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Grab a can of pumpkin and use this list to find the best pumpkin desserts to make this fall season. Whether you’re using homemade pumpkin puree for a classic pumpkin pie or pumpkin pie spice for a delicious cookie, you’ll find delicious and easy pumpkin desserts for any craving.

the best pumpkin desserts
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When you’re craving pumpkin recipes, wouldn’t it be nice to go to one place to know you’ll find the best pumpkin recipes out there? The tried and true ones from the best bloggers, with lots of delicious reviews. We did the work for you and here are our favorite pumpkin dessert recipes that I know you’ll love too.

Pumpkin is one of the best things to come with the seasons changing. This time of year means cozy sweaters, a mug of dairy-free hot chocolate, and pumpkin season. If you’re searching for the perfect ending to Thanksgiving dinner, you’re in the right place to find the perfect fall dessert.

When you think of a pumpkin dessert, my guess is your head goes straight to pumpkin pie. It’s a classic recipe made by millions in the fall with a flaky pie crust and sweet pumpkin filling. Next to pie, pumpkin bars, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin bread are some of the best.

What to Make Out of Pumpkin

Pumpkin is one of those ingredients that’s versatile because it can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Mix it with warm spices and maple syrup for a sweet treat or serve it with brown butter and sage in a pumpkin pasta sauce. It’s also a great swap in baking for eggs!

pumpkin ingredients for desserts

Pumpkin Pairings

We love to use our Food Bible to see what ingredients go well with each other. Here’s a list of what pairs well with pumpkin!

  • Warm spices: allspice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg
  • Butter, cream, and vanilla
  • Herbs: sage and thyme
  • Cheese: especially Gruyere and parmesan
  • Sugar: especially brown sugar and maple syrup

Pumpkin Puree vs Pumpkin Pie Filling

These two ingredients are very different, but can easily be confused while you’re at the grocery store. They cannot be interchanged, so here’s a quick rundown of what they are, and make sure to grab the right one, based on the recipe you’re using.

Pumpkin puree: this is a fresh pumpkin that’s been cooked through roasting, steaming, boiling, etc., and mashed or blended into a smooth puree. It’s always in the baking aisle and can easily be used in sweet and savory recipes and is most commonly used in pumpkin recipes (like the ones on this list).

Pumpkin pie filling: this is a can of pumpkin that’s already been mixed with sugar and spices. It’s a pre-made pumpkin mixture, so it’s great to use for pumpkin pie if you’re short on time.

Here’s a great article about what to do if you buy the wrong kind.

pumpkin cookies-11

Homemade Pumpkin Puree

  1. Cut a pie pumpkin (sugar pumpkin) in half and scoop out the seedy insides with a spoon.
  2. Rub the flesh side of the pumpkin with butter or olive oil.
  3. Place the pumpkin flesh-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 375°F for about 50 minutes.
  4. Carefully peel the skin off and place the fresh pumpkin in a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth, 2-3 minutes.

DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice

The best pumpkin dessert recipes call for some sort of pumpkin pie spice or blend of spices. You can purchase pre-made pumpkin pie spice (our usual go-to), but you can quickly make your own too. Make this big batch and store it in a little jar to make the best fall recipes:

  • 3 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon EACH: ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground allspice

Pumpkin Baking Essentials

Here are the baking pans, mixers, and accessories to tackle any pumpkin recipe this holiday season. (This section contains affiliate links).

  • Pie dish: whether you’re making a classic pie crust, graham cracker crust, or a crustless pie, a traditional pie dish or deep pie dish is good to have.
  • Cake pans: You likely have a few different sizes on hand if you like to bake, so as long as you have a 9×13-inch pan, a square pan, and a few round pans, you’re set. A muffin tin for cupcakes is a good idea too! Ideally, you’ll have a whole baking set.
  • Mixer: we love our KitchenAid stand mixer for all the holiday baking. You can also use an electric hand mixer with a large bowl or two.
  • Measuring cups and spoons and liquid measuring cups.
  • Foil, plastic wrap and/or parchment paper.
paleo pumpkin bars cut into squares and stacked on a serving plate

25+ Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

This list of amazing recipes is sorted by the type of dessert. Jump down to your desired section of cakes, cookies, pies or sweets depending on what you’re craving. We’ve also got a list of healthy pumpkin desserts at the bottom of this post.

