Fall is finally upon us, and you know what that means! Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the cooler weather, there are several desserts that are just waiting to be made. Whether you’re baking for friends, making something nice for your trick-or-treaters, or just looking for something sweet to put in your kitchen, here are eight simple yet delicious treats for you to try throughout the season.
- Popcorn Balls
My favorite Halloween memory is the homemade popcorn balls that my family used to get from my neighbor. What better way to celebrate fall than to make some of your own? There are lots of different recipes out there, with hundreds of ways to make these gooey sweet treats. My favorite is the marshmallow recipe; it’s easy because you don’t have to use a candy thermometer to monitor your cooking. You can also add food coloring or use different kinds of marshmallows for some variety in each batch.
https://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/the-easiest-popcorn-balls-ever/
- Carmel Apples
Caramel apples have always reminded me of fall. They are easy to customize, since you can add any topping you want, and they make a great gift for your friends! However, these treats aren’t easy to perfect. The first time I tried making some, I basically ended up with apple sticks that had just a thin layer of caramel over the outside, which was disappointing since the caramel is my favorite part. Here is a recipe for easy caramel apples, as well as some tips to prevent all of your caramel sliding off!
Recipe: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-caramel-apples-the-easy-way/
Tips: https://www.adventuresofadiymom.com/2012/10/caramel-apples.html
- Hot Chocolate
The weather is finally starting to cool off, and you know what that means: Fuzzy socks, beanies, a good book, and, of course, hot chocolate. I love the original Swiss Miss packets as much as the next person, but why not try your own hot chocolate recipe this fall? There are countless options, from vanilla, to peppermint, to white chocolate. Here’s an article from country living that gives you 24 different hot chocolate recipes to try this season.
https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2776/hot-chocolate-recipes/
- Rice Krispies
Rice Krispies are a fun and simple dessert to make any time, but they work especially well with the fall season! This easy treat is one that you could make your yourself, your friends, or your trick-or-treaters! I love homemade rice krispies—especially because I can make them as sweet as I want. To add a little color, you can also include sprinkles in your recipe. Halloween-themed sprinkles are a bonus!
https://www.shugarysweets.com/perfect-rice-krispie-treats/
- Apple Pie Bites
Apple pie is one of my favorite desserts. However, between making your own crust and making sure to bake it for the perfect amount of time, it’s not an easy recipe. Here is an easier alternative: Apple Pie Bites! This recipe uses croissant dough instead of pie crust for an easy, fluffy, and delicious dessert. You could also find other croissant dough recipes for whatever kind of pie you like best!
https://cakescottage.com/2015/08/19/easy-apple-pie-bites/
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
Go on—embrace your inner Starbucks girl. We all want to be basic sometimes, but we can’t always afford it. I mean, really, five dollars for one drink? Instead of breaking your bank at a coffee shop, you can actually make your own pumpkin spice latte from home. This way, you can also make it as strong as you want it, and with as much whipped cream as you could possibly desire. You also have the option to use different kinds of milk or different levels of spices to really make it your own!
https://www.inspiredtaste.net/8419/pumpkin-spice-latte-at-home-recipe/
- Candy Corn Fudge
Sweet, rich, simple and delicious—I LOVE fudge. Best of all, you can mix in whatever you want to really make this recipe your own! This Halloween fudge recipe is one that I recently discovered, and I’m in love. Between all the different textures and flavors, your guests are sure to love it as much as I do.
- Cranberry Crumb Bars
This is one of the harder recipes on the list. However, if you love sweet and tart desserts as much as I do, it’s definitely worth the time and effort to put it together. You can also make a similar dish with several other kinds of fruit, including raspberries, if cranberries aren’t your thing. What better way to prepare yourself for Thanksgiving next month?
https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/cranberry-crumb-bars/b6e510da-86b0-465f-b1c8-a09ead735700