10 Easy Fall Desserts for a Crowd Under $20

1. Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

These delightful treats are a twist on the classic Rice Krispie treats, infused with the warm flavors of pumpkin spice. They are simple to make and always a hit at gatherings.

• Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Krispies, 1 bag of mini marshmallows, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice, 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  2. Add the marshmallows, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract. Stir until melted and smooth.
  3. Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies, mixing until well coated.
  4. Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan and let cool before cutting into squares.

2. Caramel Apple Nachos

These caramel apple nachos are not only easy to prepare but also visually appealing. They are perfect for sharing and provide a fresh take on apple desserts.

• Ingredients: 4 medium apples, 1 cup caramel sauce, 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, whipped cream (optional).
• Instructions:
  1. Core and slice the apples into thin wedges.
  2. Arrange the apple slices on a large platter.
  3. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples, then sprinkle with chopped nuts and chocolate chips.
  4. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

3. Cinnamon Roll Casserole

This cinnamon roll casserole is a warm, comforting dessert that can easily feed a crowd. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of cinnamon rolls without the hassle of individual baking.

• Ingredients: 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, icing (included with cinnamon rolls).
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon rolls, ensuring they are well coated.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Drizzle with icing before serving.

4. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups

These individual pumpkin cheesecake cups are a creamy and decadent dessert that can be prepared in advance. They are perfect for fall gatherings without the need for baking.

• Ingredients: 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice, 1 cup whipped topping, 1 cup crushed graham crackers.
• Instructions:
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and pumpkin spice until smooth.
  2. Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
  3. In individual cups, layer crushed graham crackers and the pumpkin cheesecake mixture.
  4. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

5. Apple Crisp in a Mug

This apple crisp in a mug is a quick and affordable dessert that is perfect for individual servings. It’s warm, gooey, and packed with flavor.

• Ingredients: 1 medium apple, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon oats, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon butter.
• Instructions:
  1. Peel and dice the apple, then place it in a microwave-safe mug.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, and melted butter.
  3. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples in the mug.
  4. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.

6. Maple Pecan Pie Bars

These maple pecan pie bars offer all the flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient bar form. They are easy to make and serve, making them perfect for a crowd.

• Ingredients: 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup pecans, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.
  3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan to form the crust.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, and chopped pecans.
  6. Pour the filling over the baked crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes.
  7. Let cool before cutting into bars.

7. Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins

These chocolate pumpkin muffins are a delicious way to combine two fall favorites. They are moist, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or dessert.

• Ingredients: 1 cup canned pumpkin, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup chocolate chips.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips and fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. S’mores Pumpkin Dip

This s’mores pumpkin dip is a fun and interactive dessert that’s perfect for fall parties. Serve it with graham crackers and apple slices for dipping.

• Ingredients: 1 cup canned pumpkin, 1 package cream cheese (8 oz), 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice, 1/2 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, graham crackers for serving.
• Instructions:
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add the pumpkin, powdered sugar, and pumpkin spice, mixing until well combined.
  3. Fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
  4. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve with graham crackers for dipping.

9. Pear and Cranberry Crumble

This pear and cranberry crumble is a delightful dessert that showcases seasonal fruits. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

• Ingredients: 4 ripe pears, 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 cup oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Peel and slice the pears, then mix them with the cranberries, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a baking dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, and melted butter until crumbly.
  4. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the fruit and bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

10. Sweet Potato Pie Bites

These sweet potato pie bites are a mini version of a classic dessert, making them perfect for parties. They are sweet, spicy, and utterly delicious.

• Ingredients: 1 can sweet potato puree, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 package phyllo pastry, 1/4 cup melted butter.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the sweet potato puree, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
  3. Layer phyllo pastry sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter, then cut into squares.
  4. Place a spoonful of the sweet potato mixture in the center of each square and fold the corners over to create little pockets.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

11. Cinnamon Apple Nachos

These cinnamon apple nachos are a fun spin on traditional nachos and a perfect way to incorporate seasonal flavors. They’re quick to assemble and sure to please a crowd.

• Ingredients: 4 large apples, 1/2 cup caramel sauce, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 cup chopped nuts, and 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips.
• Instructions:
  1. Slice the apples into thin rounds and arrange them on a large platter.
  2. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with cinnamon.
  3. Top with chopped nuts and chocolate chips before serving.

12. Maple Pecan Bars

These maple pecan bars are a simple yet elegant dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any fall gathering. The sweet maple flavor combined with crunchy pecans is irresistible!

• Ingredients: 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 cup pecans, 1/2 cup maple syrup.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, melted butter, and brown sugar until crumbly.
  3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven.
  5. In another bowl, mix pecans and maple syrup, then pour over the crust.
  6. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set. Let cool before cutting into bars.

13. Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins

These chocolate pumpkin muffins are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the warm spices of pumpkin. They are perfect for breakfast or dessert!

• Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs.
  3. In another bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
  4. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips.
  5. Fill the muffin cups and bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

In summary, these 10 easy fall desserts provide delicious options that won’t break the bank, making them perfect for gatherings and celebrations. With a little creativity and seasonal ingredients, you can impress your guests while staying within a budget.

Whether you choose a comforting apple crisp or a festive pumpkin pie, these recipes ensure that everyone can indulge in the flavors of fall without overspending.