10 autumn flavours served with a summer twist
Transition from sunny days to cosy autumn nights with recipes that blend vibrant summer flavours and comforting autumn ingredients, such as plums and squash
While many eagerly anticipate the cosy embrace of hearty casseroles and comforting crumbles in autumn, the lingering warmth of late summer can make embracing these classic fall dishes challenging. Enter a delightful compromise – recipes that bridge the gap between summer's vibrant flavours and autumn's comforting ingredients. Here you'll find our collection of dishes designed to seamlessly transition your palate from sunny days to dark and chilly autumn evenings.
For tips and tricks on staying cool during this heatwave, check out our article on heatwaves: our top recipes and tips and how to keep cool in a heatwave. For more information on heatwaves and their effect on our food, check out how will extreme heatwaves affect our foods? and what to eat and drink in a heatwave. Check out our heatwave recipes for more recipes.
1. Apple crumble sundae
This apple crumble sundae brings you all the comforting flavours of autumn, such as cinnamon and ginger, but in a cooling rather than warming form. It’s a simple, budget-friendly dessert that's perfect for settling your midweek sweet cravings, as it can be ready in just two simple steps.
Discover more ice cream sundae recipes.
2. Cider & blackberry ice lollies
The prime time for harvesting blackberries ranges from August through October. This cooling recipe is just the ticket for savouring the lingering summer warmth. The zesty blackberries combine seamlessly with the sweetness of dry cider, creating a spin on a frozen cocktail.
More like this
Discover more boozy ice lolly recipes.
3. Fig, burrata & proscuitto tartine
In warm weather, we turn to no-cook meals or those that require minimal prep. This fig, burrata & prosciutto tartine is an excellent option for a light lunch in hot weather as it makes the most of autumnal flavours, such as fig chutney, thyme, oregano and balsamic. It also only takes 5 minutes to cook too, so you're not stuck in a hot kitchen.
Discover more sweet and savoury fig recipes.
4. Autumn vegetable salad with saffron dressing
This stunning autumn salad makes a great side dish for up to six people, or can be enjoyed as a light lunch. It features stars of the autumn season, like carrots, courgettes, broccoli, tomatoes and olives, all griddled and topped with a saffron dressing. This healthy salad is vegan and gluten-free, too.
Discover more autumn salad recipes.
5. Plum & amaretti semifreddo
Impress your guests with this creamy ice cream flavoured with homemade sweet plum puree, almond liqueur, amaretti biscuits and meringue. It’s more effort to make but makes a great pudding for a crowd. It perfectly captures the essence of late summer.
Discover more semifreddo recipes.
6. Frozen blackberry fool
Bursting with the vibrant flavours of the season, this is a spectacular treat. It's effortless to prepare, requiring just five simple ingredients and 10 minutes of your time. You'll have a delightful dessert ready to grace your table in no time.
Discover more blackberry recipes to use up your glut of foraged fruits.
7. Ricotta dip with crushed tomatoes & bruschetta
Enhance your summer barbecue with this effortless, no-cook ricotta dip, paired that makes the most of seasonal tomatoes. Designed to feed up to 10 people, this is vegetarian and gluten-free and incredibly quick to assemble too, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. Plus, for added ease, follow along with our step-by-step tutorial to create a delectable appetiser.
Discover more ricotta recipes.
8. Roasted squash salad with creamy homemade labneh
Prepare for a mouthwatering adventure with this roasted squash salad, featuring a creamy homemade labneh, using Greek yogurt. Butternut squash is the star of the show in this recipe – brush with olive oil and roast in the oven until tender before placing on a bed of salad leaves and onion, then topping with pomegranate molasses, honey and a vinegar dressing.
Discover more roasted butternut squash recipes.
9. Pumpkin spice syrup
This pumpkin spice syrup is a great way to add autumnal flavours to your recipes. If you want to cool down in the sun while enjoying cinnamon, cloves and ginger, then add it to a milkshake or drizzle over some homemade vanilla ice cream.
Discover more sweet pumpkin recipes.
10. Squash & barley salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Enjoy a burst of flavour with this versatile salad, whether it's served piping hot or refreshingly chilled. It's a celebration of seasonal goodness featuring the best of autumn's bounty – butternut squash, broccoli, and red onion. Being entirely vegan, it's a crowd-pleaser that caters to various dietary preferences.
Find out how to use this versatile grain with our pearl barley recipes.
Enjoy this? Check out more of our autumnal content...
10 autumn lunch ideas
10 fig desserts to try this autumn
Top 10 most popular autumn recipes
Autumn family dinners
Autumn baking projects for kids
Top 10 autumn baking recipes
Top 10 autumn cocktail recipes
Top 10 autumn vegan recipes
Top 10 autumn storecupboard essentials
Our best pumpkin spice recipes
