5 Easy Autumn Bakes for the Homebaker That are Fun, Delicious and Effortless

There is no better season than autumn, to put your baking gear on. Most are one-tray bakes and are done in a jiffy. If you are new to baking and want the flavors of autumn on your plate, this one’s for you.

What spells autumn better in India than its seasonal fruits, dried fruits, and chocolate? The season might be subtle and blink-and-you-miss-it, but it certainly becomes cozier after sundown.

As the nights become longer and days shorter and it gets more difficult to go about your day, especially work, baking up comforting snacks is in order. Bake them in bulk and refrigerate them for days when you crave a sweet confection but are unable to bake, cook, or don’t feel like eating outside.

Cough, cold, and fever are staples of the season and a little cheer-me-up treat is definitely in order for such days! As the seasonal depression kicks in, why not try these classic bakes for your next baking escapade?

1. Apple Crisp

An American classic, Apple Crisp is an autumn favorite made with the abundantly available apples. Sliced apples are tossed with cinnamon and brown sugar, then baked under a crispy oat and nut topping mixed with chocolate chips or broken chocolate bits.

As the crisp bakes, its topping turns golden brown. Inside, the apples soften into a sweet yet tangy filling. The apples' sweetness pairs well with salty walnuts and chocolate bits. Together these create an indulgent treat. Though few ingredients, apple crisp transforms seasonal fruit into a comforting dessert. The topping crisps while the apples melt into the filling. Walnuts crunch against chocolate providing contrast.

2. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Banana and chocolate surprisingly complement each other. The overripe mashed banana provides natural sweetness and makes the bread moist, while the tiny chocolate chips add bursts of chocolatey goodness in each bite.

The speckled with dark and milk chocolate chips become soft and gooey as they bake. For the garnish, you can add a sprinkling of cinnamon to add more flavor to the chocolatey banana bread. It makes for the perfect afternoon companion with a cup of tea or coffee and can also be eaten for breakfast or as a snack on the go.

3. Chocolate Coconut Bars

Some desserts are meant for lazy days, and no-bake chocolate coconut bars fit the bill perfectly. Chocolate coconut bars strike a fine balance between coconut and dark chocolate; this bar is easy to make and a must-try for those who love coconut.

With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of coconutty goodness without using the oven. Start by crushing dry crackers or cookies into fine crumbs and mixing with melted butter to form a sandy base. Add grated coconut and chocolate bits to the top and refrigerate. After a couple of hours, the mixture sets in to reveal a fudgy interior.

The coconut provides structure and crunch, and the bar should break cleanly to reveal chunks of deep, dark chocolate scattered throughout. The chocolate adds rich cocoa notes and creaminess when you bite into a bar. You can enjoy them at room temperature or chilled.

4. Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

The aroma of this baked goodie is irresistible like the combination of oatmeal and chocolate. The flavors are well-balanced in this cookie, with the chocolate and oats complementing each other. The addition of oats adds more nutritional value while maintaining the moisture content of the cookies.

Simply mix together oats, brown sugar, butter, and an egg before adding in the chocolate pieces. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and watch them spread into flat, cakey rounds speckled with chocolate. Fresh from the oven, their warm aroma will fill your home with the coziness reminiscent of bonfires in the hills.

5. Mug brownies

Nothing quite says autumn like mug makes, especially warm brownies during balmy autumn evenings. While traditional brownies require precise measurements and baking time, the mug version simplifies the process so you can enjoy homemade warmth with minimal effort.

All you need is a few basic pantry staples like cocoa powder, sugar, flour, eggs, and melted chocolate to create this cozy treat right in your favorite mug. Simply combine the dry ingredients in the mug before adding the wet - the mug acts as your mixing and baking vessel.

Give it a quick stir to combine and then your microwave becomes the oven, heating the mixture until a fudgy center forms. As it bakes, the aroma of chocolate will fill your kitchen, transporting your senses straight to a cozy cafe. Mug brownies are the epitome of easy baking - all the chocolatey satisfaction with none of the mess or stress.