5 Easy Fall Dessert Recipes You'll Love

The cooler months of fall bring with them a craving for warm, comforting desserts. This is the perfect time to indulge in some of the best flavors nature has to offer, from the crisp sweetness of apples to the rich warmth of pumpkin. If you're looking to embrace the flavors of the season while keeping things simple in the kitchen, here are five easy fall dessert recipes that you'll not only enjoy baking but savor eating as well.

Apple Crisp

Fall and apples are a match made in heaven, and what better way to celebrate this union than with a delicious apple crisp?

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 6 cups of apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup quick-cooking oats
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the apples with the white sugar and cinnamon until well coated.
3. Transfer the apples to a 9-inch square baking dish.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter, rubbing the mixture with your fingers until it forms a crumbly texture.
5. Spread this topping evenly over the apples.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the apples are tender.
7. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pumpkin Pie

It wouldn't be fall without a slice of pumpkin pie.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 (15-ounce) can of pure pumpkin
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can (12 fluid ounces) evaporated milk
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix pumpkin, sugar, spices, and salt in a medium bowl. Add eggs and stir until blended. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
3. Pour into pie shell.
4. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40 to 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

🎃 Note: A hint of nutmeg will add extra depth to your pumpkin pie.

Spiced Pear Galette

This galette is a free-form pie, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 refrigerated pie crust or homemade pie dough
  • 3 ripe pears, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the pie crust into a 12-inch circle.
3. In a bowl, toss pear slices with lemon juice, sugar, and spices.
4. Arrange pear slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border.
5. Fold the edges of the dough over the pears, pleating as you go.
6. Brush the dough with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and the pears are tender.

Sweet Potato Cheesecake

A twist on the classic cheesecake, incorporating sweet potatoes for a fall treat that's both creamy and comforting.

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham crackers and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a mixer, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
3. Add sweet potatoes, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg; beat until combined.
4. Mix in eggs one at a time, then slowly add cream.
5. Pour over crust.
6. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes or until the center is nearly set.
7. Turn off oven, let the cheesecake sit inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
8. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

Caramel Apple Blondies

Apple pie meets the gooey goodness of blondies in this delectable treat.

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • ½ cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Fold in the diced apple.
5. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Drizzle caramel over the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

In summary, fall desserts are an integral part of the season's charm. From the classic flavors of apple crisp and pumpkin pie to the innovative twists like sweet potato cheesecake, these recipes cater to both the nostalgia and the novelty of autumn. Whether you're baking for a gathering or just indulging in some seasonal comfort at home, these treats will not disappoint. Enjoy the rich flavors of fall with these easy-to-make, delectable desserts that will warm both your heart and your home.

What can I use instead of apples for the apple crisp?

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Try using pears or even a mix of apples and pears for a twist on the classic recipe. Other fruits like plums or peaches can also work, though they might change the baking time slightly.

Can I make these desserts vegan?

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Yes, most recipes can be made vegan with simple substitutions. Use vegan butter or margarine, and replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tbsp seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg). For dairy products, look for plant-based alternatives like almond or coconut milk cream for desserts like the cheesecake.

How do I store these desserts?

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Store most of these desserts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Apple crisp and caramel apple blondies will keep for about 3-4 days. Pumpkin pie and pear galette should be consumed within 2 days. Sweet potato cheesecake can last up to a week if properly stored.