14 Tasty Desserts to Bring to a Fall Potluck

A fall potluck is not complete without a selection of irresistible desserts. The cooler weather makes it the ideal time to enjoy treats that feel warm and inviting. These desserts add sweetness to the season, featuring flavors that everyone loves. Whether you are a fan of pies, cakes, or cookies, there is no shortage of choices.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Pumpkin Pie

There is no better way to embrace the fall season than with a slice of pumpkin pie. The comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin creates a rich, velvety filling that melts in your mouth. Its golden, flaky crust adds the perfect contrast to the soft filling, making each bite a true delight. Pumpkin pie is a timeless dessert that is incredibly simple to prepare, ensuring it is always a crowd favorite at potlucks. Topped with whipped cream or enjoyed on its own, pumpkin pie is always a hit.

For pumpkin pie, you will need 1 can of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 eggs, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1 tsp of nutmeg, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 pre-made pie crust. These ingredients come together to create a perfectly spiced, creamy filling.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake for 45–50 minutes. Let it cool before serving, and top with whipped cream if desired.

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp brings the sweet and tart taste of apples together with a perfectly crunchy topping, making it a comforting fall treat. The simple yet delicious flavor of baked apples combined with cinnamon and sugar is hard to beat. The crumbly, buttery topping adds a delightful texture that balances the softness of the apples. Apple crisp is easy to prepare and serves beautifully at potlucks, whether it’s served warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes it even better.

To make apple crisp, you will need 6 apples (peeled and sliced), 1 cup of oats, one-half cup of brown sugar, one-half cup of flour, one-fourth cup of butter, and 1 tsp of cinnamon. These ingredients create a balance of sweetness and crunch that everyone will love.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Layer the sliced apples in a baking dish and sprinkle with cinnamon. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter to form a crumbly topping. Spread the topping over the apples and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.

Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie bars are a wonderful twist on the classic pecan pie, offering all the rich, nutty flavors in a convenient bar form. These bars are perfect for sharing because they are easy to cut into portions. The crunchy pecans and sticky, sweet filling are set in a buttery crust, creating a dessert that is both satisfying and indulgent. Pecan pie bars are a crowd favorite and a great option for a fall potluck. They’re simple to make and pack a lot of flavor.

For pecan pie bars, you will need 1 cup of flour, one-half cup of butter, one-fourth cup of brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 cup of chopped pecans, and one-half tsp of vanilla extract. These ingredients create a deliciously sweet filling and a rich, buttery crust.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix flour, butter, and brown sugar to form a dough, then press it into the bottom of a baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, vanilla, and pecans. Pour the mixture over the crust and bake for 30–35 minutes, until set.

Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a fall favorite that never disappoints, offering a warm, comforting taste in every bite. These fluffy rolls, filled with sweet cinnamon and sugar, make the perfect addition to any fall gathering. The creamy icing drizzled over the top adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon filling. Cinnamon rolls are not only delicious but also easy to share, making them a great choice for potlucks. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these rolls will quickly become a crowd favorite.

For cinnamon rolls, you will need 1 package of yeast, one-half cup of warm milk, one-half cup of sugar, 2 eggs, 4 cups of flour, one-fourth cup of butter, 1 tbsp of cinnamon, and 1 cup of brown sugar. The cream cheese icing requires one-half cup of cream cheese, one-fourth cup of butter, and 1 cup of powdered sugar.

In a bowl, mix yeast, warm milk, and sugar, letting it sit for 5 minutes. Add eggs, butter, and flour to form a dough, then knead until smooth. Let the dough rise for about an hour, then roll it out and sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar. Roll up the dough, slice into pieces, and bake at 350 degrees F for 15–20 minutes. Once baked, top with cream cheese icing.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel apple cheesecake bars offer a delicious twist on traditional cheesecake by adding fresh apples and caramel. The creamy cheesecake filling perfectly complements the tart apples and the rich, sweet caramel drizzle on top. These bars are an easy-to-serve treat that is ideal for potlucks because they come in individual portions. With a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. They are a decadent dessert that combines the best parts of apple pie and cheesecake.

