17 Best Pumpkin Dessert Recipes (Pie, Cake, Bars and More)

Fall is in the air, and you know what that means – it’s time to bust out the pumpkin and get baking! Whether you’re a pumpkin spice flavor fanatic or just looking to add some cozy vibes to your dessert game, we’ve got you covered with these 17 mouthwatering pumpkin dessert recipes.

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your information below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! Plus, you’ll get complimentary gifts!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Kim Schob.

From classic pies to creative twists on old favorites, this roundup has something for everyone. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of pumpkin-y goodness at this time of year. Trust us, your taste buds (and your fall-loving heart) will thank you!

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love These Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

They’re packed with warm, cozy flavors that’ll make you feel like you’re wrapped in a soft flannel blanket and will satisfy those autumn pumpkin cravings.
There’s a mix of easy no-bake treats and show-stopping bakes, so you can find the perfect recipe for any fall season occasion.
Many of these desserts can be made ahead, saving you time during busy fall festivities this holiday season.
These recipes are versatile – swap in gluten-free flours or vegan alternatives to suit dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Fresh Pumpkin vs Canned Pumpkin

When it comes to whipping up delicious pumpkin desserts, you’ve got two main options: fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin. Both have their perks, so let’s break it down:

Fresh Pumpkin:

Offers a more vibrant, natural pumpkin flavor
Allows you to control the texture (purée it smooth or leave it a bit chunky)
Great for those who love a farm-to-table approach
Can be a fun autumn activity (pumpkin carving, anyone?)

Canned Pumpkin:

Super convenient and time-saving
Consistent texture and flavor every time
Often more concentrated, which can result in a richer pumpkin taste
Usually cheaper and available year-round

Pro tip: If you’re short on time or want guaranteed results, go for canned. But if you’re feeling adventurous and have extra time, give fresh pumpkin a whirl!

Baked Pumpkin Recipes

Get ready to make your kitchen smell like autumn heaven with these baked pumpkin goodies! From moist breads to cute muffins and crispy cookies, these recipes will have you reaching for that oven mitt faster than you can say “pumpkin spice.”

Pumpkin bread pudding in a white plate with fork on the side. — Pumpkin Bread Pudding for Fall. Image Credit: Kim Schob.

Pumpkin Banana Bread: This recipe combines two beloved flavors into one moist and flavorful loaf. It combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm spices of pumpkin, creating a comforting and delicious bread perfect for fall. It’s a great choice for breakfast, a snack, or dessert and is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Acorn-Shaped Mini Pumpkin Muffins: These adorable muffins are a fun and festive fall treat perfect for kids and adults alike. They’re shaped like acorns and bursting with pumpkin flavor, making them a great addition to your fall dessert table or as a seasonal snack. They’re easy to make and perfect for autumn gatherings or Thanksgiving celebrations.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding for Fall: Pumpkin Bread Pudding is a warm and comforting dessert perfect for fall. Made with rich, spiced pumpkin and day-old bread, this pudding is baked to golden perfection and topped with a drizzle of sweet glaze. It’s an ideal way to use up leftover bread and enjoy a decadent, seasonal dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.

Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles. Image Credit: Living The Gourmet.

Pumpkin Biscotti: The Pumpkin Biscotti is a crunchy, flavorful fall treat perfect for pairing with your favorite hot beverage. These twice-baked cookies are infused with pumpkin and spices, making them a delicious and festive snack for the autumn season. They’re great for gifting or as a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table.
Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles: These take the classic cookie and give it an autumn twist. Soft and chewy with a pumpkin-infused dough, these cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar for a perfect fall flavor. They’re easy to make and ideal for a cozy snack or dessert.

Best Pumpkin Cakes

Prepare to wow your taste buds (and your guests) with these irresistible pumpkin cakes! Whether you’re craving a classic pumpkin cheesecake or looking to shake things up with some pumpkin whoopie pies, these recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a touch of fall magic to your dessert table.

Mocha chocolate cupcakes on a fall themed table. — Chocolate Coffee Mocha Cupcakes with Pumpkin Spice Frosting. Image Credit: Kim Schob.

Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Bar Recipe: The Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars perfectly combine creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin, making them an ideal fall dessert. These pumpkin bars feature a rich cheesecake layer with a swirl of pumpkin spice, baked to perfection on a buttery graham cracker crust. They’re easy to make and perfect for any autumn gathering, from casual dinners to holiday feasts.
Chocolate Coffee Mocha Cupcakes with Pumpkin Spice Frosting: These decadent cupcakes combine the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee and are topped with a smooth, spiced pumpkin frosting. They are perfect for fall, offering a unique twist on classic chocolate cupcakes with the warmth of pumpkin spice in every bite.
Pumpkin Dump Cake: This simple, no-fuss dessert is perfect for busy fall days. With layers of spiced pumpkin, cake mix, and a buttery topping, this dump cake bakes into a golden, rich dessert full of flavor and texture. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing option for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a quick, comforting dessert.
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Sour Cream Topping: This Pumpkin Cheesecake with Sour Cream Topping is the perfect combination of creamy and spiced. The rich, velvety pumpkin cheesecake pairs beautifully with the tangy sour cream topping, creating a decadent dessert that’s ideal for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations. It’s a sophisticated yet comforting twist on the classic pumpkin dessert.

