Celebrate the Harvest: 5 Fall-Inspired Baking Recipes

Autumn is a season of abundance, and what better way to celebrate the harvest than by baking up some delicious desserts? From the comforting scent of cinnamon to the sweet taste of freshly picked apples, there are plenty of ways to incorporate the flavors of fall into your baking. Here are five fall-inspired baking recipes that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn afternoon.

Apple Cider Donuts

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Boil the apple cider in a saucepan until it reduces to 1/2 cup. Let it cool.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
3. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Add the melted butter and cooled apple cider. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Fill a donut pan with the batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or until the donuts spring back when touched.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes

Pumpkin spice is synonymous with fall, and these cupcakes bring all the warm and cozy flavors of a pumpkin spice latte into a delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Beat until well mixed.
2. Pour the batter into muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

These cupcakes are delicious on their own, but for an extra fall touch, top them with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Pecan Pie Bars

First up are these delicious pecan pie bars. They're easier to make than a traditional pecan pie, but have all the same rich, nutty flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

1. Combine flour and sugar in a food processor. Add the butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Press the mixture into a baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, mix eggs, honey, brown sugar, and pecans in a bowl. Pour over the baked crust.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set.

These bars are perfect for a fall picnic or as a sweet treat after a hearty harvest meal.

Sweet Potato Scones with Maple Cream Glaze

Sweet potatoes are a fall staple, and these scones are a fantastic way to showcase their sweet, earthy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
• 3/4 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the sweet potato and milk. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
3. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet. Bake at 425 degrees F for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Drizzle the scones with a glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and cream. Let it set before serving.

Caramel Apple Cake

This caramel apple cake is the perfect end to any fall meal. It's moist, full of apple flavor, and topped with a buttery caramel glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped peeled apples
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir in the vanilla and apples.
3. Pour the batter into a greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 75-80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. For the glaze, combine the brown sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour over the warm cake.

With these delectable recipes, you'll be able to celebrate the harvest in the tastiest way possible.