Isn’t fall just so many things? And aren’t pumpkin desserts absolutely one of them?
It’s the most fun and inspiring time of year in some ways, right? – and then right around the time the low-energy winter blues show up, all we want to do is eat pumpkin desserts and settle in for a Netflix binge and just never ever ever take off our fuzzy pajamas.
1. Pumpkin Caramel Sticky Buns with Pecans
What’s the perfect partner for a pumpkin spice latte? Pretty much anything here, but these pumpkin spice sticky buns are a game-changer.
There’s real pumpkin and spice in the dough, so every single bite is packed with autumn flavor. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, they’re finished with a dreamy caramel and pecan topping. Yum!
2. Pumpkin Tiramisu
Ah, tiramisu. You’ve probably had this famous Italian dessert once or twice, but have you ever experienced PUMPKIN tiramisu? It’s just as gorgeous and perfectly layered as the original.
The only switch-up is the boatload of pumpkin deliciousness and all the cozy fall spices. Trust me on this one. If you’re a fan of autumn flavors, you are going to like this dessert even more than the classic.
3. Pumpkin Pecan Bars
At every holiday dinner in my family, it always comes down to one major choice: pumpkin or pecan pie? Am I the only one who takes a slice of each and gets a perfect spoonful of both?!
This super easy recipe marries everything you adore about pumpkin and pecan pies into one incredible square. It’s the best of both worlds.
4. Loaded Caramel Pumpkin Blondies
When you brainstorm pumpkin dessert ideas, blondies might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But they absolutely should be.
Chewy, cookie-like pumpkin blondies are a fantastic fall treat all by themselves, but these? These are on another level.
We’re talking blondies jam-packed with both milk and white chocolate chips, toffee bits, pumpkin Hershey’s kisses, AND a layer of caramel. Wow. I think I need a moment.
5. Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze
I always get such a kick out of baked donuts; they just feel more wholesome than the deep-fried kind. They seem healthier, you know? But healthy or not, there’s no denying these donuts are utterly delicious.
You’ll make them with pumpkin puree and a wonderful mix of spices. Then, you’ll cover them in a rich, sticky cinnamon-sugar glaze. So, so good.
6. Vegan Pumpkin Mousse
Let’s make sure our vegan friends aren’t left out! This vegan mousse is jaw-droppingly yummy. It has the same silky, luscious texture of any great mousse recipe and is overflowing with pumpkin spice flavor.
And whatever you do, don’t skip the maple nut brittle. It’s incredible on top of the mousse or just eaten by itself.
7. Pumpkin Spice Earthquake Cake
The creator of this recipe calls it “like pumpkin cake meets brownie meets pudding, and it’s weird and wonderful all at once.”
And honestly? That is the most perfect description I can imagine for this cake. It truly is all the best autumn desserts combined into one, and you are going to be obsessed with it.
8. Butterscotch Gingerbread and Pumpkin Trifle
If you’re searching for a fall show-stopper, this is it! This spiced trifle is a fantastic change from the usual fruit trifles you’ve seen before.
With beautiful layers of pumpkin and butterscotch pudding, gingerbread, and Cool Whip, your guests will be begging for the recipe.
When it’s all dressed up in a trifle dish, nothing is more impressive. Seriously, a trifle dish is worth its weight in social media likes!
9. Pumpkin Mug Cake
The baker side of me wants to say ‘no way,’ but my lazy sweet tooth is screaming ‘yes!’ Mug cakes might not be flawless, but when it’s late and I’m craving something sweet, they are my favorite thing.
All you need to do is whisk the ingredients together and pour them into your mug. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream and let it melt into the sponge for a super-fast treat.
10. Pumpkin Icebox Cake
Here’s another quick and easy pumpkin dessert for those moments you don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. This pumpkin icebox cake needs just five ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time.
It’s sweet, creamy, and requires zero cooking from you. And yes, even with its cool lightness, it’s just as packed with pumpkin spice as anything else on this list.
