12 Fall Baking Projects That Double as Party Activities

Fall is the perfect time to gather with friends and family for cozy baking sessions that bring everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a weekend get-together, these easy and fun baking projects will add warmth and flavor to your celebration. From pumpkin-infused treats to sweet apple desserts, these recipes are sure to create lasting memories while satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth.

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Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Pumpkin spice cupcakes are a classic fall treat and a fantastic choice for a party activity. To prepare the cupcakes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 eggs. Add 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir in 1 cup of canned pumpkin until smooth. Pour the batter into the cupcake tin and bake for about 20 minutes. Once done, let them cool completely before decorating.

For the frosting, whip together 8 oz of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of softened butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Now comes the fun part: have your guests decorate their cupcakes! Provide toppings such as chopped nuts, caramel drizzle, or sprinkles to allow each person to customize their treats. It’s an interactive and delicious way to celebrate the season with friends and family.

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple cinnamon rolls are a cozy fall favorite that your guests will love preparing together. Start by making the dough: in a bowl, mix 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast, 1/2 cup of warm milk, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then add 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of softened butter. Knead the dough until smooth, cover, and let it rise for about an hour. For the filling, mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly, and sprinkle with 1 apple, finely chopped. Roll it up and slice it into 12 pieces.

Place the slices in a greased pan, cover, and let them rise again for 30 minutes before baking at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Once baked, drizzle with a glaze made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Guests can participate by helping with each step, from mixing the dough to slicing and glazing the rolls. This project not only fills the house with a wonderful aroma but also gives everyone a chance to create a personal treat they can enjoy.

Caramel Apple Decorating Station

A caramel apple decorating station is an interactive fall activity that guests of all ages will love. Start by preparing the apples by washing and drying them thoroughly. Stick wooden sticks into the tops of 8 medium-sized apples and set them aside. In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of caramel candies with 1 tablespoon of water over low heat until smooth. Once the caramel is ready, dip each apple into the caramel, making sure it is coated evenly. Allow the excess caramel to drip off before setting the apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.

Once the caramel has set, set up a decorating station with various toppings such as crushed nuts, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed graham crackers. Guests can dip their apples in chocolate or caramel and then roll them in their favorite toppings. This hands-on activity is fun for both kids and adults, making it the perfect party project. Not only do they get to decorate their own caramel apples, but they also have a sweet treat to enjoy later.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin cheesecake bars are a rich and creamy treat that doubles as an easy fall baking project. To prepare, start with the crust by combining 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For the cheesecake filling, beat 2 packages of cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth, then add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Finally, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.

Pour the filling over the baked crust and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until set. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. These bars are easy to make ahead, and guests can help by spreading the crust, adding the filling, and cutting the bars into perfect bite-sized pieces. The creamy texture of the cheesecake, combined with the warm spices, makes these bars a favorite fall party treat.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels

Cinnamon sugar pretzels are an easy-to-make fall treat that can also be a fun party activity. Start by making the dough: in a bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of yeast in 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter to the mixture. Knead until smooth, cover, and let the dough rise for an hour. Once the dough is ready, divide it into small balls and roll them out into long ropes. Twist each rope into a pretzel shape.

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup of baking soda. Dip each pretzel into the boiling water for about 30 seconds before placing it on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes. After baking, coat the pretzels with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet finish. Guests can help with rolling the dough and dipping the pretzels, making this a fun and interactive baking activity that fills the air with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar.

Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods

Chocolate-dipped pretzel rods are a simple and fun fall treat that guests can easily customize. Begin by melting 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. For the pretzels, dip each rod into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is well-coated, then sprinkle with fall-themed toppings such as mini marshmallows, crushed candy corn, or chopped nuts. Lay the dipped pretzel rods on parchment paper and let them cool for 20-30 minutes until the chocolate sets.

Set up a decorating station with various toppings, allowing guests to get creative with their pretzel rods. This activity is perfect for kids and adults alike, as they can personalize their own treats and enjoy them immediately. With a crunchy pretzel center and rich chocolate coating, these pretzel rods are an easy yet indulgent treat that adds a fun touch to your party.

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

Cinnamon sugar donut holes are a fall favorite that can be made together as a party activity. Start by mixing 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add 1/4 cup of milk, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter, mixing until smooth. Roll the dough into small balls and fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Once cooked, toss the donut holes in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

This activity is easy to set up, and guests can have fun making their own donut holes, dipping them in the sugar mixture, and enjoying them immediately. These sweet little treats are the perfect bite-sized dessert for any fall gathering and are sure to delight everyone at the party.

Pumpkin Bread Loaf Decorating

Pumpkin bread is a fall classic, and decorating mini loaves of it can be a fun party activity. Start by preparing the pumpkin bread batter by mixing 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 eggs. Add 1 3/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree and pour the batter into greased mini loaf pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once the bread is baked and cooled, set up a decorating station with icing, whipped cream, nuts, and other toppings for guests to customize their mini loaves. Guests can drizzle their pumpkin bread with frosting or add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar for extra flavor. This activity is a fun way for everyone to get creative with their treats, and the mini loaves make for easy sharing.

Mini Pumpkin Pies

Mini pumpkin pies are the perfect fall baking project that can also serve as a fun and interactive activity at your party. Prepare the pie crust by combining 1 1/4 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of cold butter, mixing until crumbly. Gradually add 4-5 tablespoons of cold water, stirring until the dough comes together. Roll the dough out and use a round cutter to fit into muffin tins.

For the filling, whisk together 1 can of pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. Spoon the mixture into each pie crust and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set. Once the pies cool, guests can top them with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon. These mini pies are not only easy to make but also provide a perfect portion for each guest to decorate and enjoy.

S’mores Cupcakes

S’mores cupcakes bring the cozy flavors of a campfire treat to your fall party, and they’re a fun activity for guests to help make. Begin by making a graham cracker crust at the bottom of each cupcake liner by mixing 1 cup of crushed graham crackers with 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Press the mixture into the cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. While the crust is baking, make a chocolate cupcake batter by mixing 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Add 1/2 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 egg, and mix until smooth.

Pour the cupcake batter over the graham cracker crust and bake for 18-20 minutes. Once the cupcakes are done, top them with a toasted marshmallow and drizzle with melted chocolate. Set up a station with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham cracker pieces so guests can customize their cupcakes with extra s’mores elements. This activity allows everyone to enjoy making and decorating their own cupcakes, making it a perfect, interactive treat.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are a delicious and fun way to bring everyone together. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1 egg, and 1 cup of pumpkin puree. Add 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and stir until smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, then drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Guests can help shape the cookies and even add their favorite mix-ins, such as raisins or chopped nuts. These cookies are soft and chewy, offering the perfect balance of pumpkin and chocolate, making them a great fall treat. This baking project is simple enough for kids to get involved in, but fun enough for adults to enjoy as well.

Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Maple pecan pie bars are a sweet and indulgent fall treat that everyone will love. To prepare, start by making the crust by combining 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of cold butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. For the filling, mix 1 cup of maple syrup, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans, and pour the mixture over the partially baked crust.

Bake the bars for another 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let them cool before slicing into squares. This recipe is perfect for a party because it’s easy to make in large quantities and offers a rich, decadent treat. Guests can even decorate their bars with extra pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.