49 Irresistible Pumpkin Desserts Starring Fall's Favorite Flavor

Including pies, cookies, cakes, and more!

Pumpkin Bread Trifle
Photo: Carson Downing

With classic pumpkin desserts like pumpkin pie and new favorites like pumpkin bread pudding and pumpkin cupcakes, our collection of pumpkin dessert recipes will have you prepared for any fall gathering. There's no doubt about it: Pumpkin is the quintessential fall flavor. We especially love pumpkin recipes for Thanksgiving, but these pumpkin desserts can be enjoyed year-round.

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Pumpkin-Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Pumpkin-Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Jason Donnelly

Look out, old-school chocolate chip cookies! We have eyes for another treat on the tray: Pumpkin-chocolate chunk cookies. This classic cookie favorite (with a fall twist) can be stored at room temperature for three days or in the freezer for up to three months, making them a great cookie to have on hand throughout the holiday season.

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Pumpkin Pie Pops

Pumpkin Pie Pops
Hannah Bigot

No eating utensils are necessary for these on-a-stick pumpkin treats. Luscious pumpkin filling is sandwiched between pie crust cutouts, so you and your guests can enjoy a taste of pumpkin pie without committing to an entire slice. Cleanup after serving this pumpkin dessert is minimal because you don't even need a plate.

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Cinnamon-Sugar Bourbon-Pumpkin Muffins

Cinnamon-Sugar Bourbon-Pumpkin Muffins
Blaine Moats

A splash of bourbon and a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar topping turns plain pumpkin muffins into rich, dessert-worthy treats. But if that alone doesn't satisfy your sweet tooth, you can always drizzle with bourbon icing before serving. If you like sweet breakfasts, we won't judge if you grab one of these pumpkin desserts on your way out the door in the morning.

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Pecan-Topped Pumpkin Pie

Pecan-Topped Pumpkin Pie
Scott Little

Thanksgiving menus aren't complete without pumpkin pie, but this recipe mashes up the holiday classic with another seasonal favorite—pecan pie. Make your own deep-dish pie crust from scratch or use a store-bought one to streamline the process. Either way, it is sure to delight everyone at the table.

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Pumpkin-Pecan Tassies

Pumpkin Pecan Tassies

Nothing is better than tiny, bite-sized treats—especially when those bites contain the perfect marriage of pumpkin and pecan pie. Even better, since these tassies are made with cookie-cutter rounds of store-bought pie dough, these delicious bites take just 30 minutes to assemble (and even less time to devour).

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Luscious Chocolate-Pumpkin Brownies

Luscious Chocolate-Pumpkin Brownies
Jason Donnelly

Instead of making you choose between two favorite flavors, these pumpkin dessert bars combine chocolate with pumpkin. Swirling the two flavors together creates a delicious pumpkin bar—not to mention pretty marbled tops. Serve them up at a party for a tasty pumpkin treat that's picture-perfect, too.

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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies
Blaine Moats

These oh-so-soft pumpkin cookies are topped with a brown sugar frosting—the perfect complement to this harvest dessert. This pumpkin recipe yields 60 cookies, so you'll have plenty to share (even though we know you won't want to!).

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Chocolate-Glazed Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

Chocolate-Glazed Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
Blaine Moats

Two is better than one, especially when it comes to fall pumpkin desserts. Rich chocolate and pumpkin meet in this layered cheesecake that's housed in a scrumptious chocolate cookie crust. You can also make this cheesecake ahead of time and chill it for up to 48 hours.

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Frosted Pumpkin Bars

Frosted Pumpkin Bars
Courtesy

Pumpkin bars might not be on your list of pumpkin desserts, but this recipe should be. The secret is to bake them in a jelly roll pan so you get a perfect ratio of frosting to cake. Top the finished bars with cute pumpkin candies for a treat that is sure to be a fall party favorite.

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Pumpkin Cake Roll

Pumpkin Cake Roll
Jason Donnelly

For a new twist on pumpkin cakes, try our fluffy cinnamon-spiced pumpkin cake roll. With its vanilla cream cheese frosting rolled in the middle, it's a scrumptious alternative to classic pumpkin cakes. Plus, one look at this layered pumpkin dessert and your guests will instantly be impressed.

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Spiced Pumpkin Donuts

Spiced Pumpkin Donuts
Kritsada Panichgul

Pumpkin, sugar, and cinnamon. Could this homemade donut recipe be more perfect for fall? Fry these fluffy donuts until golden and roll them in a sweet spiced sugar coating.

