A Food Lover's Guide to St. Louis County
69 Easy Fall Dessert Recipes That Make The Most Of Baking Season
Break out the brown sugar and cinnamon, because it's officially pumpkin—and caramel and maple and apple—season. Is it just us, or does fall bring out the best in baking recipes? (Nope, it's definitely not just us.) And even better news: Crafting up an autumnal recipe (whether it's a batch of cookies, a cake or a pie) can be as easy as, well, apple pie. Save the tedious and time-consuming treats for the long winter months and make one of these 69 fall dessert recipes—like pumpkin angel food cake and caramel-stuffed ginger cookies—that are spiced, seasonal and also shockingly easy to make. Go ahead, have seconds (OK, thirds).
80 Pumpkin Desserts to Make on Repeat This Fall
Katherine Gillen
Pumpkin for fall? It may not be groundbreaking, but it's undeniably delicious, especially when paired with gooey caramel and cinnamon. (For a shortcut, you can skip the caramel core, but you will be missing out.)
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Time Commitment: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, kid-friendly
Think about it: You could eat one normal slice of pie or pop three tiny bites into your mouth in rapid succession. We know which choice we prefer; what about you?
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Time Commitment: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, kid-friendly
This is like an oversize version of the moist, fluffy farmstand doughnut, with a tender, softly spiced crumb and a brown butter icing to gild the lily. Serve the leftovers for breakfast—you have our permission.
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Quentin Bacon/Go-To Dinners
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 2 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, make ahead
Quick, someone go preheat the oven. These gently spiced cookies come together with just ten ingredients.
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Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, beginner-friendly
Your favorite holiday pie would be even better with a touch of chocolate, no? These decadent treats start with a boxed mix, so making a fall dessert has never been easier (or more impressive).
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Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, make ahead, beginner-friendly
We ever-so-slightly upgraded the nostalgic snack with homemade pudding and fall candies so it's just the right amount of classy and kitschy. The parfaits wouldn't look out of place in a cocktail party dessert spread, but kids wouldn't turn them down either.
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Matt Russell, Rachel Vere and Matt Hague/The Modern Spice Rack
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
For anyone looking outside the usual cinnamon-caramel-pumpkin rotation, might we suggest trying cardamom? These cookies—which are inspired by Turkish coffee—feel seasonally appropriate for fall, yet wouldn't be out of place year-round.
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Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, ready in <30 minutes, beginner-friendly
Peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti and meatballs…some combinations are just meant to be. Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting? Call us basic, but we're certain it's a match made in autumnal heaven.
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Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 6 hours, 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Why We Love It: no-bake, beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy
This autumnal tiramisu is creamy, just sweet enough and laced with fall baking spices, plus it requires no fussing with a cooked custard. (Translation: You can't mess it up.)
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Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
Half-moon, half-and-half, cake masquerading as a cookie: Call them whatever you want, but don't forget to invite them to sweater season.
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Katherine Gillen
True to its name, you'll poke this cake all over (satisfying, right?), then top it with a gooey sauce that seeps into the holes, infusing the entire confection with extra flavor and moisture. Use store-bought caramel if you want, but know that the cider-infused version is worth the effort.
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Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
If over-spiced cookies with a texture like cardboard aren't your thing, try this easy cake recipe instead. It's moist, tender and spiced just right.
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Mark Weinberg/Baking with Dorie
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
If pumpkin isn't your think, try this inventive loaf. Its flavors are warm, sweet, robust and mysterious, thanks to the addition of miso. It adds a hint of savory je ne sais quoi without being overpowering.
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Aran Goyoaga/Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple
Time Commitment: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, dairy free (optional), crowd-pleaser
This spiced snack cake, which is naturally dairy free, comes alive when paired with tangy cream cheese frosting, but if you want to make the frosting dairy free as well, just use plant-based cream cheese. You can make the cake batter with roasted pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree in place of sweet potato, too.