Pumpkin Pies and Tarts

mini pumpkin pies

1. Mini Pumpkin Pies

Two-bite small pumpkin pie recipe that is perfect for a small Thanksgiving for two dinner menu. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top, along with an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice!
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a slice of pumpkin pie in a pie dish

Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

The only thing better than pumpkin pie is bourbon pumpkin pie! Made with brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and a big glug of bourbon, this pie is exploding with flavor and is always a hit at the holidays! 
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a slice of dairy free pumpkin pie on a plate topped with coconut whipped cream and a bite taken out

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie

5 from 2 votes
Make this super simple dairy-free pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving! It's gluten-free too and made from scratch with a simple pie crust and coconut milk filling. You'll be amazed how thick and creamy this recipe is!
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a piece of no bake pumkpin pie on a plate

No Bake Pumpkin Pie

This quick and easy no bake pumpkin pie is light, airy, and creamy. My twist on classic pumpkin pie is nestled into a buttery graham cracker crust. Watch this pumpkin dessert become your family’s new holiday favorite.
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Pumpkin Pie Pops are the perfect thanksgiving dessert recipe! Use premade pie crust to cut out pumpkin shaped dough and fill with pumpkin pie filling. Bake with a stick and you have the perfect mini bite-size dessert for fall that everyone will love. The best part is they're individual so everyone can have one and eat whenever they want.

Pumpkin Pie Pops

No ratings yet
 These individual pumpkin pie pops are adorable and make the perfect Thanksgiving or fall dessert. Pumpkin pie filled mini crusts baked on a stick and ready for all the fall activities.
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two pumpkin bars stacked on top of each other

Pumpkin Bars

These are the best pumpkin bars I’ve ever had. They have incredible spiced pumpkin flavor and aren’t quite as light and cakey as most other recipes I’ve tried.
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a stack of pumpkin pie bars with whipped cream

Pumpkin Pie Bars

5 from 2 votes
Pumpkin pie bars are a fun twist on a classic Thanksgiving recipe! The crust is made from crushed gingerbread and the bars are just like pumpkin pie and topped with pecans, caramel, ice cream and more!
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Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin cookies come in all shapes and sizes. We’ve got a list of soft pumpkin cookies, chewy ones, and ones with extra ingredients like chocolate chips and oatmeal.

soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting on a white plate
two brown butter oatmeal cookies with maple icing

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

These soft and chewy brown butter pumpkin oatmeal cookies are the perfect choice if you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and satisfying fall cookie recipe. 
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a stack of pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting on a white plate

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies

4.24 from 426 votes
These are the best pumpkin cookies you will ever make! They melt in your mouth and are covered in a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting. They freeze well and can even be made gluten-free or dairy free.
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Soft and chewy pumpkin spice pudding cookies! These fall-filled cookies stay soft for days and they're perfect for celebrating fall festivities or sharing at family gatherings.

Pumpkin Pudding Cookies

4.16 from 13 votes
Soft and chewy pumpkin pudding cookies! These fall-filled cookies stay soft for days and they're perfect for celebrating fall festivities or sharing at family gatherings.
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pumpkin snickerdoodles on parchment paper

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

These pumpkin snickerdoodles are everything you love about pumpkin pie and snickerdoodles all in one! They're soft and chewy, and the white chocolate chips are a great addition.
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chewy pumpkin cookies stacked together with a bite taken out

Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These chewy pumpkin cookies are bursting with flavor! Baked with loads of brown butter, warm spices, and pure pumpkin, these are the ultimate warm and cozy cookies that are perfect for the Fall baking season.
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Pumpkin Cake and Bread

pumpkin rolls sliced on parchment paper

Pumpkin Roll

This homemade pumpkin roll recipe yields a moist spiced pumpkin cake with a thick layer of tightly packed cream cheese frosting inside. 
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three slices of gluten free pumpkin bread stacked with melted butter

Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

5 from 2 votes
This recipe is wholesome, delicious, and perfect for fall. Enjoy this easy, moist pumpkin bread recipe with a surprise cinnamon swirl inside. It's got traditional and gluten-free options.
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pumpkin cake in a 9x13 baking dish

Classic Pumpkin Cake

This simple and straightforward pumpkin cake recipe is for those of us who want pure pumpkin and spice flavors with nothing else in the way. Brown sugar and 2 cups of pumpkin puree promise a big flavor and an extra moist texture.
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Pumpkin Cheesecake

This rich pumpkin cheesecake is super creamy and baked with an entire can of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a brown butter graham cracker crust.
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Pumpkin Cupcakes

5 from 1 vote
The real deal pumpkin cupcakes baked to perfection. The light and fluffy kind baked through with subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. It's like they were designed to be topped with smooth and sweet cream cheese frosting.
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Pumpkin Sweet Treats

pumpkin mousse in a cup with whipped cream

Pumpkin Mousse

These pumpkin mousse cups have the taste and texture of a whipped pumpkin pie. They are so smooth, airy and have just the right amount of pumpkin spice flavor.
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Pumpkin Ice Cream

Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream is a deliciously creamy cold treat that is just as yummy on Autumn nights. With real pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin spices, this recipe is super easy to make and is FULL of pumpkin flavor. 
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a piece of pumpkin delight

Pumpkin Delight (Lush)

Pumpkin delight is an easy dessert with layers of cream cheese and whipped topping with a creamy pumpkin layer in between all on top of a homemade graham cracker crust.
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These pumpkin pecan toffee bars will be the thanksgiving dessert everyone will love!

Pumpkin Pecan Toffee Bars

No ratings yet
A thick and buttery shortbread crust topped with a pumpkin pecan toffee layer is a delicious fall treat. These pumpkin pecan toffee bars will be the thanksgiving dessert everyone will love! They're easy to make and freeze well to make ahead of time.
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gooey pumpkin snickerdoodle cobbler in a serving dish with a bite taken out

Pumpkin Cobbler (with vanilla ice cream!)

5 from 3 votes
What would happen if you took all of the flavors of a pumpkin cobbler and stuffed them into a warm, gooey Snickerdoodle Cookie? Find out how these two mash up!
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Pumpkin ‘Desserts’ for Breakfast

old fashioned pumpkin donuts

Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Donuts

5 from 2 votes
Old-fashioned pumpkin donuts are the best!  They're cake-like, filled with pumpkin spice, and melt in your mouth. The sour cream and pumpkin puree make for a tasty breakfast recipe. Read more to learn how to make old-fashioned pumpkin donuts!
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pumpkin scones with glaze

Pumpkin Scones

If you love to bake with pumpkin, then don’t go another minute without these flaky pumpkin scones topped with a decadent maple glaze. Perfect with a hot cup of coffee on a crisp Fall morning.
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baked pumpkin muffins with chocolate chips in a muffin tin

Bakery Style Pumpkin Muffins

Easy pumpkin muffins are loaded with pumpkin flavor, plus crunchy pecans and gooey chocolate chunks! The sky-high muffin tops are achieved by overfilling the muffin pan with batter, so don’t skimp when filling those muffin cups. Truly a great recipe!
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iced pumpkin spice latte recipe

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

5 from 2 votes
Start your day with an iced pumpkin spice latte made with a homemade pumpkin spice syrup featuring real pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Make the syrup once and make this all week long.
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Healthy Pumpkin Desserts

fork cutting a piece of pumpkin coffee cake recipe

Healthy Pumpkin Coffee Cake

5 from 4 votes
Get ready for the best healthy pumpkin coffee cake you've ever had! This healthy version is topped with a thick layer of streusel and a soft and moist pumpkin cake underneath
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two pieces of vegan pumpkin cheesecake on a plate

Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake

5 from 5 votes
Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake is a creamy, dairy free and completely gluten-free fall dessert! It's easy to make and doesn't require any baking.
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Healthy pumpkin banana bread is an easy and healthy recipe to make this fall! It's made with canned pumpkin, greek yogurt, coconut oil and optional chocolate chips for a healthy, but delicious pumpkin banana bread recipe.

Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread

4 from 4 votes
Healthy pumpkin banana bread is an easy and healthy recipe to make this fall! It's made with canned pumpkin, greek yogurt, coconut oil and optional chocolate chips for a healthy, but delicious pumpkin banana bread recipe.
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a bite taken out of a paleo pumpkin bar on a serving tray

Paleo Pumpkin Bars

4.50 from 10 votes
Paleo pumpkin bars filled with pumpkin and spice! These little squares of heaven taste just like pumpkin pie! They taste like fall in a bite and are topped with a light maple frosting you will be drooling over.
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If you’re looking for more healthy pumpkin desserts, check out our list of paleo pumpkin recipes to find a few more options. You can also take a look at all of our pumpkin recipes for recipes like oatmeal and pancakes.

You can also browse all of our pumpkin recipes to find more pumpkin breakfast recipes and savory pumpkin meals.

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