90 Potluck Pumpkin Desserts

Meet the Cook: Probably my family's favorite pumpkin dessert, this is something I've been making since our two daughters were small. the crust mixture, which is actually poured in first, rises to the top during baking to form a rich topping. So you don't get a soggy bottom crust like you do with a pie. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

The combination of pumpkin and dark chocolate is unexpected and delectable. These delicious truffles make a pretty addition to a party plate, a sweet way to finish up a meal, or a gift your friends and family will love. —Monica Mooney, Roseville, California

My aunt makes the most delicious pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. But my kids prefer cupcakes for dessert, so I created these for all the youngsters at our holiday table! —Aimee Shugarman, Liberty Township, Ohio

This combination of pumpkin, nuts and dates makes a delicious, golden bread. The surprise inside—a rich creamy swirl—is like a luscious layer of cheesecake in each slice. —Cindy May, Troy, Michigan

The best of both worlds, I combined my grandmother's gingerbread recipe with my aunt's special brown sugar meringue to make these lovable bars. —Eden Dranger, Los Angeles, California

After discovering I had multiple food sensitivities, I began developing holiday recipes that would be safe for me, but enjoyable for others, too. These tarts are delicious—with no gluten, eggs or dairy! —Chantale Michaud, Guelph, Ontario

A family favorite during the holidays! It's easy, flavorful and reminds me of the Nutella sandwiches from childhood. One bite and you know the holidays are near.—Elizabeth Curcio, Oak Ridge, New Jersey

I always make a pumpkin pie for our big "pie night" party on Thanksgiving Eve. This recipe is a classic with a special spiced-up twist. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida

I wanted to use pumpkin for a quick party dessert. This twist on a cream cheese pie tastes divine when made ahead. It keeps well, too. —Jodie Jensen, Draper, Utah

A party favorite of ours is gingersnaps and pumpkin dip. I combined those flavors for a wonderful cross between gingerbread bar cookies and cheesecake. —Kathleen Rhodebeck, Penacook, New Hampshire

In a world of pumpkin spice flavor, these fluffy cookies are my top choice. The infusion of fresh sage gives them a surprising savory note. You can use mashed sweet potatoes or yams instead of the pumpkin if you prefer. —Jill LeMasters, Ravenna, Ohio

Pumpkin isn’t only for pies. Now you can take the classic fall vegetable and enjoy it in a tiramisu-style dessert. I promise after one bite, you’ll add this recipe to keeper files. —Pam Peters, Fernie, British Columbia

My grandmother gave me this family recipe. After a few changes, I made the treat even healthier and tastier. Holidays wouldn’t be the same without it!—Amy Bridgewater, Aztec, New Mexico

These pie-like cookie spirals are a pretty way to bring pumpkin flavor to dessert any time of the year.—Kathy Yarosh, Apopka, Florida

These cookies are the result of a recipe inspiration and an afternoon spent experimenting in the kitchen with my daughters. I took the cookies to a meeting and they were a hit. So yummy with a cup of coffee! —Jennifer Needham, Woodstock, Georgia

This tube cake is a fun, simple way to make a quick dessert. Pumpkin, chocolate and spice are very nice. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia

My grandfather loves these pumpkin-flavored treats. They remind him of a cookie his mother made. They’re fun to eat no matter what your age. —Amber Wahl, Acampo, California

Every fall when I was young, my mom made bread pudding cupcakes. Today I keep up her tradition with my daughter and three grandkids by baking these treats. —Terrel Porter-Smith, Los Osos, California

The recipe for these pleasantly spiced pumpkin cookies won a champion ribbon at our local county fair. These are a family favorite, and everyone enjoys the soft, cake-like texture. —Robin Nagel, Whitehall, Montana

I love pumpkin and decided to add it to a traditional recipe for flan. It's an interesting change of pace from the usual holiday pie. —Alisha Rodrigues, Tetonia, Idaho

With your leftover cranberry sauce and pumpkin, bake some Thanksgiving cookies. I’ve used jellied and whole-berry cranberry sauce, and both are equally delicious. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine

