Fall is the perfect time to enjoy pumpkin dessert recipes. And with ideas for pumpkin pie, cakes, cookies and more, one of these is sure to please!
1/45
Pumpkin Dump Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Canned pumpkin and cake mix make these bars an effortless alternative to pumpkin pie. It's a tried-and-true dessert that always brings big smiles. —Linda Guyot, Fountain Valley, California
Canned pumpkin and cake mix make these bars an effortless alternative to pumpkin pie. Walnuts add a nutty crunch. This tried-and-true dessert is sure to have people reaching for seconds.
2/45
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a wonderful recipe I discovered and changed a bit to suit my taste. I love the flavor of pumpkin and the cinnamon makes ordinary cream cheese frosting extra special. When I made a batch for my husband to take to work, he said they disappeared in record time. —Debbie Wiggins, Longmont, Colorado
It’s hard to think of a dessert that could top these buttermilk pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. For tender baked goods like muffins and cakes, the key is to mix gently. It also helps to whisk your dry ingredients well before combining them with any wet ingredients.
3/45
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
From the Recipe Creator:
These easy pumpkin cookies are pleasantly spiced. Everyone enjoys the soft, cake-like texture, too. —Lisa Chernetsky, Luzerne, Pennsylvania
Love snickerdoodle cookies for their soft, delicate texture? Meet the pleasantly spiced pumpkin version that you’ll want to make over and over again. Top them with cream cheese frosting or use the frosting as a filling to make a sandwich cookie.
4/45
Pumpkin Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was young we produced several ingredients for this longtime favorite on the farm. We raised pumpkins in our large vegetable garden, and made our own butter and lots of sour cream using milk from our dairy herd. —Evonne Wurmnest, Normal, Illinois
Good luck not polishing off this pumpkin cheesecake in one sitting. A crumbly graham cracker crust and sour cream frosting studded with pecans is exactly the right move here, but you could also whip up a batch of caramel sauce as a topping.
5/45
Classic Pumpkin Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing says Thanksgiving like a slice of pumpkin pie. And you can relish every luscious bite of this version since the tender crust is made with canola oil and a mere hint of butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Be sure to use canned vs. fresh pumpkin for pie since the canned texture is more consistent.
6/45
Pumpkin Roll
From the Recipe Creator:
This pumpkin roll recipe is great to keep in the freezer for a quick dessert for my family or unexpected guests, to take to a gathering, or to give as a yummy gift. —Erica Berchtold, Freeport, Illinois
Pro tip: Use a larger can of pumpkin to make more rolls. You’ll thank us later.
7/45
Pumpkin Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate fall treat. But my family likes them so much, they ask me to make them all year long! —Brenda Keller, Andalusia, Alabama
In case you were wondering, pumpkin bars are the new pumpkin pies in individual, bite-size form. Slathered with cream cheese frosting, they are the ultimate treat. Plus, they’re ready in under an hour.
8/45
Pumpkin Bundt Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This pumpkin bundt cake recipe is perfect for fall. As it bakes, the aroma fills the house with a spicy scent. —Virginia Loew, Leesburg, Florida
Pull out your prettiest Bundt pan for this recipe! Once it’s dusted with confectioners’ sugar, it makes for one festive dessert.
9/45
Pumpkin Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
I keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia
Overbaking pumpkin bread can cause it to dry out. Bread is done baking when a digital thermometer reads between 200° and 205°F. If you don’t have a digital thermometer, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the bread. If the tester comes out with crumbs or wet batter, the bread needs more time to bake. But if the tester comes out clean, it’s ready to be removed.
10/45
Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a charming use for pumpkin. Bursting with flavor and plenty of eye-catching appeal, these sweet and spicy filled cupcakes are bound to dazzle your family any time of the year. —Ali Johnson, Petersburg, Pennsylvania
11/45
Layered Pumpkin Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
From the Recipe Creator: Pretty layers of cheesecake and pumpkin star in this prize-winning torte. Not too heavy, it's especially nice to top off a big meal. There's never a morsel left! —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
For the airiest whipped cream, be sure to use heavy whipping cream that is icy cold.
12/45
Pumpkin Chip Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
I love these cupcakes that are loaded with chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. My mom makes them for dessert on special occasions or for a sweet autumn snack. -Jacinta Ransom, South Haven, Michigan
These cupcakes are an addictive autumn snack with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider.
13/45
Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
There's more to pumpkin than pie, as this impressive trifle proves. It looks so elegant with alternating layers of gingerbread cake and pumpkin/butterscotch pudding. Try making it ahead of time for a fuss-free dessert when you're planning to entertain guests. —Lyla Lehenbauer, New London, Missouri
Gingerbread and pumpkin are two of the most popular holiday flavors, so why not combine them in a tasty trifle? This dish is guaranteed to win the potluck wars, and look good doing it.
14/45
Ginger-Streusel Pumpkin Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to bake and have spent a lot of time making goodies for my family and friends. The streusel topping gives this pie a special touch your family will love. —Sonia Parvu, Sherrill, New York
Thanks to crystallized ginger, the streusel topping gives this pumpkin pie a special touch. The refrigerated pie crust saves you the hassle of making your own. Use one of the best premade pie crusts, according to our Test Kitchen.
15/45
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of pumpkin and dark chocolate is unexpected and delectable. These delicious truffles make a pretty addition to a party plate, a sweet way to finish up a meal, or a gift your friends and family will love. —Monica Mooney, Roseville, California
These delicious truffles are a pretty addition to a party plate and a sweet way to finish up a meal. The unexpected addition of crushed crackers makes them a joy to bite into.
16/45
Pumpkin Brownies
From the Recipe Creator:
Chocolate and pumpkin pair up to make a family-favorite fall dessert. These pumpkin brownies are fantastic for parties and picnics. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Like other brownie recipes, you can store this one in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
17/45
Hot Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
Hot chocolate is my go-to winter indulgence. To go with it, I like this moist pumpkin cake dusted with cocoa for an extra chocolate boost. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
To remove the cake easily, use solid shortening to grease the fluted tube pan.
18/45
Pumpkin Pie Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will guess this showstopper dessert with luscious cinnamon frosting starts with a mix! It's a year-round favorite. —Linda Murray, Allenstown, New Hampshire
For a sweeter garnish, press candied walnuts onto the sides of the cake.
19/45
Pumpkin Snack Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
The crunchy, sweet topping makes this simple pumpkin snack cake taste extra special. If you prefer a sweeter cake, omit the topping and spread with your favorite frosting instead. —Steven Schend, Grand Rapids, Michigan
This snack cake, topped with pepitas and chocolate chips, is something you’ll want to munch on from breakfast to dinner. Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before incorporating them for an extra-smooth batter.
20/45
Pumpkin Torte
From the Recipe Creator:
This beautiful layered cake has a creamy filling with a mild pumpkin flavor and a little spice. It is quick and always turns out so well. The nuts and caramel topping add a nice finishing touch. —Trixie Fisher, Piqua, Ohio
This beauty will be the prettiest dessert at your fall gathering. Serve it on a cake stand for added presentation points.
21/45
Pumpkin Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
Pumpkin isn’t only for pies. Now you can take the classic fall vegetable and enjoy it in a tiramisu-style dessert. I promise that after one bite, you’ll add this recipe to keeper files. —Pam Peters, Fernie, British Columbia
This recipe proves tiramisu can be better when pumpkin is involved. After one bite, you’ll add this dessert to your recipe box.
22/45
Paul’s Pumpkin Patch Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe originated with Donna Esh, whose husband, John, is the manager at the restaurant my brother Jim and I operate. I reworked it slightly and named it after our dad. —John Smucker, Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania
One scoop reveals a graham cracker crust with a cream cheese and pumpkin middle layer and a whipped cream swirled top. The hardest part of making this dreamy dessert is waiting for it to be ready.
23/45
Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
Our three children grew pumpkins to sell. During harvest, it was time to make these scrumptious doughnuts. Using canned pumpkin makes this recipe easy for anyone! The orange frosting is super. —Connie Simon, Reed City, Michigan
Apple cider doughnuts get a lot of love come fall, but how about pumpkin doughnuts frosted with a zesty orange glaze? You can taste the sweet orange and pumpkin flavors in every last bite.
24/45
Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks who favor the flavor of pumpkin really need to try this spiced ice cream. But be prepared to make more! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Why bother with store-bought pumpkin ice cream when it’s so much fun to make your own? This recipe really captures the flavor of fall.
25/45
Pumpkin Mousse
From the Recipe Creator:
If you've had your fill of pumpkin pie, this cool and creamy pumpkin mousse is perfect for you. Its light and fluffy texture won't make you feel "stuffed" after your favorite turkey dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
We topped it with crushed gingersnaps, but you could also use vanilla wafers, nuts or caramel sauce.
26/45
Pumpkin Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
This pumpkin cake is packed with a warm, seasonal taste from ground cinnamon and pumpkin, bits of crunchy pecans and a rich cream cheese frosting. The flavors combine for a cozy, sweet treat you'll want to have year-round. —Leon Dellinger, Elwood, Indiana
This moist pumpkin sheet cake travels well and is also easy to prepare with a few pantry staples on hand. For the cream cheese vanilla frosting, you’ll want to beat the ingredients with butter in a small bowl until it’s nice and fluffy, then gradually add sugar and milk until smooth. Frost your cake, sprinkle with chopped nuts of your choosing, and you’re ready to serve!
27/45
Pumpkin Creme Brulee
From the Recipe Creator:
I've never met a creme brulee that I didn't love! I'm not a big pumpkin fan, but this is fantastic. —Tamara Leonard Merritt, Raleigh, North Carolina
We didn’t know creme brulee could get any better—until we tried this out-of-this-world pumpkin version. Cracking the caramelized coating is arguably the best part of the tasting experience for many, but once you dig into this spiced pumpkin vanilla custard, life will be forever changed as you know it.
28/45
Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandfather loves these pumpkin-flavored treats. They remind him of a cookie his mother made. They’re fun to eat no matter what your age. —Amber Wahl, Acampo, California
These pumpkin ice cream sandwiches taste just like your childhood, only we replaced the chocolate biscuits of our youth with spiced pumpkin cookies. Let’s just put it this way: Cravings satisfied.
29/45
Pumpkin Apple Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
From the Recipe Creator: The first time I made this for my family, they gobbled up this wonderful change-of-pace holiday dessert. It has a scrumptious layer of apples under the pumpkin.—Elizabeth Montogomery, Taylorville, Illinois
Why choose between pumpkin pie and apple when you can have a bit of both in one bite?
30/45
Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the flavor combination of spiced pumpkin and chocolate, which inspired me to create this chocolate pumpkin tart. Sometimes I like to sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger over the chocolate ganache for extra flavor and texture. —Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
A chocolate ganache tart is heavenly on its own, but adding pumpkin really kicks it up a notch. If you’ve never tried it before, follow our guide on how to make ganache—it could take some practice.
31/45
Frozen Pumpkin Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
This frozen pumpkin ice cream dessert can be prepared and frozen weeks in advance. I've found it has more mass appeal than traditional pumpkin pie. —Susan Bennett, Edmond, Oklahoma
Even pumpkin pie naysayers will be intrigued by this frozen pumpkin ice cream dessert. The walnuts on top give these squares a nice crunch, but you can use any chopped nuts you have on hand.
32/45
Magic Pumpkin Buckle
From the Recipe Creator:
Probably my family's favorite pumpkin dessert, this is something I've been making since our two daughters were small. the crust mixture, which is actually poured in first, rises to the top during baking to form a rich topping. You won't get a soggy bottom crust as you do with a pie. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
You won’t get a soggy bottom crust here, as you might with a pie. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
33/45
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm one of the cooking project leaders for my daughter's 4-H club, where these soft, delicious cookies were a huge hit with the kids. —Marietta Slater, Augusta, Kansas
Just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking time make this a foolproof recipe that’s as easy as it is yummy. If you like a little more spice or crunch, you could add 1/2 teaspoon of ginger as well as 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.
34/45
Pumpkin Shortbread Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
My family prefers this to traditional pumpkin pie, which is just fine with me. It feeds a crowd, so I need to make only one dessert instead of several pies. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
With a shortbread cookie base and a spongy pumpkin pie center, these delightful little squares will go quickly. You may want to double or triple the recipe! A dollop of whipped cream and a snowfall of cinnamon finish them off nicely.
35/45
Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making these quick and easy cookies for over 20 years. They're the first to go at our annual church bake sale.—Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
These pumpkin sugar cookies include sugar, spice and everything nice. You can even freeze the dough to make the cookies later, then thaw it overnight or until soft enough to roll, bake and eat.
36/45
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re looking for a classic autumn dessert, try this pumpkiny cheesecake pie. It’s a winner at potlucks and on the Thanksgiving table. The gingersnap crust forms a spicy-sweet foundation. —Sharon Crockett, La Palma, California
Pumpkin cheesecake pie is a winner. The gingersnap crust is delicious and the sour cream vanilla glaze makes this cheesecake shine even brighter.
37/45
Pecan Pumpkin Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make this treat for Thanksgiving. A friend gave me the recipe, and I've since shared it with many others. —Sue Williams, Mount Holly, North Carolina
If sweater-weather vibes were a dessert, these pecan pumpkin bars would be it. Because it’s baked in a cake pan, the dessert travels really well. Add the whipped topping-based frosting just before serving.
38/45
Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. While it's perfect for a Halloween party, this make-ahead dessert is delicious any time of year.
Although this pie looks like you spent hours making it, it’s easy to throw together. Top with more crushed candies or try chopped peanut butter cups.
39/45
Spiced Pumpkin Ice Cream Puffs
From the Recipe Creator:
This extraordinary dessert showcases homemade pumpkin ice cream and cream puffs. The effort is worthwhile...and you can make the parts ahead of time for easy assembly later. —Richard Lasher, Stuarts Draft, Virginia
Ice cream puffs combine the best of both worlds with sweet ice cream and flaky cream puffs. Adding spiced pumpkin into the equation gives them a festive spin.
40/45
Pumpkin Cannoli Cake Roll
From the Recipe Creator:
My family has been serving this pumpkin roll every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember. This last Christmas was no exception. Traditions are so heartwarming. This cake is not too sweet—the perfect ending to a special dinner. —Carolyn Rockwell, Milwaukie, Oregon
Looking for a unique pumpkin cake for Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve? You’ve met your match with this pumpkin cannoli roll that’s studded with mini chocolate chips. It’s the perfect ending to a special dinner.
41/45
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe.
—Wendy Stenman
Cream cheese makes everything better if you ask us, especially pumpkin muffins. Just make sure you soften the cream cheese before you start baking.
42/45
Gingersnap-Pumpkin Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
I've never quite gotten the hang of making a good pie crust. So I came up with this recipe, featuring a cake mix and cookie crust. The creamy pumpkin filling pairs well with the crunchy topping. —Brigitte Mazure, Wheeling, West Virginia
If making a pie crust from scratch isn’t your jam, then this is the perfect recipe for you. The five-star reviews prove it’s a winner.
43/45
Pumpkin Cookie Pops
From the Recipe Creator:
These cookie pops are a great way to liven up a Halloween party. Kids love them! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
You can get as creative as you want with the frosting vine swirls. Plus, green gumdrops are the cutest-tasting stems.
44/45
Baked Pumpkin Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Even after your favorite turkey dinner, you'll find room for this perfect pudding dessert—a treat served hot or cold. Mildly spiced, it will leave you sweetly satisfied, but not overly full. —Gerri Saylor, Graniteville, South Carolina.
Baking pumpkin pudding at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean will give you the perfect custard-like consistency. It can be served warm or cold and is a great accompaniment to a cup of coffee or chai.
45/45
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
My sisters, brothers and I started cooking and baking when we were young. Mom was a very good teacher—she told us we would learn our way around the kitchen. Now, I tell my kids the same thing! —Cindy Middleton, Champion, Alberta
The addition of pumpkin instantly elevates these chocolate chip muffins, although you could also add in your favorite chopped nuts or dried cranberries for good measure. For bonus presentation points, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking.
Pumpkin Dessert Recipes FAQ
Is there a difference between canned pumpkin and canned pumpkin pie mix?
Yes! Canned pumpkin is just that: pureed, cooked pumpkin. You can use it in savory recipes and pumpkin dessert recipes alike.
Pumpkin pie mix (or pumpkin pie filling), on the other hand, contains sugar, spices and, in some cases, thickeners. Most pumpkin pie mixes take an addition of eggs and evaporated milk to make a pie filling.
Can I use real pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
You can! But since pumpkin puree is so time-consuming to make, and it can deliver inconsistent results, we recommend canned pumpkin. In our pumpkin pie taste tests, canned pumpkin came out the winner. It’s ideal for pumpkin dessert recipes because it offers a more consistent texture, sugar and water content than fresh purees.
What’s the best canned pumpkin?
Libby’s—just about the most recognizable brand on store shelves—won our canned pumpkin taste test. (Libby’s has grown its pumpkins in Illinois since 1835!) That said, there are some great store-brand options, too. You can’t lose!
