20 Autumnal Desserts Grandma Would’ve Made

Autumn has a special way of bringing warmth to the kitchen with cozy scents and nostalgic flavors. It’s the season when desserts take center stage, inspired by apples, pumpkins, cinnamon, and all the comforting ingredients that remind us of home.

These 20 autumn desserts bring back the kind of treats Grandma would have made, simple, comforting, and full of heart. Each one carries that homemade charm that makes you want to slow down, pour a cup of coffee, and enjoy a slice of something sweet.

From pies that fill the house with the smell of baked fruit to cakes and cookies perfect for sharing, these desserts celebrate the best of the season. They’re timeless favorites that capture what makes fall baking so special, warm flavors, familiar textures, and plenty of love baked in.

A top down shot of pecan pie.
Bourbon Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Bourbon Pecan Pie

This classic treat brings together rich brown sugar sweetness and a touch of smoky depth from a splash of bourbon. The glossy pecan topping adds crunch and warmth that feels right at home during any special gathering. It’s a dessert that manages to be both comforting and just a bit indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Pecan Pie

Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

Layers of tender apples and warm spices rest beneath a perfectly woven, golden crust. Each slice carries the nostalgic aroma of baked cinnamon and butter. It’s a recipe that reminds you why some traditions never fade.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Lattice Top Apple Pie

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White dish filled with creamy pecan pie dip topped with caramelized pecans.
Pecan Pie Dip. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pecan Pie Dip

Think of all the goodness of pecan pie but in a creamy, shareable form. This dip is smooth, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet. Perfect for graham crackers or fruit at any cozy get-together.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Dip

Cinnamon Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Soft and chewy with a hint of pumpkin, these cookies balance sweetness and spice beautifully. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds a gentle crunch on the outside. They make a lovely fall-inspired twist on a favorite classic.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

A slice of Mississippi mud pie on a plate.
Mississippi Mud Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mississippi Mud Pie

Layers of chocolate and cream come together for a dessert that’s pure comfort. The fudgy base and velvety topping create a texture that’s rich yet not too heavy. It’s the kind of pie people go back for seconds of without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Pie

Iced Apple Cookies

Tender and cake-like, these cookies carry the cozy flavor of baked apples. The icing adds a light sweetness that complements the fruit perfectly. They’re ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up or a quick autumn dessert.
Get the Recipe: Iced Apple Cookies

Pumpkin bundt cake with a slice missing.
Pumpkin Bundt Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Moist and fragrant with spices, this cake feels like fall in every bite. The shape makes it a showstopper on the table, while a glaze or dusting of sugar finishes it beautifully. It’s an easy way to impress without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

All the best parts of carrot cake, now in a handheld treat. These cookies are soft, gently spiced, and filled with creamy sweetness in the center. Each bite has that cozy, homemade charm.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

Stacked layered pumpkin brownies.
Pumpkin Brownies . Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pumpkin Brownies

Rich chocolate meets the earthy sweetness of pumpkin in this seasonal twist. The two flavors swirl together for a beautiful marbled look. They’re dense, moist, and perfect for cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies

A bowl of cake with ice cream on top.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

This easy dessert brings together gooey caramel and tender apples under a buttery topping. It’s baked until golden and bubbling, with just the right balance of sweet and crisp. A scoop of ice cream on top makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake

A slice of apple pie on a plate with a scoop of ice cream.
Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Apple Pie

Crisp apples, warm spices, and a flaky crust come together for a timeless favorite. The aroma alone is enough to fill a home with comfort. It’s the definition of simple goodness done right.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake . Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

A creamy cheesecake meets the flavor of spiced apples in this impressive dessert. The layers blend together for something rich, smooth, and lightly fruity. It’s a fun twist that feels both classic and new.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Apple Cinnamon Roll on a spatula.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls . Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Soft rolls filled with apple chunks and warm cinnamon make for a cozy breakfast or dessert. The glaze on top adds just the right sweetness. Fresh from the oven, they’re impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

One slice of a maple pecan pie as seen from the side.
Maple Pecan Pie. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Maple Pecan Pie

The deep flavor of maple syrup gives this pie a comforting richness that stands out. Paired with the crunch of toasted pecans, it feels both rustic and elegant. A little whipped cream is all it needs.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Pie

Pumpkin cake in a pan surrounded by pumpkins.
Pumpkin Texas Sheet Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pumpkin Texas Sheet Cake

Fluffy, spiced pumpkin cake meets a smooth frosting that melts into every bite. It’s perfect for serving a crowd and brings plenty of fall flavor without any fuss. Easy to bake and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Texas Sheet Cake

Pineapple casserole in a casserole dish with a serving spoon in it.
Pineapple Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pineapple Casserole

A Southern classic that balances sweet pineapple with a buttery, crumbly topping. The mix of flavors might surprise you, but it works beautifully. It’s a unique side dish that pairs well with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

A slice of chocolate pie with a swirl of whipped cream.
Chocolate Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chocolate Pie

Silky, rich, and smooth, this pie is pure comfort for chocolate lovers. The filling is creamy yet firm enough to slice cleanly. A dollop of whipped cream on top finishes it perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pie

A bite pecan pie on a fork.
Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!). Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska .

Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!)

This version keeps all the richness of a traditional pecan pie but uses natural sweetness instead. The result is deep, nutty flavor without being overly sugary. It’s simple, classic, and absolutely worth making from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Pecan Pie Recipe (no corn syrup!)

German chocolate bundt cake topped with coconut pecan frosting on a glass stand.
German Chocolate Bundt Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska .

German Chocolate Bundt Cake

Chocolate cake layered with coconut-pecan frosting in a beautiful bundt form. It’s rich and moist, with just the right mix of textures. A great choice for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: German Chocolate Bundt Cake

A slice of cinnamon pie on a cake slice over the remaining pie.
Cinnamon Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cinnamon Pie

Smooth and creamy with a warm spice that fills the air as it bakes. This pie feels like comfort in a crust, simple yet full of flavor. A little whipped topping or vanilla ice cream makes it complete.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Pie

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