The Ultimate Collection of Easy Pumpkin Desserts for Fall and Thanksgiving: Beyond Just Pie!

As the leaves turn golden and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s one flavor that truly encapsulates the essence of autumn: pumpkin. While pumpkin pie holds a cherished spot at every Thanksgiving table, there’s a whole world of delightful pumpkin desserts waiting to be explored. This curated collection brings together the absolute best and easiest pumpkin dessert recipes perfect for fall gatherings and your holiday feast.

Prepare to broaden your culinary horizons beyond the traditional slice – we’ve even included options that will convert the most ardent pumpkin pie skeptics! From creamy cheesecakes to decadent cakes, chewy cookies, and even festive beverages, these recipes promise to fill your home with the warm, comforting aroma of pumpkin spice and create unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find simple, straightforward instructions to help you whip up truly spectacular pumpkin treats with ease. Get ready to embrace the flavors of the season and impress your friends and family with these irresistible creations. Don’t forget to grab some pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice – if you’re feeling ambitious, here’s how to make pumpkin pie spice at home, or simply use cinnamon for a classic touch. We’ve even got hot drinks to perfectly complement your pumpkin desserts!

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How to Make Pumpkin Puree from Scratch for the Freshest Flavor

Achieving the perfect pumpkin dessert often starts with the right pumpkin puree. While canned pumpkin puree is a fantastic, consistent, and convenient option, especially for baking where moisture content is critical, making your own from scratch offers an unparalleled freshness and depth of flavor. If you choose the homemade route, opt for smaller ‘pie pumpkins’ or sugar pumpkins, as they have denser, sweeter flesh compared to the larger carving pumpkins. Butternut squash or even Kabocha squash can also be excellent alternatives, offering similar texture and flavor profiles.

To make your own pumpkin puree, begin by carefully cutting your chosen pumpkin or squash in half. Scoop out all the seeds and fibrous strands from the inside – a sturdy spoon or an ice cream scoop works wonders for this task. Place the pumpkin halves, cut-side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Roast them in a preheated oven at 355°F (180°C) for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until the flesh is incredibly tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and type of pumpkin.

Once roasted, allow the pumpkin to cool slightly before scooping out the soft, cooked flesh. For a smooth consistency, you can mash it with a fork for a rustic texture, or for a silky-smooth puree, blend it in a food processor or with an immersion blender until completely lump-free. It’s important to note that homemade puree can sometimes be wetter than its canned counterpart. If your puree appears too liquidy, don’t worry! Simply transfer it to a cheesecloth-lined sieve and let the excess moisture drain for a few hours in the refrigerator, or gently cook it down in a dry pan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to the consistency of thick hummus or Greek yogurt. This crucial step ensures your baked goods don’t turn out soggy. Store your homemade pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage, portioned for your favorite recipes.

1. Irresistible No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Kick off your fall baking with these irresistible No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, a true masterpiece of convenience and flavor that stands out as our top-rated recipe. Forget the oven-bound fuss of traditional cheesecake; these bars are incredibly easy to assemble and require no baking at all, making them the ultimate make-ahead dessert for busy holiday seasons. Each bar features a wonderfully thick, buttery graham cracker crust infused with warm brown sugar and a hint of pumpkin spice, providing the perfect foundation. The star of the show is the luxuriously creamy and light pumpkin cheesecake filling, whipped to perfection with real cream (no artificial alternatives here!) to achieve an irresistibly fluffy texture. This ensures a rich, authentic pumpkin flavor that’s beautifully balanced and incredibly satisfying. Crowned with a generous swirl of homemade fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra pumpkin spice, these bars are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. They offer a refreshing and delightful alternative to pumpkin pie, captivating even those who typically shy away from classic pumpkin desserts. Prepare them one or two days before your Thanksgiving dinner or fall gathering, and you’ll have one less thing to stress about on the big day, allowing you to enjoy the festivities knowing a sensational dessert is ready to impress.

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2. Decadent Pumpkin Spice Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Cake

For a truly comforting and impressive fall treat, look no further than this exquisite Pumpkin Spice Cake. This cake redefines indulgence, boasting a soft, incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth, infused with a rich, perfectly balanced pumpkin flavor and aromatic spices. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity: the cake batter effortlessly comes together in a single bowl, requiring no electric mixer, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. But the magic doesn’t stop there. It’s generously crowned with an ultra-creamy, tangy brown butter cream cheese frosting. The brown butter introduces a sublime nutty, almost caramel-like depth that elevates the entire dessert, complementing the spiced pumpkin cake beautifully. This frosting isn’t just creamy; it’s a flavor powerhouse that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving dessert spread or a cozy treat for a fall evening, this pumpkin spice cake promises to be a memorable addition to any celebration, offering a sophisticated yet utterly comforting taste of the season.

