As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the delicious flavors of fall fruits. From apples to pears and pumpkins, these seasonal ingredients inspire cozy, comforting desserts. Here are three delightful examples of fall fruit desserts that you can easily whip up at home!
This classic dessert is perfect for a family gathering or a cozy evening at home. The warm, spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat mixture create a comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core and slice about 6 cups of your favorite apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) and toss them in a bowl with 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Spread this mixture in a greased baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping over the apples. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Notes: You can add chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the topping for added texture. If you want to make it healthier, consider using whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar.
This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions or a delightful family dinner. The combination of sweet, juicy pears and nutty almond filling creates a sophisticated flavor profile.
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and rolling out a store-bought pie crust into a tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of almond flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Add 2 eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. Pour this mixture into the tart shell.
Slice 3-4 ripe pears and arrange them beautifully over the almond filling. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and the top is golden. Let it cool slightly before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch!
Variations: You can substitute the pears with apples or peaches based on availability. For added flavor, sprinkle some cinnamon or cardamom in the filling.
For a decadent dessert that captures the essence of fall, this pumpkin spice cheesecake is a must-try. It’s rich, creamy, and full of festive flavors that everyone will love.
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter to form the crust. Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
In another bowl, blend 16 oz of cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Mix until everything is well combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the baked crust and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Let it cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect fall dessert!
Notes: To make it a little lighter, you can use low-fat cream cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, swirl some chocolate or caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a delicious twist.