The best fall baking recipes to try this year (55 recipes)
Fall is the best time of year to bake, and I’ve rounded up 55 of my favorite fall baking recipes to prove it.
If you are looking for fall baking recipes, you are in the right place. I am sure you will find a few good recipes here.
This list is packed with pumpkin, apple, and a handful of other cozy favorites, everything from simple weekday treats to showstopping desserts for the holiday table.
However you like to spend your weekends in the kitchen, I am sure you’ll find plenty to bake through this season.
Please don’t forget to save this post to your Pinterest board so you can come back later for more recipes.
Pumpkin Baking Recipes
Pumpkin is the flavor everyone thinks of first when fall rolls around, and it really earns that reputation because of its versatility.
From muffins and breads to pies and cakes, pumpkin puree adds moisture and that warm, spiced flavor to just about anything you bake.
I rounded up some interesting pumpkin baking recipes below, everything from quick weekday treats to showstoppers worthy of the Thanksgiving table.
I believe I have added a little something here for every kind of baker.
Let’s dive in!
1. Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Bread
Who can resist a good pumpkin quick bread, and this sourdough discard version from Ginger Homemaking might be your next favorite.
I love that it uses up leftover starter discard so nothing goes to waste, and the orange juice in the batter adds this subtle tang that makes the pumpkin flavor pop even more.
It’s a no-mixer, whisk-and-go kind of recipe, so it comes together fast even on a busy morning.
2. Pumpkin Tres Leches With Box Cake Mix
This pumpkin tres leches cake from Lamberts Lately is such a fun fall twist on a classic dessert.
It starts with a spice cake mix and turns soft, custardy, and packed with pumpkin flavor, finished off with a cinnamon whipped cream topping.
It’s an easy shortcut dessert that feels way fancier than the effort it actually takes, perfect for Friendsgiving or any fall get-together.
3. Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake
This pumpkin olive oil cake from Britney Breaks Bread is soft, spiced, and topped with a brown-butter-salted maple mascarpone frosting that takes it over the top.
Olive oil keeps the crumb moist for days, while pumpkin pie spice brings all the warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavor that makes fall baking so good.
I think it’s simple enough for a weeknight treat and pretty enough for a holiday dessert table.
4. Pumpkin Tiramisu
This pumpkin tiramisu from My Gorgeous Recipes is a no-bake fall dessert that swaps the usual mascarpone filling for a pumpkin spice version, layered with coffee-dipped ladyfingers and a dusting of cocoa.
It’s rich, creamy, and full of autumn flavor without ever needing the oven, which makes it an easy make-ahead option for Thanksgiving.
5. Easy Pumpkin Scones With Maple Glaze
These pumpkin scones with maple glaze from Ginger Homemaking are flaky, sweet, and packed with fall flavor.
Pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon fill the dough, then a warm maple glaze gets drizzled right on top for a bakery-style finish.
They freeze well too, so it’s an easy make-ahead treat to have on hand all season.
6. Pumpkin Pecan Pie
This pumpkin pecan pie from Champagne Tastes combines two fall favorites into one dessert.
A silky pumpkin pie layer gets topped with a maple pecan pie layer and a splash of bourbon, so it’s rich, boozy, and a little less sweet than a traditional pecan pie.
It’s an easy make-ahead option that keeps well in the fridge for several days, perfect for spreading out holiday baking.
7. Pumpkin Monkey Bread
This pumpkin monkey bread from Savvy Mama Lifestyle is one of those fall baking recipes that turns into a warm, gooey pull-apart treat everyone fights over.
Soft biscuit pieces coated in pumpkin spice sugar, baked in a buttery brown sugar sauce.
Perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a Thanksgiving brunch spread.
8. Pecan Pie Pumpkin Cheesecake
This one from Saving Talents is next level.
It’s a pumpkin cheesecake, but they make their own pumpkin butter first, which takes the flavor up a notch.
There’s also a pecan crumble baked right on top. I’d make this for Thanksgiving in a heartbeat; it just feels a little fancier without being complicated.
9. Pumpkin Pie Shortbread Crumb Bars
These pumpkin pie shortbread crumb bars from Liv’s Little Muffins are a mashup of buttery shortbread and spiced pumpkin pie, and they’re egg free too.
A twist on a classic that’s a lot easier to pull off than a full pie, and just as cozy.
10. Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Frosting
I love how this one from Bless This Meal keeps things simple with a spice cake mix shortcut, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
It’s one of those fall baking recipes that holds up well for days in the fridge, so it’s easy to make ahead.
If you want to switch it up, they mention folding in chocolate chips and topping it with graham crackers and marshmallows for a s’mores twist.
11. Pumpkin Cheesecake
This pumpkin cheesecake from The Cooking Foodie has a buttery Biscoff crust that adds warm caramel-spice notes to the whole thing.
The filling is rich and spiced, and it gets topped with piped whipped cream for a bakery-style finish.
It’s the kind of dessert that upgrades a Thanksgiving table without much extra effort.
12. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
This pumpkin bread pudding from Spend With Pennies is warm, cozy, and finished with a quick homemade caramel sauce.
Raisin bread, pumpkin puree, and pecans come together in one dish, then get drizzled with caramel right before serving.
It’s the kind of fall baking recipe that feels fancy but comes together with pretty simple pantry staples.
13. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
I love that these pumpkin cinnamon rolls from Recipes From Leftovers use up leftover pumpkin puree instead of letting it go to waste.
They’re soft, fluffy, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting – one of those fall baking recipes that turns simple pantry staples into something that feels like a bakery treat.
Great for a fall brunch or Thanksgiving morning.
14. Pumpkin Chai Swirl Bundt Cake
This pumpkin chai swirl bundt cake from The V/GF Table is vegan and packed with cozy chai spices swirled right through the center.
The pumpkin puree keeps the crumb moist, and a simple vanilla glaze on top makes it look bakery-worthy.
It’s a great pick if anyone in your circle is vegan and still wants a proper fall dessert.
15. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars
These chocolate chip pumpkin bars from Saving Talents are simple, easy, and one of those fall baking recipes you’ll want on repeat all season.
Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice go into the batter, then chocolate chips get folded in and sprinkled on top for good measure.
I love how straightforward it is, given how it tastes like it took way more effort.
16. Best Pumpkin Pie
I love how easy this pumpkin pie from The Cooking Duo is; it uses sweetened condensed milk instead of a bunch of separate ingredients, so the filling comes out smooth every time.
It’s the classic pumpkin pie flavor with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, no fuss required.
This is a great one to add to your fall baking recipe lineup, especially if you want something reliable for Thanksgiving.
17. Pumpkin Hand Pies With Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling
These pumpkin hand pies from Food Exit Recipes are shaped like little pumpkins and filled with a spiced pumpkin cream cheese mixture.
They’re grab-and-go, no fork needed, and freezer-friendly too, so you can make a big batch ahead of time.
A fun one to add to your fall baking recipes if you want something kid-friendly and easy to eat by hand.
18. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bundt Cake
This pumpkin cream cheese swirl bundt cake from Ann’s Entitled Life has a rich cream cheese layer swirled right through the middle, with walnuts folded into the batter for a little crunch.
They use simple pantry ingredients, but the swirl effect makes it look like something from a bakery.
This recipe is great for a fall dessert table and holds up well the next day too.
19. Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake
This pumpkin streusel coffee cake from Savvy Mama Lifestyle has creamy pumpkin filling sandwiched between soft cake layers, with a crunchy pecan streusel on top and bottom.
It’s a great one for prepping the night before, so it’s ready to bake for a weekend brunch or Thanksgiving morning.
20. Pumpkin Spice Rum Cake
This pumpkin spice rum cake from Flavorful Eats starts with a boxed cake mix and gets dressed up with pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then finished with a buttery rum glaze poured right over the top.
Pecans line the bottom of the bundt pan for a little crunch and extra flavor.
I think this one is a great one for Halloween parties or a Thanksgiving dessert table.
21. Pumpkin Brownies
These pumpkin brownies from The Shortcut Kitchen only need two ingredients: pumpkin puree and a box of brownie mix, no eggs or oil required.
They bake up rich, moist, and fudgy, with a quick chocolate frosting poured over the top.
This is an easy one to keep in the rotation when you want something fast but still feel like a proper fall dessert.
22. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
I love how quickly these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins from Cultivating Brilliant Minds come together, just fifteen minutes to mix and under twenty to bake.
Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice keep them soft and moist, and the chocolate chips make them feel like a treat even though they’re simple enough for a weeknight.
One of those fall baking recipes that works just as well for breakfast as it does for dessert.
23. Baked Pumpkin Donuts
These baked pumpkin donuts from Semi Homemade Kitchen are the kind I want the moment the weather starts cooling down.
