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As the crisp air of fall settles in and the leaves start to paint the landscape with hues of orange, red, and yellow, many of us find ourselves embracing the seasonal change with the excitement for delicious fall flavors. It’s the time of year when pumpkin reigns supreme, with pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin pies dominating menus and home kitchens alike. However, despite the popular affection for this staple dessert, not everyone is a fan of pumpkin pie. Crazy, right? But worry not! If you or someone at your gathering isn’t partial to the rich and creamy pumpkin pie, there are plenty of other delightful fall desserts to choose from that will satisfy your sweet tooth and celebrate the flavors of the season.

Pumpkin Pie Cake

Why not kick off our list with a Pumpkin Pie Cake? This delight combines the best of both worlds—a cake that tastes like your favorite pumpkin pie. With a spiced cake layer and a creamy pumpkin pie filling, it’s perfect for those gatherings where you want to impress. The best part? It still features that wonderful pumpkin flavor, minus the traditional pie crust.

Apple Cobbler

With the abundance of apples in the fall, an Apple Cobbler is another fantastic option. The combination of tender cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a crispy, biscuit-like topping is comfort food at its finest. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a dessert that can compete with any pumpkin offering!

Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Take your traditional apple crisp to the next level with an Apple Crisp Cheesecake. This dessert brings together a creamy cheesecake filling with layers of spiced apples and a crunchy crumble topping. It’s a decadent option that perfectly balances the tanginess of cheesecake with the sweetness of baked apples.

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

Craving something a little different? How about making Maple Brown Sugar Cookies? These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. The natural sweetness of maple syrup combined with brown sugar creates a deliciously warm texture. Pair these cookies with a warm cup of cider for a true fall treat.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

If you can’t decide between dessert or breakfast, Cinnamon Roll Cookies are the perfect solution! These cookies carry all the warm flavors of cinnamon rolls but in an easy-to-make cookie form. They are soft, sweet, and just the right amount of gooey.

Candy Corn and White Chocolate Cookies

For a fun twist on fall treats that even kids will love, try Candy Corn and White Chocolate Cookies. These colorful cookies combine the sweetness of candy corn with smooth white chocolate, creating a vibrant and festive dessert option. They’re sure to become a favorite at any holiday gathering.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

For those who still enjoy the pumpkin flavor but want something different from pie, Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a wonderful choice. These fluffy rolls are drizzled with cream cheese icing—a delectable way to enjoy the flavors of fall breakfast.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Perfect for breakfast or a snack, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins deliver the delightful pumpkin flavor in a muffin format. The cream cheese filling adds a delightful surprise and moistness to every bite. This treat is undoubtedly suitable for a cozy fall morning.

Caramel Apple Cookies

Imagine the flavors of caramel apples wrapped into a cookie—Caramel Apple Cookies deliver just that! This delightful treat combines sweet cookie dough with chunks of apples and gooey caramel, offering a taste of fall with every bite.

Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake

For a truly indulgent dessert, you can’t go wrong with Salted Caramel Butterscotch Cake. This layer cake features fluffy butterscotch layers smothered in salted caramel and topped with a rich frosting. It’s the kind of dessert that will have your guests asking for seconds!

Smores Cookies

Capture the essence of campfire treats with Smores Cookies. These cookies feature the rich flavors of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows all in one bite-sized treat. They are a fun reminder of summer, perfect for transitioning into the fall season.

Candied Apples

No fall favorite list would be complete without the classic Candied Apples. Whether dipped in rich, red candy coating or drizzled with caramel, these apples are a timeless treat that garners joy from both kids and adults alike. They are often seen at fall fairs but can easily be made at home.

Apple Cider Donuts

If you’re looking for a quintessential fall treat, try making Apple Cider Donuts. These donuts are soft, moist, and bursting with apple cider flavor, often rolled in cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. They’re perfect for enjoying on a crisp fall day or for a cozy weekend breakfast.

Staying Seasonal with Local Ingredients

As you prepare these delightful desserts, consider utilizing fresh, local ingredients produced right here in Arizona. The state has a rich agricultural scene, making it possible to find high-quality ingredients that not only enhance the flavors of your treats but also support local farmers and businesses. Check out resources like Fill Your Plate to find locally sourced produce and products.

Conclusion

Even if you don’t have pumpkin pie haters in your crowd, giving these delicious desserts a try will ensure that everyone leaves satisfied. Fall is a wonderful season for experimenting in the kitchen, and there’s no shortage of flavors to play with. From warm spices to fresh apples to luscious caramel, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and make this fall even sweeter!

For more recipes or articles about fall inspiration, be sure to check out the Fill Your Plate blog. Happy baking!

By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern