12 autumn dessert ideas

Autumn in the UK brings with it a bounty of delicious fruit. Trees are heavy with juicy pears, crunchy apples and sweet plums, while bushes heave with blackberries and autumn fruiting raspberries. An autumn dinner party or Sunday lunch can make the most of what's available, and a trip to the farmer's market is sure to turn up interesting and unusual heritage varieties of our favourite ingredients. If you're looking for an easy fruity dinner party dessert recipe try one of these tasty autumnal puddings.

Blackberry and apple upside down cake

Nothing says autumn like the combination of blackberry and apple, and here they combine in a deliciously moreish upside down cake that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Recipe: Blackberry and apple upside down cake

Roast plum crumble with vanilla yoghurt

These sweet and juicy plums are topped with a nutty gluten-free crumble topping and a dollop of vanilla yoghurt. It’s a great way to use up not-quite-ripe plums and they’ll turn soft and tender in the oven.

Recipe: Roast plum crumble with vanilla yoghurt

Apple, blackberry and elderberry squidgy pudding

This sweet and squidgy autumn dessert is comfort in a bowl as the nights get longer and colder.

Recipe: Apple, blackberry and elderberry squidgy pudding

Roasted orchard fruits

This gorgeously sweet autumn dessert is perfect for large gatherings because it’s suitable for many dietary requirements being gluten-free and easily made dairy-free. Autumn fruit such as pears and blackberries are flavoured with warming cloves, star anise and cinnamon.

Recipe: Roasted orchard fruits

Plum frangipane tart

If you’re lucky enough to be overrun with plums in September this delicious recipe is a great way of using them up. You could use quince instead, if you prefer, in which case roast the quince beforehand to soften them up.

Recipe: Plum frangipane tart

Earl Grey poached pears

These pears gently poached in fragrant Earl Grey tea and lightly drizzled with a rich chocolate sauce make a delicious healthy dessert that’s low in fat but full of flavour.

Recipe: Earl Grey poached pears

Pumpkin cheesecake

In autumn or winter a delicious slice of spiced pumpkin cheesecake is just the thing to round off a dinner party or pair with a cup of steaming coffee.

Recipe: Pumpkin cheesecake

Baked pears in sherry

One of the easiest dessert recipes you can think of, this recipe from Diana Henry is so quick to throw together and ideal for those last-minute family Sunday lunches. Serve with crème fraiche, ice cream or cream.

Recipe: Baked pears in sherry

Fig and pecan parkin slices

Nothing says Bonfire Night like a chunk of traditional Yorkshire parkin, but why eat it just once a year? This recipe uses treacle for a rich flavour and dried figs and pecan nuts for crunch.

Recipe: Fig and pecan parkin

Easy apple crumble

There aren’t many puddings easier than a classic apple crumble, and what’s even better is how simple it is to adjust to suit your tastes. Add cinnamon and sultanas for a strudel-style filling, or a handful of blackberries or spoonful of jam for extra sweetness.

Recipe: Easy apple crumble

Thin tart of pears

Thinly sliced pears are baked on a bed of rich almond cream and crumbly puff pastry to make this decadent autumn pudding that’s served with a dollop of crème fraîche.

Recipe: Thin tart of pears

Pear and almond pudding cake

Cook this gorgeous pudding cake recipe by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and be sure to leave enough to enjoy cold the next day with a cup of tea.

Recipe: Pear and almond pudding cake

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