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Mark Weinberg/The Book on Pie
Nothing against pumpkin, but fall has so many other flavors going for it. This tart-sweet cranberry pie is a good place to start.
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The Modern Proper
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, gluten free
Good news: Ice cream isn't just for summertime. Even better news: The homemade caramel sauce calls for just three ingredients.
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Half Baked Harvest
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
The caramel brûlée frosting alone had our interest piqued, but add a touch of chai to offset the sweetness and we're smitten.
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Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
Can these count as breakfast? Asking for a friend.
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Photo/Styling: Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
They're soft and chewy like your favorite classic molasses cookies, but the extra addition of chocolate takes them to a new level.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, special occasion–worthy
It doesn't get more autumnal than this apple pie upgrade. Adorable and delicious, they take no time at all to make (thanks to premade pie dough).
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, gluten free, <10 ingredients
Don't tell the dentist, but we're probably going to eat three. (What? They're mini!)
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
Nothing says holiday like a cake filled with more sugar. Bring it to the table whole, then slice and delight the kids and adults alike.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
This skillet pastry is proof that sometimes more is more. And since it's made with grocery store crescent dough, it's ready in an hour, tops.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
Well hello there, beautiful. They say "an apple a day," and this one has three, so it's basically healthy…right?
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
You might find this hard to believe, but they're actually easier to make than apple pie.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
All the delicious things about pumpkin pie (flaky crust, sweet-spicy filling) without the messy slicing, cleanup or fuss.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Why We Love It: <500 calories, crowd-pleaser
This slightly sweet, kinda healthy cake has a secret: It's stuffed with plump, juicy, cider-poached pears. Just wait for the oohs and ahhs.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
A flavor combination that can't be beat, plus a presentation that rivals any fancy bakery? Sounds like you just won dessert.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Two desserts in one? Don't mind if we…eat the whole batch.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
You could save this one for a special occasion or party (it's certainly pretty enough), but it's actually easy enough to make anytime your sweet tooth strikes.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
These simple fall sandwich cookies hit all the right flavor notes: They're fruity, nutty, salty and just a little tart—sure to be a hit.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
OK, this apple stunner takes a little extra effort. But just look at her. Worth it, right?
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
A foolproof fall cake recipe is hard to come by. This one is that, and so much more. Don't skimp on the apple cider frosting (it's the best part).
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
If you look up the word buttery in the dictionary, you'll find this recipe. We don't want to spoil the surprise…but there are pie crust pieces in the dough.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 3 hours, 5 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
We'd say the creamy icing is optional…but we'd be lying. This is all our favorite fall flavors rolled into one dessert.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, beginner-friendly, <500 calories
It doesn't get easier (or more elegant) than this. Even better, they're practically healthy but definitely don't taste like it.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: no cook, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
No oven? No problem. These festive cuties take a quick ten minutes to whip up, then magically come together in the fridge. The hardest part is waiting to dig in.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
This is what happens when a cookie meets a cake and has a very delicious baby. The chocolate chunks and glaze are extra…but what's not to love? (Got kids? They're about to go wild.)
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 2 hours, 25 minutes
Why We Love It: gluten free, <500 calories
This gorgeous gluten-free tart needs no introduction. The crust is press-in and so easy, which leaves you ample time to craft a breathtaking apple-rose topper.
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Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, <30 minutes
This might be the easiest recipe ever. Five ingredients, 20 minutes and voilà, a sensational base for whatever filling tickles your fancy…
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Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
…such as this classic pumpkin pie. Use pre-made pumpkin pie spice, or make your own from your favorite fall spices.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, <10 ingredients, make ahead
As if you needed any excuse to make a batch of these guys, they're entirely make-ahead.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 35 minutes
Why We Love It: <10 ingredients, beginner-friendly
Quick, grab every mason jar you can find. We're making tarts.
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Photo: Matt Dutile/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser
It's like eating a spicy, sweet, fluffy cloud. Who's ready for a slice?
