak 20 minutes, pour into a greased 9×13 dish, drizzle caramel on top, and bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes.

6. Pumpkin Pie Bars

Press a shortbread crust (1 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup butter) into a 9×13 pan, bake 15 minutes at 350°F, pour over a filling of one can pumpkin, one can evaporated milk, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and bake 35 to 40 minutes.

7. Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites

Ingredients

• 1 cup water, 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup flour, 3 eggs, oil for frying
• Coating: 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Method

Cook water and butter to a boil, stir in flour until a ball forms, beat in eggs, and fry 1-inch pieces at 350°F until golden. Roll in cinnamon sugar.

8. Spiced Rice Pudding

Simmer 1 cup cooked rice with 2 cups milk, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, and a pinch of nutmeg for 20 to 25 minutes until creamy. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and top with raisins.

9. Salted Caramel Pecan Brownies

Fold 3/4 cup toasted pecans into a fudgy brownie batter in an 8×8 pan. Drizzle 1/3 cup caramel sauce on top, swirl lightly, and bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes. Finish with flaky salt.

Choosing Apples and Pears

Mixing two types of apple gives a more interesting flavor. Slice fruit evenly, about a quarter inch thick, so it softens at the same pace.

Serving Ideas

Warm desserts like apple crisp, baked apples, and bread pudding pair well with vanilla ice cream, lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a drizzle of cream. Chilled desserts such as cheesecake and rice pudding are best with a simple topping, like toasted nuts or a spoonful of caramel. For a dessert table, offer one warm option, one chilled option, and one handheld bar so guests have a choice. Label spiced items for anyone with ingredient concerns.

Plan oven space ahead. The crisp, bread pudding, and brownies all bake near 350°F, so they can share the oven if racks allow. The galette needs a higher temperature, so bake it first or last.

Tips for Fall Desserts

• Choose baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape.
• Brush crusts with egg for a glossy, golden finish.
• Cool custards gently to avoid cracks.
• Toast nuts before using.
• Add salt to caramel and cinnamon desserts for balance.

Make-Ahead Guide

Simple Toppings to Keep on Hand

• Whipped cream: whip heavy cream with a spoonful of powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla.
• Caramel sauce: warm store-bought or homemade caramel with a pinch of salt.
• Toasted nuts: pecans, walnuts, or almonds toasted at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes.
• Cinnamon sugar: mix sugar and cinnamon at a ratio of about four to one.
• Crème fraîche or yogurt: a tangy spoonful cuts through rich, sweet desserts.

Storage

Cover and refrigerate most desserts for up to 4 days. Fruit crisps are best within 2 days at room temperature and can be reheated at 300°F for 15 minutes. Cheesecake keeps up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Freeze cheesecake, bars, and brownies tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

FAQ

What is the easiest fall dessert?

Maple baked apples and spiced rice pudding need little prep and no special equipment.

Which can I make without an oven?

The rice pudding and churro bites use only the stovetop.

Can I use canned pumpkin for the cheesecake?

Yes. Plain pumpkin puree works best; avoid pie filling.

How do I keep fruit desserts from becoming watery?

Toss fruit with a spoonful of flour or cornstarch and bake until the juices bubble thickly.

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