Easy Post-Pumpkin Patch Ideas

Heading to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard is the ultimate fall activity for families and couples. You pick out the prettiest pumpkin in the patch and take it home. But now what? Of course, there's always pumpkin carving — but pumpkin carving isn't for everyone. What else can you do with that perfect pumpkin, or those apples you spent all afternoon choosing? At CreditBox, we've put together a list of easy and affordable dessert recipes for your fall finds. 

Pumpkin Pie 
When it comes to cheap dessert recipes for fall, you can't go wrong with a pie fresh from the pumpkin patch after an afternoon of pumpkin carving. It's delicious, easy and the perfect dessert for autumn. You'll need:  

1 pie crust (or use a recipe to make your own) 
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla 
¼ teaspoon salt 
¾ teaspoon cinnamon 
¾ teaspoon powdered ginger 
¼ cup packed brown sugar 
2 cups pumpkin puree 
½ cup whole milk 
1 cup heavy cream 
¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix all of the ingredients (except the crust) in a large bowl. Pour the mix into your crust. Bake for about an hour or until the crust is golden brown. Allow it to cool to room temperature before enjoying. Adding ice cream or whip cream on the side will make this treat even better.

Pumpkin Bread 
If you prefer cheap dessert recipes that are still sweet but not too indulgent, give this pumpkin bread a try. It makes for a great breakfast treat, too. 

½ cup vegetable oil 
1 and ¾ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 
2 cups pureed pumpkin 
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda 
½ teaspoon baking powder 
½ teaspoon salt 

Grease two 8x4-inch loaf pans and preheat your oven to 325F. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, sugar and wet ingredients until they're well-blended. Whisk in the remaining dry ingredients. Pour half of the batter into each pan. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 

Apple Pie 
If you don't have a classic apple pie recipe in your family, and you have fresh apples from the orchard, check this recipe out. This apple pie is quick and so delicious. 

6 peeled, thinly sliced, medium apples
2 refrigerated pie crusts 
1 tablespoon lemon juice 
¾ teaspoon cinnamon 
¼ teaspoon salt 
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg 
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 

Preheat your oven to 425F. Press one pie crust into a glass pie dish. Mix all of the apple pie recipe ingredients (with the exception of the other pie crust) in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into the dish. Place the other crust on top, and secure the edges together so that the two crusts connect. Cut a few slits in the top of the pie. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. 

Trips to the pumpkin patch can be expensive, especially while you're paying for everyday life at the same time. Luckily, you can apply for extra funds at CreditBox. If you have any questions before applying, visit our frequently asked questions page or call 888.669.4227 to speak to a friendly customer support representative.