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3. Elegant Pumpkin Cheesecake Roll

Pumpkin Cheesecake Roll

Elevate your dessert game with the elegant and delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Roll. This stunning dessert features a delicately soft and fluffy pumpkin sponge cake, expertly rolled and filled with a luscious, creamy no-bake cheesecake filling. Every slice reveals a beautiful swirl of cake and filling, promising a burst of perfectly spiced pumpkin flavor that is both rich and refreshing. The no-bake cheesecake interior ensures a smooth, cool contrast to the tender cake. To complete this masterpiece, it’s generously topped with a cloud of fluffy, spiced whipped cream, adding another layer of texture and autumnal taste. Despite its sophisticated appearance, this pumpkin roll is surprisingly easy to make, and the accompanying recipe provides all the essential tips and tricks to guide you through creating a flawless pumpkin Swiss roll, ensuring your success even if you’re new to roll cakes. It’s an ideal choice for a show-stopping Thanksgiving dessert or any fall gathering where you want to impress with minimal stress.

4. Luxurious Pumpkin Crème Brûlée

Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Indulge in a sophisticated yet simple fall treat with this incredible Pumpkin Crème Brûlée. This dessert masterfully combines the classic elegance of crème brûlée with the warm, comforting flavors of autumn. Each serving boasts a rich, creamy custard, bursting with spiced pumpkin goodness, beneath a perfectly caramelized, crunchy sugar topping. The satisfying crack of the sugar crust gives way to a silky-smooth, fragrant pumpkin base that’s truly unforgettable. What’s more, crème brûlée is surprisingly easy to prepare, with the base coming together in as little as 5 minutes of active prep time. For an extra festive touch, the recipe includes instructions on how to bake and serve these delightful custards inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins, making for an absolutely charming presentation that will wow your guests. Alternatively, traditional ramekins work just as beautifully. This recipe yields approximately 4 decadent crème brûlées, making it perfect for a smaller, intimate gathering or a special family dessert. It’s a refined way to celebrate the pumpkin season.

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5. Rich Chocolate Cake with Pumpkin & Silky Buttercream

Pumpkin Chocolate Cake

For those who believe chocolate makes everything better, this Chocolate Cake with Pumpkin is a dream come true. This utterly decadent cake masterfully marries the deep, satisfying richness of chocolate with the subtle warmth and moisture of pumpkin. Packed with luscious pumpkin puree, the cake itself is incredibly moist, rich, and features a delicate hint of autumnal spice that perfectly complements the chocolatey base. But the true star, arguably, is the silkiest pumpkin chocolate buttercream that crowns this creation. This frosting is smooth, intensely flavorful, and brings both pumpkin and chocolate notes together in a harmonious blend. The entire cake batter comes together effortlessly in a single bowl, simplifying your baking process. Baked in a convenient sheet pan, it eliminates the need for tricky stacking and side frosting, though the recipe notes offer options if you prefer to transform it into a show-stopping layer cake. Adorned with charming piped mini pumpkins on top, this cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in itself, making it the perfect centerpiece for any fall gathering or Thanksgiving feast where you crave a delightful twist on tradition.

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6. Chewy Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Prepare to fall in love with these utterly delightful Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, a perfect fusion of cookie and creamy dessert. These cookies strike an irresistible balance: crispy on the edges, wonderfully chewy in the middles, and featuring a surprise creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling nestled right inside. Each bite offers a textural delight, further enhanced by ribbons of graham cracker crumbs woven into the cookie dough, adding an extra layer of flavor and a pleasing crunch. The best part? The cookie dough is incredibly easy to prepare, coming together seamlessly in just one bowl, with no electric mixer required. This recipe yields 12 generously sized cookies, designed to provide the ideal proportion of rich cheesecake filling to chewy cookie. While you can certainly make smaller cookies, we highly recommend embracing the larger size to fully appreciate the luxurious filling. These cookies are a fantastic, portable way to enjoy the classic flavors of pumpkin cheesecake in a fun, hand-held format, making them ideal for fall parties, lunchboxes, or a cozy evening treat.

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7. Flaky Pumpkin Hand Pies

Pumpkin Hand Pies

Say goodbye to the stress of a full-sized pie and embrace the charm of these adorable and delicious Pumpkin Hand Pies. These individual delights offer all the beloved flavors of classic pumpkin pie in a perfectly portable format. Each hand pie encases a rich, easy-to-make pumpkin pie filling within a super flaky, golden-brown all-butter crust – a testament to simple, wholesome ingredients. The exterior is crowned with a delightful crunchy, bakery-style topping that adds an extra layer of texture and sweetness, making every bite incredibly satisfying. These hand pies are not only faster to prepare but also significantly less stressful than baking a large pumpkin pie, making them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy treat on a crisp autumn day. The generous crust-to-filling ratio ensures you get plenty of that incredibly flavorful, buttery pastry in every bite, a feature many pie lovers adore. They are a charming, mess-free way to enjoy a taste of fall.

