Pumpkin season is the best season, and these Easy Pumpkin Desserts are here to prove it. From classic pumpkin pie and mini pumpkin pies to bundt cakes, cookies, and no-bake treats, there's a cozy pumpkin dessert for every craving and every skill level.
We bake our way through a lot of pumpkin every fall, and these are the pumpkin dessert recipes we come back to year after year. They're packed with cozy fall flavors, most use a simple can of pumpkin puree, and many come together with just a few minutes of prep.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love These Pumpkin Desserts
- Something for everyone. Pies, cakes, cookies, breads, and no-bake treats are all on the list.
- Easy to make. Most of these use pantry staples and a can of pumpkin puree.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving. Many of these make ahead beautifully, which frees up your oven on the big day.
- Small batch options. Baking for two? A few of these make just a handful of servings.
Pumpkin Pies and Bars
1. Classic Homemade Pumpkin Pie from Scratch
A buttery, flaky homemade crust and a silky filling spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. This is the classic Thanksgiving pumpkin pie everyone looks forward to.
2. Pumpkin Pie Bars
A buttery shortbread crust topped with creamy spiced pumpkin filling and fluffy whipped cream. They're easier to slice and serve than pie, which makes them perfect for a crowd.
3. Pumpkin Mascarpone Pie
Mascarpone makes this pie extra rich and velvety. It takes just minutes of prep before it goes into the oven, which makes it a great choice for a busy holiday.
4. Mini Pumpkin Pies (Small Batch)
All the flavor of pumpkin pie in adorable individual servings. Sweetened condensed milk makes the filling extra creamy, and a dollop of whipped cream finishes each one.
Pumpkin Cakes
5. Pumpkin Bundt Cake
This pumpkin cake is super moist inside with a golden crumb, then finished with cream cheese icing and pecans. It's a showstopping fall dessert that's easier than it looks.
6. Pumpkin Dump Cake
Homemade pumpkin pie filling topped with spice cake mix, pecans, and melted butter. It bakes up like a pumpkin cobbler and is amazing served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
7. Pumpkin Roll
A tender spiced sponge cake rolled up with a sweet cream cheese filling. It looks fancy, but it's surprisingly simple to make.
8. Pumpkin Cupcakes
Ultra-moist pumpkin cupcakes topped with a dreamy brown butter maple buttercream. They're perfect for fall parties and bake sales.
9. Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping
Soft, warmly spiced cake with a crunchy cinnamon streusel and a maple glaze drizzle. It's just as good with your morning coffee as it is for dessert.
10. Pumpkin Pie Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Buttermilk keeps this spiced bundt cake tender, and a sweet cream cheese glaze takes it over the top. It's a great make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings.
Pumpkin Cookies
11. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Thick, fluffy, and chewy, these taste like pumpkin bread met chocolate chip cookies. They're no-chill and ready in under 20 minutes.
12. Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Classic snickerdoodles get a fall makeover with pumpkin and warm spices. Roll them in cinnamon sugar, or sprinkle a little extra on top, for that signature crackly coating.
No Bake Pumpkin Desserts
13. No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
A buttery graham cracker crust and a light, creamy pumpkin filling, with no oven required. It's the easiest cheesecake you'll make this fall.
14. Pumpkin Mousse
Light, airy, and creamy, made with cream cheese, pumpkin, and whipped cream. Serve it in small glasses for an elegant dessert that takes minutes to make.
15. Pumpkin Energy Bites
Pumpkin, peanut butter, pecans, coconut, and mini chocolate chips rolled into bite-size treats. They're a healthier way to satisfy a pumpkin craving.
Pumpkin Breads and Baked Treats
16. Pumpkin Bread
Fluffy, moist, and loaded with real pumpkin and warm spices like ginger and pumpkin pie spice. This is the classic fall loaf you'll make on repeat.
17. Small Batch Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
A smaller loaf of pumpkin bread studded with chocolate chips. It's perfect when you want a fresh pumpkin treat without a ton of leftovers.
18. Pumpkin Muffins
Tender, spiced pumpkin muffins made with yogurt and topped with crunchy walnuts. They're great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
19. Mini Glazed Pumpkin Scones
Buttery, flaky mini scones drizzled with a sweet spiced glaze. They're just right with a cup of tea or coffee.
20. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Soft pumpkin dough swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with cream cheese frosting. They're a cozy weekend baking project the whole family will love.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Desserts
- Use pumpkin puree, not pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, so check that the can says 100% pure pumpkin.
- Try homemade puree. Easy Homemade Pumpkin Puree has a fresher flavor. If it looks watery, drain it in a fine-mesh strainer before using.
- Make your own pumpkin spice. Mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves for a warm, customizable pumpkin spice blend.
- Don't overbake. Pumpkin pies and cheesecakes are done when the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly. They firm up as they cool.
- Measure flour correctly. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off, so cakes and breads stay moist instead of dense.
Storage
Make Ahead
Most pumpkin pies, bars, and cheesecakes taste even better the next day, so they're perfect to make 1 day ahead for Thanksgiving. Breads, muffins, and bundt cakes can be baked 1 to 2 days ahead.
How to Store
Store pumpkin pies, bars, cheesecakes, mousse, and anything with cream cheese frosting covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Breads, muffins, cookies, and cakes without cream cheese frosting keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
How to Freeze
Pumpkin bread, muffins, cookies, and unfrosted cakes freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Pumpkin desserts are the star of any fall dessert table, from cozy weeknights to Thanksgiving dinner. Add a warm drink and a non-pumpkin option or two for guests who want variety.
These are my favorite drinks to serve alongside them:
FAQ
A single can of pumpkin puree is enough for most recipes on this list, including pumpkin bread, muffins, cookies, and a classic pumpkin pie.
Yes! Roast a small sugar pumpkin and blend it into puree. Drain it if it's watery so your desserts don't turn out soggy. See our Easy Homemade Pumpkin Puree Recipe.
Pumpkin Dump Cake, No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Pumpkin Mousse are the easiest. They need very little prep and no special skills.
Pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie bars, pumpkin roll, no-bake cheesecake, and bundt cakes can all be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Pumpkin pies, cheesecakes, mousse, and anything with cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated. Breads, muffins, and cookies can stay at room temperature for a few days.
More Fall Recipe Roundups
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Tried These Pumpkin Desserts?
Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know which pumpkin dessert was your favorite. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on social media @aheadofthyme so I can follow along!
Comments
No Comments
4