A box of spice cake mix makes them ridiculously easy, but the cinnamon sugar coating gives them that classic donut shop finish.
This is one of those fall baking recipes that doubles as breakfast or dessert without much effort.
Apple Baking Recipes
There’s something about apple season that makes the whole house smell like fall.
Apples work their way into so many baked goods: pies, cakes, muffins, hand pies, and each one brings its own sweet-tart balance and cozy spice.
Here are some of my favorite apple baking recipes to try this season, whether you’ve got a fresh haul from the orchard or just a few apples sitting in the fridge.
24. Szarlotka Recipe (Polish Apple Pie)
Szarlotka is a Polish apple pie from An Edible Mosaic with a cinnamon-spiced apple filling sandwiched between layers of sweet, semi-short pastry.
The top layer is grated frozen dough instead of a rolled crust, so it bakes up with a streusel-like texture.
A dusting of powdered sugar finishes it off. This is one of those fall baking recipes with a bit of a twist since it leans less sweet than a typical American apple pie.
25. Apple Crumble Bars
These apple crumble bars from Sweet Miscellany combine the best parts of apple pie and crumble into one bar.
A buttery shortbread crust and oat crumble sandwich spiced Granny Smith apples, then everything gets finished with a salted date caramel drizzle once cooled.
I love that the crust and crumble use the same base mixture, so it keeps the ingredient list short without losing any flavor.
26. Apple Coffee Cake
This apple coffee cake from My Rad Kitchen has a moist, tender crumb loaded with fresh apple pieces and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel.
Greek yogurt keeps the texture soft, and it bakes up in a springform pan for an easy, clean release. A great one for a cozy weekend brunch or a holiday morning spread.
27. Apple Tea Cake
This apple tea cake from Lane & Grey Fare is gluten-free, egg-free, and nut-free, using applesauce instead of eggs for a soft, moist crumb.
Thin apple slices fan out on top in a spiral, coated in cinnamon sugar before and after baking for extra flavor in every bite.
A simple one-layer cake that works just as well for breakfast as it does for an afternoon snack.
28. Apple Blondies
These apple blondies from The Benson Street are rich and chewy, made with browned butter and apple butter for a deep, concentrated apple flavor.
Diced apples get folded right into the batter, and a maple glaze drizzled on top ties everything together.
A great pick for a fall bake sale or Thanksgiving dessert table, since they hold up well and travel easily.
29. Puff Pastry Apple Galette
This apple galette from The Short Order Cook swaps a traditional pie crust for puff pastry, baked right in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, free-form shape.
Thin cinnamon apple slices fill the center, and the edges fold over loosely so some of the fruit peeks through.
It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive with barely any effort, especially served warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.
30. Salted Caramel Apple Crumb Cake
This salted caramel apple crumb cake from Britney Breaks Bread is a soft spice cake baked in a tube pan and loaded with cinnamon apples throughout.
A buttery crumble sits on top for crunch, and a homemade salted caramel sauce gets drizzled over once everything cools.
It works just as well with morning coffee as it does for dessert, and holds its own on any fall table.
31. Italian Apple Cake
This Italian apple cake from Cooking My Dreams is a simple, soft cake with apple slices mixed right into the batter instead of just arranged on top.
There’s no cinnamon here, which is different from most fall apple cakes, just vanilla and a touch of lemon to keep things classic.
A dusting of powdered sugar finishes it off, keeping this cake simple and unfussy in true Italian baking style.
32. Homemade Fresh Apple Pie
This homemade fresh apple pie from Ann’s Entitled Life sticks to the classics: a homemade lattice crust, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and a filling made from thinly sliced fresh apples.
Nothing fancy or overcomplicated here, just a reliable, from-scratch apple pie that’s easy to take to a picnic or serve for Thanksgiving.
33. Apple Bundt Cake
This apple bundt cake from Cinnamon Shtick is a Jewish apple cake with an almost pudding-like, super moist texture, packed with chunks of apple in every bite.
It’s simple enough that no glaze is really needed, just a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top if you want to dress it up.
A traditional pick for Rosh Hashanah or breaking the fast after Yom Kippur, but it works well for any fall gathering too.
34. Apple Honey Babka
This apple honey babka from Cinnamon Shtick first roasts the apples in honey and vanilla, then layers them with a walnut-honey filling reminiscent of baklava.
