16 Pumpkin Dessert Recipes To Try This Fall
Is there anything better than pumpkin desserts in the fall? I don’t think so! Whether you’re looking for something simple and quick or a showstopper for Thanksgiving, I’ve put together 16 of my favorite pumpkin dessert recipes that you absolutely need this season. From classic pumpkin rolls to churros, ice cream, and everything in between, there’s something here for everyone!
1. Pumpkin Dream Cake
This pumpkin sheet cake is a winner! It’s incredibly soft and fluffy with the most amazing cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top. Everyone who tries it goes completely crazy for it, and it’s easy to see why- it’s not overly spiced, which means it appeals to everyone, even people who aren’t usually pumpkin fans. Make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge because honestly it tastes even better cold!
2. Creamy Stovetop Pumpkin Pudding
Unique and delicious is how I’d describe this dessert! It has all the flavor of pumpkin pie, but made completely on the stovetop in just 15 minutes with no oven required. It’s silky, lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla bean, and served in little jars topped with whipped mascarpone cream that looks super cute and appetizing! You can make it up to three days ahead, and it has a vegan and paleo-friendly version too!
3. Pumpkin Butter Rugelach Cookies
These rugelach have a fun twist, they’re made with a buttery, flaky cream cheese dough wrapped around homemade pumpkin butter, toasted pecans, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. They’re almost like pumpkin pie in cookie form. The recipe makes a big batch, making them perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday gift-giving, or just keeping all to yourself.
4. Pumpkin Pie Bars
If you want all the flavor of pumpkin pie without the fuss of making pastry, these bars are for you! Made with a cinnamon crumb mixture that doubles as both the base and the topping, with a creamy pumpkin pie filling in the middle. The whole thing is made in one bowl and takes about 30 minutes to bake. They can be made three days ahead and kept in the fridge, which is perfect for busy Thanksgiving prep!
5. Pumpkin Crisp
This is the original pumpkin crisp, and it’s better than pumpkin pie! It’s so easy to make- all you need is just 15 minutes of prep, and the oven does the rest. It has a creamy pumpkin custard filling baked under a thick golden cinnamon streusel topping. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
6. Homemade Ice Cream
Yes, pumpkin ice cream is absolutely a thing, and it’s incredible! This no-cook, no-egg recipe is made with real pumpkin puree, brown sugar, heavy cream, and pumpkin pie spice, churned in an ice cream maker until perfectly creamy. Serve it with caramel sauce, crushed gingersnaps, or just a big spoon!
7. Pumpkin Toffee Poke Cake
If you’re looking for a quick and easy hack, this cake recipe is exactly what you need! All you need is a box of vanilla cake mix, canned pumpkin, and pumpkin pie spice- yep, only three ingredients for the cake! Once it’s baked, you poke holes all over and drizzle caramel sauce in, then top with whipped cream and crushed toffee covered peanuts. It’s rich, gooey, and absolutely delicious.
8. Classic Pumpkin Roll
This is one of those desserts that looks so impressive, but it’s honestly so much easier than it looks! The spiced pumpkin cake is soft, moist and filled with smooth cream cheese frosting, rolled up and dusted with powdered sugar. This recipe uses a genius parchment paper method for rolling, so you never have to worry about the cake cracking or the messy tea towel method. Make it ahead and freeze it- it keeps for up to three months!
9. Caramel Pumpkin Blondies
These pumpkin caramel blondies have a rich, nutty and fall flavor! Made with brown butter, a layer of homemade salted caramel in the middle, toasted pecans folded through the batter, and a generous drizzle of caramel and flaky sea salt on top. The brown butter takes them from good to absolutely incredible; they’re gooey and scrumptious!
10. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Pumpkin whoopie pies are such a fun fall treat, and this recipe is loaded with all the warm spices for fall! You make two soft, cakey pumpkin cookies and sandwich them together with the most incredible maple cream cheese filling. They’re a classic New England recipe, and once you try them, you’ll understand why everyone goes crazy for them. Chill them for at least an hour before serving, and they taste even better the next day!
11. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake
These mini pumpkin cheesecakes look wow, but are actually really easy! All you need is a simple graham cracker crust pressed into a mini cheesecake pan or muffin tin, fill them with a spiced pumpkin cheesecake mixture, bake for just 20 minutes, and top with whipped cream. They’re the perfect individual portion dessert for Thanksgiving! You can make them up to five days ahead and keep them in the fridge!
12. Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
These classic Rice Krispies treats are such an easy and quick fall treat to whip up. They get a pumpkin spice upgrade with real pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves mixed right into the buttery marshmallow base. They’re softer than your regular Rice Krispies treat, which is actually a really lovely texture. Add a drizzle of white chocolate on top to take them to the next level. Great for fall parties and school events!
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13. 30-Minute Pumpkin Croissants
If you’re looking for a shortcut to fall pumpkin-flavoured treats, you need to try this one! Buy regular store-bought croissants and transform them into something really special! Fill them with a quick pumpkin butter filling made with pumpkin puree, butter, sugar, an egg, flour, and pumpkin pie spice. Spread it inside and on top of the croissants, then bake until golden and custardy inside with a crispy, caramelized outside. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect with morning coffee!
14. Baked Pumpkin Churros
Anything can be adapted to pumpkin flavors including churros! These are baked, not fried, making them healthier and easier to make at home. The dough is made with real pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a little chilli powder. Pipe them into classic churro shapes and bake until golden; once done, brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. Serve with dulce de leche, chocolate sauce, or vanilla icing for dipping!
15. Easy Chocolate Pumpkin Fudge with Pecan Crunch
This fudge is such a stunning fall treat and makes so much that it’s perfect for sharing or gifting! It has two layers, a creamy pumpkin spice layer made with white chocolate chips and marshmallow crème, and a rich chocolate layer made with bittersweet and milk chocolate, topped with crunchy chopped pecans. It needs to be refrigerated for at least six hours to set properly, but it keeps for up to a week in the fridge!
16. Baked Chocolate Glazed Pumpkin Donut Holes
These little donut holes are dangerously addictive! They’re soft, cakey pumpkin spice bites baked in a mini muffin tin- yep, no frying required, making them easier and healthier. Once baked, dip them in a shiny chocolate ganache glaze. Made in under 20 minutes, they’re the perfect quick fall treat.
There are SO many amazing ways to use pumpkin in your fall baking, and this list barely scratches the surface! Whether you want something quick and easy or a proper showstopper dessert, I hope you found some inspiration here. My personal must-makes from this list are the pumpkin crisp and the caramel pumpkin blondies, both are absolutely incredible!
If you’re planning a whole fall party spread, check out my Thanksgiving food ideas and Friendsgiving food ideas posts for everything else you need!
Sarah xx
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