For the crust, you will need 1 one-half cups of graham cracker crumbs, one-fourth cup of sugar, and one-fourth cup of butter. For the filling, you will need 2 packages of cream cheese, one-half cup of sugar, 2 eggs, one-half cup of caramel sauce, and one-half cup of chopped apples.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press the mixture into the bottom of a baking pan. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, caramel sauce, and chopped apples together, then pour the mixture over the crust. Bake for 40–45 minutes, let it cool, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving.

Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato pie is a warm, comforting dessert that brings a different but equally delicious flavor to your fall table. Its smooth, creamy filling, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a flavor profile that is both sweet and satisfying. This pie offers a great alternative to pumpkin pie, with the same comforting, spiced flavors and a rich, velvety texture. It’s easy to prepare and looks beautiful when served, making it an ideal dessert for potlucks. Sweet potato pie is best enjoyed with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For sweet potato pie, you will need 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes, 1 cup of sugar, one-half cup of milk, 1 tsp of cinnamon, one-half tsp of nutmeg, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 2 eggs. These ingredients create a perfect blend of sweetness and spice.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, eggs, and spices in a bowl until smooth. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake for 45–50 minutes. Allow it to cool before serving, and top with whipped cream or ice cream.

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts

Cinnamon sugar donuts are a fall favorite that will make your guests smile with each bite. Their soft, fluffy texture and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating make them a comforting treat. These donuts are flavored with real apple cider, adding a deliciously autumnal touch to their taste. They are perfect for potlucks because they are easy to serve and loved by all ages. Cinnamon sugar donuts are a cozy, tasty treat that can be enjoyed any time of day.

For cinnamon sugar donuts, you will need 1 cup of apple cider, 2 cups of flour, one-half cup of sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, one-half tsp of cinnamon, one-fourth tsp of salt, 1 egg, and one-fourth cup of melted butter. For the coating, you will need one-half cup of sugar and 2 tsp of cinnamon.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Simmer the apple cider on the stove until reduced by half, then let it cool. Mix the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients, and combine. Spoon the batter into a donut pan and bake for 10–12 minutes. Once baked, dip the donuts in cinnamon sugar.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a rich, indulgent dessert that has been a fall favorite for generations. The combination of sweet, sticky syrup and crunchy pecans creates a dessert that is both satisfying and decadent. Its golden-brown crust perfectly complements the nutty, gooey filling. Pecan pie is easy to slice and serve, making it a great option for potlucks. The pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

For pecan pie, you will need 1 cup of pecans, 1 cup of corn syrup, one-half cup of sugar, 2 eggs, one-fourth cup of melted butter, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1 pre-made pie crust. These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk together the corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla in a bowl. Stir in the pecans and pour the mixture into the pie crust. Bake for 50–60 minutes until the filling is set and golden brown.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars

Chocolate chip pumpkin bars offer a sweet and moist treat that combines the best of pumpkin and chocolate. The soft, cake-like texture and the richness of pumpkin spice make these bars a wonderful addition to your fall potluck. The chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness and texture that perfectly complements the pumpkin. These bars are simple to prepare, and their autumn flavor profile makes them a seasonal favorite. They are easy to slice into squares, making them perfect for serving at a large gathering.

For chocolate chip pumpkin bars, you will need 1 one-half cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1 tsp of cinnamon, one-half tsp of nutmeg, one-half cup of sugar, one-half cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, and 1 cup of chocolate chips. These ingredients create a delightful dessert that everyone will love.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the dry ingredients and then combine them with the wet ingredients and chocolate chips. Pour the mixture into a baking pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Allow it to cool before slicing into squares.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Carrot cake cupcakes are a moist and flavorful treat that brings the best of fall spices to your potluck. Made with fresh, grated carrots, these cupcakes have a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and nutmeg. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced cake. These cupcakes are easy to serve and share, making them ideal for large gatherings. With their delicious flavor and smooth frosting, they are sure to be a hit.

