17+ Best Cakes for Fall Recipes

As the air gets crisp and the leaves turn golden, there’s something magical about the flavors of fall that beckon us to the kitchen. Let’s explore some of the season’s most delectable cakes that are sure to warm your heart and home.

Spiced Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Cake from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 4 hr.

2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake

2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7. Total Time: 30 min.

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from Averie Cooks

Rating: 4.6. Total Time: 2 hr 15 min.

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Get ready to experience fall in a bite with this Spiced Pumpkin Cake. The cake brings together the rich flavors of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves. These spices create a warmth that’s perfect for those chilly autumn evenings.

What makes this cake special is its moist texture, thanks to the pumpkin, and the creamy frosting that’s often made with a touch of cream cheese. It’s a favorite at family gatherings and can be topped with toasted pecans for an extra crunch. Imagine slicing into a piece, with the spices wafting through the air, making your kitchen smell like a cozy fall haven.

Caramel Apple Cake

Caramel Apple Cake

Caramel Apple Cake from Liv for Cake

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 2 hr 45 min.

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake

Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.

Caramel Apple Cake

Caramel Apple Cake from Scientifically Sweet

Rating: 5. Total Time: 45 min.

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If you’re a fan of caramel apples at the fair, this cake will be your new go-to. It combines fresh apples with a rich caramel sauce, creating a dessert that’s both sweet and slightly tart. The cake is usually made with chunks of apple, adding a delightful texture to each bite.

This recipe is particularly popular in the fall, as it uses the season’s freshest apples. The caramel glaze drizzled over the top is what truly sets this cake apart. It’s like having a caramel apple in cake form, and trust me, one slice will never be enough.

Maple Pecan Cake

Maple and pecan cake

Maple and pecan cake from a fork and a pencil

Rating: 5. Total Time: 1 hr.

Maple Pecan Layer Cake

Maple Pecan Layer Cake from In Bloom Bakery –

Rating: 4.6.

Maple Pecan Cake

Maple Pecan Cake from Bakers Table

Total Time: 58 min.

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Maple syrup isn’t just for pancakes; it’s the star of this delectable Maple Pecan Cake. The cake is infused with the rich flavor of maple syrup and complemented by the nutty taste of pecans. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that feels like a hug from the inside.

What’s unique about this cake is the frosting, often made with maple cream cheese, which adds a creamy sweetness. It’s a beloved choice during fall celebrations, and the pecans provide a satisfying crunch that makes this cake irresistible. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

Pear Ginger Cake

Pear Ginger Cake

Pear Ginger Cake from Justine Snacks

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 1 h 12 min.

Upside-Down Pear Gingerbread Cake

Upside-Down Pear Gingerbread Cake from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 1 h 30 min.

Fresh Ginger and Pear Cake

Fresh Ginger and Pear Cake from The View from Great Island

Rating: 4.6.

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This cake brings a fresh twist to fall baking with its combination of juicy pears and zesty ginger. The ginger adds a spicy kick, while the pears offer a sweet and juicy contrast. It’s a cake that surprises and delights with its unexpected flavor pairing.

Pear Ginger Cake is a fantastic option for those who love a bit of spice in their dessert. The ginger and pear together create a moist cake that feels sophisticated yet comforting. This cake is often topped with a simple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, letting the flavors shine through.

Brown Butter Pecan Cake

High Altitude Brown Butter Pecan Cake

High Altitude Brown Butter Pecan Cake from Curly Girl Kitchen

Rating: 5.

Pecan Pie Cake With Browned Butter Frosting

Pecan Pie Cake With Browned Butter Frosting from Southern Living

Rating: 4.7. Total Time: 7 h 45 min.

Butter Pecan Cake

Butter Pecan Cake from Sugar Spun Run

Rating: 4.9. Total Time: 1 h 15 min.

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Brown butter brings a nutty, caramelized flavor that’s simply heavenly in this Brown Butter Pecan Cake. Combined with crunchy pecans, this cake is like a buttery, nutty dream. Every bite is rich and flavorful, making it a standout dessert for fall.

The real magic happens when you brown the butter, which adds depth to the cake’s flavor. It’s a technique that might sound fancy, but it’s easy to master and well worth the effort. This cake is perfect for a cozy evening at home or impressing guests at a fall gathering.

Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.7. Total Time: 5 h 30 min.

Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberry Orange Cake from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.5. Total Time: 2 h 30 min.

Cranberry & orange drizzle cake

Cranberry & orange drizzle cake from Waitrose & Partners

Rating: 5. Total Time: 1 h 10 min.

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Brighten up your fall with this zesty Cranberry Orange Cake. The tartness of cranberries is beautifully balanced by the sweet and citrusy flavor of oranges. This cake is a vibrant, eye-catching addition to any dessert table.

The combination of cranberries and orange zest creates a refreshing cake that’s not too sweet, making it perfect for those who enjoy a lighter dessert. The colors are as appealing as the taste, with specks of red from the cranberries peeking through the cake. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season.

Tips for Perfect Fall Cakes

Cranberry Apple Upside Down Cake

Cranberry Apple Upside Down Cake from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.3. Total Time: 1 h 30 min.

Autumn cake recipes

Autumn cake recipes from Good Food

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake from Liv for Cake

Rating: 4.8. Total Time: 2 h 45 min.

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Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in baking, especially with the seasonal fruits and spices in these cakes. Choose ripe pumpkins, crisp apples, and juicy pears to ensure your cakes have the best flavor.

Don’t Rush the Cooling Process

Letting your cake cool properly is crucial for the perfect texture. Allow your cakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Experiment with Toppings

While the cakes are delicious on their own, experimenting with toppings can add a personal touch. Try adding roasted nuts, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to enhance the flavors and presentation.