Mini Pumpkin Pie with Puff Pastry. Image Credit: Feasty Travels.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful handheld treat featuring soft pumpkin cake sandwiches filled with rich brown butter cream cheese frosting. These whoopie pies are a fun and delicious way to enjoy pumpkin season, making them perfect for parties or a cozy fall snack.
Mini Pumpkin Pies with Puff Pastry: These delightful bite-sized treats combine flaky puff pastry with rich, spiced pumpkin filling. These adorable mini pies are perfect for entertaining, offering a bite of traditional pumpkin pie flavor in a convenient, single-serve portion. They’re great for holiday dessert tables or as a sweet snack.
Pumpkin Cake Pops: These Pumpkin Cake Pops are a fun and festive way to enjoy fall flavors in a bite-sized treat. Coated in chocolate and decorated for the season, these cake pops are perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or simply as a sweet snack. The moist pumpkin cake inside is full of autumn spices, making each bite a delicious celebration of the season.

Other Delicious Pumpkin Desserts

Think outside the pie pan with these creative pumpkin treats! From light-as-air chiffon pies to nostalgic homemade pop tarts, these unique desserts prove that pumpkin’s potential goes way beyond the classic pumpkin pie.

Two stacks of pumpkin whoopie pies drizzled with chocolate on top. — Pumpkin Whoopie Pie Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting. Image Credit: Kim Schob.

Best Ever Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Recipe: The Best Ever Pumpkin Chiffon Pie is a light and airy twist on the classic pumpkin pie. This pie offers a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts with a fluffy pumpkin filling and a perfectly spiced flavor. The delicate chiffon texture makes it a great choice for holiday dinners, providing a deliciously smooth and creamy dessert that’s sure to impress.
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe (Best Chewy Cookies): These soft, chewy cookies are packed with fall flavors. These delightful cookies infuse the traditional snickerdoodle with warm pumpkin spices, creating a perfect treat for the season. Rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking, they deliver a sweet and spiced bite that’s ideal for snacking or sharing at autumn gatherings.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pie Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a decadent and irresistible dessert. Soft pumpkin cake rounds sandwiched together by a rich cream cheese frosting offer a fun and delicious way to enjoy pumpkin flavors. Perfect for fall parties or as an after-dinner treat, they’re a must-try for any pumpkin lover.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts (Pastries Recipe): These homemade Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts are a nostalgic and delicious take on the classic toaster pastry with a fall-inspired twist. Filled with spiced pumpkin and baked to perfection, these flaky, buttery pastries are drizzled with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these pop tarts are a fun and tasty way to enjoy pumpkin pie flavors in a handheld form.
No-Bake Cheesecake Pumpkin Truffles: The No-Bake Cheesecake Pumpkin Truffles are a sweet, creamy, and spooky Halloween treat. These bite-sized delights combine rich pumpkin-flavored cheesecake filling with a smooth chocolate coating. Decorated as mummies, these truffles are fun and easy to make, offering a perfect no-bake dessert for Halloween parties or fall gatherings.

Storing Pumpkin Desserts

Room temperature: Most pumpkin desserts can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 days. To prevent drying out, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate your pumpkin treats. They’ll usually last 3-4 days in the fridge. Cream cheese-based desserts, like cheesecakes or frosted items, should always be refrigerated.
Freezing: Many pumpkin desserts freeze well for 2-3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reviving: To freshen up refrigerated desserts, let them come to room temperature before serving. A quick 10-second zap in the microwave can restore that fresh-baked texture for baked goods.
Pies: Pumpkin pies can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best quality, cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap.
Breads and muffins: These can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in a sealed container.
Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft.

Serving Suggestions

Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is perfect for many pumpkin desserts, especially pies and cakes.
Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm pumpkin desserts like pies, cakes, or bread puddings.
Caramel sauce: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over your pumpkin dessert for an extra indulgence.
Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch.
Hot beverages: For the ultimate fall experience, serve your pumpkin treats with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or apple shine sangria. Make some homemade Bailey’s for the adults to serve with your desserts.
Fresh fruits: Serve sliced apples or pears alongside your pumpkin dessert for a refreshing contrast.
Spiced whipped cream: For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to your whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I substitute pumpkin pie spice for individual spices in these recipes?

Absolutely! If a recipe calls for cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, you can usually substitute an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice. This can be a great time-saver and ensure a balanced flavor.

How can I make these pumpkin desserts healthier?

There are several ways to lighten up pumpkin desserts. Try substituting applesauce for some of the oil or butter, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, or reduce the sugar slightly (pumpkin is naturally sweet). You can also opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
in some recipes.

My pumpkin pie filling is too runny. What went wrong?

A runny filling can be caused by underbaking, using too much liquid, or not letting the pie cool completely before cutting. Make sure to follow the recipe closely, bake until the center is set but still slightly jiggly, and allow the pie to cool fully before serving.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin purée in these recipes?

It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin purée. Pumpkin pie filling already contains spices and sugar, which can throw off the balance of flavors and sweetness in the recipe. If you only have pie filling, you’ll need to adjust the spices and sugar in the recipe accordingly.

How do I know when my pumpkin bread or cake is done baking?

The best way to test for doneness is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf or cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Also, the top should spring back when lightly pressed, and the edges should be pulling away slightly from the pan.