60 Easy Fall Baking Recipes for When You Can’t Wait for Cooler Days

Pumpkin Bread

I keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia

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Cranberry Bog Bars

Sweet and chewy, these fun bars combine the flavors of oats, cranberries, brown sugar and pecans. I like to sprinkle the squares with confectioners’ sugar before serving. —Sally Wakefield, Gans, Pennsylvania

If you’re loving these bars, you’ll love these fall baking recipes that are cozier than a chunky sweater.

Pumpkin Doughnut Drops

I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin

Discover more seasonal recipes that taste like fall.

Cinnamon Crackle Cookies

This recipe is the compilation of many years of baking. I make these cookies for a holiday bazaar and year-round for our family. They freeze well. —Vicki Lair, Albert Lea, Minnesota

Caramel Gingerbread Cupcakes

One night, my niece and I put our heads together to come up a with a fabulous cupcake. We combined our favorite gingerbread cookie recipe and our favorite cupcake recipe, then enhanced the cupcakes with caramel frosting and a drizzle of caramel ice cream topping. Our guests reached for seconds and thirds until nothing was left but a delicious memory and a stellar recipe to share. —Delaine Smith, Barrie, Ontario

Southern Pralines

This recipe is truly Southern, and it’s been a family favorite for years. I’ve packed many a Christmas tin with this candy.

Sweet Potato Cream Cheese Bars

If you’re looking for something other than pumpkin, these sweet potato bars are a yummy alternative. Make them ahead—they’re even better refrigerated overnight. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas

Cinnamon Peanut Brittle

I made this sweet, peanut-packed candy for Christmas and sent some with my husband to work. His co-workers liked it so much they asked for more. It has a lovely glossy look and the cinnamon is a delightful surprise. You’ve got to try this peanut butter brittle recipe. —Grace Miller, Mansfield, Ohio

Air-Fryer Cookie Pie

My mom used to make cookie bars for us to have after school when growing up. This is my updated version. It takes half the time and tastes just like mom used to make. —Ashley Long, Mission, Kansas

Mom-Mom Bessie’s Coconut Molasses Pie

I’m the keeper of my husband’s grandmother’s handwritten recipe book. Mom-Mom Bessie was one of the best cooks I knew, and we think of her every time we make this pie. The flavor combination of coconut and molasses is a family favorite. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Maple and Bacon Bars

This bacon maple bar recipe is the perfect treat when you’re craving both salty and sweet. The aroma will tantalize you while the bars are baking. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Sugared Date Balls

When I was a youngster, Mom always baked these tender old-fashioned cookies dotted with chewy dates and crunchy walnuts. Much to the delight of my family, I’ve continued her delicious tradition.

Zucchini Muffins

These yummy zucchini, currant and walnut muffins are an excellent and tasty way to use up surplus zucchini from your garden. —Peg Gausz, Watchung, New Jersey

Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler

This homey dessert is always a big hit with my family. We like to serve it with ice cream or whipped cream. —Cindy Jajuga, Weed, California

Magic Pumpkin Buckle

Probably my family’s favorite pumpkin dessert, this is something I’ve been making since our two daughters were small. The crust mixture, which is actually poured in first, rises to the top during baking to form a rich topping. You won’t get a soggy bottom crust as you do with a pie. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Mini Pumpkin Spice Trifles

These miniature trifles are so fun for fall holiday parties! The assembly takes a little longer than making one big trifle, but it’s worth it to see everyone’s reaction to getting their own! —Rhiannon Brownell, Newport News, Virginia

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread

This cranberry bread is tender and moist. The first time I made it, it immediately became a favorite for the fall and winter holidays. The tart cranberries complement the sweet chocolate so well. —Jessica Hornaday, Nampa, Idaho

Slow-Cooker Monkey Bread

I often take this slow-cooker monkey bread to church potlucks—children and adults love it! The rum extract is optional. —Lisa Leaper, Worthington, Ohio

Apple Doodles

This apple doodle recipe originally started as an apple cake. But I worked it into a recipe for cookies and have been making them this way ever since. It’s a nice way to feature fall’s delicious produce. —Cecilia Lorraine Ruiz, Sunnyvale, California

Pecan Banana Bundt Cake

My daughter, Liz, often made this banana bundt cake for us. It was delicious and different. She discovered five-spice powder during a culinary class field trip. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Maple-Bacon Rice Krispies Treats

