Autumn has arrived in the northern hemisphere, and as the leaves drop, the porcini poke through the forest floor, branches droop heavy with apples, pumpkins litter the fields, and chestnuts peep out of their prickly shells, it's time to embrace the season's bounty in the kitchen.
After all, as the long nights draw in, what says home more than the welcoming scent of a gently spiced apple cake fresh from the oven, a slice of freshly baked honey and pumpkin pie, or a tray of warm ready-to-eat fragrant cinnamon buns?
With that in mind we've rounded up a selection of our favourite seasonal bakes and cakes, both sweet and savoury, that say autumn has arrived.
Recipe round-up: soups and stews for autumn
Autumnal Bakes and Cakes
Red bean mooncake with salted egg yolk
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with good-luck 'mooncakes'. Have a go at making your own in this very accessible savoury recipe from Kristina Cho's new cookbook, Mooncakes and Milk Bread.
Double apple crumble cake by Claire Saffitz
US baker, Claire Saffitz of Dessert Person fame shares her easy apple cake recipe that keeps well for up to four days, making it the perfect weekend do ahead cake.
Caramelised honey and pumpkin pie by Claire Saffitz
Another easy fall/winter bake from baking guru, Saffitz. This one is best eaten the day after baking.
Hazelnut cake with buttercream
This gluten-free bake harnesses the sweet nuttiness of the seasonal hazelnuts, smothered in a creamy and tangy buttercream.
Chocolate chestnut cake
Chocolate and chestnuts are the best of friends in this perfect cake combination. Why not give it a try.
Pear and star anise cupcakes
Fruity and aromatic, these understated yet sophisticated seasonal treats come into their own in the fall.
Apple crisp and cinnamon cupcakes
These cinnamon, walnut and apple cups crowned with crisp apple slices, citrus cream cheese and a liberal dusting of cinnamon announce autumn's arrival in style.
Pear and Roquefort quiche
For a seasonal savoury bake, things don't get much better than this quiche of spicy Roquefort tamed by sweet pear, housed inside flaky pastry.
Parsnip cake with cinnamon
Parsnips and seasonal spice marry to make this a easy seasonal union for any occasion.
Coffee cake with cinnamon cream
This easy coffee cake sponge topped off with a velvety cinnamon cream serves as the perfect tea time cake.
Cinnamon buns
Master these tasty and moreish cinnamon buns and you'll make friends for life.
Apple scones
Scones are one of the easiest tea-time treats to bake for unexpected visitors. Try adding in some apple for seasonal effect.
Ginger parkin cake
This traditional British dessert harnesses the power of oatmeal and black treacle with a spicy twist. Make it a couple of days ahead of when you need it to allow the flavours to mellow.
Chocolate soufflé with pears
Personalise your individual chocolate soufflés with a seasonal pear in this easy recipe.
Apple and pear crumble
Apples and pears are natural allies in this twist on a favourite British dessert. You won't regret rolling your sleeves up and having a go.