Nothing sets the mood better on a fall day than going to a pumpkin patch, seeing a scary movie or making a leaf pile outside with friends and family. But the day is never complete until you can come home and enjoy a favorite fall recipe of your choosing, whether it be apple cider, pumpkin spice chai or a slice of banana bread.
Yet, as college students, we are on a budget – and making these recipes in a communal kitchen is arguably even worse than going out and buying them. Because of this, we have created a list of some of the easier fall recipes that you can make in a Chatham dorm or apartment while on a budget. We hope you enjoy.
Click any of the following treats to find their corresponding recipes.
Students can make simple syrups at home that are great for coffee, tea and fun warm drinks while also saving some flex for another day.
For variations in flavor, try using dark brown sugar, vanilla paste, caramelized banana or different herbs and spices. Homemade simple syrups typically last a month when stored in a refrigerator.
Another great microwave-friendly recipe is a classic mug cake – in around 10 minutes, including preparation, you will have a perfectly warm single-serve cake that pairs with a scoop of ice cream of your choosing on the top.
Also see: cinnamon roll mug cake, single serve apple crisp and mug pumpkin pie.
This recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and about 10-15 minutes, with no baking needed. For those without a stove, microwave heat ingredients in intervals, stirring in between.
Set the cookies in the refrigerator and invite friends over to enjoy these cookies over a cozy movie.
Practically all tiramisu recipes you can find on the internet involve no baking, microwaving or heat component, which is great news for the average dorm resident. Simply mix and layer your ingredients, then set and forget the dish in the refrigerator for a few days until it is ready to eat.
Similarly to tiramisu, this recipe requires no baking or microwaving – just assemble a crew of people equally committed to hand rolling some truffles with you. And also maybe have them help you find some extra room in the refrigerator and take home treats when you are done.
Store-bought treats
While students can do their best to make as many recipes as they desire, sometimes there is a night class or assignment that needs to get done and leaves no time left. Sometimes we are just tired. IF that is the case, keep an eye out for seasonal treats during the next grocery trip.
- Pillsbury ready-to-bake pumpkin shape cookies
- Stroopwafels
- Tazo pumpkin spice tea concentrate
- Trader Joe’s fall harvest salsa
- Trader Joe’s maple leaf ice cream sandwiches
- Chobani pumpkin greek yogurt
- Stōk pumpkin cold brew
