10 (Non-Pumpkin) Desserts that Say ‘Autumn’ All the Way

Hey, pumpkins. 

Forget the changing leaves and steadily falling temperatures; tis the season for baking – and if the internet is any indication, fall’s signature treats are all about the gourd. But if you prefer your pumpkins on your porch and not on your plate, we gotchu too. 

Stand back, pumpkin spice; we’ve got some seasonal recipes that shine the spotlight on fall’s best – and most delicious – supporting cast. Here are 10 fall sweets that don’t rely on pumpkin for explosive autumn flavor. 

Apple Pie

Forgive us for starting off on a cliché note, but it just isn’t fall until you’ve had a golden pie filled with autumn’s most beloved fruit. Finding the right apple pie recipe, however, isn’t easy – and the last thing you want as a reward for your efforts is a soggy, bland apple something or other. 

That’s why we love this recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen, which results in a perfectly sweet, tart and flavorful pie. By cooking the butter and sugar beforehand, you get a filling that’s thick, caramel-y and filled with cinnamon goodness.

Almost and Pear Cake

Speaking of our favorite fall fruits, pears are an unsung hero of the autumn months – and when they’re fresh and ripe, they make mouth-watering desserts that are both flavorful and unique. If you’re looking for an outside-the-box showstopper this fall, try this Almond and Pear Cake from AllRecipes. It’s simple and elegant, flavored with butter, amaretto liqueur and blanched almonds. 

Pro tip: We recommend adding a ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the recipe to amp up that sweet almond flavor. 

Chocolate Cake with Maple Caramel Glaze

Chocolate cake, but make it fall. There’s a reason the age-old dessert is a crowd pleaser – everyone loves a chocolate cake. But if you’re looking to add a little festive flair to add to an old favorite, look no further than this recipe for Chocolate Cake with Maple Caramel Glaze from Garlic and Zest. 

A classic chocolate snack cake (think Grandma’s house) topped with a boiled icing that includes butter, brown sugar and maple syrup, this cake is autumn all the way (but good enough to make year-round!).

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie can be a polarizing dessert; you either hate it or you eat the entire tin and still want more. These Pecan Pie Bars from Food & Wine are like the casual Friday version of the traditional pie, giving you all the flavor with a lot less fuss. 

Just layer your filling on a baked, press-in crust (spoiler alert: no rolling the dough!) and toss in the oven. Tender-yet-still-crunchy pecans and ooey gooey caramel custard await. 

Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Gingerbread might hint at yuletide cheer, but those rich flavors of molasses, cinnamon and cloves say fall all the way. These delightful Gingerbread Bars from Lauren’s Latest are chewy, sweet with just the right amount of warm spices. And topped with cream cheese icing, this dessert will make you feel like Christmas morning all autumn long.

Caramel Bread Pudding

It’s a lovely companion to apples, but caramel is a star in its own right this time of year. Take this Caramel Bread Pudding from Food.com for example. A homemade custard tops day-old breadcrumbs and bakes until golden and bubbly – it’s like eating French toast for dessert (and we’d never call that a bad idea). As it cooks, the brown sugar and spices meld into a perfect caramel that sits at the bottom of the pan (and leaves you begging for more). 

Harvest Cake

Well, obviously. Any dessert that starts with the word “harvest” is going to be fall approved, and this cake from Rockabye Parents is everyone approved – and simple to boot.

Combining a spice cake mix with apple sauce, pecan chips, raisins and apples, you get a fall punch in every bite. Hot tip: while the recipe calls for a can of cream cheese icing, making your own is quick, easy and way more delicious.

Apple Cinnamon Ice Cream

It might be a summer favorite, but ice cream in the fall is just as delicious – especially when it tastes like the season itself. This recipe for homemade ice cream from Fork Knife Swoon combines fall’s favorite couple – apples and cinnamon – for a creamy dessert that’s packed with flavor. 

Start with a delicious vanilla base and mix in a homemade apple cinnamon swirl and enjoy every lick of this decadent dessert.

Salted Caramel Brownies

Come on. Brownies are hard to beat on their own, but add a rich, sweet salted caramel sauce and you might be rolling your guests out the door this fall. 

We love this recipe from Broma, which combines a decadent from-scratch brownie with a to-die-for sauce. The result is an gooey, rich brownie that everyone is sure to gobble up.

Fall Leaves Rice Krispie Treats

You might not find it in Bon Appetit, but take it from us; these colorful, foliage-inspired Rice Krispie Treats from Two Sisters Crafting are a beloved autumn tradition – and a crowd pleaser to boot! Kids and adults alike love this classic recipe, while the shapes and colors make the treat feel special and festive. 

Feeling adventurous? Bring the kids in the kitchen to get in on the action. And don’t worry about the mess – reach for your Not Paper Towels or a trusted Tea Towel for easy cleanup. And if you’re looking for a festive update, head over to check out the array of fun prints in our fall collection. 

Happy baking (and eating)!