Oh, fall in Texas. Sweaters come out even when it’s 85 degrees, the house fills with autumn décor (despite stubbornly green leaves outside), and Halloween planning kicks off in September. But if I’m honest, my favorite part of the season is baking. Every year, I dive into a new round of fall recipes—and this season’s lineup might just be the coziest yet.
From spiced snack cakes to boozy crisps, these treats turn ordinary afternoons into little rituals worth savoring. There’s nothing like the smell of pumpkin, spice, and butter wafting from the oven. And while the classics are always welcome, seasonal stars like sweet potatoes, figs, and maple make these recipes extra special. Scroll on for the fall desserts I can’t wait to bake this year.
1. Pumpkin Loaf Cake
Triple platinum in my house during fall. Crunchy walnut topping meets cream cheese frosting in a tender, pumpkin-packed loaf with just the right amount of sweetness.
2. Cardamom Frangipane Pear Tart
Warm, tender pears rest atop a lightly spiced almond frangipane base, all crowned by a crisp, golden crust. Floral notes of cardamom, a hint of citrus marmalade, and the crunch of almonds make this tart as comforting as it is elegant.
3. Healthy Apple Crumble
A wholesome twist on a classic, this apple crumble combines tender, spiced apples with a crunchy oat-and-almond-flour topping. Make ahead for a cinnamony kitchen aroma without feeling overly indulgent.
4. No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Bars
All the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie without ever turning on the oven. Creamy, mousse-like pumpkin filling rests on a nutty, brown-butter graham-cracker crust—perfect for a fuss-free autumn treat.
5. Maple Pecan Pie
Sweet maple syrup and crunchy pecans make this pie irresistible. Decorative leaf-shaped crust cutouts elevate it to a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
6. Sour Cream and Onion Biscuits
Not pumpkin or spice—but undeniably cozy. Tangy green onions, rich sour cream, and melted cheddar wrapped in flaky, buttery layers that fill the kitchen with warmth.
7. Cinnamon Baked Apples
Nothing says fall like crisp, sweet apples. These baked apples deliver all the flavor of apple pie with minimal effort—and no refined sugar or wheat flour. Win!
8. Butternut Squash and Ricotta Tart
A savory fall centerpiece, layering caramelized squash, sweet potato, apples, and onion on herbed ricotta, all in a buttery, flaky crust. Beautiful and effortless—a true work of edible art.
9. Spiced Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Dairy-free yet indulgent, this spiced cake is perfect alongside a warm latte or tea. Swap sweet potato for pumpkin puree if whimsy strikes!
10. Pumpkin Snack Cake
Pumpkin season condensed into a tender, streusel-topped treat. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar for that soft autumn snowfall feel.
These recipes are guaranteed to fill your home with the cozy scents of fall while satisfying your sweet tooth or savory cravings. Which one will you bake first?
