11 Minimal-Ingredient Fall Desserts for Busy Women

11 Minimal-Ingredient Fall Desserts for Busy Women

Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins

cinnamon applesauce muffins recipe

Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins are a delightful fall treat that captures the warm flavors of the season with minimal ingredients. These moist, fluffy muffins are perfect for an afternoon snack or a simple breakfast. With the sweetness of applesauce and a hint of cinnamon, they are both comforting and easy to make.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 ½ cups
Baking powder 1 teaspoon
Baking soda ½ teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Sugar ¾ cup
Eggs 1 large
Applesauce 1 cup
Vegetable oil ⅓ cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; mix well.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
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Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

pumpkin spice energy bites

Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites are a wholesome and nutritious treat perfect for a quick snack during the busy fall season. These no-bake bites are packed with the flavors of pumpkin spice and can be made in just a few minutes, making them an excellent choice for a healthy indulgence that satisfies your sweet cravings while providing energy.

Ingredients Quantity
Rolled oats 1 cup
Pumpkin puree ½ cup
Almond butter ¼ cup
Honey ¼ cup
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon
Ground ginger ½ teaspoon
Chia seeds (optional) 2 tablespoons
Mini chocolate chips (optional) ¼ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until well combined.
  2. If using, stir in the chia seeds and mini chocolate chips.
  3. Refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to help it firm up.
  4. Once chilled, scoop and roll the mixture into small balls.
  5. Store the energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy as a quick snack or an energizing treat!
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Chocolate Covered Pretzels

chocolate pretzel delight recipe

Chocolate Covered Pretzels are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that perfectly combines the salty crunch of pretzels with the sweet richness of chocolate. Ideal for fall gatherings or as a simple indulgence, these pretzels can be customized with various toppings to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Quantity
Pretzels 2 cups
Semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup
White chocolate chips ½ cup (optional)
Sprinkles (optional) For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  2. Dip each pretzel into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated, then shake off any excess.
  3. Place the chocolate-covered pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. If using, melt the white chocolate and drizzle over the pretzels for decoration.
  5. Sprinkle with your choice of toppings, then refrigerate the pretzels until the chocolate hardens. Enjoy as a sweet, crunchy snack!
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Apple Crisp With Oats

warm apple oat crumble

Apple Crisp with Oats is a warm, comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall with its sweet and tart apples, topped with a buttery oat crumble. This minimal-ingredient dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners, serving as a delightful way to enjoy seasonal apples.

Ingredients Quantity
Apples 4 cups (sliced)
Brown sugar ½ cup
Ground cinnamon 1 tsp
Rolled oats 1 cup
All-purpose flour ½ cup
Unsalted butter ½ cup (melted)
Salt ¼ tsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, melted butter, and salt to create the crumb topping.
  4. Spread the apple mixture in a greased baking dish and evenly distribute the oat crumble over the top.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm, optionally with ice cream! Enjoy your delicious apple crisp.
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Maple Pecan No-Bake Bars

no bake maple pecan bars

Maple Pecan No-Bake Bars are a delightful, healthy dessert perfect for the fall season. These bars are an effortless treat that combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and pecans with a chewy, nutty base—ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth without the need for baking. They are not only delicious but also make for a quick snack or dessert at any gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Medjool dates 1 cup (pitted)
Almonds 1 cup
Pecans ½ cup
Maple syrup ⅓ cup
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Salt ¼ tsp
Chopped pecans (for topping) ¼ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a food processor, blend the pitted dates and almonds until a sticky, crumbly mixture forms.
  2. Add the chopped pecans, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt, processing until well combined and sticky.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch lined baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
  4. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top and press them lightly into the mixture.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set, then cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious no-bake bars!
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Sweet Potato Brownies

