63 Fall Equinox Recipes to Celebrate Mabon

Mabon is the pagan holiday that celebrates the Fall Equinox, which occurs between September 21st and September 24th in the Northern Hemisphere. The holiday marks the beginning of Fall, honors the second harvest, and is the astronomical time when day and night are about equal.

Mabon invites reflection, gratitude, and feasting. One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to celebrate is through seasonal foods that honor the harvest, especially recipes featuring apples, pumpkins, pomegranates, grains, root vegetables, and warming spices like cinnamon.

Whether you’re planning a Mabon dinner or just want to enjoy the season by making a few fall recipes, this collection has something to savor.

What Is Mabon?

Mabon is a modern pagan holiday and Wiccan sabbat that celebrates the Fall Equinox, one of the two days each year when day and night are equal in length. (The other is Ostara.) It’s a time to honor balance, give thanks for the harvest, and begin the descent into the darker half of the year.

Though ancient cultures have long celebrated the Fall Equinox, the name “Mabon” was introduced in the 1970s by Wiccan author Aiden Kelly. The name references the Welsh god Mabon ap Modron, who has no real connection to the equinox.

Mabon is the second of the three harvest festivals (Lughnasadh and Samhain are the other two) and is celebrated with seasonal altar decor, feasts, and rituals like nature walks and gratitude ceremonies.

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What Are the Traditional Foods of Mabon?

Humans have been celebrating the Fall Equinox for thousands of years, but Mabon itself is relatively new. As a result, there’s no single set of “official” Mabon recipes, but foods that are in season and that fall into the themes of harvest, abundance, and transition guide the menu.

One notable exception, however, is the pomegranate. The pomegranate not only is in season in the Fall, it is also connected to Persephone, the goddess of the spring and the Queen of the Underworld. It represents her return to the Underworld for the next six months until she emerges at the Spring Equinox.

Mabon Foods and Seasonal Ingredients

• Apples
• Pumpkins
• Pomegranates
• Cinnamon
• Grains
• Squash
• Root Vegetables
• Sweet Potatoes
• Cider and Wine

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Mabon Recipes for the Fall Equinox

1. Apples

Apples are a classic symbol of autumn and a sacred fruit in many traditions. In Mabon celebrations, they represent wisdom, abundance, and the cyclical nature of life. As one of the most readily available seasonal fruits, they’re perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. Just skip the red delicious ones.

• Apple Cider Coffee Cake – Moist and full of fall spices, this cake pairs perfectly with a warm drink during your Mabon morning or ritual gathering.
• Vegan Apple Pie Bread – A cozy, plant-based quick bread that honors both apples and grain, two central symbols of the harvest.
• Cinnamon Apple Baked Brie in Puff Pastry – Rich and warming, this decadent dish makes a perfect addition for your Mabon table.
• Spiced Apple Cupcakes – These soft, warmly spiced cupcakes are great for sharing at a group celebration or fall potluck.
• Apple Curd – A sweet-tart spread ideal for fall breakfasts or as an offering on your altar.
• Apple Pie Bread – A cake-like loaf swirled with apples. It honors both the fruit and grain harvests, making it a symbolic and satisfying seasonal bake.
• Caramel Apple Galette – A rustic, easier alternative to apple pie.
• Apple Crisp Bars – These bars offer all the comfort of apple crisp in a portable, snackable form. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a sweet finish to your Mabon feast.
• Air Fryer Apple Ring Donuts – A fun twist on fairground donuts using seasonal apples.
• Spiced Baked Apples with Walnuts and Cranberries – Simple, warming, and packed with fall flavor, this dish makes a wonderful post-ritual dessert.

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2. Pumpkins

Pumpkins are one of the most iconic symbols of autumn. They symbolize protection, abundance, and nourishment. So, though they are at their peak during Samhain, they also align with the themes of a Mabon feast.

• Sourdough Pumpkin Waffles – A easy way to start your sabbat with intention and fun.
• Pumpkin Curry Soup – A warming, spiced dish that blends seasonal squash with global flavor.
• Vegan Pumpkin Risotto – Creamy, savory, and grounding. It’s perfect for a Mabon feast.
• Pumpkin Soup – Silky and spiced, this classic soup is a soul-warming way to begin or close a Mabon meal.
• Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust – This pie features a nutty-sweet crust that complements the creamy filling and ties in Mabon’s themes of gratitude and abundance.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Spread – Easy to make ahead and ideal for grazing tables or cozy gatherings.
• Pumpkin Whipped Cottage Cheese Dessert – High-protein and subtly sweet.
• Vegan Pumpkin Mousse Pie – Light, airy, and layered with fall spices, this no-bake dessert is a good one for new bakers.
• Pumpkin Donut Holes – Bite-sized and festive, great for sharing with a crowd or on-the-go rituals.
• Vegan Pumpkin Banana Bread – This loaf has the moist texture of banana bread and the spice and richness of pumpkin. It’s ideal for gifting or grounding energy after ritual.
• Pumpkin Ricotta Pasta – Creamy and satisfying, this dish blends seasonal ingredients with comfort food vibes.
• Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting – Sweet, spiced, and perfect for celebrating abundance.
• Pumpkin Bagels – These bring the autumn spirit to your breakfast altar. Top with spiced butter or honey as a ritual offering or your breakfast.
• Vegetable Stuffed Pumpkins – A pretty main dish that embodies the harvest.
• Pumpkin Cookies – These cookies are easy to share and feel like a bite of the season.
• Pumpkin Ravioli with Browned Butter Sauce – This rich dish weaves together fall flavors and is ideal for a pre-ritual dinner with your coven or equinox feast.

3. Pomegranates

Pomegranates hold deep symbolic meaning at Mabon, especially through their association with the goddess Persephone and the underworld. They represent transformation, descent, and the sacred balance of life and death.

• Pomegranate Glazed Salmon – Elegant and symbolic, this dish honors Persephone while bringing bold flavor to your sabbat feast.
• Pomegranate Chocolate Tart – Symbolic of the underworld: dark, rich, and memorable.
• Pomegranate Caramels – A seasonal candy to share or give as a Mabon gift.
• Chocolate Fudge with Almonds and Pomegranate – Decadent and meaningful, this dessert is perfect for honoring seasonal transformation.
• Halloumi Saganaki – This dish’s use of pomegranate syrup adds a sweet-tart element perfect for Mabon.
• Spiced Pear and Pomegranate Crostini – Sweet, savory, and ideal for a harvest appetizer board.

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4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a warming, protective spice that’s long been associated with abundance, healing, and home. During the Fall Equinox, it invites coziness, comfort, and connection. From spiced desserts to savory autumn fare, cinnamon-centered recipes offer grounding energy and magic to your Mabon gathering.

• Warm Eggplant Salad with Walnuts – Hearty and savory, this dish balances sweetness and spice.
• Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling – This cozy recipe layers two fall classics for one delicious morning.
• Cinnamon and Sage Apple Butter – Ideal for preserving the harvest and enjoying on breads, biscuits, or altar offerings.

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5. Grains

Grains are one of the most sacred symbols of Mabon. This sabbat celebrates the second harvest, when grains like barley, wheat, and oats are gathered and stored for the winter ahead. Incorporating grains into your equinox table is a way to honor nourishment, community, and the cycle of growth and reward.

• Barley Breakfast Porridge – A nourishing start to your equinox day, rooted in older harvest traditions.
• Barley Soup with Vegetables – Classic comfort food that channels autumn’s energy of warmth and sustenance.
• Vegan Mushroom Barley Burgers – Earthy, hearty, and great for a casual sabbat meal.
• Scotch Broth – A traditional Scottish soup made with barley, root vegetables, and sometimes lamb.
• Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad – This makes a great offering or potluck addition.
• Barley Risotto with Mushrooms and Goat Cheese – This honors both grain and the spirit of the underworld.

6. Squash

As the weather cools, autumn squashes like delicata and butternut come into season. At Mabon, they symbolize the richness of the earth and are perfect for dishes that feel both festive and nourishing.

• Roasted Butternut Squash with Pomegranate – A colorful, symbolic side that blends the sacred fruits of Mabon.
• Browned Butternut Squash and Sage Soup – Creamy, savory, and full of equinox-aligned ingredients.
• Butternut Squash Parmesan – A comforting main dish with layers of texture and flavor.
• Squash and Caramelized Onion Tart – Savory and flaky, this tart is perfect for a festive sabbat table.

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7. Root Vegetables

Root vegetables grow beneath the soil, drawing nutrients and strength from the earth. At Mabon, they represent grounding, stability, and endurance as we head into the darker months.

• Roasted Carrots and Parsnips Salad – Vibrant and seasonal, great for both feasts and weekday meals.
• Roasted Rutabaga – A lesser-used root that brings deep earth energy to your sabbat plate.
• Carrot Muffins – Lightly sweet and perfect for brunch or snack altars.
• Pumpkin, Potato, and Carrot Soup – Hearty, soothing, and super seasonal.
• Oven Roasted Root Vegetables – An easy and classic way to serve the vegetables of the harvest.

8. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes embody autumn with their golden-orange hue and naturally sweet, earthy flavor. They’re rich in vitamins and pair well with herbs and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage.

• Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato – Quick, healthy, and ideal for solo or small-group meals.
• Turkey Sweet Potato Chili – This chili balances protein, heat, and sweetness. It’s great for outdoor gatherings and bonfires.
• Vegan Sweet Potato Pie – A sabbat dessert staple that’s rich, spiced, and plant-based.
• Sweet Potato Cake with Marshmallow Meringue – A showstopper that nods to the shift between light and dark.
• Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Creamy, cozy, and great as a grounding side dish.
• Sweet Potato Cake – This spiced cake is a lovely dessert to serve during your Mabon feast.
• Sweet Potato Salad – This salad brings together earthy flavors and bright herbs. It’s a versatile and symbolic addition to your sabbat table.
• Sweet Potato Cobbler – Rustic, homey, and full of comforting fall flavor.

9. Cider and Wine

Cider and wine are traditional drinks of celebration and gratitude at all sabbats. At Mabon, they represent the fruits of the late summer harvest and the joy of gathering together. Whether served warm, chilled, or baked into something sweet, these recipes are a delicious way to toast the turning of the Wheel.

• Fall Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing – Crisp, refreshing, and seasonally symbolic.
• Red Wine Devil’s Food Cake – Decadent and dramatic, it’s a great fit for Underworld-themed celebrations.
• Apple Cider Donut Cake – A crowd-pleasing dessert that combines apples, cider, and sweetness. It’s ideal for your Mabon gathering.
• Soft Apple Cider Pretzels with Cinnamon – A fun, cozy snack that blends savory and sweet with the foods of the season.

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