Fall is the perfect time to gather friends and family for cozy baking sessions. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a relaxed weekend get-together, these easy, fun baking projects add warmth and flavor to any celebration—from pumpkin treats to apple desserts—creating tasty memories for everyone.
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
Pumpkin spice cupcakes are a classic fall choice and a fun group activity. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners. In a bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 eggs. Stir in 1 cup canned pumpkin. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then mix into the wet ingredients until smooth. Fill the liners and bake about 20 minutes. Let cool before decorating.
For the frosting, beat 8 oz cream cheese with 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and mix until creamy. Set out toppings like chopped nuts, caramel drizzle, and sprinkles so guests can decorate their own cupcakes.
Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Apple cinnamon rolls are warm and comforting—and perfect for a shared baking project. Proof 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast in 1/2 cup warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar for 5 minutes. Add 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup softened butter; knead until smooth. Cover and rise about 1 hour. For the filling, mix 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling, and sprinkle 1 finely chopped apple over it. Roll up and slice into 12 pieces.
Place slices in a greased pan, cover and let rise 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes. Drizzle with a glaze made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Guests can help mix, roll, slice, and glaze.
Caramel Apple Decorating Station
A caramel apple station is great for all ages. Wash and dry 8 medium apples, then insert wooden sticks. Melt 1 cup caramel candies with 1 tablespoon water over low heat until smooth. Dip each apple to coat, let excess drip off, and set on parchment to cool.
Set out toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers. Guests can dip and roll their apples in chocolate or caramel and add their favorite toppings.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Pumpkin cheesecake bars are creamy and easy to make ahead. For the crust, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Press into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. For the filling, beat 2 packages cream cheese with 1 cup sugar until smooth, then add 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
Pour the filling over the crust and bake 35–40 minutes, or until set. Cool completely before slicing into squares. Guests can help press the crust, pour the filling, and cut the bars.
Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
Cinnamon sugar pretzels are fun to make together. Dissolve 2 teaspoons yeast in 1 cup warm water with 1 tablespoon sugar for 5 minutes. Add 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Knead until smooth, cover, and let rise 1 hour. Divide the dough into balls, roll into ropes, and twist into pretzels.
Bring 4 cups water to a boil, add 1/4 cup baking soda, and dip each pretzel for about 30 seconds. Place on a greased baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse salt, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes. After baking, toss in a cinnamon-sugar mix for a sweet finish. Guests can help roll and dip the pretzels.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzel Rods
Chocolate-dipped pretzel rods are simple and customizable. Melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Dip each pretzel rod in the chocolate and add toppings like mini marshmallows, crushed candy corn, or chopped nuts. Let set on parchment for 20–30 minutes.
Create a toppings station so guests can personalize their rods—an easy, kid-friendly activity with a crunchy center and rich chocolate coating.
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes
Cinnamon sugar donut holes are bite-sized and fun to make. Mix 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in 1/4 cup milk, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon melted butter until smooth. Roll into small balls and fry in hot oil 2–3 minutes until golden. Toss warm in cinnamon sugar.
This simple setup lets guests make, coat, and enjoy their own donut holes right away.
Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves
Decorating mini pumpkin loaves is an easy party activity. Combine 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 eggs. Mix in 1 cup pumpkin puree. In another bowl, whisk 1 3/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; combine with wet ingredients. Pour into greased mini loaf pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once cooled, set out icing, whipped cream, nuts, and spices so guests can decorate their own loaves.
Mini Pumpkin Pies
Mini pumpkin pies are great for portioned treats and decorating. For the crust, combine 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup cold butter until crumbly. Add 4–5 tablespoons cold water until dough forms. Roll out and cut rounds to fit muffin tins.
For the filling, whisk 1 can pumpkin puree with 2 eggs, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ginger. Spoon into crusts and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until set. Cool and top with whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon.
S’mores Cupcakes
S’mores cupcakes capture campfire flavors in a cupcake. Mix 1 cup crushed graham crackers with 1/4 cup melted butter and 1 tablespoon sugar; press a bit into each cupcake liner and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. For the batter, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Add 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 egg; mix until smooth. Pour over the graham cracker crust and bake 18–20 minutes.
Top each cupcake with a toasted marshmallow and drizzle with melted chocolate. Set out extra marshmallows, chocolate, and graham cracker pieces for guests to customize.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and simple to make together. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 egg, and 1 cup pumpkin puree. Stir in 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth. Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Guests can shape the cookies and add mix-ins like raisins or nuts.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Maple pecan pie bars are rich and perfect for serving a crowd. For the crust, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup cold butter; press into a greased 9×13-inch dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. For the filling, mix 1 cup maple syrup, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans and pour over the partially baked crust.
Bake another 30–35 minutes until set, then cool and slice into squares. Guests can finish the bars with extra pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
