Cafe Sunday: At-Home Coffee Shop Fall Menu

Huma Naz
Nov 9
6 min read

This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost from you.

Last year, I hosted a winter-themed at-home cafe( check it out!) for my dietitian friends, and it was such a hit that I knew I had to do it again—this time embracing the cozy, colorful vibes of fall! With Cafe Sunday only open seasonally, I wanted to bring out a full autumn menu that celebrated the flavors and warmth of the season.

The house was filled with the charm of fall leaves, soft autumn lighting, and a vibe that immediately put everyone in a cozy, seasonal mood. Drinks were a highlight, from a refreshing apple cider refresher to a comforting pumpkin pie latte, each customizable to taste—perfect for sipping while mingling and catching up on our career highlights and goals.

Of course, no cafe is complete without a menu that delights the senses, and I went for a sweet and light spread featuring the best of fall produce. Guests enjoyed fresh apple pie parfaits, a vibrant harvest pasta salad, and autumn veggie flatbreads topped with seasonal favorites like pumpkin puree, spinach, bell peppers, and a touch of cheese. To round it all out with a touch of comfort, I served red bean chili cups, which were warm, hearty, and perfect for the crisp fall weather.

It was such a joy seeing everyone relax, enjoy the flavors of the season, and connect over food. Recreating the cozy, cafe-at-home experience reminded me why I love these seasonal gatherings—they’re a chance to celebrate the beauty of each season, the versatility of fresh ingredients, and, most importantly, good company.

Apple Cider Refresher- Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 cup apple cider chilled)
1 cup sparkling water (or club soda)
2 tbsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tbsp. maple syrup or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
4–6 ice cubes
Apple slices (for garnish)
Cinnamon sticks (optional, for garnish)

Instructions: In a pitcher, mix chilled apple cider, lemon juice, and maple syrup until blended. Add sparkling water just before serving, then pour over ice. Garnish each glass with apple slices and a cinnamon stick — enjoy!

Spiced Pumpkin Pie Latte- Serves 2

Ingredients

1½ cups milk (dairy or oat/almond)
½ cup strong coffee or 2 espresso shots
3 tbsp. pumpkin purée
1 tbsp. maple syrup (or to taste)
½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice (plus more for topping)
½ tsp. vanilla extract
Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions: Heat milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, spice, and vanilla until hot and frothy. Stir in coffee or espresso and pour into two mugs. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Caramel Apple Parfait- Makes 6 small cups

Ingredients

3 medium apples, diced
1 tbsp. coconut oil or butter
1½ tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
2 cups Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
3 tbsp. nut or seed butter
2 tbsp. date syrup (for “caramel”)
½ tsp. vanilla extract
½–¾ cup granola or crushed nuts, for topping

Instructions

Cook apples: Sauté diced apples with coconut oil, cinnamon, and maple syrup for 5–6 minutes until tender and slightly golden.
Make date caramel: Whisk together nut butter, date syrup, and vanilla until smooth and glossy (add a teaspoon of warm water if too thick).
Assemble: In six small cups, layer Greek yogurt, spiced apples, and a drizzle of date caramel. Repeat layers and top with granola or nuts.

Pecan Crunch Coffee Muffins: Makes 10-12 muffins

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup rolled oats
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter
1 large egg
½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
½ cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)

Optional crunchy topping:

2 tbsp. chopped pecans
1 tbsp. rolled oats

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin.
In a bowl, whisk flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, mix yogurt, maple syrup, melted oil, egg, and coffee.
Gently fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined — do not overmix. Fold in pecans.
Spoon batter into muffin cups, sprinkle with pecans and oats if desired, and bake 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cream Cheese & Pumpkin Pastries- About 9 servings

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
¼ cup pumpkin purée
1 tbsp. brown sugar
¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp. vanilla extract
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp. maple syrup (for cream cheese mixture)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In one bowl, mix pumpkin purée, brown sugar, spice, and vanilla; in another, blend cream cheese with maple syrup until smooth. Cut puff pastry into 9 squares, spoon a little pumpkin filling in the center of each, then add a small dollop of cream cheese on top. Brush pastry edges with egg wash and bake 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Harvest Pasta Salad with Apple Cider Dressing - 6 small cups

Ingredients

1 cup fall-shaped pasta or tri-colored pasta
½ cup beets, roasted and diced
½ cup carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
1 cup kale, stems removed and chopped
½ cup bell peppers, diced (red or yellow for color)
Optional: 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds for topping

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and let cool.
Steam or lightly massage kale to soften.
In a large bowl, gently combine pasta, beets, carrots, kale, and bell peppers.
Divide into 6 small cups and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Apple cider Vinaigrette: (Makes about ½ cup, enough for 6 small cups of salad)

Ingredients

3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. maple syrup or honey
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper

Instructions: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. You can drizzle this over each salad cup or pour intro mnii dressing containers to serve with your salad cups(shown in my photo above).

You can also pair this with a ready-made Apple Cider Vinaigrette from Side Dish ( Shop link with a 15% discount! or use HUMARD15 at checkout). Free from seed oils, gluten, dairy, preservatives, and refined sugar.

Autumn Veggie Flatbread Rounds- About 6-8 flatbread rounds

Ingredients

6–8, 100% whole wheat sandwich thins or any flatbread cut into rounds
¼ cup tomato sauce
2 tbsp. pumpkin purée
½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your choice)
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
½ bell pepper, diced
6–8 mushroom slices (1 per round)
½ tsp. dried Italian herbs (or mixed herbs)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix tomato sauce and pumpkin purée, then spread a thin layer over each flatbread round.
Top with cheese, spinach, bell pepper, and a mushroom slice in the center. Sprinkle with herbs.
Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese melts and edges are lightly golden. Serve warm.

Red Bean Chili Cups - 6 servings

Ingredients

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small carrot, diced
1 small bell pepper, diced
1 tsp. chili powder
½ tsp. cumin
½ tsp. smoked paprika (optional)
1 cup canned red beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth (or water)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper until softened (3–4 minutes).
Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Add red beans, diced tomatoes, and broth; simmer 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.
Season with salt and pepper, then divide into 6 small soup cups. Top with cilantro, avocado, or yogurt if desired.

I can’t wait to start thinking about the next seasonal Cafe Sunday menu—after all, sharing seasonal flavors with loved ones has become the ultimate cozy tradition!