Easy fall desserts for college students

November 29, 2023

A selection of baked goods lay in rows next to each other. Lifestyle writer Jonathan Shelby gives readers three fall-themed baking recipes to try at home. (Getty Images)

Crisp weather and falling leaves are nearly over, however that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some fall desserts. Here are some options if you’re craving something other than candy canes and chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth:

APPLE CRISP

Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Serves 4 to 6 people

Ingredients:

2 Regular-Size Apples

¾ Tablespoon ground cinnamon

⅓ Cup softened butter

¾ Ground nutmeg

¾ Cup brown sugar

½ Cup flour

½ Cup of oats

Preheat the oven to 375 F. If you are able to, spray the bottom and sides of the pan with non-stick baking spray. Cut the apples into medium cube-sized pieces, then evenly place them into the pan. In a medium-size bowl, thoroughly mix the remaining ingredients and evenly sprinkle over the apples.

Bake for 30 minutes or until the dessert is a golden-brownish color. Let the crisp cool for 2 minutes.

CINNAMON APPLE CHIPS

Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Serves 3 to 4 people.

Ingredients:

2 apples (you can add more depending on how many chips you want)

¾ Teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional: A few pinches of sugar

Preheat the oven to 200 F. Take some parchment paper and place it on a baking sheet. Wash the apples and slice them horizontally into ⅛ inch pieces. Place the pieces on the prepared sheets and sprinkle the cinnamon (and sugar if you are using it) onto both sides of the chips.

Bake for a minimum of 30 minutes or until the chips are crispy.

CARAMEL M&M COOKIES

Cooking Time: 30 to 40 minutes.

Servies 6 to 7 people (depending on the size of the cookies).

Ingredients:

1 Cup softened butter

1 Egg

1 Cup of caramel M&Ms

1 Cup brown sugar

½ Cup sugar

2 Teaspoons vanilla extract

2 ¼ Cups flour

½ Teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 350 F and leave the butter to soften at room temperature. Mix the butter, sugar and light brown sugar until creamy. Combine the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until thoroughly combined. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Then, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Add the M&Ms to the mixture.

Scoop the cookie dough into a sizable ball of your choice and place on a baking sheet at least an inch apart. Place in the oven and set a timer for 10 minutes to 15 minutes or until the cookie edges are crispy. Take the cookies out of the oven, and let them cool for 3 minutes.