Famous Fall Recipes

Melissa N. Osika, MBA

As the leaves change color and the air gets crisper, there's something magical about the arrival of fall. It's a season that invites us to slow down, savor the moment, and indulge in the comforting flavors that define this time of year.

From pumpkin spice to hearty soup, here's a collection of famous fall recipes that have become beloved staples in kitchens during fall.

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Let's kick things off with a quintessential autumn beverage that needs no introduction: the pumpkin spice latte.¹ This iconic drink has become synonymous with fall, signaling the beginning of sweater weather and cozy evenings. While you can grab one from your favorite coffee shop, making it at home allows you to customize it to perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk (any kind you prefer)
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strong hot coffee
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

• In a small saucepan, whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
• Heat over medium heat, whisking frequently, until steaming.
• Remove from heat and whisk vigorously until frothy (you can use a handheld frother).
• Pour the hot coffee into a mug and top with the pumpkin-milk mixture.
• Top with whipped cream, if desired, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

2. Butternut Squash Soup

When the temperatures drop, a warm bowl of butternut squash soup can be incredibly comforting.² This soup is creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with fall flavors. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of cream

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for about 30 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
• In a large pot, sauté the onion in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the roasted butternut squash, broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes.
• Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve hot, topped with toasted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of cream if desired.

3. Cinnamon Apple Crisp

No fall recipe collection is complete without a classic cinnamon apple crisp.³ This dessert fills your home with the inviting aroma of baked apples and spices, making it the perfect finale for any autumn meal.

Ingredients

• 6–8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• vanilla ice cream (optional for serving)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13–inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
• In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, and brown sugar.
• Add the cold cubed butter to the oat mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
• Allow to cool slightly before serving. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-indulgent treat.

These famous fall recipes capture the essence of the season, from the warm spices of pumpkin to the comforting aroma of baked apples. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply want to cozy up at home, these dishes are sure to become favorites that you'll return to year after year.