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Warm Pumpkin Blueberry Bread

Warm Pumpkin Blueberry Bread
Scott Little

Juicy blueberries join with pumpkin pie spice in this ultra-buttery pumpkin bread. Top it with walnuts for a dessert you and your family will go nuts for. One of the best features of this pumpkin spice dessert is that it bakes in your slow cooker so you can set it and forget it—until it's time to eat.

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Easy Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

Easy Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
Blaine Moats

What makes these pumpkin cupcakes so easy? The double dollop on top starts with purchased fluffy white frosting, plus a sprinkle of cinnamon and crushed graham crackers. The cake is easy, too! Canned pumpkin and a touch of sour cream transform shortcut yellow cake mix into a spongy, delicious pumpkin dessert.

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Gingersnap Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Gingersnap Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Brie Passano

Between the nutty gingersnap crust and the spiced cream cheese-and-pumpkin topping, these rich pumpkin dessert squares offer so much we can't decide what we like best. Either way, we know we're serving this impressive treat at our next fall get-together

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Pumpkin Tiramisu Cake

Pumpkin Tiramisu Cake
Jason Donnelly

Tiramisu recipes are always fancy with a homemade coffee syrup and maple-mascarpone cream. Adding canned pumpkin gives this version a flavor twist and helps keep the pumpkin cake fresh and moist. The best decoration for this layered pumpkin dessert is a few chopped hazelnuts and grated dark chocolate if desired.

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Pumpkin Spice Latte Pie

Pumpkin Spice Latte Pie
Andy Lyons

Have your latte and eat it, too. This delicious pumpkin dessert combines the spiced flavors of a Pumpkin Spice Latte with the creamy decadence of pumpkin pie. How can we say no to two of our favorite pumpkin treats in one?

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Pumpkin Ice Cream

Pumpkin Ice Cream
Con Poulos

Chock-full of autumn flavors like pumpkin, pie spice, and Cognac, this ice cream recipe is a fun way to feature pumpkin. Serve it on a warm slice of cake or pie, or on its own for a creamy fall-inspired pumpkin dessert. This pumpkin ice cream recipe is especially tasty with a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top.

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Pumpkin-Spice Whoopies

Pumpkin-Spice Whoopies
Kim Cornelison

An easy-to-make spiced marshmallow filling makes these cakelike pumpkin cookies even more delicious. This simple recipe using canned pumpkin creates an unexpected Thanksgiving dessert, with less cleanup than pulling out plates and forks for pie.

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Toffee-Pumpkin Pie Bars

pumpkin toffee bars

Kelsey Hansen

Crushed sweet toffee, earthy toasted pecans, and a spiced ginger crumb crust give these creamy pumpkin bars a pleasing crunch. This is the ultimate pumpkin dessert for the sweet-and-salty combination you crave. We've already sung the praises of adding toffee to pumpkin desserts, and adding pecans takes it next level.

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No-Bake Pumpkin-Swirl Cheesecake

No-Bake Pumpkin-Swirl Cheesecake
Andy Lyons

If you want to take a break from pie this year, swap in this cheesecake for your usual Thanksgiving pumpkin recipes. Make this delicious no-bake pumpkin cheesecake featuring a graham cracker crust and pumpkin-cream cheese filling ahead of time and chill it for up to 24 hours.

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Pumpkin Cookies with White Chocolate Chips

Pumpkin Cookies with White Chocolate Chips
Jason Donnelly

Give pumpkin cookies a twist by adding white chocolate chips to your dough. Like regular chocolate chip cookies, this pumpkin dessert is tastiest fresh out of the oven, still warm with slightly melty chips. One batch makes 60 cookies, so you'll have plenty to share.

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Pumpkin Cupcakes with Spiced Mascarpone Cream Filling

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Spiced Mascarpone Cream Filling
Jason Donnelly

Delightful fall flavors—brown sugar, walnuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg—meet canned pumpkin in these so-soft sandwiched pumpkin cupcakes. Fill and top these luscious pumpkin cakes with our creamy homemade mascarpone spread. We consider them one of our best pumpkin desserts, and we have no doubt they'll be your favorite cupcake recipe, even outside the fall season.

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Cream Puffs with Pumpkin Ice Cream

side view of Cream Puffs filled with Pumpkin Ice Cream and chocolate drizzle
Carson Downing

These pumpkin pastries are not for breakfast. With creamy, decadent no-churn pumpkin ice cream sandwiched in the middle, these cream puffs are a tasty and creative substitute for traditional cookie-based ice cream sandwiches.