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8. Pillowy Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Creamy Custard

Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Pumpkin Custard [no knead]

Prepare for a truly indulgent breakfast or dessert experience with these irresistible Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Pumpkin Custard. These homemade donuts are a revelation, offering a delightful contrast of textures: a crispy exterior gives way to an incredibly soft, pillowy interior. Each donut is generously filled with a creamy, dreamy pumpkin custard that captures the essence of classic pumpkin pie, making every bite a taste of autumn bliss. After frying to golden perfection, they are rolled in a sweet, aromatic sugar and pumpkin spice mixture, adding an extra layer of flavor and sparkle. The secret to their incredible tenderness lies in the donut dough itself, which is enriched with both pumpkin puree and additional pumpkin spice to truly amplify that signature fall flavor. What’s more, this is a no-knead dough recipe, which not only simplifies the process but also results in beautiful, open middles in the donuts – absolutely perfect for piping in that luscious pumpkin custard. You’ll need just over a 16 oz can of pumpkin puree to bring these sensational treats to life, making them a must-try for any pumpkin enthusiast.

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9. Crunchy Chocolate-Dipped Pumpkin Biscotti

Pumpkin Biscotti

For a sophisticated yet comforting treat that pairs perfectly with your favorite hot beverage, these Pumpkin Biscotti are an absolute must-try. These delightful Italian-inspired cookies are bursting with authentic pumpkin flavor and warm spices, making them an ideal companion for a crisp fall morning or a cozy evening. Crafted to be perfectly crispy without being overly hard, they offer that satisfying crunch ideal for dipping into a steaming cup of coffee, a creamy chai latte, or a rich hot chocolate. The subtle sweetness and robust pumpkin notes truly shine through, especially when complemented by a luxurious coating of melted chocolate, adding an extra layer of indulgence. What’s truly fantastic about this recipe is its sheer simplicity: all you need is a large mixing bowl and a wire whisk – no electric mixer is required, making cleanup a breeze. Most likely, you already have all the necessary ingredients in your pantry, making these pumpkin biscotti an effortlessly elegant addition to your fall baking repertoire. They are wonderful for gifting or simply enjoying as a daily moment of seasonal bliss.

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10. Soft & Gooey Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Discover the magic of plant-based baking with these incredibly delicious Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are a fall favorite for everyone, whether you’re vegan or not! They boast a wonderfully soft, almost cake-like texture, brimming with the comforting taste of pumpkin and generous pockets of gooey, melted chocolate chips throughout. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet and spiced, making them the quintessential autumn cookie. One of the best features of this recipe is its simplicity: the dough comes together effortlessly in a single bowl, eliminating the need for an electric mixer. The pumpkin puree plays a dual role here, not only infusing the cookies with its signature flavor but also acting as a natural binder and perfect egg replacement, contributing to their remarkable moisture and tenderness. A crucial tip for achieving cookie perfection: be careful not to overbake these gems! Overbaking can lead to a drier texture, so keep a close eye on them to ensure they remain delightfully soft and chewy. They’re a guilt-free pleasure that proves vegan desserts can be every bit as satisfying and flavorful as their traditional counterparts, ideal for sharing or savoring solo.

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11. Festive Pumpkin Cake Pops

Pumpkin Cake Pops

Bring a touch of whimsical charm to your fall celebrations with these adorable Pumpkin Cake Pops. These delightful bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a fun baking project with kids. Each cake pop features a core of soft, moist, pumpkin-spiced cake, expertly crumbled and mixed to achieve a rich, flavorful interior. This pumpkin cake mixture is then lovingly shaped and coated in a crisp, sweet chocolate shell, which can be easily customized with sprinkles or decorative drizzles for an extra festive touch. Their playful appearance makes them not only a fantastic dessert for fall and Thanksgiving tables but also a surprisingly fitting treat for themed events like a Cinderella birthday party (think fairy godmother’s pumpkin carriage!). A particularly clever aspect of this recipe is its versatility: it’s perfectly adjustable and a brilliant way to repurpose any leftover cake or even a cake that didn’t quite turn out as planned, transforming it into something new and exciting. These cake pops are a fantastic, mess-free way to enjoy a burst of pumpkin flavor in a fun, handheld format.

