MAKE IT CUTE

Pumpkin pie, patches and coffee. Fall calls for ~literally~ all things pumpkin, but our mental cookbooks can only handle so much of the same flavor. Step aside pumpkin, the next big flavor of the season is going from hiding in the backseat to sitting front and center in our kitchens—apple cider. 

In other words, pumpkin spice fall is out, and apple autumn is *so* in.

Breakfast Pull-Apart Bread

@sarah_kieffer

We've got yet another reason why you shouldn't be skipping out on breakfast. This pull-apart bread is the perfect mix of your typical morning cinnamon roll bun and a crunchy French toast. While you could totally include apple chunks in the dough, using apple cider gives the bread a fluffier consistency and an apple-packed bite in every pull. Step this recipe up with some apple cinnamon in your icing rather than going with a traditional vanilla-flavored glaze.

Doughnuts with a pumpkin twist 

@f00dventures Ive been makign these apple cider donuts religiously for the last few years. Pairee them with homemade apple cider caramel this year and holy cow so good! #appleciderdonuts #donuts #cozyvibes #fallvibes #fallaesthetic #fallbaking #romanticizeyourlife #cottagecoreaesthetic #gilmoregirls #bakeddonuts #ciderdonuts ♬ original sound - gilmoregirlstok

OK, it wouldn't really be fall if we didn't include at least a tiny bit of pumpkin somewhere. These apple cider doughnuts are not just apple-flavor friendly, but they also embrace all things pumpkin spice. Using a pumpkin-shaped mold, simply pour your batter in and bake! While your cuties are in the oven, mix up some apple cider caramel in a bowl. Use a spoon to drizzle the caramel on top of your doughnuts, and sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top for allll those sugar and spice vibes.

Don't be afraid to add a scoop of ice cream to this sweet tooth-saver! Cut your doughnut in half and add vanilla or even maple-flavored ice cream for a fall-inspired whoopie pie.

Dairy-free apple cider marshmallows

@makeitdairyfree

Dairy-free Rice Krispies anyone? Yep, these mini apple cider marshmallows give all those fall feels while being totally vegan. Whether you're just eating these on their own or adding them to a drink, these little apple bites are too good to pass up.

Are you a s'more girlie? You can melt these marshmallows to make an apple pie dip! In a pan, line the bottom with apple pie filling. Then, place a layer of these apple cider marshmallows over top. Bake in the oven, and when ready, use graham crackers as dippers.

Apple cider cinnamon milkshake 

@thedrinksmooth

Let's be real: It wouldn't really be cider season without an apple cider bev. While a warm cup of apple cider can satisfy our apple cravings quickly, switching to a chilled version of this autumn classic can equally do the trick. For this must-have milkshake, just toss these three ingredients in a blender: vanilla ice cream, apple cider and cinnamon (yep, it's seriously that easy)! Garnish with some whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. Bring this easy-to-make bev to your next afternoon picnic or spooky Halloween party—either way, your dessert will be the talk of the night. 

Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies

@inbloombakery APPLE CIDER CHEESECAKE COOKIES🍎✨ Super chewy apple cider spiced cookies stuffed with creamy cheesecake filling, brushed with butter & sprinkled with spiced sugar. The key to lots of apple cider flavor without adding too much moisture to the cookies is reducing the apple cider A LOT. Like you’re going to almost make a hard candy with it, you can see how hard and sticky it gets, but this will allow the cookies to stay super chewy while adding a strong apple flavor! And we’re stuffing them with cream cheese for good measure, but if you’d rather, you can leave the cheesecake part out ❤️ #applecidercookie #applecider #cheesecakecookies #applecookies #fallbaking #fallcookies ♬ Moonlight Serenade - Glenn Miller

Picture this: You've finally got the courage to watch a scary movie with the girls but are lacking a salty, sweet snack. This 3-in-1 dessert has *so* got you covered. Apple cider cheesecake cookies have that salty, sweet combo that bring the fall vibes right to your tastebuds. After you take your cookies out of the oven, you can even lightly brush some butter on top and sprinkle a dash of nutmeg for some extra flavor! 

What apple cider treat are you making this fall? Tag us in your sweet snacks @girlslifemag!

Slider image: @mel.martinez
Top image:  @julesdenby
All GIFs via GIPHY

by Annika Chaves | 11/3/2023