10 Irresistible Fall Desserts You’ll Want to Bake Right Now

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like indulging in warm, comforting desserts that capture the essence of fall. From cozy classics to creative twists on seasonal favorites, here are ten irresistible fall desserts that you’ll want to bake right now!

1. Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

No fall dessert list is complete without the iconic pumpkin spice. This moist, spiced cake topped with a rich cream cheese frosting is the perfect way to embrace autumn. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor, and serve it with a hot cup of coffee or cider.

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Make the batter: In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until well combined.
4. Bake the cake: Divide the batter between the two cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
5. Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Assemble and frost: Once the cakes are cool, spread a layer of frosting on the top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and frost the entire cake. Finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

2. Apple Crisp

Warm, spiced apples topped with a buttery, crispy oat topping—apple crisp is the quintessential fall dessert. It’s easy to make, and the smell of apples baking in the oven will fill your home with a comforting fall aroma. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:
  • 6 cups apples (peeled and sliced)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• For the Topping:
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to mix until the topping is crumbly.
4. Assemble the crisp: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving with ice cream.

3. Salted Caramel Pecan Pie

Give your traditional pecan pie an upgrade by adding a layer of salted caramel. The sweet, nutty pecans combined with the rich caramel and a flaky crust make for a dessert that’s both decadent and irresistible. This pie is perfect for your next family gathering or holiday celebration.

Ingredients:

• For the Pie:
  • 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
• For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Make the filling: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the pecans.
3. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set.
4. Prepare the salted caramel sauce: In a saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it turns amber. Add butter and cream, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt.
5. Drizzle the salted caramel over the baked pie and let it cool completely before serving.

4. Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Take your leftover cinnamon rolls to the next level by turning them into a luscious bread pudding. With a creamy custard base and pockets of gooey cinnamon goodness, this dessert is comfort food at its finest. Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze to make it even more special.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 cinnamon rolls (day-old or slightly stale)
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Tear the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the baking dish.
3. Make the custard: In a bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
4. Pour the custard mixture over the cinnamon rolls, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden and the custard is set. Let it cool slightly before serving with vanilla glaze or powdered sugar.

5. Maple Glazed Donuts

Maple is the flavor of fall, and these baked donuts with a sticky maple glaze will have you coming back for more. They’re easy to whip up and pair perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or chai tea. Plus, they make a great snack for any fall get-together.

Ingredients:

• For the Donuts:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Maple Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Make the batter: In another bowl, combine milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Fill the donut pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, filling each mold halfway.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until donuts are golden and spring back when touched. Let them cool completely before glazing.
6. Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Dip each donut into the glaze and let it set before serving.

6. Pear and Ginger Crumble

This unique take on a crumble brings together the juicy sweetness of pears and the warm spice of ginger. The topping is a mix of oats, brown sugar, and butter, creating a crunchy contrast to the soft, spiced pears. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet sophisticated dessert.

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:
  • 6 ripe pears (peeled and sliced)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• For the Crumble Topping:
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the filling: Toss the pear slices with sugar, grated ginger, and cinnamon. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
3. Make the crumble topping: In a bowl, mix the oats, flour, and brown sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and combine with your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the pears.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pears are tender and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

7. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

For a dessert that combines the best of both worlds, try pumpkin cheesecake bars. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy pumpkin-spiced cheesecake layer, and a hint of vanilla, these bars are perfect for potlucks or holiday dinners.

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• For the Cheesecake Layer:
  • 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
3. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
4. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set. Let it cool before slicing into bars.

8. Chai-Spiced Bundt Cake

Take your love of chai tea and turn it into a bundt cake. Flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves, this cake is packed with the warming spices of fall. Top it with a simple glaze or dust it with powdered sugar for a show-stopping dessert that’s great for brunch or afternoon tea.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
5. Pour the batter into the bundt pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool before removing from the pan.
6. Glaze (optional): Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

9. Butterscotch Blondies

For a sweet, chewy treat, bake a batch of butterscotch blondies. The rich flavor of butterscotch mixed with brown sugar and butter creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Add some chopped pecans or chocolate chips for a little extra indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Fold in the butterscotch chips and pecans.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before slicing into squares.

10. Spiced Pear Galette

A rustic pear galette is the perfect way to showcase the fruit of the season. The buttery, flaky pastry combined with spiced pears creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s easier to make than a pie, but just as impressive when served warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of honey.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 ripe pears (sliced thin)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, toss the pear slices with sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and lemon juice.
3. Roll out the pie crust on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Arrange the pears in the center of the crust, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the crust over the pears.
5. Brush with egg wash: Brush the folded edges with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the pears are tender. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Get Baking and Enjoy Fall!

These ten fall desserts are sure to satisfy your seasonal cravings and fill your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice lover or a fan of apples and caramel, there’s something on this list for everyone. So preheat your oven and get ready to bake your way through fall!