Fall has officially arrived! Pumpkin spice, large crisp apples, cooler days and nights, and soon the leaves will change colors. Fair season is in full swing in New England with the Big E now in its final week. Sadly, I won’t be able to make it this year due to my new work schedule and lack of time off. But there’s always next year!
Fall is also an excellent time for baking! In fact, I think it’s my favorite baking season. I love the flavors that are quintessentially fall and the variety that comes with it. Here are my Top 5 Fall Bakes. All of these posts have already been featured on the blog, but I love them so much that I figured they needed another moment in the spotlight. These are in no particular order, however.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones
Though I haven’t been doing much of it recently, for a very long time the focus of this blog was a cook-through blog of the Magnolia Bakery Handbook. Admittedly I basically ignored the pie chapter since I have a fear of pie dough. However, one chapter I almost completed was the scones chapter. And the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones are a wonderful fall treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or anytime. Plus it combines some of my favorite flavors: pumpkin and chocolate!
Ina Garten’s Pear, Apple, and Cranberry Crisp
One could argue that this dessert can be made anytime since all the ingredients are available year-round But, these flavors really shine during the fall months! I originally made this recipe in January and it was quite tasty, so I imagine trying it in fall would be even better! Plus, since it’s an Ina Garten recipe, you know that even though it looks simple and easy, the flavor combinations are off the charts.
Make this recipe for yourself and you’ll be amazed at the flavors.
The Thanksgiving Cake
A couple of years ago, I decided to bring a dessert for Thanksgiving. Since the Magnolia Bakery cookbook had a Thanksgiving Cake recipe, it was the perfect way to scratch it off the list. Granted, I never made a cake quite like this and, honestly, I was a little nervous about how it would turn out. Once the slices were served, and the first bites taken, I knew it was a hit! And even though I haven’t made it again, I do hope I have the chance to make it this year again. I’m longing for the flavor.
Maybe the next time I make it, it won’t sink in the middle 😦
Harvest Apple Cupcakes
I know what you’re thinking! Apple cupcakes?? Don’t knock it until you try it! Another recipe out of the Magnolia cookbook was a big hit with the people who were lucky enough to taste one. The caramel buttercream frosting was subtle yet sufficient and enhanced the flavors of the cupcake. In fact, this recipe is very similar to the muffin recipe that mimics the same flavors. Obviously, you just don’t frost the muffins, because that would be weird, right?
Ina Garten’s Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart
For this final one, I’m featuring one of the first recipes I posted on this blog back in 2020! Ina Garten is known putting a fresh spin on classic dishes. There are few dishes she’s left untouched in her more than two decade career. So I wasn’t the least bit surprised when I stumbled upon her update on pumpkin pie. She turned it into a tart, made mousse out of the pumpkin filling, and added banana! Who would have thought that those two flavors would work so well together? Thankfully, Ina did! Her Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart is simple to make and adheres to the classic flavors and traditions while updating them to something new. If you are already thinking about what you can make for Thanksgiving this year, give this one a try! Of course, you’ll need to taste-test it first, right? Go ahead and make it this weekend just because. Once you try it you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life!
I regret not having a picture of a slice of this tart. But I guess that just means I’ll have to make it again!
Well, there you have it. My Top 5 bakes for the season of Fall. I can’t wait for the leaves to start changing colors, the days to become shorter, and curl up all cozy with a book and a pumpkin chocolate chip scone or a helping of the crisp.
Until next time, readers…
