Fact: There was nothing cozier when you were a kid than a hug from your grandma. But if you were going to pick a close second to that, it would probably be a homemade dessertf from her recipe box. So when the weather starts to get crisp and you’re feeling like you need a little something to warm your soul, make some fall desserts inspired by Grandma to get that same comfort in your own home.
These nostalgic fall desserts are full of all that autumnal flavor you know and love. Apple desserts abound, of course, chock-full of cinnamon and other warm spices that practically beg for a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You’ll also find plenty of pumpkin desserts, like a light and fluffy chiffon pie that you absolutely should not save until Thanksgiving. Pumpkin spice season starts as soon as you want it to!
And even if you don’t have a full day to bake, remember that Grandma was a smart cookie and used shortcuts when she needed to. Just wait until you try the tomato soup cake! (Yes, it uses an actual can of store-bought soup right out of the pantry, but the end result is nothing but sweet, spicy goodness.) No matter what you decide to make, don’t forget to add Grandma’s secret ingredient she put in everything: love!
Homemade Apple Pie
It doesn’t get much more classic fall than tender, cinnamon-scented apples baked between two buttery, flaky crusts. Make grandma proud by making the pie dough from scratch! It’s worth the effort.
Get the Homemade Apple Pie recipe.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Don’t sleep on oatmeal raisin cookies! They're soft and chewy with buttery, golden-brown edges and just the right amount of cinnamon. One bite, and you’ll wonder why it’s been forever since you’ve had them.
Get Ree's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies recipe.
Tomato Soup Cake
Trust Grandma on this one: A can of tomato soup really can transform into the most amazing, moist spice cake. Top with cream cheese frosting and make everyone guess what the secret ingredient is.
Get the Tomato Soup Cake recipe.
Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to make this seasonal treat. The filling is light and fluffy with exactly the right blend of warm spices you crave this time of year.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Chiffon Pie recipe.
Pecan Tassies
If you want the taste of old-fashioned pecan pie but don’t have the time to make a whole pie from scratch, make tassies! They are bite-sized and made in a mini muffin pan, so they’re easy as can be.
Get the Pecan Tassies recipe.
Gingersnaps
Loaded with warm spices, like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, these cookies are perfectly cozy. The molasses makes them rich and chewy, with slightly crispy edges and a crunch from sugar on top.
Get Ree's Gingersnaps recipe.
Apple Dumplings
Ree calls this "the best dessert of all time," and for good reason! Not only are apple dumplings pure fall comfort food, but these are incredibly easy to make thanks to canned crescent roll dough and some Mountain Dew.
Get Ree's Apple Dumplings recipe.
Iny’s Prune Cake
This is Ree’s great-grandma’s recipe from way back. And lest you fear that it tastes overwhelmingly like prunes, it doesn’t. The end result is a nicely spiced, moist cake reminiscent of sticky toffee pudding.
Get Iny’s Prune Cake recipe.
Cinnamon Rolls
Ree inherited her love of making cinnamon rolls in the colder months from her mom. She inherited the recipe, too! These are soft and tender in the middle and coated with the most miraculous maple frosting. Don’t skimp on it!
Get Ree's Cinnamon Rolls recipe.
Snickerdoodles
What is it about cinnamon and fall desserts? They are just meant to be! And nothing highlights the warm spice better than classic, chewy snickerdoodles. All that's missing is a cold glass of milk to wash ‘em down!
Get Ree's Snickerdoodles recipe.
Apple Cobbler
There’s no such thing as too many apple desserts come fall, and thankfully, grandmas had a bunch of them! Serve this biscuit-style cobbler warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Get the Apple Cobbler recipe.
Hummingbird Cake
If you’ve never had Grandma’s hummingbird cake, you’re in for a treat! It tastes like banana bread crossed with a carrot cake, and naturally, it gets smothered in homemade cream cheese frosting. Top with toasted pecan halves for added crunch.
Get the Hummingbird Cake recipe.
Grandma’s Best Desserts Will Take You Way Back
Apple Crumble
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Chocolate Buttercream