These homemade goodies are simple enough for my children to help with. Sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, the yummy crescents are perfect with hot cocoa on a chilly morning.—Mindee Erickson, St. George, Utah

This is traditional pumpkin pie...with a twist! I like the zesty orange taste of the sour cream topping paired with the pumpkin custard. When I serve this pie, there's never any left, so you might want to make two! —Joan Bingham, Cornwall, Vermont

When I was young we produced several ingredients for this longtime favorite on the farm. We raised pumpkins in our large vegetable garden, and made homemade butter and lots of sour cream using milk from our dairy herd. —Evonne Wurmnest, Normal, Illinois

We make our own maple syrup, and that's what gives this pie its special taste. You might want to bake this for your Thanksgiving meal. —Martha Boudah, Essex Center, Vermont

I love making this bread in the fall. The aroma is mouthwatering.—Vicki Raboine, Kansasville, Wisconsin

I've yet to meet a person who doesn't have room for a piece of this pie! Up here 8,000 feet in the Rockies, my husband and I are enjoying retirement. We're active in our little church (where I try all my recipes on people who love to eat!). We have four grown children and 11 grandchildren. —Jean Lockwood, Bayfield, Colorado

I'm one of the cooking project leaders for my daughter's 4-H club, where these soft, delicious cookies were a great hit with the kids. —Marietta Slater, Augusta, Kansas

If you'd like to make pumpkin pie from a fresh pumpkin, here's and easy recipe that eliminates the guesswork. Use a pie pumpkin for maximum flavor.—Jane Van Deusen, Oneonta, New York

The first time my husband and two daughters tried this dessert, they thought it was delicious. It has all of the spicy pumpkin goodness of the traditional pie without the fuss of a pastry crust. —Denise Goedeken, Platte Center, Nebraska

An enticing aroma wafts through my house when this tender cake-like pumpkin bread is in the oven. I bake extra loaves to give as holiday gifts. My friends wait eagerly for it every year. —Linda Burnett, Prescott, Arizona

Usually I prepare two different desserts for our holiday dinner, but one of them must be pumpkin pie—otherwise, it just wouldn't seem like Thanksgiving. My version calls for more eggs than most, making this pie's pumpkin custard fillings especially rich-tasting. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

This dessert is delicious, especially if you love cream cheese and pumpkin the way I do. —Elizabeth Montgomery, Allston, Massachusetts

Our town has a pumpkin-canning factory, so we're known as the "Pumpkin Capital of the World." New pumpkin recipes are always welcomed by our family, and this has become a favorite. The gingersnap crust is the perfect flavor pairing to the pumpkin. —Nilah Fischer, Morton, Illinois

My family prefers this to traditional pumpkin pie, which is just fine with me. It feeds a crowd, so I need to make only one dessert instead of several pies. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

My mother-in-law gave me this recipe a while back and I just love it! I make it for my husband and his friends during hunting season and it's a big hit. —Lorelle Edgcomb, Granville, Illinois

My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

These moist bars will keep well—if your family doesn't eat them all right away! They're nice to take to a potluck supper or as a snack or dessert anytime. —J.B. Hendrix, Ganado, Texas

I make this delicious coffee cake with its creamy pumpkin filling for almost every holiday gathering, and everyone loves it. —Carol McCartney, Danville, Ohio

This is one of my family's favorite dessert recipes, especially for holiday gatherings. —Mary Gecha, Center Rutland, Vermont

With tangy dried cranberries tucked inside and a creamy brown butter frosting, these mildly spiced pumpkin bars are doubly delightful. It's a good thing the recipe makes lots, because once you taste one, you won't be able to resist going back for more! -Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona

I'm forever looking for a little something extra to add to a favorite recipe. In this case, crunchy walnuts and chewy dates take traditional pumpkin pie to a new level. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

These golden cakelike cookies are my favorite, especially around the holidays. They disappear quickly from my dessert trays. The subtle pumpkin and cinnamon flavors pair nicely with chocolate chips. —Tami Burroughs, Salem, Oregon

Here's a charming use for pumpkin. Bursting with flavor and plenty of eye-catching appeal, these sweet and spicy filled cupcakes are bound to dazzle your family any time of the year. —Ali Johnson, Petersburg, Pennsylvania

The addition of apple butter gives this pumpkin pie a slightly fruity flavor. I'm always happy to share reliable recipes like this. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

My family loves getting together to sample good food. While pumpkin makes it perfect for the holidays, this ice cream dessert is requested year-round.

