Alright, you guys. Before wintertime takes over and we get all swept in the season of hot cocoa and gingerbread, let’s slow our rolls for just a sec… and take in all the glorious recipes that fall has to offer.
I personally love autumn treats more than any other seasonal dish on the menu. The rich blend of sweet and savory flavors makes me feel all warm and cozy inside. Autumn dishes are packed with unique variety, but they tend to prioritize spices and warm flavors above all else. Even the cold-served snacks and desserts give a warm and fuzzy vibe. (We’re looking at you, Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte.)
Autumn desserts highlight sweet flavors like pumpkin, squash, apples, and caramel, mixed with spicier add-ons — hello cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg! The additional spices really transform the dishes from yummy-but-basic to festively delicious.
So let’s grab our forks and dig right into these six mouth-watering dessert recipes that are bound to crown you as Queen of Autumn Baking.
Put on those oven mitts and let’s get in the kitchen and rattle them baking pans!
Pumpkin Cheesecake Squares
Would you believe me if I told you this dessert recipe caused a feisty commotion at the last party I attended? I made these pumpkin cheesecake squares for my friend’s Halloween party, and lemme tell you, it low-key caused some drama.
My friend Olivia was so upset when her boyfriend scarfed down the last pumpkin cheesecake bar, she literally stomped her foot in anger. “That was supposed to be mine!” she hissed at him. Although I felt bad that my friend had a mini tantrum — in front of all the guests — over a dessert square, I was secretly pleased that my culinary skills had caused such a dramatic scene.
If you want to master this recipe and be crowned the Star of Fall Baking, you’re gonna need some graham crackers, pumpkin puree, sour cream, butter, vanilla extract, eggs, and patience. Lots and lots of patience, because this recipe takes a bit ‘o time to perfect. (You have to leave the cheese bars in the fridge overnight to cool off.)
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Next, you’re gonna want to smash up one and half cups worth of graham crackers into crumbs. (I suggest zipping them in a Ziplock baggie and then hammer it into crumbs.) Then, go ahead and add two tablespoons of sugar. Next, add about 7 tablespoons of salted butter. Mix it all up, and that’s your cheesecake crust
Place this evenly on a 9 X 9 baking pan with a paper sheet to avoid sticking. Place it aside before shoving it in the oven. For the cheesecake itself, add ¾ of sugar to 24 oz of cream cheese. Mix it up with a ½ cup of sour cream and crack in three large eggs. Drop in a dash of vanilla extract for some extra yummmm.
Then, mix these ingredients until it has a thick, creamy texture.
Top this off with the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Stir it up and get ready for the baking process. Pour the batter evenly onto the graham cracker crust and place it into the oven!
After 45 minutes, check it out. It should be done. Place it in the fridge overnight, and you’ve got yourself a mouthwatering success!
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie
If you don’t have the patience for those cheesecake bars, here’s a quicker option. So. Roll up your sleeves, pull on the apron and hammer up a Graham Cracker crust like the recipe above.
For the vanilla pudding paste, mix pumpkin puree (1 cup), instant vanilla pudding (1 3.4 oz), and milk (¼ cup) in a mixing bowl. Stir it up, and add some cool whip (8 oz) and a few pinches of pumpkin spice seasonal flavor. Add it to the graham cracker crust, and let chill for about 3 to 4 hours in the fridge. Then, grab your forks and dig in! *Chef’s kiss.*
Pumpkin Spice Milkshake
I’ll admit, I’m not ready to say goodbye to Pumpkin Spice Season just yet. I will hold on to this most festive time of year for as long as I can, Thank you very much.
If you want to savor the sweet and spicy flavors of a pumpkin spice milkshake that’s good enough to put Starbucks to shame, here’s what you’ll need: vanilla ice cream (1 cup), pumpkin paste (¼ cup), pumpkin pie spice (¼ cup), and almond milk (¼ cup).
Pour all the goodies into a blender, and mix-mix-mix! Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and pumpkin spice seasoning to get the full festive flavor.
Baked Cinnamon Apples
Want something delicious and nutritious? Chow down on this warm and cozy treat while watching your favorite Autumn-themed movie. (I nominate When Harry Met Sally.)
Turn your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
For this quick-n-easy recipe, you’ll need 2 Honey crisp apples, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a half tablespoon of cinnamon.
Slice the apples and arrange them on a baking pan. Drizzle tablespoon of honey and half a tablespoon of cinnamon over the apples. Once the oven hits 350 degrees, go ahead and pop this in for 10 – 20 minutes, depending on how soft you want your apples.
This delish, effortless recipe will bring all the cozy autumn feels.
Maple Cinnamon Popcorn
We all have popcorn lying around, so grab your favorite, movie-watching treat, and pair it up (already popped) with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, as well as a teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix it all up, and enjoy this sweet and savory snack!
Spice Cake
For some warm and gooey goodness, whip up a spice cake this autumn. Preheat your oven to 350, and whisk the following dry ingredients in a bowl: flour (1 ½ cups), sugar (1 cup), baking powder (1 tsp), brown sugar (½ cup), cinnamon (1 tsp), salt ( ½ tsp), ground nutmeg (¼ tsp), and ground ginger (½ tsp) for zing!
For liquids, mix a half cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, a half cup of milk, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Once your oven heats to 350, add the dry and wet ingredients in a pan. Bake for half an hour and let it cool for 15 minutes. Cream cheese makes a delicious frosting option, and sprinkle some cinnamon on for a festive flavor.