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Maple-Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Maple-Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Jason Donnelly

Canned pumpkin, maple syrup, and whipping cream form the base of this creamy, dreamy fall creme brulee. When you add decadent caramelized sugar on top, these pumpkin sweets are a true holiday showstopper. And when you bake them in ramekins everyone gets to crack through their own sugar topper.

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Chocolate-Swirled Pumpkin Bars

Chocolate-Swirled Pumpkin Bars

This fall, opt for a pumpkin dessert with plenty of oomph thanks to a decadent swirl of cream cheese and rich, melted chocolate. These make-ahead pumpkin dessert bars showcase traditional fall flavors and are perfectly packable for gifting or for lunchbox treats. We'd tell you that just one bar is enough, but we always end up going back for more.

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Chocolate-Drizzled Pumpkin Profiteroles

Chocolate-Drizzled Pumpkin Profiteroles
Kritsada Panichgul

These impressive cream puffs are filled with pumpkin custard made from canned pumpkin. A spoonful of chocolate sauce finishes these melt-in-your-mouth pumpkin desserts. We'll happily grab one after Thanksgiving dinner to satisfy both our pumpkin and chocolate cravings with one treat.

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Maple-Cinnamon Pumpkin Pie

Maple-Cinnamon Pumpkin Pie
Kim Cornelison

It's hard to go wrong with traditional pumpkin pie—but a little maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon will give this classic Thanksgiving dessert an extra-special touch. A spoonful of maple whipped cream tops the pumpkin dessert with a cool, fluffy finish.

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Pumpkin-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Blaine Moats

Layer spiced pumpkin, delectable chocolate, and rich cream cheese on a graham cracker crust for a scrumptious pumpkin treat you can make ahead. We love these layered pumpkin desserts because they combine tons of fall flavors into one delicious bar. Sprinkles of nutmeg and chocolate curls give these pumpkin sweets a decadent finish.

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Microwave Pumpkin Fudge

pumpkin fudge and chocolate truffles in rows

Try this irresistible pumpkin fudge for a delightful party favor or hostess gift. You can make these yummy pumpkin squares with just seven main ingredients and any add-ins you like (such as crunchy, toasted walnuts, white chocolate chips, or tiny marshmallows). Plus, they take only 20 minutes to prepare.

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Pumpkin Swirl Blondies

Pumpkin Swirl Blondies
Andy Lyons

No need to choose between blondies or pumpkin bars with these gooey pumpkin bar blondies. They are great for dipping into a cup of espresso or pumpkin spice latte; you could also serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Toffee bits, cinnamon, and brown sugar? Yes, please.

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Ginger-Pumpkin Meringue Pie

Ginger Pumpkin Meringue Pie sitting on table
Adding ground ginger to the filling and using a gingersnap-graham cracker crust transforms traditional pumpkin pie just enough to help it fit in on your Chinese Thanksgiving menu. Jason Donnelly

Light-as-air meringue tops this luscious pumpkin pie. The filling has canned pumpkin and ginger; the crust is made with gingersnaps and crushed graham crackers. Serve it for the holidays—this pie will outshine all your other Thanksgiving desserts.

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Pumpkin-Biscotti Bread Pudding with Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce

Pumpkin-Biscotti Bread Pudding with Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce
Kritsada Panichgul

The savor-it flavors of canned pumpkin and nutmeg kick up traditional bread pudding. A drizzle of freshly made bourbon brown sugar caramel provides the finish to this delectable pumpkin dessert recipe. If you're not a fan of bourbon, you can also use a classic caramel drizzle to top this pumpkin treat.

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Sour Cream Pumpkin Bars

Sour Cream Pumpkin Bars
Blaine Moats

Four-ingredient browned-butter frosting and chopped walnuts top these moist pumpkin nut bars. This yummy recipe yields 48 bars, making it an ideal addition to your holiday dessert buffet. Serving pumpkin bars is certainly easier than trying to make 48 servings of pie!

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Pumpkin Bread Trifle

Pumpkin Bread Trifle
Carson Downing

We know you usually expect cake when you dive spoon-first into a trifle, but swapping in pumpkin bread is just as tasty and gives this dessert a fall twist. For one of the best pumpkin desserts you've ever tried, layer together pumpkin bread cubes, candied pecans, and homemade whipped cream. To really make it decadent, you can also add pomegranate seeds and a caramel drizzle on top of the final layer.

