Fall Desserts Use Ground Tea Leaves as Unexpected Spice

These recipes spotlight comforting fall desserts, from apple cakes, brownies, and cookies to rich brownies, cheesecake, and flaky fruit pastries. Apple-centered treats are especially prominent, including maple-glazed apple brownies and a warm caramel apple skillet cookie made with Granny Smith apples, toffee, caramel sauce, and optional vanilla ice cream. Other indulgent options include gooey butter cake, turtle brownies, and chocolate chip cookies topped with frosting and cookie crumbs. A honey-nut cheesecake uses phyllo dough, cream cheese, mascarpone, honey, lemon zest, and a nut topping, with extended chilling needed before serving. The collection also highlights ground tea leaves as an unconventional baking spice that can add floral, citrus, malty, or gently astringent notes to cakes, custards, ice cream, and cocktails.