A gingersnap crust pairs well with the pumpkin and cream cheese filling. —Judy Shatzer, Upper Strasburg, Pennsylvania

I saw this recipe in a free booklet I got at the supermarket a few years ago and decided to try it, adding a few twists of my own. It’s pretty and so delicious. —Elmira Trombetti, Gulfport, Florida

Sweet tooths will polish off these wonderful bars. They have a delicious orange frosting and can be decorated with candy pumpkins.—Barb Schlafer, Appleton, Wisconsin

These caramel-frosted pumpkin cookies are as much a part of our holiday as mistletoe and carols! They are a great way to use our home-canned pumpkin. —Priscilla Anderson, Salt Lake City, Utah

If you’re looking for a classic autumn dessert, try this pumpkiny cheesecake pie. It’s a winner at potlucks and on the Thanksgiving table. The gingersnap crust forms a spicy-sweet foundation. —Sharon Crockett, La Palma, California

I came across this recipe in a local newspaper about 10 years ago, and I still make the bread on a regular basis. The recipe conveniently yields a number of mini loaves, making gift-giving easy. —Linda Wood, Roanoke, Virginia

Although my family enjoys all of the dishes I serve on Thanksgiving Day, it's this rich and creamy cheesecake they look forward to the most. — Joyce Schmidt, Lilburn, Georgia

These cookie pops are a great way to liven up a Halloween party. Kids love them! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pretty layers of cheesecake and pumpkin star in this prize-winning torte. Not too heavy, it's especially nice with a big holiday meal. There's never a morsel left!—Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta

I make these flavorful pumpkin cupcakes each Halloween, but they're wonderful year-round. —Amber Butzer, Gladstone, Oregon

With its gingersnap crust and maple syrup drizzle, this rich and creamy spiced pumpkin dessert never fails to get rave reviews. It cuts nicely, too. —Cathy Hall, Phoenix, Arizona

I've never quite gotten the hang of making a good pie crust. So I came up with this recipe, featuring a cake mix and cookie crust. The creamy pumpkin filling pairs well with the crunchy topping.

After trying a pumpkin scone at a coffee house, I was inspired to look for a recipe to try at home. The glaze nicely complements the pumpkin flavor.

The fantastic flavor from this pie comes from butterscotch pudding and canned pumpkin, which work surprisingly well together. Kids will go wild over the cream cheese layer! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

This special recipe combines all the warm, delicious flavors of the season and makes a truly unique presentation. It gets rave reviews each year and has become a holiday tradition at our house. —Trisha Fox, Plainfield, Illinois

I make this fruity cake many times between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The dense cake has wonderful pumpkin flavor and is flecked with pecans, dates, raisins and cherries. —Janet Hradsky, Three Rivers, Michigan

Because my husband loves pumpkin pie, I've looked high and low for that "perfect" recipe. But as soon as he tasted this tart, he told me to stop searching, declaring this the best he's ever tried! —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri

I adapted a recipe I saw on public television to create this caramel-coated pumpkin bread. It makes an impressive hostess gift or bake sale contribution. My young ones love to help roll the dough and cream cheese into balls.—Angela Coffman, Kansas City, Missouri

Enjoy this holiday dessert without worrying about calories. Plus it is so luscious that no one will guess that it is light! —Jean Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin

I was determined to make a healthier version of this pumpkin- and spice-laden cake. Judging by the compliments, it worked. Even a picky 4-year-old eater asked for more.—Krista Frank, Rhododendron, Oregon

You can speed up this recipe by using a store-bought pound cake or baking and freezing one ahead of time. The sugared pecans can also be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container.—Becky McClaflin, Blanchard, Oklahoma