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Cardamom Pumpkin Pie

Cardamon Pumpkin Pie with Pistachio Crust

Carson Downing. Food Styling: Kelsey Moylan

We can decide what we like best about this pumpkin pie recipe—the creamy filling or the pistachio crust. You can use canned pumpkin to make this dessert but we're also sharing how to make homemade pumpkin puree.

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Five-Spice Pumpkin Bread

Five-Spice Pumpkin Bread

Carson Downing. Food Styling: Kelsey Moylan

This twist on classic pumpkin bread is filled with 5-spice powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The loaf is then glazed with a homemade white miso glaze. As one reviewer raves, "My new go-to bread. The five spice and rye with the malted milk powder just adds new dimension to a fall fav. The browned butter miso glaze is so good and worth the effort to make. I can eat it by the spoonful. It just puts this recipe over the top."

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Pumpkin Dump Cake

pumpkin dump cake

Rachel Marek. Prop Styling: Gabe Greco

Need an easy Thanksgiving dessert you can whip up in a flash? This pumpkin dump cake requires just 15 minutes of prep and bakes all in one dish.

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Pumpkin-Chai Cheesecake

Pumpkin-Chai Cheesecake
Carson Downing

You can make this pumpkin cheesecake recipe up to 1 month before you plan to serve. We're sharing everything you need to make it including the recipe for homemade pumpkin spice whipped cream.

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Pumpkin Spice Spiral Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Spiral Cookies
Jason Donnelly

Pinwheel cookies are a holiday favorite and this version is loaded with pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin, and brown sugar. Add swirls of homemade vanilla glaze to finish.

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Pumpkin-Cookie Butter Swirl Buns

pumpkin cookie butter swirl buns in skillet

Kelsey Hansen

These rich cookie butter pumpkin buns are equally good for brunch or dessert. Add texture to the finished dish by sprinkling the rolls with crushed cookies.

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Pumpkin Cookies with Candied Pepitas

pumpkin cookies topped with white icing and candied pepita seeds
Brie Passano

If you sometimes find pumpkin cookies too soft, this is the recipe for you. Top pumpkin cookies with a cream cheese frosting and crunchy candied pepitas.

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Pumpkin-Spiced Spritz

Pumpkin-Spiced Spritz on pink and white polka dot background
Carson Downing

This is the pumpkin cookie recipe you'll be making all fall long. It's perfect for potlucks and parties, this big-batch pumpkin dessert makes 96 cookies. They also make great holiday food gifts.

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Marbled Pumpkin-Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars

Marbled Pumpkin-Chocolate Cream Cheese Bars
Carson Downing

Swirls of pumpkin and chocolate make these cheesecake bars pretty enough to eat. As one BHG home cook shares, "Have made it several times, exactly as written and everyone loves it. It doesn't hurt that it's absolutely beautiful."

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Pumpkin Biscotti

Pumpkin Biscotti topped with icing and cranberries on white background
Brie Passano

This crunchy pumpkin biscotti is what your morning cup of coffee's been missing. We topped ours with dried cranberries but use any dried fruit you like.

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Spiced Pumpkin Bars

Spiced Pumpkin Bars
Karla Conrad

This is our go-to recipe for classic pumpkin bars. The bars are spiced with cinnamon, studded with pecans, and slathered with a homemade cream cheese frosting.

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Pumpkin Spice Latte Chewy Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Latte Chewy Sugar Cookies on marble background
Carson Downing

Have your favorite fall coffee flavor in cookie form! Adding espresso powder to the dough really brings home the flavors of a pumpkin spice latte.

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Baked Buttermilk-Pumpkin Donuts

Baked Buttermilk Pumpkin Donuts with glaze and nut topping on blue background
Carson Downing

Buttermilk in the batter adds tangy and fluffy texture to this baked pumpkin donut recipe. Top them with toasted pecans for an extra crunch.

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Pumpkin Spice Latte Bundt Cake with Whipped Cream

Pumpkin Spice Latte Bundt Cake with Whipped Cream
Carson Downing

Meet your new go-to pumpkin cake recipe. As one reviewer raves, "My husband and I love this Bundt cake! Other reviewers are right, it is not super sweet, but I actually really appreciate that. It's definitely more like a tea bread, and the pumpkin spice flavors are really nice. I do taste the espresso, but it is more subtle than the spices."

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Pumpkin Pie with Marshmallow Meringue

Pumpkin Pie topped with Marshmallow Meringue
Carson Downing

A pile of fluffy homemade vanilla meringue transforms this pumpkin pie recipe into a total showstopper. Toast the meringue just before slicing. Don't have a kitchen torch? No problem! We'll walk you through how to use your oven to perfectly brown the meringue.

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