10 Easy Pumpkin Desserts to Make This Fall

Pumpkin season is the perfect excuse to bake something warm, creamy, and delicious. These 10 pumpkin desserts include classic pies, rich cheesecake, soft muffins, easy bars, and more. Each recipe is simple enough for home bakers and packed with cozy fall flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Recipe	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
Classic Pumpkin Pie	20 min	50 min	1 hr 10 min	8
Pumpkin Cheesecake	25 min	1 hr	1 hr 25 min	10
Pumpkin Bars	15 min	30 min	45 min	12
Vegan Pumpkin Pie	20 min	50 min	1 hr 10 min	8
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies	15 min	12 min	27 min	18
Pumpkin Muffins	15 min	22 min	37 min	12
Pumpkin Bread Pudding	20 min	45 min	1 hr 5 min	8
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls	25 min	25 min	2 hr 20 min	12
No-Bake Pumpkin Mousse	15 min	0 min	15 min	6
Pumpkin Crumble Cake	20 min	45 min	1 hr 5 min	10

1. Pumpkin Pie from Scratch

A classic pumpkin pie from scratch is one of the most popular pumpkin dessert recipes. This version has a flaky crust and a smooth, warmly spiced filling.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
20 minutes	50 minutes	1 hour 10 minutes	8

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and gently crimp the edges.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Slowly stir in the evaporated milk until smooth.
5. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
6. Bake for 15 minutes.
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35 minutes, or until the center is mostly set.
8. Cool completely before slicing.

Tips

• Do not overbake the pie; the center should have a slight jiggle.
• Let the pie cool fully before refrigerating.
• Top each slice with whipped cream for a classic finishing touch.

2. Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

This rich pumpkin cheesecake recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth pumpkin-and-cream cheese filling.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
25 minutes	1 hour	1 hour 25 minutes	10

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

For the filling:

• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
4. Beat the cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth.
5. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla, and spices.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed.
7. Pour the filling over the crust.
8. Bake for about 60 minutes.
9. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 30 minutes.
10. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Tips

• Use room-temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps.
• Avoid overmixing after adding the eggs.
• Chill overnight for cleaner slices and a firmer texture.

3. Easy Pumpkin Bars

These soft pumpkin bars are simple, moist, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	30 minutes	45 minutes	12

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
3. Combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and oil, then whisk until smooth.
4. Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
5. Stir just until combined.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes.
8. Cool before cutting into squares.

Tips

• Do not overmix the batter.
• Check the bars near the center with a toothpick.
• Add cream cheese frosting after the bars have completely cooled.

4. Vegan Pumpkin Pie

This easy vegan pumpkin pie is creamy, flavorful, and completely dairy-free.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
20 minutes	50 minutes	1 hour 10 minutes	8

Ingredients

• 1 vegan 9-inch pie crust
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Add all filling ingredients to a large bowl.
3. Whisk until completely smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
5. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
6. Cool at room temperature.
7. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Tips

• Full-fat coconut milk gives the filling a richer texture.
• Let the pie chill completely before slicing.
• Check that your pie crust is labeled vegan.

5. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pumpkin treats are soft, cakey, and filled with melted chocolate chips.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	12 minutes	27 minutes	18

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Add the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
8. Cool before serving.

Tips

• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Do not flatten the cookie dough too much.
• Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to help maintain their softness.

6. Easy Pumpkin Muffins

These tender pumpkin muffins are an easy choice for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	22 minutes	37 minutes	12

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
3. Whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and sugar.
4. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
5. Stir gently until combined.
6. Divide the batter between the muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
8. Cool on a wire rack.

Tips

• Fill muffin cups about three-quarters full.
• Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
• Add chopped pecans or chocolate chips for extra texture.

7. Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Pumpkin bread pudding is a warm and comforting dessert that transforms simple bread into a rich fall treat.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
20 minutes	45 minutes	1 hour 5 minutes	8

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cups milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the bread cubes in a greased baking dish.
3. Whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and butter.
4. Pour the mixture over the bread.
5. Let it soak for 10 minutes.
6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
7. Serve warm.

Tips

• Day-old bread absorbs the custard better than fresh bread.
• Brioche or challah creates an especially rich texture.
• Serve with caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream.

8. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

These homemade cinnamon rolls have a soft pumpkin dough and a sweet cinnamon filling.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
25 minutes	25 minutes	2 hours 20 minutes	12

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 3/4 cup warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 cup softened butter

Instructions

1. Combine the warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, sugar, egg, flour, and salt.
3. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
4. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour.
5. Roll the dough into a rectangle.
6. Spread with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
7. Roll tightly and cut into 12 pieces.
8. Let the rolls rise for 30 minutes.
9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22 to 25 minutes.

Tips

• Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to protect the yeast.
• Use dental floss or a sharp knife for neat slices.
• Add cream cheese icing while the rolls are still slightly warm.

9. No-Bake Pumpkin Mousse

This quick dessert is light, creamy, and ideal when you want pumpkin flavor without turning on the oven.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	0 minutes	1 hour 15 minutes	6

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger

Instructions

1. Beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and ginger.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture.
5. Spoon into serving glasses.
6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Tips

• Chill the mixing bowl before whipping the cream.
• Fold gently to keep the mousse light.
• Top with crushed cookies, pecans, or extra whipped cream.

10. Pumpkin Crumble Cake

This easy pumpkin cake has a soft center and a buttery crumb topping.

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
20 minutes	45 minutes	1 hour 5 minutes	10

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the crumble:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cold butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
3. Mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and melted butter.
4. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Mix the crumble ingredients until crumbly.
7. Sprinkle the topping over the batter.
8. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
9. Cool slightly before serving.

Tips

• Keep the butter cold for a crumbly topping.
• Do not press the crumble topping into the batter.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the easiest pumpkin desserts to make?

Pumpkin bars, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin cookies, and no-bake pumpkin mousse are some of the easiest options. They require simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes. Homemade pumpkin puree can be used in most recipes. Make sure it is smooth and well-drained because excess moisture can change the texture of baked desserts.

Can I freeze pumpkin desserts?

Many pumpkin desserts freeze well, including pumpkin bars, muffins, cookies, and cheesecake. Wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container.

What spices go well with pumpkin?

Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice are classic choices. You can also use a prepared pumpkin pie spice blend.

Can canned pumpkin puree be used for desserts?

Yes. Plain canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works well in pies, cakes, muffins, cookies, and other easy pumpkin desserts. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling unless the recipe specifically calls for it.

Conclusion

These 10 pumpkin desserts offer something for every craving, from classic pumpkin pie and creamy cheesecake to quick cookies and no-bake mousse. Choose your favorite recipe, grab a can of pumpkin puree, and enjoy a delicious homemade fall treat.