Some desserts just feel like fall, and home cooks and sugar snobs alike return to them year after year. We’re talking about the classics—pies, cookies, cakes—made with seasonal stars like apples and pumpkin, plus the warm spices that bring cozy flavor to every bite. These 20 crowd-pleasing favorites are sure to win over even the most skeptical dessert lover. Scroll on to see which timeless treats are worth treasuring this season.
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Country Apple Dumplings
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“These apple dumplings are delicious,” says Allrecipes member docswife. “Oh my goodness—who knew that fresh apples, crescent roll dough, and citrus soda could make such a wonderful treat?”
Sweet Potato Pound Cake
Angela Foggy
“This is one of the best pound cakes I’ve ever tasted or made,” says reviewer Aaron LeCoin. “A delicious soft, moist masterpiece. Will make again and again!”
Iced Pumpkin Cookies
Allrecipes/Diana Chistruga
“I just made these cookies, and they are great even without the icing,” says reviewer StreedsFeeds. “They are just like mini pumpkin cakes with a slightly crunchy crust. Absolutely delicious and worthy of rave reviews!”
Apple Crisp
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This apple crisp showcases apples at their best!” says Allrecipes member Diane Kester. “The combination of warm, tender apples and the crunchy oat topping is one of my favorite desserts. Delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.”
Buttermilk Pie
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“One of the best pies I have ever eaten, hands down!” says reviewer Bonne Liddell Belden. “Don’t let the name buttermilk pie throw you off, it’s amazing! And so simple to prepare!”
Grandma Ruth’s Easy Snickerdoodle Cookies
Dotdash-Meredith Food Studios
“Great recipe! These cookies came out soft and delicious!” says reviewer Melissa Ciers. “The entire batch was gone in less than a day, my family loved them so much. I’ve made them twice since with the same results each time. Definitely keeping this recipe as one of my faves!”
Paul’s Pumpkin Bars
“These easy pumpkin bars are full of fall flavor with a moist texture and a decadent cream cheese frosting,” says Allrecipes member Deb Martin. “So far, I haven’t found anyone who doesn’t love them!”
Apple Pie by Grandma Ople
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This amazing apple pie recipe belonged to my grandmother,” says Allrecipes member MOSHASMAMA. “I have never seen another one quite like it! It will always be my favorite and has won several first place prizes in local competitions. It makes the perfect dessert for family dinners or during the holidays.”
Apple Betty
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“It doesn’t get better, or easier, than this! The perfect ending to a Fall feast!” says reviewer MMMICHELLE. “This is so quick to prep and can bake while you dine so as to be served warm. My husband just loves apple desserts and this was so effortless, yet would hold its own against a truly ‘classy’ dessert. Comforting and festive. All ingredients are kitchen staples, so it can be thrown together on a whim, which is what I did!”
Gramma’s Apple Bread Pudding
“I made this for our family dinner for my Mother and it was Fabulous,” says reviewer ZanyMelt7912. “Everyone loved it. It was all eaten and I had to make copies of the recipe for the ladies to bring home.”
Marbled Pumpkin Cheesecake
“This is a wonderful pumpkin cheesecake with a gingersnap crust and rich, creamy marbled filling,” says Allrecipes member Renee. “The gingersnap really does make a difference!”
Autumn Apple Cheesecake
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This is a rich apple cheesecake topped with sliced apples, cinnamon, and crunchy pecans,” says Allrecipes member Stephanie. “I love making this show-stopping dessert in the fall when apples are at their best.”
Best Ever Caramel Apple Crisp
Yoly
This recipe doesn’t just come from one Allrecipes member, but a class of first-graders who went apple picking. The result is a classic pairing of caramel and apples, one that has an average score of 4.8 stars.
Perfect Pumpkin Pie
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
“Outstanding Flavor and very easy to make. Two combinations I love,” says reviewer TaoWine. “A very sweet pie, nice appearance, and make sure to top it off with whipped cream. This recipe is by far a 5 star!”
The Best Caramel Apples
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This was GREAT! Among all the recipes for caramel apples that just have you melting caramel, this was an exciting find,” says reviewer thedomfam. “I tried it and had perfect caramel the first try, and a lot easier that I had anticipated. Great recipe. Didn’t change a thing.”
Cranberry Cheesecake
“This cheesecake is sooo delicious! I made it as the recipes states, didn’t change a thing. It turned out perfect!” says reviewer Marygutierrez. “Tons of compliments on how pretty it was and when people actually ate it they said it was amazing…definitely a must try for anyone.”
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
“This chocolate pecan pie recipe is made just like the classic pie, but with the addition of chocolate chips that melt as it bakes, adding rich, chocolaty flavor to every bite,” says Allrecipes member Karin Christian. “It’s always the first dessert to go at our family’s Thanksgiving!”
Apple Galette
Kim
“Apple galette is a fancy yet simple version of apple pie,” says Allrecipes member Liam Walshe. “I created this recipe after being inspired by all the apples at Montréal’s Jean Talon market. Enjoy warm with a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream.”
Apple Cider Cookies
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
While this recipe is more modern, I am including it on this list because it is so good. I made some for my roommate and he said they were one of the five top cookies he’s ever eaten. So if they’re not a fall classic for you yet, they certainly will be.
Mama’s Banana Pudding
Photography: Carson Downing / Food: Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling: Laura Ellefson/Lexi Juhl
“There are so many versions of banana pudding—or puddin’, as we call it,” says Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George. “This one allows you to make it from scratch like we do and always have, just like our mama and our grandmas and our aunts used to do. Just be sure to make enough!”