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, <10 ingredients, gluten free
Pick up a bag of Jolly Ranchers at the store, and you're halfway to this quintessential fall treat. Want to dress it up even further? Add dark or milk chocolate into the mix.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
A finishing drizzle of caramel sauce is optional, but highly encouraged.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
You won't even miss the frosting with this candied, crispy topping.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: ready in <30 minutes, kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
These are the over-the-top comfort food of our dreams. Serve them with a tall glass of milk to indulge your inner child.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Sweet and spicy cookies stuffed with molten caramel. Need we say more? (Using store-bought caramel candies makes it so easy.)
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients, gluten free
FYI, it's actually pretty easy to make crème brûlée at home, crackly topping and all. The touch of cardamom is a welcome upgrade that keeps it fresh and fall-ready.
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Photo: Matt Dutile/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, <10 ingredients
If you're trying to look like a restaurant pastry chef for your next socially distant dinner party, look no further. These custardy fall treats are secretly simple to make but don't taste like it.
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Photo: Matt Dutile/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly
This beauty tastes like all the best parts of pumpkin pie, thanks to cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.
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Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
These pretty cookies are, admittedly, a bit of a project. But it's worth the effort to spice your own puff pastry, and you'll be the talk of the town at your next party.
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Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly
This is like the cookie version of that sweet potato casserole with toasted marshmallows on top. Even better, a batch can be yours in all of 30 minutes.
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Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
Say hello to pumpkin pie's chic cousin from the city. Don't be put off by the prep time; you can use a store-bought pie crust as a quick shortcut.
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Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 50 minutes (plus rise time)
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
You can't celebrate fall without pumpkin-y carbs; why not up the ante this year? This bread is fluffy, buttery and—dare we say?—even more delicious than the original.
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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Erin McDowell
When you need a break from pumpkin but not the warm, cozy fall spices, make these guys for dessert…or breakfast. They've got carrots so they're, uh, healthy.
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Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, gluten free
Make sure you cook the apples until deeply caramelized for the best flavor. Assemble, then dive straight in with a spoon.
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Photo: Matt Dutile/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Hi there, beautiful. You may look all decadent and luscious, but we know you're as light and fluffy as any angel food cake on the inside (and taste like a fall fever dream).
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Photo: Matt Dutile/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Running out of fall dessert ideas? Look to the vegetable aisle. This butternut squash cake is anything but savory, and you'll want to make it again and again.
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Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why We Love It: beginner-friendly, one pan, special occasion–worthy
Fall isn't just apple season…it's fig season too. This all comes together in a single skillet, and the most work you'll have to do is slice some figs. You've got nothing to lose.
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Photo: Christine Han/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser, gluten free
The kids will think these quick bites taste like their favorite Halloween candy. Bonus: They're naturally gluten free.
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Photo: Matt Dutile/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Why We Love It: special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly
Hosting a pandemic-era potluck has never been simpler. No one really wants to share a pie, anyway.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 12 hours, 40 minutes
Why We Love It: make ahead, beginner-friendly, no cook
As much as we love pie, we're always looking for new ways to get our pumpkin fix, and this easy icebox cake is just the thing. Psst: No oven necessary.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
They're seasonal, adorable and quick to make. Seriously, they're ready in under an hour. The secret? Store-bought pie crust and a mini muffin tin.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Why We Love It: kid-friendly, crowd-pleaser
If fall were a dessert, this would be it. The good news is you probably already have some cider in your fridge, just waiting for its moment to shine.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Pumpkin bread is a classic. Add a swirl of cream cheese and cinnamon streusel on top and you've got a masterpiece.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, <10 ingredients
You might not trick-or-treat anymore, but who said chocolate candy was just for the kids? This is like a giant version of our favorite Halloween treat.
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Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy
Cherries for fall? You better believe it. Find them in the frozen aisle for a super-simple filling. The crust requires a bit more effort, but the gingerbread-y flavor is worth it.
