No Pumpkin Spice Here, Just 15 Fall Recipes That Actually Taste Good

Fall is here, and with it comes a whole new lineup of flavors that go beyond the usual pumpkin spice craze. These 15 recipes bring out the best of autumn with comforting, satisfying dishes that actually taste good. Whether you’re looking for savory or sweet, these options will make your fall meals feel like a celebration of the season. Get ready for a fall feast without the overdone pumpkin spice takeover.

Mini Apple Pies. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Overhead shot of a plate with three cookies next to a wire rack filled with cooling cookies. — Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These snickerdoodles offer buttery, cinnamon-sugar sweetness that perfectly captures the cozy feeling of fall. Ready in about 30 minutes, they bake up soft with just the right hint of spice—without relying on pumpkin. The warm cinnamon aroma fills the house with seasonal vibes. You won’t even miss pumpkin spice with these cookies around.
Get the Recipe: Ann’s Snickerdoodle Recipe

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans bring a fresh, zesty twist to your fall meals with garlic and white wine. These beans are ready in under 15 minutes and offer a crisp, citrusy flavor without any of the usual fall heaviness. They’re a perfect way to embrace autumn without pumpkin spice. Even the kids will ask for seconds with these on the table.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

A charcuterie and cheese board brings together savory meats, cheeses, and seasonal fruits, perfect for fall gatherings. Ready in 20 minutes, it offers a delicious variety of flavors without a single trace of pumpkin spice. The mix of sweet and savory makes it a standout for cozy evenings. Even without pumpkin, this board will steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Charcuterie and Cheese Grazing Board

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These oven roasted root vegetables combine carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips for a hearty fall side dish. Taking about 35 minutes to roast, they’re earthy and sweet without needing any pumpkin. The caramelized edges and rich flavor make this a perfect dish for cooler weather. You won’t miss pumpkin when these veggies hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

English Muffin Bread

A loaf of bread is sitting on a cutting board. — English Muffin Bread. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

English muffin bread is light and airy with a slightly crisp crust, ideal for cool fall mornings. It takes just 15 minutes of active prep time, and the simple, mild flavor pairs perfectly with butter or jam—no pumpkin needed. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes fall mornings special. Even the kids will line up for another slice.
Get the Recipe: English Muffin Bread

Spiced Pear Cobbler

Spiced pear cobbler features juicy pears and a buttery biscuit topping, perfect for cooler fall days. In just 45 minutes, this dessert brings the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg without leaning on pumpkin spice. The soft pears melt into a sweet, spiced dish that captures fall perfectly. Your family won’t miss the pumpkin one bit.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Cobbler

Brown Butter Roasted Pecans

Brown butter roasted pecans combine honey and sage for a fall snack with a deep, nutty flavor. Ready in 20 minutes, these pecans deliver the sweet-savory punch of the season without any need for pumpkin spice. They’re a perfect fall snack for movie nights or gatherings. After a bite, you’ll forget all about pumpkin spice.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Roasted Pecans

Blackberry Crumble Pie

Blackberry crumble pie blends sweet blackberries with a buttery crust and a spiced crumble topping, perfect for fall. It takes about an hour to bake, and the rich, jam-like filling proves that fall desserts don’t need pumpkin spice. The crumb topping adds warmth to every bite. Your family might trade in their pumpkin pies for this one.
Get the Recipe: Blackberry Crumble Pie

Crunchy Baked Breakfast Granola

A baking sheet of pumpkin spice granola. — Crunchy Baked Breakfast Granola. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Crunchy baked granola with pumpkin seeds offers a sweet, spiced flavor with oats and seeds, ready in about 30 minutes. This fall-inspired breakfast option has all the autumn vibes without the pumpkin spice overload. Whether with yogurt or milk, it’s a crunchy start to your day. Suddenly, pumpkin spice feels a little overrated.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Baked Breakfast Granola

Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Spiced shortbread cookies blend cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a buttery, fall-inspired treat. They take 30 minutes to bake and fill the kitchen with seasonal aromas, no pumpkin necessary. The rich spices bring out the best flavors of fall. With cookies like these, you won’t even miss the pumpkin spice craze.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Shortbread Cookies

Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Chicken pot pie with tarragon gravy is a creamy, hearty fall dish, perfect for colder days. The pie takes about an hour to bake and is filled with chicken, vegetables, and a unique tarragon-flavored gravy—no pumpkin spice needed here. The warm, comforting flavors are all you need to feel the season. Your family might just ask for this every fall.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Tarragon Gravy

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

A butterscotch apple crumble in a cast iron skillet on a wooden cutting board. — Butterscotch Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Butterscotch apple crisp combines tart apples with a rich butterscotch sauce and a buttery streusel topping. In just 40 minutes, this dessert brings the warm flavors of fall without any hint of pumpkin. The bourbon butterscotch sauce deepens the sweetness as it bakes. One bite and you’ll forget pumpkin spice ever existed.
Get the Recipe: Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple cinnamon rolls bring all the best fall flavors in one soft, spiced treat filled with fresh apples. After just over an hour, these rolls deliver a cozy, autumnal flavor without the need for pumpkin spice. Topped with cream cheese frosting, each bite feels like fall wrapped in dough. Pumpkin spice has some serious competition with these.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Halloween Bark

A plate of chocolate bark with spider webs and plastic spiders on it. — Halloween Bark. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Halloween bark is a fun, two-ingredient chocolate treat that’s perfect for spooky fall celebrations. In just 20 minutes, dark and white chocolate combine to create a playful, festive design—no pumpkin required. The smooth, rich chocolate makes it a hit for Halloween gatherings. Pumpkin spice has nothing on this sweet fall treat.
Get the Recipe: Halloween Bark

Mini Apple Pies

Mini apple pies pack classic fall flavors into a flaky, bite-sized treat, blending apples, dates, and spices. They’re quick to bake, and the sweet-tart filling proves you don’t need pumpkin for the perfect fall dessert. These little pies are all about autumn’s best without the cliché. The family might just start a new fall tradition with these.
Get the Recipe: Mini Apple Pies