These 15 pumpkin dessert ideas are easy and bound to make you feel like celebrating fall. From cakes and cupcakes, to cheesecake and donuts, there’s a scrumptious pumpkin recipe for everyone!
The Best Pumpkin Desserts, Just Right for Fall!
It’s official. Fall baking is upon us, bring on alllllll the pumpkin.
There really isn’t a pumpkin recipe I don’t like. Pumpkin just works perfectly with familiar Fall flavors and it adds creaminess and moisture to baked goods. That is probably why I have so many pumpkin recipes on this site.
Are you as pumpkin-obsessed as I am this time of year? Yes? Then do I have a dessert (or 16) for you! These easy pumpkin dessert ideas are all going on my must-make list for the coming weeks.
Tips for Working with Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient when baking, but here are a few tips to remember.
- Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling are not the same. Pie filling is pre-sweetened and includes spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It should not be substituted for puree in recipes.
- Pumpkin recipes can take longer to bake. This is because of how much moisture pumpkin adds to recipes. Test for doneness using a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs on it (no wet batter).
Homemade Puree Is Great, But Remember…
When looking for pumpkin dessert ideas it’s tempting to go all in on the homemade theme by making your puree from scratch. You can do that, but there are some caveats:
- It may be more watery than canned. Be sure to use a fine-mesh sieve, paper towels, or a cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.
- Flavor can vary. Using one pumpkin to make puree may mean it has a milder or stronger flavor than canned. Canned is commercially blended from lots of pumpkins and has more consistent flavor.
- Texture may be less silky. Home food processors aren’t as powerful as commercial ones.
- Select the correct pumpkin. “Sugar” or “pie” pumpkins will have better flavor and texture. Save the larger pumpkins for carving or for decor!
15 Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love
Moist Pumpkin Cupcakes
Light and fluffy, these are packed with real pumpkin flavor and spice, with maple syrup, cinnamon, and pumpkin flavors. Then they’re topped with a silky cinnamon maple cream cheese frosting. Irresistible!
Pumpkin Cake with Honey Mascarpone Frosting
This Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cinnamon Honey Mascarpone Frosting is layers of a light and fluffy homemade pumpkin cake that is full of spiced pumpkin flavor. It’s finished off with a cinnamon honey mascarpone frosting which is a delicate balance of sweetness and spice.
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Caramel Cream Cheese
These easy pumpkin cupcakes are the perfect fall treat! They’re moist and fluffy and topped with a salted caramel cream cheese frosting.
Easy Pumpkin Bread
Moist tender pumpkin bread is an easy quick bread recipe bursting with pumpkin and spice flavors. It’s the perfect fall treat. Only 1 bowl and 15 minutes to prepare.
Easy Pumpkin Pie
This easy Pumpkin Pie is rich, creamy, and packed with warm fall flavors. Served with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream, this classic dessert is a must-try for pumpkin lovers!
Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Brown Butter Glaze
This Pumpkin Bundt Cake is an easy Fall dessert that takes just 15 minutes to prep. A moist, spiced pumpkin cake covered in a maple brown butter glaze.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake are so rich and creamy. These are baked in a muffin pan with a buttery Biscoff cookie crust and a fluffy whipped cream topping. You’ll love this easy Thanksgiving dessert idea!
Pumpkin Cheesecake
This smooth, rich and creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake is a lovely Thanksgiving dessert idea! It’s easy to make with a buttery graham cracker crust and a fluffy whipped cream topping.
Pumpkin Donuts
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are so quick and easy to make! They’re moist, fluffy, loaded with fall spices, and covered in a cinnamon sugar coating.
Double Pumpkin Poke Cake
This homemade Double Pumpkin Poke Cake is soaked in pumpkin spice pudding and topped with a light and airy cinnamon maple whipped cream. If you love pumpkin spice, be sure to try this cake!
Easy Pumpkin Muffins
These Pumpkin Muffins are packed with pumpkin and spices to satisfy your cravings. This is a super easy and quick recipe to prepare, it only requires one bowl and is ready in about 30 minutes.
Pumpkin Pie Lasagna
This No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Lasagna is a quick and easy fall dessert. It’s made up of layers of graham crackers, pumpkin mousse, whipped cream, and chocolate chips.
No Bake White Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse Cake
This No Bake White Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse Cake recipe is the perfect easy fall dessert. It’s a no bake dessert that has layers of white chocolate mousse topped with a mascarpone pumpkin mousse and whipped cream!
No-Bake Pumpkin Lush Icebox Cake
This No-Bake Pumpkin Lush Icebox Cake is a thick Golden Oreo crust with a pumpkin cheesecake filling and a cinnamon maple whipped cream on top. Just 30 minutes is all you need to throw this together and then toss it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve dessert.
