Fall begins the migration from lots of fun in the sun to months spent enjoying the best indoor activities.
So there’s no better way to embrace the season than by filling your apartment with the warm, inviting aromas of freshly baked treats.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to try your hand at something new, fall offers the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen.
Here at 363 Bond Street Apartments, we believe that Brooklyn apartment living is all about enjoying the simple pleasures—like the joy of baking delicious seasonal treats right at home.
Here are a few favorites you can try your hand out!
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
No fall baking adventure is complete without something pumpkin spice-flavored.
These muffins are not only easy to make, but they’re also perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
The best part? The aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your apartment will make it feel like fall has truly arrived.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice or water
- Optional: Cinnamon sugar for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and orange juice (or water).
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Apple Cinnamon Bread
Celebrate the season with a loaf of homemade apple cinnamon bread.
Made with fresh apples and a hint of nutmeg, this bread is perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any extra apples you might have after a trip to a local orchard.
Baking this bread will fill your apartment with the comforting scents of fall, making it a cozy haven for the season.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt) and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Maple Pecan Cookies
These chewy, buttery cookies are a fall favorite, thanks to the winning combination of maple syrup and toasted pecans which creates a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cooler weather.
Best of all, they’re quick to whip up, so they’re the perfect treat for a spontaneous baking session.
Enjoy them fresh out of the oven while watching the leaves change colors from the comfort of your apartment.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Spiced Pear Galette
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both elegant and easy, try your hand at a spiced pear galette (pronounced guh-let).
This rustic French pastry is made with a simple crust, layered with sliced pears, and sprinkled with warming spices like cinnamon and ginger. It’s a perfect dish to impress guests or to enjoy as a treat for yourself.
The galette’s golden crust and tender pears make it a beautiful centerpiece for any fall gathering.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
For the filling:
- 3-4 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 tbsp milk or cream (for brushing)
Instructions:
Make the crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make the filling:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced pears with sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and lemon juice.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Arrange the pear slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the pears, pleating as needed.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter and brush the crust with milk or cream.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the pears are tender.
- Allow the galette to cool slightly before serving.
Chai-Spiced Pumpkin Pie
Take the classic pumpkin pie up a notch with a chai-spiced twist.
Infuse your pumpkin filling with a blend of chai spices—think cardamom, ginger, and cloves—for a pie that’s bursting with flavor.
Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any fall dinner party.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
For the filling:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Make the crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make the filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before serving.
Fill Your Brooklyn Apartment with the Warmth and Flavors of Fall
Baking at home is one of the many joys of Brooklyn apartment living, especially during the fall when the city’s energy slows down, and the cozy comforts of home become all the more appealing.
Whether you’re sharing your creations with friends or enjoying them solo, these fall baking ideas are sure to make your apartment feel warm and inviting.
So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the fall baking adventures begin!