15 Classic Fall Desserts That Will Remind You of Grandma

There's something special about stepping into Grandma's home in the fall, where the air is filled with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Outside, the leaves rustle in the breeze, while inside, she's busy baking apple pies, rolling out snickerdoodles, or preparing a freshly-baked carrot cake. Nothing says autumn like these tried-and-true, grandma-approved desserts. Try these recipes today and make your fall even sweeter.

Grandma's Skillet-Baked Apple Pie

a top-down shot of a golden-brown apple pie with a flaky crust in a cast iron skillet

Kim's Kitchen Creations

A cast iron skillet is the ideal choice for making a delicious apple pie. The crust becomes perfectly golden and flaky, providing the ideal base for layers of cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples.

Grandma Bonnie's Famous Cinnamon Rolls

Grandma Bonnie's Cinnamon Rolls resting on a baking sheet

Priscilla

These irresistible treats fall somewhere between cinnamon rolls and pecan swirls, boasting a buttery richness. "These are my grandma's cinnamon rolls, a holiday favorite or perfect for a cozy Saturday morning," says Priscilla.

Grandma's Sweet Caramel Popcorn Balls

Caramel-coated popcorn balls neatly arranged in a red bowl

Derbakermom

You can't beat the classic pairing of popcorn and caramel. "My mom used to make these delicious popcorn balls when I was a kid," recalls Kim1520. "I finally made the family recipe for the first time this year, and my grown daughters, with families of their own, couldn't believe I hadn't made them sooner."

10 Popcorn Ball Recipes for an Old-Fashioned Snack

Nana's Classic Apple Crisp

GLORIA LEE

Spend a crisp fall afternoon picking apples and then return home to prepare this simple, comforting apple crisp. Serve it warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, just like grandma used to.

Granny's Delicious Sweet Potato Bread

sliced pieces of sweet potato bread neatly arranged on a tray

Rae

This sweet potato bread is the perfect blend of dessert and snack. "One of my favorite recipes passed down from my grandmother," says Jessica Shelton. "My Granny made this bread as a sweet treat, but it was also perfect for breakfast."

12 Favorite Fall Breads Made Without a Pumpkin in Sight

Grandma Ruth's Snickerdoodle Cookies

snickerdoodle cookies cooling on a baking rack

tjump2014

These snickerdoodles are the perfect mix of soft and chewy, making them a truly irresistible dessert. David.Beveridge shares, "This is my great-grandmother's recipe that everyone adores!"

10 Snickerdoodle-Inspired Recipes to Copy Your Favorite Cookie

Grandma's Apple Dumplings

CHER

These apple dumplings, wrapped in delicate pastry dough, are a treat on their own, but the dish reaches perfection when topped with the signature orange-vanilla sauce. Reviewer Jill raves, "This was such an easy and delicious recipe. It turned out just perfect."

10 Apple Dumpling Recipes Just Like Grandma Made

Grandma's Orange Rolls with Creamy Orange-Cream Cheese Frosting

Grandma's fresh orange rolls topped with creamy orange cream cheese frosting

Dinogo

These sweet rolls boast a triple citrus punch: orange juice in the dough, orange zest in the filling, and a rich frosting made with both.

Grandma's Classic Carrot Cake

Autumneyes

"This recipe has been a beloved favorite in our family for three generations," says heybejay. Both crushed pineapple and shredded coconut keep the carrot cake incredibly moist, making it the perfect base for the rich buttermilk glaze to soak in.

Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Dinogo Magazine

This recipe proves that simplicity can lead to a truly mouthwatering dessert. "This was my grandmother's apple pie recipe," says MOSHASMAMA. "It will always be my favorite and has won me numerous first-place prizes in local pie competitions."

Grandma's Sweet Hubbard Squash Custard Pie

john sims

With a flavor that combines sweet potatoes and pumpkin, Hubbard squash is the perfect vegetable for making a delicious pie. Its rich brown sugar, fragrant spices, heavy cream, and a generous dollop of butter could easily make it your new favorite holiday dessert.

Melissa's Grandma's Ginger Lace Cookies

Vista Verde Ranch

Ground ginger, cinnamon, and molasses are the key ingredients that make these delicate lace cookies so tender. Don't forget to sprinkle sugar on top for a perfect, glistening finish.

28 Most Popular Types of Cookies

Grandmother Stougaard's Caramel Pecan Sweet Rolls

A pan of homemade, gooey pecan sweet rolls fresh from the oven

inthefrey

"This is a beloved old family recipe from the Stougaard side," says Snuffles. "It's not the easiest to make, but it's totally worth the effort. Gooey, sweet, and best enjoyed straight from the oven."

Gramma's Date Squares

Danielle Gwilliam

Chewy, sweet, and perfect for using up fresh, in-season fruit, these date bars are a family favorite. "This is my grandmother's recipe, and my whole family loves it. You can swap almond extract for lemon if you prefer," says Mai Forrester.

Grandma's Cranberry Orange Cake

A slice of moist bundt cake served on a white plate

lutzflcat

Perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet, you won't be able to resist a second slice of this autumn cake. The secret? A hint of cranberry-flavored liqueur, which bakes out but leaves a subtle flavor behind.