11. Magic Pumpkin Bars
Even if this particular dessert is new to you, you’ve likely had magic bars before, which also go by seven-layer bars.
This recipe gives a fall twist to those classic layers. The “layers” here include butter, butter pecan cake mix, chocolate and butterscotch chips, pumpkin puree, coconut, and even more!
Yeah, there is a LOT happening in these bars. And every single bite is beyond delicious.
12. Pumpkin Brownies
Pumpkin and chocolate are just such a great team. Say whatever you want, but I put dark chocolate chips in almost every pumpkin thing I bake!
The mix of chocolate fudge brownie with the spiced, faux-cheesecake pumpkin topping here is worth every single calorie. Believe me when I say you won’t be able to have just one!
13. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Pumpkin whoopie pies bring an autumnal twist to the classic old-fashioned recipe. They swap chocolate cookies for pumpkin-infused chocolate chip cookies, but they hang onto the super sweet cream cheese frosting.
The final product? Irresistibly chewy, light sandwich cookies that you will find impossible to stop eating.
14. Peanut Butter Pumpkin Fudge
Peanut butter, white chocolate, pumpkin, pie spice, and just 10 minutes. That’s everything you need for a batch of this can’t-stop-eating-it fudge.
Make sure you use high-quality white chocolate, since cheaper types sometimes don’t melt completely smooth.
For an extra creamy finish, try blending your pumpkin with the spices and a spoonful of peanut butter. You’ll need to wait a few hours for it to cool, but I won’t tell if you sneak a bite early.
15. Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Chocolate Swirl
Looking for a fantastic gluten-free option for your holiday dessert table? This cake starts with a gluten-free yellow cake mix. You’ll flavor one half with pumpkin and spice and fold chocolate through the other.
Just a heads up: Bundt cakes can over-bake easily, so watch the timer and check it after 30 minutes. The pumpkin and chocolate are great together, but the orange frosting sends it to a whole other level of yum!
16. Pumpkin Cheesecake Pops
It truly doesn’t matter if you have leftover pumpkin cake or if you start fresh. These pumpkin cake pops are guaranteed to wow everyone. They are the perfect blend of tangy cream cheese, richly spiced pumpkin cake, and confectioners’ sugar.
Dip each one into melted white chocolate and decorate as you see in the picture, or go with your own style. They would be amazing with a little caramel drizzle or some powdered pecans.
17. Salted Caramel Pumpkin Ice Cream
Nope. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. It really DOES say salted caramel pumpkin ice cream. And yes, it’s just as divine as you’re imagining.
The best part is you don’t even need an ice cream maker for it. It takes a little time and the recipe has a few steps, but making this ice cream is surprisingly simple. The only hard part is stopping yourself after that first bite.
18. Pumpkin Cream Pie
A quick look at this pie’s ingredient list might make you think it’s sinfully decadent. We’re talking heavy cream, cream cheese, pumpkin, powdered sugar, and a whole truckload of your favorite fall spices, all packed into your go-to buttery pie crust.
But in reality, this pie is a lighter, creamier take on your standard pumpkin pie. I’m not going to call it “healthy,” but it’s definitely not as indulgent as it looks.
19. Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Creme brulee is one of those desserts that always used to intimidate me. But a few years back, I decided to just go for it! I was going to make a creme brulee, and I did!
While it’s a bit tougher than a boxed cake mix, it was way easier to make than I thought. A little pro-tip: having an immersion blender for the ingredients helps a lot.
So, if you’re hesitating, take it from me. Just do it! It’s totally worth the effort.
20. Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
Maybe it’s just my thing, but I always find mini versions of big desserts to be extra tasty. It could be because in my head, ‘mini’ means I’m allowed to have more than one.
These aren’t your typical cupcakes. It’s not a cake, really. It’s more like pumpkin pie, just in cupcake form. These cute little bites are quick to make and are perfect with a dollop of Cool Whip.