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    Home » Seasonal Recipes » Fall Recipes » Pumpkin Recipes

    25+ Best Pumpkin Desserts 2022

    Published on: October 14, 2022 - Molly ThompsonLeave a Comment

    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
    Jump to:
    • The Most Popular Pumpkin Dessert
    • What to Make Out of Pumpkin
    • Pumpkin Pairings
    • Pumpkin Puree vs Pumpkin Pie Filling
    • Homemade Pumpkin Puree
    • DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice
    • Pumpkin Baking Essentials
    • 25+ Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

    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.

    The Most Popular Pumpkin 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 9x13-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

    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!
    mini pumpkin pies
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    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! 
    a slice of pumpkin pie in a pie dish
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    Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie
    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!
    a slice of dairy free pumpkin pie on a plate topped with coconut whipped cream and a bite taken out
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    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.
    a piece of no bake pumkpin pie on a plate
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    Pumpkin Pie Pops
     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.
    Get Recipe
    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.
    two pumpkin bars stacked on top of each other
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    Pumpkin Pie Bars
    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!
    Get Recipe

    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
    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. 
    two brown butter oatmeal cookies with maple icing
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    Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies
    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.
    a stack of pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting on a white plate
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    Pumpkin Pudding Cookies
    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.
    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.
    Get Recipe
    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.
    pumpkin snickerdoodles on parchment paper
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    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.
    chewy pumpkin cookies stacked together with a bite taken out
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    Pumpkin Cake and Bread

    Pumpkin Roll
    This homemade pumpkin roll recipe yields a moist spiced pumpkin cake with a thick layer of tightly packed cream cheese frosting inside. 
    pumpkin rolls sliced on parchment paper
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    Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread
    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.
    three slices of gluten free pumpkin bread stacked with melted butter
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    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.
    pumpkin cake in a 9x13 baking dish
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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.
    Get Recipe
    Pumpkin Cupcakes
    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.
    Get Recipe

    Pumpkin Sweet Treats

    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.
    pumpkin mousse in a cup with whipped cream
    Get Recipe
    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. 
    Get Recipe
    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.
    a piece of pumpkin delight
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    Pumpkin Pecan Toffee Bars
    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.
    These pumpkin pecan toffee bars will be the thanksgiving dessert everyone will love!
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    Pumpkin Cobbler (with vanilla ice cream!)
    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!
    gooey pumpkin snickerdoodle cobbler in a serving dish with a bite taken out
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    Pumpkin 'Desserts' for Breakfast

    Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Donuts
    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!
    old fashioned pumpkin donuts
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    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.
    pumpkin scones with glaze
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    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!
    baked pumpkin muffins with chocolate chips in a muffin tin
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    Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
    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.
    iced pumpkin spice latte recipe
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    Healthy Pumpkin Desserts

    Healthy Pumpkin Coffee Cake
    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
    fork cutting a piece of pumpkin coffee cake recipe
    Get Recipe
    Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
    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.
    seven pieces of vegan pumpkin cheesecake arranged on a white plate
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    Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread
    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 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.
    Get Recipe
    Paleo Pumpkin Bars
    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.
    a bite taken out of a paleo pumpkin bar on a serving tray
    Get Recipe

    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.

    More Pumpkin Recipes

    • Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes (Gluten Free)
    • Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
    • Gluten Free Pumpkin Muffins
    • Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake

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    I'm Molly! I'm so grateful you're here. My hope is that my recipes bless your home and your bodies. I want my website to be a tool to help you feel your best and nourish you with recipes you (and your family) look forward to making!

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