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pumpkin, apples & more:
10 fall recipes kids will love
Fall is one of the best seasons for cozy cooking. Between crisp apples, sweet pumpkins, warm spices, and hearty comfort foods, the flavors of autumn are perfect for creating family-friendly meals and treats. Even better? Most of these recipes are simple enough that your kids can help in the kitchen too.
Here are 10 fall recipes kids will love that are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for busy families.
pumpkins, apples & more:
10 fall recipes kids will love
1. Mini Pumpkin Muffins
This easy to make muffins come together fast and are a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Kids will love having these for a quick breakfast or even a snack to share. Bonus: These are a great make-ahead recipe
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
In one bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, mix pumpkin, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Don’t overmix.
Fill muffin cups ¾ full and bake 10–12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Another favorite on the list of 10 Fall Recipes Kids Will Love is apple cinnamon pancakes. What says fall more than apples and cinnamon! Perfect for weekends when you’re looking for an extra special breakfast. Trust me when I say, your kids will ask for this one again and again!
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
2 tbsp melted butter
1 apple, peeled and grated
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, and butter.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in grated apple.
Cook pancakes on a greased skillet until bubbles form, then flip.
3. Cheesy Pumpkin Quesadillas
This super easy recipe combines comforting flavors kids love with added nutrition moms love even more. Have your kids help prepare this yummy treat for dinner and personalize with their favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
4 flour tortillas
½ cup pumpkin puree
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
Butter for frying
Instructions:
Spread pumpkin puree on two tortillas. Sprinkle with cumin and garlic powder.
Add cheddar cheese, then top with remaining tortillas.
Heat butter in a skillet, cook each quesadilla until golden and cheese melts.
Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or sour cream.
4. Baked Apple Chips
Perfect for after school snacks, these baked apple chips are a must have on the list of 10 Fall Recipes Kids Will Love. Their crunchy texture is a great alternative to potato chips while giving kids a sweet, satisfying taste they’ll enjoy.
Ingredients:
2 apples, thinly sliced
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp sugar (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 225°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange apple slices in a single layer. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
Bake for 1 hour, flip, then bake another hour until crisp.
5. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
This creamy pasta dish is perfect for cool fall nights. Kids love mac and cheese for dinner so why not incorporate some hidden veggies and make this a nutritious one dish meal. Your kids will love the cheesy texture and you’ll love the easy cleanup!
Looking for more easy dinners your kids will love? Check out Easy 20-minute Dinners Every Busy Mom Will Love
Ingredients:
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar
½ tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package directions.
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree.
Add cheddar, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted.
Toss with pasta and serve warm.
Get ready to whip up
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6. Caramel Apple Slices
Kids are drawn to the combination of textures and tastes of sweet gooey caramel apple slices. This perfect afternoon snack can also be turned into a fun fall party activity. Create a caramel apple topping bar and have kids customize their apple slices with sprinkles, cookie pieces or chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
2 large apples, sliced into wedges
½ cup caramel sauce
¼ cup crushed pretzels or nuts (optional)
Instructions:
Dip each apple slice into caramel sauce.
Roll in pretzels or nuts for crunch (optional).
Place on parchment paper and refrigerate 10 minutes before serving.
7. Butternut Squash Soup (Kid-Friendly)
This easy soup recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The naturally sweet taste and creamy mild flavor makes this dish a fall favorite for kids.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash
2 carrots, chopped
3 cups vegetable broth
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion, squash, and carrots for 5 minutes.
Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until veggies are soft.
Blend until smooth. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg. Season to taste.
8. Pumpkin Energy Bites
Try this energy boosting fall snack that both moms and kids will love. Packed with healthy ingredients, pumpkin energy bites are an easy no-bake recipe and perfect for on-the-go.
Ingredients:
1 cup oats
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup honey
½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
Mix oats, peanut butter, pumpkin, honey, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Roll into small balls and refrigerate until firm.
9. Turkey and Cheese Crescent Roll-Ups
Kids will love this handheld turkey and cheese crescent roll-up and moms will love how easy it is to make. The flaky warm crescent roll makes it more exciting to eat than a regular sandwich. And the best part? You can make these for lunch, dinner or even a snack!
Ingredients:
1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
4 slices turkey
4 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Roll out crescent dough. Place turkey and cheese on each triangle.
Roll up and bake 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
10. Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
This festive fall drink is the classic taste of hot chocolate with a special twist. Kids will love adding their favorite toppings like mini marshmallows, whipped cream or cinnamon sticks.
Ingredients:
2 cups milk
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp sugar
¼ cup pumpkin puree
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
Heat milk in a saucepan. Whisk in cocoa, sugar, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice.
Stir until smooth and hot. Add vanilla.
Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
final thoughts
These kid-friendly fall recipes are cozy, easy, and fun for the whole family. Whether you’re whipping up a quick snack, a warm dinner, or a festive treat, fall flavors make everything taste just a little more special.
So, grab your kids, head to the kitchen, and start making memories together this season!
