32 Small-Batch Desserts for Fall

Apple Fritters

This is an old southern apple fritter recipe. When we got home from a trip through the South years ago, I found the recipe among the brochures I brought back. I’ve been making these easy apple fritters ever since. —John Robbins, Springdale, Pennsylvania

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Pumpkin Crunch Parfaits

Here’s a fun dessert that your youngsters can help make. It’s a great treat for Halloween or Thanksgiving.—Lorraine J. Darocha, Berkshire, Massachusetts

Grilled Cranberry Pear Crumble

My husband loves it when I make dessert. Fruit crisps are easy and quick to prepare, so I make them often! I created this fall-flavored grilled version with fresh pears and items I had on hand. We loved it. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland

Cinnamon Baked Apples

To save time, after I peel the apples, I use an apple corer/wedger to core and cut the fruit into pieces. These cinnamon baked apples are nice with pork chops, but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream as an old-fashioned ending to a comforting meal. —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee

Li’l Pecan Pies

These tempting little tarts have all the rich traditional taste of a full-size pecan pie in a much smaller package. The tarts are perfect for two. —Christine Boitos, Livonia, Michigan

Peanut Butter Cookie In A Mug

This peanut butter cookie in a mug is perfect for when you have a sweet tooth but don’t want to make an entire batch of cookies. So quick and easy! — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Rustic Caramel Apple Tart

Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas

Caramel Apple Creme Brulee

Here’s the cream of the apple dessert crop. Fruit, caramel and cinnamon flavors enhance the rich, velvety custard. Served warm or chilled, it’s a classic end to a meal. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Apple Cranberry Upside-Down Cakes

Cornmeal gives this upside-down cake a unique texture. Apples, cranberries and pecan make a delicious alternative to the typical pineapple and cherries. —Margee Berry, Trout Lake, Washington

Baked Pumpkin Pudding

Even after you favorite turkey dinner, you’ll find room for this perfect pudding dessert—a treat served hot or cold. Mildly spiced, it will leave you sweetly satisfied, but not overly full, assures Gerri Saylor from Graniteville, South Carolina.

Hot Cocoa Souffle

A friend invited me to go to a cooking demo at her church years ago, and one of the recipes prepared was this luscious souffle. It was so easy—and absolutely delicious. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Cinnamon Apple Pan Betty

I found this recipe soon after I was married decades ago. You’ll need just a few ingredients that you probably have on hand. It’s super quick to put together and a favorite of ours during fall and winter, when apples are at their best. —Shirley Leister, West Chester, Pennsylvania

Pumpkin Pecan Sundaes

My family enjoys anything with pumpkin so I knew this recipe would be well-received. Butter pecan ice cream is a perfect partner for the spiced pumpkin sauce.—Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana

Apple Butterscotch Crisp

I give this classic dessert a rich twist with butterscotch pudding. The warm apple filling bubbles to perfection in a mini slow cooker. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia

Molasses-Graham Cracker Puddings

When I was in college, I frequently had dinner with a relative after a night class. The restaurant we went to had a graham cracker pudding and I always ordered it. Recently, I adapted several recipes to re-create that pudding from years ago. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Blood Orange Caramel Tarte Tatin

I never had blood oranges until I moved to California. The season is short, so I use them in everything while I can get them. That sweet orange flavor with some brown sugar is a perfect combination. Whenever I have something to go to, my friends demand that I bring this dessert. —Pamela Butkowski, Hermosa Beach, California

Butterscotch Pumpkin Mousse

Guests savor every creamy, spoonful of this spiced autumn dessert. It tastes so good, no one guesses that it’s actually low in fat. —Patricia Sidloskas, Anniston, Alabama

Maple Mousse

I love to make this dessert with maple syrup produced in our area. For a change from heavier cakes and pies, it’s a refreshing ending to a holiday meal.

Slow-Cooked Gingered Pears

My slow cooker allows me to serve a heartwarming dessert without much effort. Topped with caramel sauce, these tender pears feature a surprise filling of nuts and brown sugar.—Catherine Mueller, St. Paul, Minnesota

Jumbo Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

Perk up an autumn morning with one of these hearty muffins. You’ll really enjoy the pumpkin-spice flavor and crumbly nut topping! — Janice Christofferson, Eagle River, Wisconsin

Crunchy Peanut Butter Tarts

For a fun, fuss-free dessert, try these darling tarts. They’re a satisfying, rich family favorite. —Mary Kelley, Wilmington, North Carolina

Dark Chocolate Pecan Cake

Made in a single loaf pan, this doubly good chocolate cake has a nutty praline layer and two layers of fluffy whipped cream. This is the only cake my husband really likes. —Laura Draper, Garfield, Washington

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

Pear Pandowdy

I pulled out this recipe one night when my husband was craving something sweet, and it was a big hit with both of us. It’s a superb last-minute dessert that almost melts in your mouth. —Jennifer Class, Kirkland, Washington.

Rice Pudding

For an old-fashioned sweet treat just like Grandma used to make, try this slow-cooker rice pudding. It has a rich cinnamon flavor and is made wonderfully light after whipped cream is stirred in at the end. —Jennifer Bennett, Salem, Indiana

Easy Caramel Apples

Bourbon Brioche Bread Pudding

My husband wasn’t a fan of bread pudding until I had him try a bite of mine from a local restaurant. I replicated it with some added bourbon, walnuts and a different type of bread. It’s a keeper! —Cindy Worth, Lapwai, Idaho

Easy Almond Joy Chia Pudding

I enjoy making this coconut milk chia pudding recipe because it’s easy and I can find all of the ingredients at my local market. There is no baking required, and it’s served in individual jars for guests. For more flavor, add shredded coconut. —Ashley Altan, Hanover, Maryland

S’mores Creme Brulee

A big bite into a scrumptious s’more brings back sweet campfire memories. This fancy take on the classic treat is perfect for a fall meal and will be adored by children and adults alike. —Rose Denning, Overland Park, Kansas

Apple Honey Tapioca Pudding

I’m glad that apple season is long, since my family requests this pudding quite often!

Creamy Butterscotch Pudding for 2

One day when I had a craving for something homemade, I tried from-scratch pudding. It’s much better than the store-bought kind! —EMR, tasteofhome.com

Orange Pumpkin Chiffon Dessert

When pumpkin season rolls around, I like to find new ways to enjoy it in almost all my cooking. This creamy dessert feels so festive this time of year—it gives you classic pumpkin pie flavor with just a kiss of orange. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas