Everyday Cooking Seasonal Fall Desserts 15 Fabulous Fall Treats That Aren't a Mouthful of Pumpkin Spice By Vanessa Greaves Vanessa Greaves Vanessa Greaves is a Senior Editor at Allrecipes with nearly two decades of experience helping home cooks gain confidence in the kitchen. A self-taught cook who grew up reading cookbooks for fun, Vanessa lives and breathes the challenges faced by busy everyday cooks to get dinner on the table. Allrecipes' editorial guidelines Published on September 16, 2020 Close Photo: foodpornographer It's that time of year when it seems like anything flavored with pumpkin spice gets all the love and attention. But if you're just not feeling it, you'll be glad to have these alternative treats for your autumn enjoyment. You'll still taste all the best fall flavors — apples, pears, caramel, maple, nuts, and dark chocolate — without that overwhelming pumpkin spice vibe. 01 of 16 Almond and Pear Cake View Recipe Buckwheat Queen Almonds, pears, and a touch of amaretto liqueur make this tender cake an autumn standout. Kerry Rodgers raves, "Very simple and tasted great! Will definitely make this again." Luscious Pear Recipes That Will Make Apples Jealous 02 of 16 Oatmeal Cookie Apple Crisp View Recipe Bridget Shirley You're going to want to serve this crisp while it's warm from the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 03 of 16 Chef John's Chili Chocolate Cookies View Recipe Chef John The merest pinch of cayenne pepper intensifies the chocolate in this boldly flavored cookie. Chef John shows you how to pull it all together in this video. 18 of Our Most Chocolaty Chocolate Cookies 04 of 16 Pecan Cardamom Bar Cookies View Recipe House of Aqua Cardamom is quickly gaining in popularity as a substitute for cinnamon. Not that there's anything wrong with cinnamon, but why not expand your taste horizons? Kari says, "Amazingly good. I love cardamom. Also had a great shortbread-type texture." More Irresistible Cookie Bar Recipes 05 of 16 Apple Harvest Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze View Recipe foodpornographer This easy-to-make apple and walnut Bundt cake drizzled with homemade caramel sauce is perfect for fall parties. Jenn says, "Absolutely delightful! I added 1 cup of chocolate chips as well. Worked wonderfully with the cinnamon." 06 of 16 Maple Pecan Shortbread Squares View Recipe Allrecipes Smart tip: Toast the pecans before making this recipe to deepen their flavor. Reviewer jvoigt says, "Giving this five stars because even the people who don't normally eat dessert enjoyed this. Easier than pecan pie." 07 of 16 White Chocolate Macadamia Cranberry Dreams View Recipe CookinBug These delectable cookies are going to go fast, so stash a few away just for yourself. Larrlach says, "This is the only cookie recipe I now use." 15 Fall Cookies That Will Make Your Kitchen Smell Incredible 08 of 16 Fudge Walnut Brownies View Recipe Yoly How good are they really? Yoly says, "These are the best tasting brownies ever. I have been making this recipe for over 30 years now and I won't change a thing. Fudgy, nutty, chocolatey, what's not to like?" 15 Stuffed Brownies That Utterly Destroy Your Willpower 09 of 16 Maple Walnut Pralines View Recipe Christina Use real maple syrup in this super simple candy so the flavor really shines through. "Fantastic! Love, love, love these! This was so quick and simple to make and tastes so delicious. This is a definite keeper, " raves Christina. 10 of 16 Chai Cupcakes View Recipe Sarah-May If you love the warm and spicy flavors of chai tea, you've got to try these chai-kissed cupcakes. "I was a bit skeptical the first time I made these for a family gathering! They were an instant hit! Have made them numerous times since then, including as a dessert item for a nephew's wedding!" —babaloo53 11 of 16 Apple Brownies View Recipe Alberta Rose "This was my Mom's recipe," says Baker Jim. "Easy and quick to make. Apples and walnuts are packed into a cinnamon spiced blonde brownie. Always a hit when I bring it to parties. Very moist and great to make in the fall when apples are plentiful." 25 Apple and Cinnamon Recipes That Taste Like Fall 12 of 16 Pear and Chocolate Tart View Recipe Buckwheat Queen "My version of a recipe found on a free supermarket recipe card! It's chocolaty, juicy, and scrumptious. The tart is best served warm with crème fraîche." — vicki oliver 13 of 16 Chef John's Apple Dumplings View Recipe Chef John "This is one of America's oldest desserts. The flavor profile is almost identical to an apple pie, but instead of having a bunch of slices about, we have one beautifully roasted, tender, sweet apple inside--which while still covered in the same crust we use for a pie, is far superior because we basted and baked it with a sugar sauce. I highly recommend these get served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream." — Chef John 14 of 16 Kheer (Rice Pudding) View Recipe Michelle Marques This Basmati rice pudding is made fragrant with cardamom and rose water. Home cook jeninAZ offers this suggestion: "As others have said, trust the rice quantity and don't add more! And use golden raisins instead of regular — it's more traditional and much nicer looking." 15 of 16 Apple Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce View Recipe nrgizrbune41 With apples, caramel, and pecans in the mix, this is the perfect dessert to end any fall feast. 16 of 16 More Fall Dessert Ideas chibi chef Our 25 Best Fall Desserts of All Time How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Like Grandma Did More Fall Dessert Recipes Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit