Taste of the South Fall Baking 2022

WHEN I’M BAKING, I look for straightforward recipes that let a few central ingredients shine. With two kids running around, my wife and I search for recipes that can be made without much fuss. That is the beauty of the Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies (page 10). We can make the filling and cookies separately in advance and then finish making them before guests arrive. Throughout this special collection of Taste of the South favorites, you’ll find quite a few dishes that fit that bill. We’ve scoured our archives looking for baked goods that are as easy as they are delicious and satisfying. From Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Butter Frosting (page 44) to the Apple, Oat, and Molasses Skillet Cookie (page 15), I know there will be plenty of recipes my…

PECAN PIE THUMBPRINT COOKIES MAKES 60 A handheld version of this beloved pie will be a welcome addition to your fall sweets repertoire. FILLING ¾ cup chopped pecans½ cup sugar⅓ cup dark corn syrup2½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted1 large egg½ teaspoon vanilla extract⅛ teaspoon kosher salt COOKIES 4 cups pecan halves2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided1 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg, divided2 cups unsalted butter, softened1⅓ cups sugar4 egg yolks2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided4 cups all-purpose flour 1. For filling: In a medium saucepan, stir together pecans, sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt. 2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Let cool to room temperature before using. 3. For cookies: In the work bowl of a food processor, place pecan halves, 1…

CARAMEL APPLE COFFEE CAKE MAKES 1 (10-INCH) CAKE Southerners are no strangers to recipes that can double as breakfast or dessert, and this yummy cake will hit the spot no matter when you slice it. CAKE 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided1 cup chopped pecans, divided½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar, divided2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided½ cup plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and divided¾ cup granulated sugar½ cup Gala apple, unpeeled and diced into ¼-inch pieces2 large eggs¾ cup applesauce1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon baking powder APPLE CARAMEL SAUCE ½ cup cane syrup½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar½ cup apple juice4 tablespoons unsalted butter¼ cup warm heavy whipping cream 1. Preheat oven to 350˚. Spray a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with baking spray with flour. 2. For cake: In a medium bowl, whisk…

APPLE COBBLER WITH CARDAMOM BISCUITS MAKES ABOUT 8 SERVINGS We brought new layers of flavor to apple cobbler with bourbon-soaked dried apricots. FILLING 1 cup dried apricots, diced6 tablespoons bourbon8 medium Gala apples, peeled and sliced (about 8 cups)⅓ cup firmly packed light brown sugar¼ teaspoon ground allspice½ teaspoon vanilla extract BISCUITS 2½ cups all-purpose flour¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon ground cardamom¾ teaspoon kosher salt½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed1 cup cold whole buttermilk1 large egg1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream 1. For filling: In a small bowl, combine apricots and bourbon. Cover and let stand for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. 2. In a large pot, add apricot mixture, apples, brown sugar, and allspice; stir to combine. Cook over medium heat until apples begin to soften, 10 to 15 minutes.…

PUMPKIN SPICE BISCUITS MAKES ABOUT 10 Blissful all by themselves, these biscuits are even better slathered with spiced butter. HOMEMADE PUMPKIN SPICE 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon1 tablespoon ground nutmeg1 tablespoon ground ginger2 teaspoons ground allspice BISCUITS 2½ cups self-rising flour½ cup granulated sugar¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed¾ cup whole buttermilk, chilled2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted PUMPKIN SPICE BUTTER ½ cup unsalted butter, softened⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1. For spice: In a small bowl, stir together cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice until combined. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 year. 2. Preheat oven to 425°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. For biscuits: In a large bowl, stir together flour, granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon Homemade Pumpkin Spice. Using a fork, cut cubed butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs…

BREADS Apple-Ginger Strudel 77 Pear and Butternut Squash Pull-Apart Bread 89 Persimmon Biscuits 93 Pumpkin–Chocolate Chip Streusel Loaf 80 Pumpkin Spice Biscuits 76 Pumpkin Spice Latte Sweet Rolls 84 Rutabaga Rolls 96 Sausage-Pecan Cornbread 81 Sweet Cornbread Muffins with Sweet Potato–Cream Cheese Frosting 92 Sweet Potato Muffins with Bacon 85 Whole Wheat Molasses Rolls 88 BROWNIES & BARS Caramel Apple Bars 27 Fig Pound Cake Crumb Bars 14 Molasses Sweet Potato Bars 18 Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Blondies 11 CAKES Apple Butter–Caramel Cake 48 Apple Custard Cake 33 Brown Sugar Pound Cake 40 Caramel Apple Coffee Cake 32 Chocolate Cheesecake 41 Gingerbread Cake with Pecan–Cream Cheese Frosting and Praline Drizzle 36 Pear-Almond Skillet Cake 45 Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Butter Frosting 44 Sweet Potato & Cranberry Upside-Down Cake 49 Sweet Potato Sheet Cake 37 COOKIES Apple Butter Whoopie Pies 22 Apple, Oat, and Molasses Skillet Cookie 15 Chocolate-Dipped Spice Cookies 23 Fudge Lava Cookies 19 Pecan Pie Pinwheels 26 Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies…