10 Delicious Fall Dessert Recipes with Apples, Pumpkins, and Warm Spices for 2025

Autumn’s harvest offers a decadent palette of flavors—think cinnamon-dusted apples, velvety pumpkin purée, and the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. These fall dessert recipes embrace the season’s warmth and elegance, blending classic comfort with elevated presentation. Each recipe features fall spices or fruits like apples, pumpkin, sweet potato, persimmon, orange, and pears, making them ideal for cozy gatherings or refined indulgence.

1. Spiced Apple Cider Donuts

Reduced apple cider forms the base of these cake-style donuts, intensifying the fruit’s natural sweetness. The batter is spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, then baked or fried until golden. A generous coating of cinnamon sugar adds crunch and warmth. Serve fresh with hot tea or mulled wine.

2. Pumpkin Mascarpone Cheesecake

This cheesecake blends pumpkin purée with creamy mascarpone for a silky, luxurious texture. The gingersnap crust adds a spicy crunch, while the filling is infused with cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. Bake in a water bath for a smooth finish, and top with whipped cream and candied pecans.

3. Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée

Roasted sweet potato purée is folded into a classic custard base, then baked until just set. A thin layer of sugar is torched to create a crisp shell, revealing the creamy, spiced interior. A hint of orange zest adds brightness. Serve chilled with a shortbread cookie on the side.

4. Pear and Cardamom Galette

Thinly sliced ripe pears are arranged over a buttery pastry base and dusted with cardamom, vanilla, and brown sugar. The edges are folded rustically and brushed with egg wash for a golden finish. Bake until the fruit is tender and the crust is crisp. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream.

5. Persimmon Pudding Cake

This dense, moist cake uses ripe Hachiya persimmons blended with eggs, flour, and warm spices. A splash of bourbon deepens the flavor, while the top caramelizes naturally during baking. Serve with whipped cream or crème anglaise for a nostalgic, comforting dessert.

6. Apple and Calvados Tarte Tatin

Apples are caramelized in butter and sugar, then topped with puff pastry and baked until golden. Once inverted, the glossy fruit sits atop a flaky crust. A splash of Calvados (apple brandy) enhances the flavor. Best served warm with a dollop of crème fraîche.

7. Pumpkin Chiffon Pie with Gingersnap Crust

This airy pie combines pumpkin purée with whipped egg whites for a mousse-like texture. The gingersnap crust adds crunch and spice, while the filling is flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Chill until set and garnish with whipped cream and grated nutmeg.

8. Orange-Spiced Bread Pudding

Brioche cubes soak in a custard infused with orange zest, cinnamon, and clove. Baked until golden and puffed, the pudding is finished with a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce. Serve warm with toasted pecans or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream.

9. Roasted Pears with Maple and Thyme

Halved pears are roasted with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a touch of fresh thyme until tender and caramelized. The savory herbal note balances the sweetness. Plate with crème fraîche or mascarpone and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts.

10. Pumpkin and Chocolate Mille-Feuille

Layers of crisp puff pastry sandwich spiced pumpkin cream and dark chocolate ganache. The pumpkin filling is flavored with cinnamon and ginger, while the ganache adds richness. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Chill before slicing for clean layers.

Fall Dessert Showmakers

These fall dessert recipes offer a decadent way to celebrate the season’s most beloved ingredients. From rustic galettes to refined custards, each dish brings warmth, spice, and a touch of elegance to the table. Perfect for entertaining or savoring solo, these recipes invite indulgence with every bite.