Best Pumpkin Dessert Recipes to Make This Fall

When autumn rolls around, there’s one scent that instantly brings the cozy, crisp vibes of the season to the kitchen: the smell of pumpkin dessert recipes wafting through the air. 

From their warm, earthy aromas to their perfectly spiced taste, delicious delicacies like pumpkin bread have become the star of the season when it comes to fall treats. 

Delicious Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

And the best part? You can indulge in a variety of mouth-watering recipes that suit every sweet craving. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pies, decadent cakes, or chewy cookies, there’s something here for everyone.

Grab your apron and get ready to toast the season with these delicious recipes that will warm your heart, your belly, and your home. 

Classic Pumpkin Pie

When it comes to pumpkin desserts, it’s hard to beat the timeless, classic pumpkin pie. With a creamy, spiced filling encased in a flaky crust, what’s not to love? This pie is a must-have at Thanksgiving, but it’s worth baking throughout the entire season.

Ingredients:

• 1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

• 2 large eggs

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, evaporated milk, and spices. Mix until smooth.

3. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.

4. Bake the pie for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Let the pie cool before serving. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Pro Tip: If you want to elevate your pumpkin pie game, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or maple syrup to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re a cupcake lover, these moist and fluffy pumpkin spice cupcakes are the perfect autumn treat. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any fall gathering.

Ingredients for Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 cup milk

Ingredients for Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt together.

3. In a large bowl, mix the oil, sugar, and eggs until well combined. Add in the pumpkin puree and milk, and stir until smooth.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.

5. Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

7. To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Frost the cooled cupcakes and enjoy!

Pro Tip: For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed graham crackers on top of the frosting.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pumpkin cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while capturing all the flavors of fall.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together – until light and fluffy. Add in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices together.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, stirring until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips.

5. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tip: If you want an even more pronounced pumpkin flavor, you can add a little extra pumpkin puree. Just be mindful that this can make the cookies a bit softer.

Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

This pumpkin roll might look fancy, but it’s easier to make than you’d think. With a spiced pumpkin sponge cake rolled around a rich cream cheese filling, it’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients for Cake:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup sugar

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree

Ingredients for Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on both sides.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Add the pumpkin puree and mix until smooth. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients.

4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed.

5. Let the cake cool for 5 minutes, then carefully roll it up – with the parchment paper still attached – and let it cool completely.

6. For the filling, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

7. Once the cake has cooled, unroll it, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, and re-roll the cake without the parchment paper.

8. Dust with powdered sugar and slice for a delightful dessert.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

For cheesecake lovers, these bars combine the creaminess of cheesecake with the cozy flavor of pumpkin. They're the best of both worlds and perfect for a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice.

4. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth the top.

5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set. Let the bars cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

‘Tis the Season

‘Tis the season of pumpkin delights. It feels like we wait all year long for the release of our beloved pumpkin spice lattes. But, it doesn’t have to stop there. You and yours can indulge in any one of these pumpkin dessert recipes to welcome the warmth of the season. 

Together, we’ve baked Halloween recipes together and, now, Thanksgiving treats. We hope you’ll keep coming back for more because you can be sure we’ll help you usher in the rest of the holiday season with equal delight!