Sweet with a touch of smoky flavor, these maple-bacon Rice Krispies Treats will make you fall in love with this classic flavor combo even more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cranberry-Orange Tiramisu

The holiday version of tiramisu trades the Amaretto and coffee notes of the traditional dessert for the bright, seasonal flavors of cranberries and orange. The combination of orange liqueur and Marsala wine make this a delicious, potent meal-ender. —Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Apple-Walnut Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is one of those desserts that you basically can throw anything into. It's the kitchen sink of desserts. This recipe came about because I had stale bread and apples that needed to be used. No apples? You can use dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots, or even dried apples. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma

White Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookies

This is a cookie you will want to make again and again. I like to take it to church get-togethers and family reunions. It’s very delicious—crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. —Denise DeJong, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

Although it looks like you fussed, this pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. “This make-ahead dessert is delicious any time of year,” reports Suzanne McKinley of Lyons, Georgia.

Ginger Pound Cake S’mores

Kids and adults won’t be able to resist this fun spin on campfire S’mores. Pound cake replaces the traditional graham cracker while crystallized ginger adds a unique flavor twist. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Sweet Potato Biscuits with Honey Butter

We often think of sweet potatoes in a supporting role as a side dish, mashed, baked whole, cubed and roasted. Here's another thought—why not give them a starring role for breakfast when made into biscuits? Served with cinnamon-honey butter, they're all kinds of awesome. —Cathy Bell, Joplin, Missouri

Pumpkin Seed Toffee

My kids are allergic to nuts, but they can eat pumpkin seeds! Every fall we save the seeds from our pumpkins to add to various recipes, including this one. —Suzanne Earl, Spring, Texas

Cherry Cream Cheese Pie

My mom is known for her scrumptious desserts. This easy-to-make cherry cream cheese pie is one she’s served often. It’s one of my favorite desserts anytime of year. I love the combination of cream cheese and cherry pie filling. —Cindy Kufeldt, Orlando, Florida

Salted Cashew Oatmeal Cookies

My son absolutely loves cashews, so I loaded my oatmeal cookies with them at Christmas—he loved them! The mix makes a great gift for friends, co-workers and teachers; all they have to do is add butter, vanilla and eggs. —Richard Hatch, Glen Burnie, Maryland

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

This recipe caught my eye and was extremely popular at the annual Christmas party sponsored by our Extension Homemakers. It’s a great dessert for fall.

Next, try out these pumpkin cheesecake cookies.

Glazed Pear Shortcakes

Family and friends will savor every last crumb of this lickety-split dessert. The pound cake absorbs the apricot flavor and the warm sweetness of the pears. Special enough to serve company—and cute, too! —Fran Thomas, St. James City, Florida

Spicy Oatmeal Cookie Mix

Brown sugar and spice and everything nice—like cinnamon, coconut, oats and chips—are layered together in pretty jars of yummy, ready-to-bake cookie mix. It’s a quick and easy gift idea that’s appreciated any time of year. Remember to include preparation instructions and a list of any additional ingredients needed with your gift tag. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pear Upside-Down Cake

Using a packaged cake mix speeds up the preparation time of this tasty pear and pecan upside-down cake. This moist cake is pretty to look at and luscious, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cranberry Zucchini Wedges

I try to slip zucchini into as many dishes as possible. These cake wedges have wonderful flavor and a tender texture. They are pretty, too, with bits of pineapple, cranberries and zucchini. And they’re perfect for brunch. —Redawna Kalynchuk, Sexsmith, Alberta

Applesauce Spice Cupcakes

I began making these moist cupcakes in grade school and still bake them today. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

Pumpkin Crumble

I created this tasty pumpkin crumble dessert on a rainy fall afternoon while my son was taking a nap. It filled the house with a wonderful aroma, and I was able to make it with ingredients that I already had in my pantry. Stir 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the filling for a change of pace. —Sarah Graham, Independence, Missouri

Maple Dumplings

To give your meal a warm and cozy ending, look no further than this comforting dessert. Tender homemade dumplings are nestled in a thick, rich maple sauce. —Denise Boutin, Grand Isle, Vermont

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

These big, soft spice cookies created by our staff have a sweet frosting that makes them an extra-special treat. Enjoy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Quick and Easy Tiramisu

No one can resist this quick and easy tiramisu recipe. Make it ahead for added mealtime convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Swedish Apple Pie

This decadent apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan

These warm and cozy fall dinner recipes are some great options to try before dessert.