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12. Gourmet Pumpkin Spice Butter Board

Pumpkin Spice Butter Board

Move over, traditional cheese boards! This Pumpkin Spice Butter Board is a revolutionary, incredibly festive appetizer that will be the talk of your next fall gathering. Imagine a beautifully spread layer of soft, pumpkin-infused butter, delicately spiced and artfully arranged on a serving board. This unique creation is a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and warmly spiced flavors, offering a delightful alternative to the classic charcuterie. It’s designed for sharing, encouraging guests to scoop up generous portions onto crusty bread slices, artisanal crackers, or even warm scones. The rich pumpkin butter is elegantly topped with an array of complementary ingredients: fragrant crispy sage leaves for an herbaceous note, toasted pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance all the flavors, and a decadent drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness. This butter board is not just a dish; it’s an experience, creating an inviting and interactive focal point for any fall party, from casual get-to-gethers to elegant holiday soirées. It’s simple to assemble yet visually stunning and utterly delicious.

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13. Creamy & Spiced Pumpkin Whipped Cream

Pumpkin Whipped Cream

Elevate any fall dessert or beverage with a dollop of this luxurious Pumpkin Whipped Cream. This isn’t just any whipped cream; it’s a vibrant, flavorful creation packed with genuine pumpkin and a robust blend of pumpkin spice, designed to infuse every bite or sip with autumnal cheer. What sets this recipe apart is its use of both pumpkin puree and a touch of pumpkin pie filling, which together create an unparalleled depth of flavor and a wonderfully smooth, rich texture. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary seasonal delights. This pumpkin whipped cream is incredibly versatile, serving as the perfect pumpkin spice topping for everything from your morning coffee and lattes to fluffy pancakes, waffles, and, of course, any fall pie. Its superior consistency means it pipes beautifully, holding its shape exceptionally well, allowing you to create elegant garnishes that impress. The recipe also provides a wealth of useful tips and tricks, ensuring you can achieve perfectly fluffy whipped cream every time, whether you choose to whisk it by hand for a satisfying arm workout or use an electric mixer for quick convenience. Get ready to add a touch of pumpkin magic to all your favorite treats!

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14. Homemade Pumpkin Cold Foam for Fall Drinks

Pumpkin Cold Foam

Bring the beloved coffee shop experience right into your home with this incredibly simple and satisfying Pumpkin Cold Foam. Forget long lines and expensive seasonal drinks; now you can craft your own luxurious pumpkin-spiced topping in minutes. This cold foam is delightfully thick, wonderfully creamy, and infused with the quintessential taste of spiced pumpkin, making it the absolute best way to elevate all your favorite fall beverages. Whether you’re topping iced coffee, cold brew, or even a chilled chai, this cold foam adds a layer of rich flavor and a silky texture that’s truly irresistible. The preparation couldn’t be easier: simply combine all the ingredients in a jar or an airtight container, give it a good shake or a quick blend, and then refrigerate until you’re ready to add a decadent crown to your drinks. Inspired by popular seasonal offerings from coffee giants like Starbucks, this homemade version allows you to control the sweetness and spice levels to perfectly suit your palate, ensuring a personalized and immensely enjoyable fall pick-me-up every time. It’s the ultimate secret weapon for creating café-quality drinks at home all season long.

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15. Cozy Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

Embrace the ultimate cozy beverage of the season with this homemade Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte. This rich and comforting drink is a harmonious marriage of two of fall’s most cherished flavors: the earthy warmth of chai tea and the sweet, comforting notes of real pumpkin. Unlike many store-bought or cafe versions, this recipe uses genuine pumpkin, lending an authentic depth and creaminess that is simply unmatched – delivering a far more robust and satisfying flavor than even popular coffee chain offerings. What’s more, this luxurious latte comes together in under 10 minutes with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s incredibly creamy, beautifully spiced, and provides that perfect festive pick-me-up needed on a chilly autumn day. This recipe is designed to yield one generous large cup or two smaller servings, making it ideal for a personal indulgence or for sharing a moment of warmth with a loved one. Once you try this homemade pumpkin spice chai latte, you’ll find it utterly irresistible and likely become your go-to fall beverage, transforming your home into a cozy autumn café.

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More Delightful Fall and Thanksgiving Recipes Beyond Pumpkin

While pumpkin undeniably reigns supreme during the autumn months, the season offers a cornucopia of other delightful flavors perfect for your fall and Thanksgiving table. If you’re seeking to diversify your dessert spread or simply craving something equally comforting yet distinct from pumpkin, this selection of recipes is precisely what you need. These treats celebrate other iconic fall ingredients like crisp apples and warm cinnamon, promising to bring just as much joy and deliciousness to your holiday gatherings. They are perfect for rounding out your menu, offering a welcome variety that caters to all taste preferences, ensuring every guest finds something to love.