16 Autumn-Inspired Desserts Perfect for November Gatherings

Autumn is all about cozy vibes, cooler air, and, of course, delicious desserts that celebrate the season. So, whether you’re planning a fall party or just want to enjoy something comforting on a chilly evening, these autumn-inspired desserts are sure to hit the spot. Each recipe brings the rich flavors of fall straight to your kitchen, offering something for everyone.

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

A perfect autumn treat, pumpkin spice cupcakes are moist and full of seasonal flavor. Combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree. Mix with ½ cup of vegetable oil and 2 eggs until smooth. Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes. Top with cream cheese frosting made from 8 oz of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These cupcakes are soft, spiced, and perfect for a fall gathering.

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a timeless autumn dessert, made with a warm and tender apple filling topped with a crispy oat topping. Use 6 peeled and sliced apples, toss them with ¼ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. For the crisp topping, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of melted butter. Spread the topping over the apples and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. The result is a comforting dessert that pairs well with vanilla ice cream.

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars provide the perfect mix of buttery crust and sweet, gooey filling. For the crust, mix 1 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and 1 cup of melted butter. Press this into a 9×13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. For the filling, whisk 3 eggs, 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla, and 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans. Pour over the baked crust and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes until set. These bars are easy to serve and ideal for a fall gathering.

Caramel Apple Tart

Caramel apple tart brings together buttery crust, tart apples, and sweet caramel. Roll out 1 sheet of puff pastry and line it in a tart pan. Slice 4 apples and arrange them on the pastry. Drizzle with ½ cup of caramel sauce and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Serve with additional caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. This tart is both elegant and packed with autumn flavors.

Spiced Pear Cake

Spiced pear cake captures the flavors of fall with ripe pears and warm spices. For the batter, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger. Beat together 1 cup of sugar, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 eggs, then fold in 3 diced pears. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes. Top with a cream cheese glaze made from 4 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of milk.

Sweet Potato Pie

This creamy and sweet pie is a fall classic. For the filling, mash 2 cups of cooked sweet potatoes and mix with 1 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, ½ cup of milk, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour into a prepared pie crust and bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes. Sweet potato pie has a smooth texture and pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream.

Cranberry Walnut Bread

Cranberry walnut bread is perfect for an autumn breakfast or dessert. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Stir in 1 cup of fresh cranberries and ½ cup of chopped walnuts. Mix with 1 cup of orange juice and 1 egg. Pour into a loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 55–60 minutes. The tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts make for a delicious fall treat.

Pumpkin Roll

This festive dessert combines spiced pumpkin cake with creamy filling. For the cake, whisk together ¾ cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 3 eggs with 1 cup of sugar. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes. Once cooled, spread with a filling made of 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Roll up and chill before slicing.

Apple Cider Doughnuts

Apple cider doughnuts are a must-have for any fall gathering. Heat 1 cup of apple cider until reduced by half. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Combine with ½ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of melted butter, 1 egg, and the reduced cider. Fry in hot oil until golden, then roll in cinnamon sugar.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

This cozy dessert uses day-old bread combined with a rich pumpkin custard. Start with 5 cups of cubed brioche or challah bread and mix with a custard made from 1 ½ cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of sugar, and 2 eggs. Add in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes. The result is a warm, spiced dessert that tastes like fall in every bite. Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple cinnamon muffins are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert or snack for autumn. Start by mixing 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of milk, 1 egg, and ¼ cup of melted butter. Stir in 2 peeled and diced apples and pour the batter into muffin tins. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. These muffins are soft and bursting with apple flavor, perfect for a fall breakfast or dessert.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin cheesecake bars offer the richness of cheesecake with the warmth of pumpkin spice. Start with a graham cracker crust made from 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup of melted butter, press into a 9×9-inch pan. For the filling, beat together 8 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 3 eggs. Pour over the crust and bake at 325°F for 45 minutes. Cool and slice into bars for a perfect autumn treat.

Chai Spiced Cookies

Chai spiced cookies bring together the fragrant spices of chai tea in a delicious cookie form. Cream together 1 cup of butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 egg. Mix in 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a blend of 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of cardamom, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, and a pinch of black pepper. Roll into balls and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. The warm, spicy flavors make these cookies perfect for an November snack.

Caramel Pecan Pie

Caramel pecan pie adds a decadent caramel layer to the classic pecan pie. For the filling, melt 1 cup of caramel with ¼ cup of heavy cream and stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans. In a separate bowl, mix 3 eggs, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Combine both mixtures and pour into a prepared pie crust. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes. This pie is rich, gooey, and ideal for a fall gathering.

Cinnamon Roll Bread

Cinnamon roll bread is a delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls in a loaf form. Mix 3 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of yeast, 1 cup of warm milk, and ¼ cup of sugar to form the dough. Roll out the dough and spread ¼ cup of softened butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon over it. Roll up the dough, place it in a loaf pan, and bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes. Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a warm, comforting dessert.

Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies

These soft and sweet pumpkin spice whoopie pies are perfect for a fall gathering. For the cake, mix 1 cup of flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ginger. Beat ½ cup of butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of pumpkin puree with 1 egg, then fold in the dry ingredients. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Sandwich two cakes together with a filling made from 4 oz of cream cheese, ½ cup of butter, and 1 cup of powdered sugar.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

15 Easy Trader Joe’s Bowls You Can Whip Up in Minutes

Trader Joe’s is the go-to spot for quick and easy meals, especially when you’re pressed for time but still want something tasty. So, grab your favorite ingredients and get ready to whip up some delicious bowls in no time. Trust me, these will become your weeknight lifesavers! Read More

15 Top Brands of Canned Tuna for Delicious Quick Meals, Ranked

When it comes to making a quick, delicious meal, canned tuna is one of the best pantry staples to have on hand. So, I’ve gone ahead and put together a list of the top canned tuna brands, ranked from the ones that get the job done to the absolute best. Ready to upgrade your next meal? Let’s dive in! Read More.

15 `Healthy` Foods Nutritionists Say You Should Avoid

We all strive to make healthier choices, but sometimes the foods we think are beneficial may be misleading. Despite their health halos, some popular “healthy” foods can harm our well-being. Nutritionists have weighed in on this issue, revealing that these items may not be as nutritious as they seem. Here’s a look at 15 “healthy” foods that might not be as good for you as you thought. Read More.