The dough itself uses honey instead of sugar, and a honey glaze gets brushed on right after baking.
It’s a traditional pick for Rosh Hashanah, since apples and honey together symbolize a sweet new year, but it works just as well as a fall breakfast treat or any time of year.
35. French Apple Cake
This French apple cake from Sweet Miscellany skips the usual cinnamon and nutmeg in favor of cardamom and lemon zest, which gives it a brighter, more sophisticated flavor.
It’s mostly apple chunks held together with just enough batter, so every bite is packed with fruit.
A sprinkle of sugar on top before baking gives it a crisp, golden crust, and it’s simple enough to make with ingredients most people already have on hand.
36. Baked Apple Fritters
These baked apple fritters from Mom Foodie skip the deep frying entirely, made instead in a muffin pan for a lighter, less messy version.
Chopped apples and warm spices fill the batter, and a sweet glaze gets poured over while they’re still warm.
They work well for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and taste just as good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to dress them up.
37. Apple Upside Down Cake
This apple upside-down cake from I Heart Eating is the fall version of the classic pineapple upside-down cake, with a buttery brown sugar apple topping over a moist, one-bowl butter cake.
Sliced apples get arranged in circles right in the pan, no peeling needed, so it comes together fast.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight but pretty enough to serve for a fall dinner party, especially with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce on top.
38. Apple Cider Donuts
These apple cider donuts from The Baker’s Table are baked instead of fried, made with reduced apple cider for concentrated apple flavor and a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
They’re rolled in melted butter and cinnamon sugar while still warm, which gives them that classic orchard-stand crust.
A great fall baking recipe for a cozy weekend morning, and they freeze well if you want to make a batch ahead.
39. Apple Cake Roll
This apple cake roll from Time for Delish is a moist sponge cake rolled up around grated apple, cinnamon, and walnuts, then dusted with powdered sugar once it’s cooled.
Squeezing the juice out of the grated apples first keeps the cake from getting soggy, and it’s simple enough with pantry staples that you can make it any time apples are on hand.
This is a cozy fall baking recipe that comes together as easily as a classic Swiss roll.
40. Apple Pecan Cake
This apple pecan cake from Grits and Gouda skips peeling the apples and skips the mixer entirely, shredding them straight into the batter along with chopped pecans.
It bakes in a Bundt pan and is finished with a simple brown sugar caramel glaze, though a dusting of powdered sugar works just as well if you’re short on time.
This is one of those fall baking recipes that looks fancy but comes together with pantry staples you probably already have.
41. Apple Pie Tartlets
These apple pie tartlets from Pastry Wishes are mini pies made in a regular cupcake pan; no special tart tins needed.
A homemade pie crust holds a lightly spiced apple filling, topped with a crunchy oat crumble instead of a top crust.
There’s no need to pre-cook the apples or blind bake the shells, so they come together in one straightforward round, and they’re egg-free too.
42. Apple Hand Pies With Puff Pastry
These apple hand pies from Pastry Wishes use store-bought puff pastry for a real shortcut, filled with a cooked, cinnamon-spiced apple filling that’s thickened with a cornstarch slurry so it doesn’t turn runny.
A cinnamon sugar topping goes on right before baking for a little crunch. They’re individually portioned, so they work well for snacking, breakfast, or dessert on the go.
43. Apple Dumplings
These apple dumplings from My Rad Kitchen wrap apple wedges in crescent roll dough, then bake in a buttery brown sugar sauce with a splash of Mountain Dew poured around the edges.
The soda keeps things moist and helps caramelize everything as it bakes, and there’s no pie crust or puff pastry to fuss with.
It’s an easy, nostalgic dessert that comes together in minutes and tastes like a shortcut version of grandma’s apple dumplings.
44. Apple Cheesecake
This apple cheesecake from Kitchen Ready Betty bakes right in a pie plate, no springform pan or water bath needed.
A graham cracker crust holds a simple cream cheese layer, topped with thin cinnamon-sugar apple slices that soften right in the oven, then finished with a sea salt caramel drizzle.
It’s a good bit lighter than a traditional cheesecake since it only uses two blocks of cream cheese, and it needs time to chill and set, so it’s easy to make a day ahead.
45. Apple Streusel Muffins Without White Sugar
These apple chai streusel muffins from Cents For Cookery skip white sugar altogether, using brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness.
Chopped fresh apples fold right into the batter, and the streusel topping gets a generous dose of chai spice for that cardamom and clove warmth.
