29 Small-Batch Desserts for Fall
29 Small-Batch Desserts for Fall
Read Time: 9 mins
29 Small-Batch Desserts for Fall
a pie crust
a pie crust. I’ve also found canned pears work as well as fresh, so that makes it even easier to prepare. -Kezia Sullivan, Sackets Harbor, New York 4/29 Li’l Pecan Pies 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 50 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These tempting little tarts have all the rich traditional taste of a full-size pecan pie in a much smaller package. The tarts are perfect for two. —Christine Boitos, Livonia, Michigan 5/29 Peanut Butter Cookie In A Mug 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 15 min Servings 1 serving Go
So quick and easy!
to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This peanut butter cookie in a mug is perfect for when you have a sweet tooth but don’t want to make an entire batch of cookies. So quick and easy! — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 6/29 Rustic Caramel Apple Tart 31 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Apple Crostata Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping.
Fruit, caramel and cinnamon flavors enhance the rich, velvety custard
—Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas 7/29 Caramel Apple Creme Brulee 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Caramel Apple Creme Brulee Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Here’s the cream of the apple dessert crop. Fruit, caramel and cinnamon flavors enhance the rich, velvety custard. Served warm or chilled, it’s a classic end to a meal. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina 8/29 Apple Cranberry Upside-Down Cakes Test Kitchen Approved Apple Cranberry Upside-Down Cakes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 6 servings Go
to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:
to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Cornmeal gives this upside-down cake a unique texture. Apples, cranberries and pecan make a delicious alternative to the typical pineapple and cherries. —Margee Berry, Trout Lake, Washington 9/29 Baked Pumpkin Pudding 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 50 min Servings 5 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Even after you favorite turkey dinner, you’ll find room for this perfect pudding dessert—a treat served hot or cold. Mildly spiced, it will leave you sweetly satisfied, but not overly full, assures Gerri Saylor from Graniteville, South Carolina. 10/29 Hot Cocoa Souffle 6 Reviews
It was so easy—and absolutely delicious
Test Kitchen Approved Hot Cocoa Souffle Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A friend invited me to go to a cooking demo at her church years ago, and one of the recipes prepared was this luscious souffle. It was so easy—and absolutely delicious. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas 11/29 Apple Brown Betty Recipe 7 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Apple Brown Betty Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 15 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This apple
brown betty can be whipped up in hardly any time
brown betty can be whipped up in hardly any time. It costs little to prepare, but it’s big on flavor. —Florence Palmer, Marshall, Illinois 12/29 Apple Butterscotch Crisp 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Taste of Home Total Time 2 hours 40 min Servings 3 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I give this classic dessert a rich twist with butterscotch pudding. The warm apple filling bubbles to perfection in a mini slow cooker. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia 13/29 Molasses-Graham Cracker Puddings Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Molasses-Graham Cracker Puddings Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1
The restaurant we went to had a graham cracker pudding and I always ordered it
hour 5 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When I was in college, I frequently had dinner with a relative after a night class. The restaurant we went to had a graham cracker pudding and I always ordered it. Recently, I adapted several recipes to re-create that pudding from years ago. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas 14/29 Blood Orange Caramel Tarte Tatin 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Blood Orange Caramel Tarte Tatin Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 6 servings. Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I never
had blood oranges until I moved to California
had blood oranges until I moved to California. The season is short, so I use them in everything while I can get them. That sweet orange flavor with some brown sugar is a perfect combination. Whenever I have something to go to, my friends demand that I bring this dessert. —Pamela Butkowski, Hermosa Beach, California 15/29 Pumpkin Mousse 20 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved JULIA HARTBECK FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 10 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: If you’ve had your fill of pumpkin pie, this cool and creamy pumpkin mousse is perfect for
you. Its light and fluffy texture won’t make you feel “stuffed” after your favorite turkey dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 16/29 Maple Mousse 3 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love to make this dessert with maple syrup produced in our area. For a change from heavier cakes and pies, it’s a refreshing ending to a holiday meal. 17/29 Slow-Cooked Gingered Pears Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 4 hours 35 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My
slow cooker allows me to serve a heartwarming dessert without much effort
slow cooker allows me to serve a heartwarming dessert without much effort. Topped with caramel sauce, these tender pears feature a surprise filling of nuts and brown sugar.—Catherine Mueller, St. Paul, Minnesota 18/29 Pumpkin Muffins 12 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 25 min Servings 2-1/4 dozen Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: At pumpkin harvest time, these muffins are a favorite at our house. You’ll love the spicy taste, plump raisins and crunchy walnuts. They freeze well, too. 19/29 Crunchy Peanut Butter Tarts 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 10 min
They’re a satisfying, rich family favorite
Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: For a fun, fuss-free dessert, try these darling tarts. They’re a satisfying, rich family favorite. —Mary Kelley, Wilmington, North Carolina 20/29 Dark Chocolate Pecan Cake 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Dark Chocolate Pecan Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Made in a single loaf pan, this doubly good chocolate cake has a nutty praline layer and two layers of fluffy whipped cream. This is the only cake my husband really likes. —Laura Draper,
Stir 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the filling for a change of pace
Garfield, Washington 21/29 Pumpkin Crumble 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 50 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I created this tasty pumpkin crumble dessert on a rainy fall afternoon while my son was taking a nap. It filled the house with a wonderful aroma, and I was able to make it with ingredients that I already had in my pantry. Stir 1/2 cup chocolate chips into the filling for a change of pace. —Sarah Graham, Independence, Missouri 22/29 Pear Pandowdy 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Pear Pandowdy Recipe photo by Taste of Home
It’s a superb last-minute dessert that almost melts in your mouth
Total Time 40 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I pulled out this recipe one night when my husband was craving something sweet, and it was a big hit with both of us. It’s a superb last-minute dessert that almost melts in your mouth. —Jennifer Class, Kirkland, Washington. 23/29 Rice Pudding 94 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Grandma’s Rice Pudding Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she
It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right!
passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I’m glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan 24/29 Caramel Apples 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Caramel Apples Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 16 servings (8 apples) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Who doesn’t love a good gooey caramel apple? Make a double batch because these treats always go fast! —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas 25/29 Bourbon
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
24/29 Caramel Apples 14 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Caramel Apples Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 16 servings (8 apples) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Who doesn’t love a good gooey caramel apple?
Answer coming soon. We are working on detailed responses to this common question.
⭐ Expert Tips
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Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.
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Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.
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Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.
✅ Key Takeaways
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These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.
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Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.
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Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.
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