6 Easy Fall Baking Recipes for Pumpkin Haters

Kitchen table with wooden board, eggs, apples, and baking utensils.
Photo by Andy Chilton on Unsplash

Not everyone is all about the pumpkin spice life, and that’s okay! If you’re not really into pumpkin but still love baking, there are plenty of recipes you can try. We’ve rounded up 6 super easy and delicious fall recipes that have all the autumn vibes—and not a single pumpkin in sight. These recipes are perfect for chilly nights, lazy weekends, or whenever you’re craving a little comfort and deliciousness. Let’s get baking!


Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake

Hands holding sliced apples with brown sugarPhoto by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

If you love warm, spiced apples, this oatmeal bake is going to be your new fall breakfast go-to. It’s hearty and flavorful, and it won’t take much effort at all. You’ll need:

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 cups milk (or almond milk)
  • 2 apples, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Once you have everything, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, get to mixing the oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix milk, maple syrup, and vanilla, and stir in the chopped apples. Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ones until they’re combined and pour it into a greased baking dish. Finally, bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden.

Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sliced sweet potatoes and cinnamon on a platePhoto by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

Sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized, these maple-roasted sweet potatoes are the ultimate fall side dish. You’ll need:

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 400°F and then start by tossing the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not all on top of one another. Roast them in the oven for 25–30 minutes, and flip them halfway through. They’ll look nice and golden when they’re done, and they go well with roasted meats, salmon, and more, if you like to have something sweet with your meals.

Cranberry Brie Bites

melted brie cheese with cranberries inside alluminum foil on a linen white clothPhoto by Storiès on Unsplash

These cranberry brie bites are perfect for a fall appetizer or snack. They’re flaky, cheesy, and just the right amount of tangy-sweet. You’ll need:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought is easiest!)
  • 1 wheel of brie, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fresh rosemary for garnish

As always, start by preheating the oven, this time at 375°F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Then, roll out the puff pastry and cut it into small squares to fit each muffin cup. Press the pastry into the muffin cups, then add a cube of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and bubbly, and sprinkle some fresh rosemary on top. This is quite the fancy little treat, so it’s good for a nice dinner or whenever you want to feel high-end.

Spiced Pear Crisp

Closed shot of sliced pearsPhoto by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

If you love apple crisp, you’ll go wild for this spiced pear version. It’s simple and sweet, so it can turn into a go-to fall dessert or snack. You’ll need:

  • 4 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

You already know it: preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by tossing the pear slices with cinnamon, ginger, and half the brown sugar. In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, remaining sugar, and melted butter to make the crumble topping. Then, spread the pears in a baking dish and sprinkle the crumble mixture over the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. If you want to take it up a notch, you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Heaven!

Cheddar & Herb Biscuits

person cutting herbs with knifePhoto by Alyson McPhee on Unsplash

Okay, so not everything has to be sweet. If you prefer savory treats, these fluffy cheddar and herb biscuits will be perfect for you. They only take a few minutes and you can enjoy them on their own or have them with virtually any kind of soup. You’ll need:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
  • 3/4 cup milk

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Then, start cooking by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is nice and crumbly, then stir in the cheese and herbs. Finally, add the milk and mix until everything is combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden. They’ll be perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside!

Caramel Apple Nachos

Close shot of dried apple slices.Photo by Ripley Elisabeth Brown 🧿 ៚ on Unsplash

If you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to bake, caramel apple nachos are the perfect compromise. They’re fun to make, and everyone loves them. You’ll only need:

  • 3 apples, sliced
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips, melted
  • Chopped nuts or granola for topping

This is very easy, you just have to arrange the apple slices on a large plate or platter, then drizzle them with the caramel and melted chocolate. Top it off with nuts or granola to add a little crunch and that’s it! You might want to make a big batch cause you won’t be able to get enough.

So there you have it—6 easy and delicious fall recipes for anyone who’s not feeling the pumpkin craze. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet pear crisp, or some savory snacks, these recipes will give you all the fall feels without having to mess with a single pumpkin.

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