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9 Healthy Fall Desserts We Can’t Wait to Bake This Season

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October 12, 2023
Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

As the weather gets colder and the leaves start to turn, it really can only mean one thing — it’s time to get those ovens going. The idea of turning on the oven certainly isn’t a sweet one during those hot summer months, but in the fall, the game is certainly on. Especially when you have a long list of healthy fall desserts you’ve been dying to try! Between pumpkin delights and dreamy cinnamon apple goodness, here are some healthy fall desserts we can’t wait to whip up with a comforting cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa!

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1. Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

vegan pumpkin sugar cookies with frosting

Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

It’s the kind of cookie that pairs perfectly with a decaf cup of coffee at the end of the day. Made with completely vegan ingredients, this recipe works well for all kinds of dietary restrictions. Looking to cut back on the sugar? You can always skip the extra frosting — the cookies will be tasty just as is, we promise!

Try the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

2. Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel

apple pie bars with peanut butter caramel drizzle

Courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen

They may seem dangerously decadent, but these apple pie bars are packed with oats and apples, which are full of fiber and keep you feeling full. The sneaky base of the caramel? Two tablespoons of natural peanut butter to give it that protein boost! Because we all know peanut butter and apples go so well together.

Try the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

3. Healthy Pumpkin Cookies

healthy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

Courtesy of Well Plated

This healthy fall dessert uses more whole-wheat flour and oats compared to all-purpose flour, giving these cookies a boost of fiber that traditional cookies typically don’t have. Plus, with the extra walnuts in the batter, these cookies also provide a boost of protein and healthy fats — making it just as satiating as it is tasty.

Try the recipe from Well Plated.

4. Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Starbucks Pumpkin Cream cheese muffin copycat recipe (gluten-free, Healthier)

Craving a pumpkin cheesecake muffin from Starbucks? Slash the added sugar count by baking your own batch of copycat muffins at home. With a boost of protein thanks to the Greek yogurt, these muffins will actually keep you feeling full after breakfast instead of giving you that inevitable spike and crash from the chain’s original sugary pastry.

Try our recipe on Clean Plates.

5. Single-Serve Healthy Pumpkin Mug Cake with Chocolate Pumpkin Frosting

a single serve pumpkin cake with chocolate chips in a mug

Courtesy of Fit Foodie Finds

Cooking for one? No problem! This mug cake will certainly hit the spot when you have a sweet tooth coming on, while still using a handful of good-for-you ingredients such as whole wheat flour, egg whites, and maple syrup. Just 60 seconds in the microwave and you have a warm cake ready to dive into.

Try the recipe from Fit Foodie Finds.

6. Healthy Apple Crisp

healthy apple crisp in a bowl with vanilla ice cream

Courtesy of Kim’s Cravings

Apples sure make for excellent healthy fall desserts, especially when it’s a warm crisp with a creamy dollop of vanilla ice cream. This healthy apple crisp is baked in the oven with an oat and almond-flour-based crumble, sweetened with coconut or brown sugar — the choice is yours. Just don’t forget the ice cream!

Try the recipe from Kim’s Cravings.

7. 1-Bowl Vegan Pumpkin Roll

slices of a vegan pumpkin roll cake

Courtesy of Minimalist Baker

If you’re a fan of “The Great British Baking Show,” you likely have dreams about making your own roll cake at home — so take this as a sign. This vegan recipe uses healthier ingredients such as banana, aquafaba (chickpea water!), almond flour, and of course, canned pumpkin for all that potassium and fiber-rich goodness.

Try the recipe from Minimalist Baker.

8. Naturally Sweetened Pecan Pie

slice of healthy pecan pie with scoop of ice cream

Courtesy of Cookie + Kate

What makes this pie naturally sweetened? Maple syrup! This easy-to-make pie recipe only calls for eight ingredients, quite frankly making it one of the easiest healthy fall desserts you can whip up this season.

Try the recipe from Cookie + Kate.

9. Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars

pumpkin cheesecake bars sliced and ready to serve

Courtesy of Once Upon a Pumpkin

These pumpkin cheesecake bars rely on a minimal ingredient list, letting the taste of the pumpkin and cheesecake really shine through. Not a fan of cheesecake? These Pumpkin Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust could also do just fine!

Try the recipe from Once Upon a Pumpkin.

Read next: 13 Healthy & Easy Fall Sheet Pan Dinners You’ll Love

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