Cinnamon Doughnut Muffins

Back when my children were youngsters, they loved these doughnut muffins as after-school treats or with Sunday brunch. —Sharon Pullen, Alvinston, Ontario

Pear Crisp

Since my husband is a livestock truck driver, he often starts work early in the morning. This pear crisp recipe will keep him going until breakfast. Our two boys love to have it for dessert and in their school lunches. —Joanne Korevaar, Burgessville, Ontario

Maple Bacon Walnut Coffee Cake

Wake up the sleepyheads in your household with this moist, tender coffee cake that’s both sweet and savory. Bacon and nuts in the crumbly topping blend with flavors of maple, nutmeg and cinnamon. Yum! —Angela Spengler, Clovis, New Mexico

Butterscotch Pecan Dessert

Light and creamy, this butterscotch dessert never lasts long when I serve it. The fluffy cream cheese layer topped with cool butterscotch pudding is a lip-smacking combination. —Becky Harrison, Albion, Illinois

Butterscotch Toffee Cookies

With its big butterscotch and chocolate flavor, my cookie stands out. I like to enjoy it with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. It’s my fallback recipe when I’m short on time and need something delicious fast. —Allie Blinder, Norcross, Georgia

Savory Stuffing Bread

Poultry seasoning and celery salt make this hearty loaf taste just like stuffing. It’s the perfect bread to serve with turkey during the holidays, and it’s nice for making sandwiches with the leftovers. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

Air-Fryer Apple Danish

I came up with this quick and tasty treat when my daughter had a sleepover. I whipped these together in no time and the girls devoured them! —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa

Apple Zucchini Bread

Since apples and zucchini are so abundant in this area, it’s only natural that the two be used together in one recipe. I really don’t know the origin of this bread, but I do know it’s been one of my favorites for many years. —Patti Dillingham, Scranton, Arkansas

Zucchini Walnut Cake

What gardener doesn't have extra zucchini? When it is abundant, I shred and freeze plenty so I have it on hand to bake this moist zucchini cake with walnuts all year long. The cream cheese frosting is yummy, and the big panful always goes fast at a picnic or potluck. —Marie Hoyer, Hodgenville, Kentucky

Sparkling Cider Pound Cake

This pound cake is incredible and completely reminds me of fall with every bite. Using sparkling apple cider in the batter and the glaze gives it a delicious and unique flavor. I love everything about it! —Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah

Air-Fryer Apple Fritters

An air fryer makes these easy apple fritters healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still just as delicious. They’re a quick and easy dessert that includes a scrumptious brown butter glaze! —Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Island

Frosted Pumpkin Gems

If I don’t hold back my four hungry sons (ages 6, 5, 4 and 2), they’ll eat a third of the batch of these moist and tender mini muffins before I get them frosted!

Honey Walnut Delights

Even after being frozen, these no-fail cookies stay moist and taste freshly baked. They are among my best holiday giveaway treats and are so easy to make. If you prefer, you can use other nut varieties, such as pecans or almonds. —Jessica Clemens, Wimbledon, North Dakota

No-Knead Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

My cousin gave this recipe to my mother many years ago. My mother shared it with me, and I have been making it ever since. The rolls are so amazingly moist and tender, especially right out of the oven. —Kathleen Gill, Miles City, Montana

Pecan Cake with Cookie Butter Frosting

My mom and I bought a jar of cookie butter to try it out, and we fell in love with it. I knew the flavor would go well with maple syrup and pecans, so I came up with this cake. I like to make a pretty design on the top of the cake with pecan halves. —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland

Quick & Easy Pumpkin Crescents

These homemade goodies are simple enough for my children to help with. Sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, the yummy crescents are perfect with hot cocoa on a chilly morning. —Mindee Erickson, St. George, Utah

Ginger Crinkles

I came up with these cookies by combining ingredients from two other recipes. It’s the perfect ginger cookie—crispy on the outside and chewy in the middle. I send them to my son, and he shares them with his employees. Whenever I ask what kind of cookies to send, these are at the very top of the list. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona

Raspberry Almond Strips

Get ready to pour yourself a cup of tea, because you won’t be able to resist sampling one of these cookies. Almonds add taste and texture to the simple strips that are dressed up with raspberry pie filling. —Taste of HomeTest Kitchen

Pumpkin Banana Muffins

These pumpkin banana muffins are the perfect bite-sized snack for fall. —Desiree Rasch, Blue Springs, Missouri