The nicely spiced streusel in the center of this cake is a marvelous surprise and complement to the cinnamony pumpkin cake. It's delicious for breakfast or dessert. —Elaine Holmberg, Norfolk, Nebraska

When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, I can never decide which one I like best: pumpkin pie or cheesecake? So, I decided to put the two together—with a special twist—and got this delicious result. —Yvonne Starlin, Hermitage, Tennessee

With its 10-minute prep time and lovely blend of mild eggnog flavor and spices, this is dream dessert for a busy hostess! It’s a staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In fact, my grown kids request it whenever they come to visit. —Patti Leake, Columbia, Missouri

I love making this pumpkin monkey bread for a holiday brunch. Leftovers reheat well, and the sauce is good enough to make extra to use as waffle and pancake syrup. —Emily Main, Tonopah, Arizona

Refrigerated pie crust and a muffin tin make it easy to create these delicious spiced pumpkin tartlets. Dollop with whipped cream and you’re done! — Jessie Oleson, Santa Fe, New Mexico

I have to give my husband credit for this cheesecake. He found a recipe like it and asked if I could make it for him. I always make it for his birthday, and my young daughter loves to help. —Monika Walsh, Monterey, California

It just so happened that on the first day that really felt like fall, we were getting together with friends. I had to make this pumpkin cake. —Koni Brewer, Fort Worth, Texas

I added pumpkin and subtracted some of the coffee flavor in a tiramisu I developed for a special holiday dinner. A new Christmas tradition was born! —Heather Clary, Downingtown, Pennsylvania

These little pumpkin cupcakes are capped with cream cheese frosting and drizzled with a homemade salted caramel sauce. I like to make the caramel sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge till dessert. —Wendy Rusch, Trego, Wisconsin

One Thanksgiving, I was eating pumpkin pie and decided to have some cranberry sauce with it. I loved the combination so much, I experimented and came up with a two-tone cheesecake that has a ruby-red layer at the bottom. —John Abraham, Boca Raton, Florida

We love sticky buns made with my husband's angel biscuit dough, caramel and pecans. For a twist, try apple butter or applesauce instead of the pumpkin. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

We wait for these flavors all year long. Stack up the layers in a big trifle bowl, or make minis for everybody at the table. —Amy Geiser, Fairlawn, Ohio

I combined my two loves, cupcakes and pie, into one amazing treat. These pumpkin cupcakes have a piecrust bottom and a snow white topping. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota

Hot chocolate is my go-to winter indulgence. To go with it, I like this moist pumpkin cake dusted with cocoa for an extra chocolate boost. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

I thought cheesecake and pumpkin pie would be amazing together. This creamy combo won a prize in our local pie contest, so I guess the judges agreed! —Noel Ferry, Perkasie, Pennsylvania

I have been baking this cake for friends and neighbors for years. It's an easy to make-and-take treat. —Kellie Moore, Fort Collins, Colorado

I love to play with cheesecakes by mixing and matching flavors. This one with pumpkin and maple is the star of our Thanksgiving spread. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

My mom made this for me, and one bite can completely take me back to my childhood. You can easily convert it into a great carrot cake recipe: just use grated carrots in place of pumpkin and add raisins. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Pumpkin swirls not only turn this fall cheesecake into a showstopper, but they also seem to make it more delicious! —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin

Through all the years I've been baking, I’ve never come across a pumpkin cookie recipe that you can actually cut out with cookie cutters. (Most I’ve found are drop cookies.) Each bite tastes just like pumpkin pie—delicious! —Marion Kearley, Ladner, British Columbia

This pumpkin and chocolate cookie has a special feel that makes it perfect for a holiday dessert table. If you don’t have a pastry tip, use a freezer bag to pipe the buttercream into the cookie cup. It works well for me. —Laura Milanowski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

The buttery crust and crumb topping plus the creamy pumpkin filling make this a popular dessert at potlucks. Try it with whipped cream, ice cream or all by its yummy self. This is the pumpkin walnut recipe to end all recipes. —Ruth Beller, Sun City, California

This no-egg cake is quick, easy and bursting with flavor. I like to serve it with ice cream or whipped cream. —J. Fleming, Almonte, Ontario