When it comes to spiced desserts, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon tend to steal the spotlight this time of year, but there’s a world of flavor beyond these autumnal favorites. From the warmth of cardamom to the zing of ginger, desserts can come alive with a variety of spices that add depth and complexity to every bite. Whether you’re looking for a fresh twist or simply want to break away from tradition, these spice-forward sweets promise to surprise and delight, offering unique and aromatic experiences for every palate. Let’s eat!
Fresh Ginger and Pear Cake
Pears are ripe and ready to shine in fall and winter so you’ll see them a lot in recipes around this time of year. Pairing pears (see what we did there?) with spices like clove or ginger adds sophistication and elegance to any dessert. This recipe from The View from Great Island pairs fresh ginger with sweet pears for a cake you’ll love. The ginger adds warmth to the cake and incredible seasonal aromatics to your kitchen!
Anise Cookies (Italian Anisette)
These classic Italian cookies from Amanda’s Cookin’ are addictive and so hard to resist! Anise is a powerful, pungent spice that adds a layer of depth and sophistication that we all need in a cookie! These decadent anise treats offer a delightful alternative spice to all things pumpkin!
Pear and Clove Cake
Here’s another recipe that showcases pears – fall’s favorite fruit! In this recipe from Whisk & Shake, you’ll toss sweet pears and fragrant cloves in a simple batter, top them with sugar, and bake until you get a cake full of golden brown, flaky goodness! Sweet, tender pears pair perfectly with the autumnal warmth of cloves. It’s almost as if cloves and pears were meant for each other! Top this beautiful spiced caked with vanilla ice cream, crème fraiche, whipped cream, or even a dollop of yogurt.
Walnut Nutmeg Butter Cake
This beautiful butter cake recipe from 101 Cookbooks uses one of fall’s favorite spices – nutmeg! This cake is baked in a single cake pan, which makes it a winner in our book! Infused with freshly grated nutmeg, this cake smells just as good as it tastes. It’s topped with walnuts to give it an added layer of texture.
Pecan Cardamom Bar Cookies
If you haven’t used cardamom in your cooking before, now’s your chance. This spice originated in Southern India and is often used in Indian cuisine. It’s a warm, aromatic spice that has fall vibes written all over it! This recipe for pecan cardamom bar cookies from Allrecipes uses one whole tablespoon of cardamom along with a handful of pantry staples and chopped pecans for a dessert you and your guests will swoon over.
Pecan Pie Brownies
Not much is going to beat pecan pie in the south, but pecan pie brownies come pretty darn close! These beauties from The Kitchn don’t really use a spice in the mix but they do make the most out of Texas’s favorite nut! This recipe calls for two full cups of pecans! These brownies are easy to make and oh-so-delicious!
Maple Brown Sugar Cookies
We know maple isn’t technically a spice but it sure as heck is a wonderful fall flavor – and it’s not pumpkin! These maple brown sugar cookies from Sally’s Baking Addiction have crispy edges, soft, chewy centers, and are drizzled with homemade maple icing for an extra boost of yum! These cookies contain pure maple syrup AND maple extract. If you love the taste of maple, these are the cookies for you!
Allspice Streusel Muffins
It feels like allspice always plays second fiddle to cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice this time of year but this fall spice adds an incredible flavor profile to desserts and we’re here for it! These apple streusel muffins from Handle the Heat make allspice the star of the show – and it’s well-deserved! The warmth of the spice is mixed with pantry staples we’re sure you already have on hand. These muffins are not overly sweet and the streusel on top is a crumbly, buttery slice of yum! These are perfect for breakfast, snack or dessert. Dig in!
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