Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, from the apple orchards to the changing leaves, but one of my favorite things about fall is baking. Fall is a perfect time for baked goods, especially with seasonal flavors like cinnamon and caramel. The kitchen has always been my favorite place, especially around the holidays, because it’s the place where I make the most memories with my family. The smell of something baking in the oven brings me a sense of comfort like nothing else. Food brings families together, and I love being able to help share that joy with others. 

Pumpkin pie is a staple in the fall, blending seasonal flavors that are special to this time of year, from the pumpkin to the cinnamon. 

Pumpkin Pie: 

Ingredients:

¾ cup sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon cloves

2 large eggs

1 can (15 ounces) 100% pure pumpkin

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie shell

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425℉. Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves in a small bowl. Beat eggs in a large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk and mix until combined. Pour into pie shell. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

This apple crisp is one of my favorite desserts in the fall. It is perfect if you are looking to make something that’s sweet while also having the spices that are special during this season. 

Apple Crisp: 

Ingredients: 

4 cups apples

2 tbsp lemon juice

¼ cup water 

¼ cup butter (softened)

¾ cup flour

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup sugar

Directions: 

Put apples in an oven-safe 9-inch square baking dish, sprinkle lemon juice and water over apples. Combine butter, flour, and sugars and crumble over the top of apples. Bake at 350℉ for fifty t0 sixty minutes.

This sugary dessert is a classic during this time of the year, especially around Thanksgiving time. 

Pecan Pie: 

Ingredients: 

1 cup light or dark corn syrup

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons butter melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 ½ cups (6 ounces) pecans

1 (9 inch) unbaked deep-dish pie crust

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla using a spoon. Stir in pecans. Pour filling into pie crust. Bake on the center rack of your oven for sixty to seventy minutes. Cool for 2 hours on a wire rack before serving.

Baking is a way to relax and de-stress from school, work, and life, resulting in a fun treat at the end of the process. Baked goods can bring people together and make adjusting to the cold seasons coming up easier. I hope to continue to give seasonal recipes to readers as the year progresses.