For carrot cake cupcakes, you will need 1 one-half cups of flour, 1 tsp of cinnamon, one-half tsp of baking powder, one-fourth tsp of salt, 2 cups of grated carrots, 2 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, one-half cup of vegetable oil, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. The cream cheese frosting requires 8 oz of cream cheese, one-fourth cup of butter, and 2 cups of powdered sugar.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients and grated carrots. Spoon the batter into a cupcake tray and bake for 18–20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Once cooled, top with cream cheese frosting.

Churros with Chocolate Sauce

Churros are a fun, crispy dessert that will transport your guests to a cozy fall celebration. These deep-fried dough sticks are rolled in cinnamon sugar and paired with a rich, velvety chocolate dipping sauce. The contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior makes churros irresistible. Easy to make ahead, they are a perfect choice for potlucks. Serve them warm or at room temperature with the chocolate sauce on the side for dipping.

For churros, you will need 1 cup of water, 2 tbsp of butter, 1 cup of flour, one-fourth tsp of salt, one-fourth tsp of cinnamon, 2 eggs, and oil for frying. For the chocolate sauce, you will need one-half cup of heavy cream and one-half cup of chocolate chips.

In a saucepan, heat water and butter until boiling. Stir in the flour, salt, and cinnamon, then cook for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the eggs. Heat oil in a pan and pipe the dough into 6-inch strips, frying until golden brown. Roll in cinnamon sugar and serve with the chocolate sauce.

Choco Pumpkin Mousse

Choco pumpkin mousse is a smooth and creamy fall dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the lightness of pumpkin. This mousse has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, with the chocolate offering a rich depth that complements the pumpkin flavor. It’s a great option for potlucks because it can be made ahead and served in individual portions. The mousse is smooth and airy, making it an elegant dessert for any fall gathering.

For choco pumpkin mousse, you will need 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of heavy cream, one-half cup of dark chocolate chips, one-half cup of sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and one-half tsp of vanilla extract. These ingredients blend to create a rich and creamy mousse.

Melt the chocolate chips and then mix with the pumpkin puree, sugar, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the pumpkin mixture. Spoon the mousse into cups and refrigerate for 2–3 hours before serving.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Chocolate chip pumpkin bread is a rich and moist dessert that combines the flavors of pumpkin and chocolate in a perfect fall loaf. The combination of spices with the sweet chocolate chips creates a mouthwatering treat. This bread is incredibly easy to make and is ideal for potlucks because it can be sliced and shared. The soft, dense texture makes it a comforting dessert that everyone will enjoy. It can be served plain or with a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness.

For chocolate chip pumpkin bread, you will need 1 one-half cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of cinnamon, one-half tsp of nutmeg, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, one-half cup of sugar, one-half cup of brown sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 cup of chocolate chips. These ingredients come together to create a moist and flavorful loaf.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients and fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 60–65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool before slicing and serving.

Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are a delightful fall treat that captures the flavors of autumn. These donuts have a light, fluffy texture and a sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them irresistible. The addition of apple cider gives these donuts a deliciously autumnal flavor. Perfect for potlucks, they are easy to serve and loved by everyone. Whether enjoyed with a hot beverage or on their own, apple cider donuts are a must-have during the fall season.

For apple cider donuts, you will need 1 cup of apple cider, 2 cups of flour, one-half cup of sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, one-half tsp of cinnamon, one-fourth tsp of salt, 1 egg, and one-fourth cup of melted butter. For the coating, you will need one-half cup of sugar and 2 tsp of cinnamon.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Simmer the apple cider on the stove until reduced by half, then let it cool. Mix the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients, and combine. Spoon the batter into a donut pan and bake for 10–12 minutes. Once baked, dip the donuts in cinnamon sugar.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.