The crisp autumn air is filled with the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg and baked apples. As the leaves change from green to gold and red, our thoughts turn to comfort and warmth. And nothing says cozy like a delicious fall dessert. Here are some heartwarming treats with an unexpected twist to spice up your autumn.
The classic apple pie is a hallmark of the fall season, but have you tried it with a dash of chili pepper? Just a pinch of crushed red pepper or a few chopped jalapeños added to the filling will give the sweet apples a kick of heat without overwhelming the other flavors. The spicy apple pie is sure to warm you from the inside out.
Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple, but for an extra special treat, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling. The boozy pumpkin pie will delight your adult guests with its decadent blend of fall flavors. You can also garnish each slice with a dollop of bourbon whipped cream for an over-the-top finale.
Nothing says fall like maple syrup. For a maple-inspired dessert with flair, make maple bacon blondies or maple bacon ice cream. The smoky saltiness of bacon pairs surprisingly well with sweet maple. Just a few crumbles of bacon add a savory counterpoint that takes the traditional fall flavors to the next level.
The comforting taste of pecan pie gets a kick from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Just blend a few chopped chipotles with the eggs, corn syrup and pecans before baking as usual. The spicy, smoky chipotles accent the nutty pecans and molassesy filling. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the heat.
Chai spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg are the flavors of fall. Add them to custard or pudding for a spiced dessert with an exotic twist. A cardamom-spiced crème brûlée, chai-spiced flan or Persian saffron pudding are unique ways to experience the warming spices of autumn. A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds extra fragrance and flavor.