Fall baking is about more than pumpkin pie. I love the way apples, cranberries, pecans and warm spices come together in desserts that are just as welcome for a weekend baking project as they are for a holiday gathering. November is the perfect time to explore these flavors before the Christmas baking season takes over.
Cranberry Apple Pie with a Pleated Crust
I've gathered recipes that offer a little variety, from an apple cheesecake with a crisp topping to a pumpkin mousse torte that makes an especially beautiful dessert. There are tarts, cakes, muffins and cookies, so whether you're looking for something to serve with coffee or a dessert that deserves a place on the Thanksgiving table, there is something here to consider. Several of these recipes can also be prepared ahead, which is always helpful when the holiday calendar gets busy. I especially like including recipes that give familiar fall ingredients a different treatment. Take a look through the collection and find something new to add to your November baking list.
1. Chocolate Caramel Pecan Tart
Toasted pecans, chocolate ganache and homemade caramel make this a particularly rich fall dessert. I like that the tart can be made ahead in stages or frozen in its entirety.
2. Cranapple Pie with a Pleated Crust
Cranberries and apples make a natural fall combination. I like the freeform pleated crust because it gives the pie a beautiful presentation without requiring a traditional top crust.
3. Apple Spiced Cupcakes with Maple Buttercream
These cupcakes bring together shredded apples, warm spices and a rich maple buttercream.Real maple syrup gives the frosting a distinctive flavor that makes these cupcakes especially fitting for fall.
4. Pumpkin Mousse Torte Recipe
This torte offers a different way to serve pumpkin for fall. The crumb crust, cheesecake layer and light pumpkin mousse create a dessert with several textures, and the recipe can be made ahead and frozen.
4. Caramel Apple Tart
This tart combines apples, spices, brown sugar and brandy beneath a walnut streusel and caramel finish. It brings together the familiar flavors of apple pie in a different presentation.
6. Cranberry Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake
Tart cranberries and a pecan cinnamon streusel make this coffee cake especially appropriate for fall. It's great as a breakfast or brunch option that also works beautifully with an afternoon cup of coffee.
7. Really Easy Pumpkin Muffins
These pumpkin muffins are made with two bowls, a whisk and a rubber spatula. They offer an easy way to bring pumpkin and pecan streusel to the breakfast table, and they freeze well. Great to make with the kids.
8. Honey Thyme Apple Tart
Honey, brown sugar and thyme give this apple tart a different flavor from the usual cinnamon-heavy apple desserts. The thyme adds an unexpected note while the honey and balsamic vinegar complement the apples.
9. Apple Crisp Cheesecake
This cheesecake combines creamy filling and apple filling with an oat, walnut, brown sugar and cinnamon crisp. It is a particularly appealing Thanksgiving dessert and can be frozen ahead.
10. Apple Fritters with Speculaas Spice
These warm, crisp apple fritters use a spice blend associated with traditional German cookies. They offer a quick way to enjoy apples and fall spices without making a full pie or tart.
November is an exciting time to bake whether its a simple muffin or an elaborate dessert, there is something about the last two months of the year that makes baking and sharing especially wonderful. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.
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