No mixer needed here; just a fork does the trick, and they freeze well if you want a make-ahead breakfast on hand.
Miscellaneous
Not every great fall recipe fits neatly into a pumpkin or apple category, and that’s exactly what this section is for.
From pecan tassies to fruit-forward tarts, these are the recipes that round out a fall baking lineup with a little variety, so there’s something here no matter what you’re in the mood for.
46. Mini Pecan Pies
These mini pecan pies from Mom Foodie are made in a muffin tin with homemade pastry crust, so they turn into perfect grab-and-go bites for a holiday dessert table.
Chopped pecans, corn syrup, and brown sugar make up that classic gooey filling, all baked into buttery little shells.
They freeze well too, so it’s easy to make a batch ahead for Thanksgiving.
47. Cranberry Walnut Coffee Cake
This cranberry walnut coffee cake from The V/GF Table is vegan, with fresh cranberries and a crunchy walnut streusel folded right into a lightly spiced, orange-zested batter.
It’s a nice one to have on hand if anyone in your circle is plant-based, since it doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture to get there.
Best enjoyed the same day it’s baked, though it holds up in the fridge for a few days too.
48. Sweet Potato Pie
This sweet potato pie from Thanksgiving Mommy uses real sweet potatoes instead of canned puree, boiled and blended until silky smooth.
Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg give it that classic warm holiday flavor, but the texture ends up creamier and less dense than a typical pumpkin pie.
It’s a great make-ahead option too, since the flavor deepens the next day.
49. Maple Orange Spiced Baked Plums
This maple orange spiced baked plums recipe from Flavours Treat is a simple fruit dessert made with fresh orange juice, maple syrup, and warm spices like star anise, cardamom, and ginger.
The plums bake until soft and tender, then get spooned over with the syrupy juices right before serving.
It’s a nice lighter option next to the richer cakes and pies on the list, good for topping yogurt or vanilla ice cream too.
50. Pear Tart
This pear tart from Craving Something Healthy has a gluten-free almond shortbread crust with a hint of cardamom, layered with a light almond custard and thinly sliced pears fanned on top.
It’s lower in sugar and carbs than a typical tart, so it’s a nice option to have on the table if you’re watching that sort of thing.
A warm honey glaze brushed on near the end of baking gives the pears a pretty, golden finish.
51. Maple Walnut Muffins
These maple walnut muffins from The Littlest Crumb bake with a toasted walnut streusel on top, then get finished with a sweet maple glaze once they’re fully cooled.
Real maple syrup goes into the batter, and the glaze both, along with cinnamon and nutmeg, so the fall flavor comes through in every layer.
Baking at a higher temperature for the first few minutes gives them those big, domed muffin tops bakeries are known for.
52. Pecan Tassies with Honey
These pecan tassies from Risa’s Family Kitchen use honey instead of the usual corn syrup in the filling, so they turn out gooey and a bit deeper in flavor.
The buttery cream cheese crust is easy to shape right in a mini muffin pan, giving them that classic mini pecan pie taste in bite-sized form.
They freeze well too, so it’s an easy one to make ahead for a holiday dessert platter.
53. Cranberry Orange Bread
This cranberry orange bread from The Monday Box uses dried cranberries instead of fresh, so it stays moist and travels well without any risk of extra moisture from fresh fruit.
Orange zest and juice bring in the citrus flavor, and a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking gives it a nice crunchy finish.
It freezes well too, making it an easy one to bake ahead for the holidays.
54. Butternut Squash Galette
This butternut squash galette from Champagne Tastes is filled with caramelized onions, roasted squash, and goat cheese, wrapped in a store-bought pie dough with a Parmesan finish.
A honey bourbon sauce drizzled over the top gives it a rich, savory-sweet contrast.
It’s a great fall main dish if you want something baked for a dinner party or a Thanksgiving side that isn’t another cassserole.
55. Orange Cranberry Cake
This orange cranberry cake from Christina’s Cucina hits the cranberry and citrus flavors that show up a lot in fall and early winter baking, using a whole orange plus fresh cranberries for a moist, glazed bundt.
Final Thoughts
That’s 55 fall baking recipes to keep your kitchen busy all season long.
From pumpkin muffins to apple galettes and everything in between, there are plenty of ideas here to work through as the weather cools down and the holidays get closer.
Remember to save this post to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it and grab whatever’s calling your name first. Happy baking!