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73 Chocolate Dessert Recipes You Should Try, Ranging from Everyday Sweets to Outrageously Decadent Treats
Searching For Summer Desserts? Try This Cherry Brown Butter Spoon Cake
Summer desserts are a staple for any languid late-July dinner—so let Peter Som provide the perfect one. The lifestyle expert and fashion designer (twice nominated for a CFDA award) has been spending his summer refining the recipes for his favorite warm-weather sweet treats from his idyllic Sag Harbor home.
And one in particular: a Cherry Brown Butter Spoon Cake. A classic American confection with origins in the South, it's known as an easy yet delicious culinary offering that highlights the best produce the season has to offer. "It's a simple batter that's studded with the cherries—if you don't have cherries feel free to use peach slices, or berries—[then] baked," Som explains. "The cake is super tender and rich, the fruit is caramelized and has given off its juices—and it's served in the baking dish. That's it! No stress about turning it out of a pan, frosting, or anything. Simply spooned into bowls and served with ice cream, it's really the comfort and happiness of summer by the spoonful."
Som says he's made it over and over again—especially since it doesn't require that much baking or prep time. "For me, the last thing I want to do when it's beautiful outside is be in the kitchen, so I'm always looking for recipes for entertaining that are done in a flash but full of summery bright flavor, so I can spend more time poolside with friends and loved ones."
Below, Som's Cherry Brown Butter Spoon Cake—one of the summer desserts you'll surely be making in July and Augusts to come.
Ingredients
Directions
For Vanilla Cake Lovers - 3 Effortless Ways To Bake This Beloved Treat At Home
If there's one cake that manages to win our hearts every single time, it has to be a classic vanilla cake. Its moist and fluffy texture is what makes it so loved. After all, it's not always that we feel like satisfying our sweet cravings with something rich and decadent. And for such times, vanilla cake becomes our best companion. The comfort that it provides with each bite is truly unmatchable. Sure, you can head to your favourite cafe or coffee shop to enjoy it, but nothing compares to the one that is freshly baked at home. Isn't it? To help you make it with ease, here are different ways that you can use:Also Read: 13 Easy Cake RecipesBest Cake Recipes
1. Oven Vanilla CakeThis method of cooking a vanilla cake is the one we are most familiar with. The vanilla cakes that we enjoy at cafes or coffee shops are made in an oven. It's one of the most reliable ways to bake it and ensures that it turns out perfectly each time. Oven-baked vanilla cakes are moist on the inside and slightly crumbly and browned on the outside. While they may take a little longer to bake than other cooking methods, rest assured that you will be satisfied with every bite. Dust it with some powdered sugar and enjoy! Click here for the detailed recipe for vanilla cake in an oven.
2. Microwave Vanilla CakeIn case you do not have access to an oven, don't worry; you can bake this beloved treat in a microwave as well! It's an easy and fuss-free method to make vanilla cake without compromising on its flavour. All you have to do is combine all the ingredients to make a smooth batter and pour it into a microwave-safe container. Pop it in the microwave for 5 minutes, turn it around, and bake for another 3-4 minutes, and there you have it - a classic vanilla cake ready in just a few minutes. It's a perfect method for times when you're running short on time. Click here for the detailed recipe for vanilla cake in the microwave.Also Read: Microwave Chocolate Cake: No Oven? No Problem! Make Decadent Chocolate Cake In Microwave
3. Pressure Cooker Vanilla CakeHave you ever wondered how vanilla cake was baked before we were introduced to ovens and microwaves? The answer is a pressure cooker! This kitchen utensil works exceptionally well to bake the cake by making use of the steam that is produced inside of it. And the result is a super soft and moist cake that makes you fall in love with it instantly. Remember to preheat the pressure cooker just like you would an oven, and always use the correct size of the tin for best results. This pressure cooker vanilla cake is super easy to make and a saviour for when we might not have access to both an oven and a pressure cooker. Click here for the detailed recipe for vanilla cake in a pressure cooker.
So, what are you waiting for? Put on your apron and get ready for some baking. Do let us know which method works best for you in the comments below. Happy Baking!
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