sweet potato chocolate brownies

Sweet Potato Brownies are a deliciously fudgy dessert that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with rich cocoa, making them a healthy indulgence perfect for the fall season. These brownies are not only gluten-free but also packed with nutrients, allowing you to satisfy your chocolate cravings guilt-free.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potato (cooked and mashed) 1 cup
Almond flour 1 cup
Cocoa powder ½ cup
Maple syrup ⅓ cup
Coconut oil (melted) ¼ cup
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Baking powder 1 tsp
Salt ¼ tsp
Dark chocolate chips (optional) ½ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, almond flour, cocoa powder, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
  3. Fold in dark chocolate chips if using, until evenly distributed.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
  6. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy your fudgy sweet potato brownies!
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Caramelized Pears With Vanilla

caramelized pear dessert recipe

Caramelized Pears with Vanilla is a simple yet elegant dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe pears. This dish features tender, caramelized slices of pear, complemented by a hint of vanilla, making it a perfect treat for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. Serve it warm over ice cream or on its own for a delightful finish to any meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Ripe pears 4
Unsalted butter 2 tbsp
Brown sugar ¼ cup
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Cinnamon ½ tsp
Lemon juice 1 tbsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Start by peeling and slicing the pears into thin wedges.
  2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the brown sugar, stirring until it begins to dissolve.
  3. Add the sliced pears to the skillet, along with the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
  4. Cook the pears for about 5-7 minutes, gently stirring, until they are tender and caramelized.
  5. Serve the caramelized pears warm, drizzled with the sauce from the skillet. Enjoy!
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Easy Pumpkin Pie Parfaits

pumpkin pie layered dessert

Easy Pumpkin Pie Parfaits are a delightful and effortless fall dessert that captures the essence of pumpkin pie in a layered presentation. With creamy pumpkin filling, spiced whipped cream, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, these parfaits are not only visually appealing but also scrumptiously satisfying. They’re perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or enjoying as a simple treat at home.

Ingredients Quantity
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Cream cheese 4 oz
Powdered sugar ¼ cup
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp
Heavy whipping cream 1 cup
Graham cracker crumbs ½ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend until smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the pumpkin mixture.
  3. In serving glasses or bowls, layer the pumpkin filling and graham cracker crumbs alternately.
  4. Finish with a dollop of spiced whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
  5. Chill for an hour before serving. Enjoy!
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Spiced Hot Chocolate

spiced hot chocolate recipe

Spiced Hot Chocolate is a cozy and indulgent drink perfect for chilly fall evenings. This decadent twist on classic hot chocolate is enriched with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a comforting beverage that warms both your body and spirit. It’s simple to prepare and is sure to become a seasonal favorite among friends and family.

Ingredients Quantity
Milk 2 cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tbsp
Sugar 2 tbsp
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Ground cinnamon ¼ tsp
Ground nutmeg ¼ tsp
Whipped cream (optional) For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
  2. Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
  3. Continue heating, stirring continuously until the mixture is hot and smooth.
  4. Pour the spiced hot chocolate into mugs and top with whipped cream if desired.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

peanut butter banana cookies

Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful and wholesome treat that captures the essence of fall with the natural sweetness of bananas and the rich flavor of peanut butter. These cookies are not only easy to make but also require minimal ingredients, making them a perfect choice for a quick baking session. They’re soft, chewy, and ideal for enjoying with a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate.

Ingredients Quantity
Ripe bananas 2
Peanut butter 1 cup
Sugar ¾ cup
Baking soda ½ tsp
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Optional: chocolate chips ½ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and mix in the peanut butter, sugar, baking soda, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. If using, fold in the chocolate chips for added sweetness.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden and the cookies are set.
  6. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

Four-Ingredient Apple Cake

simple rustic apple cake

Four-Ingredient Apple Cake is a simple, rustic dessert that beautifully highlights the flavors of fresh apples, perfect for celebrating the autumn season. With minimal ingredients, this cake is easy to prepare and results in a moist, buttery treat that pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients Quantity
Apples 2 large
Sugar 1 cup
Eggs 2
All-purpose flour 1 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
  2. Peel and chop the apples into small pieces.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until frothy.
  4. Gradually fold in the flour until just combined, then gently mix in the chopped apples.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.