60 Pumpkin Dessert Recipes to Use Up Those Cans of Pumpkin
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy pumpkin dessert recipes. And with pumpkin pie, cakes, cookies and more, one of these is sure to please!
Is there anything pumpkin can’t do? It’s a holy grail ingredient in soups and stews, absolute perfection in a creamy pasta bake and worth waking up for in pumpkin pancakes. And while we have some seriously good pumpkin recipes, we haven’t even gotten to dessert. The beloved winter squash was probably created with baking in mind and to prove it, we’ve rounded up our most-clicked pumpkin dessert recipes.
From pumpkin pie cheesecake and chocolate chip cookies to pumpkin tassies, trifles and tiramisu, the options are limitless when it comes to how to use this winter squash. We’ve even included a few frozen pumpkin treats because no fruit this tasty should be reserved for only one season of the year.
1
/
60
Pumpkin Dump Cake
Canned pumpkin and cake mix make these bars an effortless alternative to pumpkin pie. The walnuts add a nutty crunch. It’s a tried-and-true dessert that is sure to have people reaching for seconds.
2
/
60
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
It’s hard to think of a dessert that could top these buttermilk pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. For tender baked goods like muffins and cakes, the key is to mix gently. It also helps to whisk your dry ingredients well before combining them with any wet ingredients. Use our ultimate guide to baking cupcakes while you follow along with this recipe.
3
/
60
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
The addition of pumpkin instantly elevates these chocolate chip muffins, although you could also add in your favorite chopped nuts or dried cranberries for good measure. For bonus presentation points, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking.
4
/
60
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Love snickerdoodle cookies for their soft, delicate texture? Meet the pleasantly spiced pumpkin version that you’ll want to make over and over again. Top them with cream cheese frosting or use as a filling to make a sandwich cookie.
5
/
60
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Good luck not polishing off this pumpkin cheesecake in one sitting. A crumbly graham cracker crust and sour cream frosting studded with pecans is exactly the right move here, but you could also whip up a batch of caramel sauce as a topping.
6
/
60
Classic Pumpkin Pie
Nothing says Thanksgiving like a slice of pie, and you’ll want to relish every luscious bite of this pumpkin pie. Be sure to use canned vs. fresh pumpkin for pie since the canned texture is always more consistent.
7
/
60
Pumpkin Roll
This pumpkin roll is great to keep in the freezer for a quick dessert for unexpected guests or to take to a gathering as a yummy gift. Pro tip: Use a larger can of pumpkin to make more rolls. You’ll thank us later.
8
/
60
Pumpkin Bars
In case you were wondering, pumpkin bars are the new pumpkin pies in individual, bite-size form. Slathered with cream cheese frosting, they are the ultimate treat. Plus, they’re ready in under an hour.
9
/
60
Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Pull out your prettiest Bundt pan for this recipe! As it bakes, the intoxicating aroma fills the house with a spicy scent, and once it’s dusted with confectioners’ sugar, it makes for one festive dessert.
10
/
60
Pumpkin Bread
Everyone loves homemade pumpkin bread, but overbaking can cause pumpkin bread recipes to come out dry. You know bread is done baking when a digital thermometer reads between 200°F and 205°. If you don’t have a digital thermometer, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the bread. If the tester comes out with crumbs or wet batter, the bread needs more time to bake. But if the tester comes out clean, it’s ready to be removed.
11
/
60
Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes
Here’s a brilliant use for pumpkin. Bursting with flavor and plenty of eye-catching appeal, these sweet and spicy filled cupcakes are bound to impress your family and friends.
12
/
60
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins
Cream cheese makes everything better if you ask us, especially dense pumpkin muffins stuffed with the decadent filling inside. If you really want to go all out, you could even add a strudel topping.
13
/
60
Layered Pumpkin Dessert
Pretty layers of cheesecake and pumpkin star in this prize-winning torte. For the airiest whipped cream, be sure to use heavy whipping cream that is icy cold and not ultra-pasteurized.
14
/
60
Pumpkin Shortbread Dessert
With a shortbread cookie base and a spongy pumpkin pie center, these delightful little squares will go quickly. You may want to double or triple the recipe! A dollop of whipped cream and a snowfall of cinnamon finish them off nicely.
15
/
60
Pumpkin Chip Cupcakes
We love these cupcakes that are loaded with chocolate chips, chopped walnuts and warming spices. They’re an addictive autumn snack or delicious breakfast with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider.
16
/
60
Gingerbread Pumpkin Trifle
Gingerbread and pumpkin are two of the most popular holiday flavors, so why not combine them in a tasty trifle alternative to pumpkin pie? This dish is guaranteed to win the potluck wars and look good doing it.
17
/
60
Pumpkin Gingersnap Ice Cream Pie
Name a prettier pumpkin dessert…we’ll wait. This pumpkin gingersnap ice cream pie practically makes itself in less than 30 minutes (plus freezer time). Swap the vanilla ice cream for salted caramel for a next-level upgrade.
18
/
60
Ginger-Streusel Pumpkin Pie
The streusel topping gives this pumpkin pie a special touch thanks to crystallized ginger, and the refrigerated pie crust saves you the hassle of having to make your own. Use one of the best premade pie crusts according to our Test Kitchen.
19
/
60
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles
These delicious truffles make a pretty addition to a party plate and are a sweet way to finish up a meal. Plus, the unexpected addition of crushed crackers makes them a joy to bite into.
20
/
60
Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Tart
A chocolate ganache tart is heavenly on its own, but adding spiced pumpkin really kicks it up a notch. Follow our guide on how to make ganache if you’ve never tried it before—it could take some practice. If desired, garnish with crystallized ginger for a crunchy candy topping.
21
/
60
Pumpkin Brownies
Chocolate pumpkin brownies are a fantastic option for parties (did you notice the colors lend themselves to a very Halloween-worthy dessert?). Like other brownie recipes, you can store this one in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
22
/
60
Hot Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
If hot chocolate is your go-to winter indulgence, then you’ll love this pumpkin cake version dusted with cocoa for an extra chocolate boost. To remove the cake easily, use solid shortening to grease the fluted tube pan.
23
/
60
Gingersnap-Pumpkin Dessert
If making a pie crust from scratch isn’t your jam, then this is the perfect recipe for you, thanks to a boxed cake mix and a cookie crust. The creamy pumpkin filling pairs well with the crunchy topping, and the five-star reviews prove it’s a winner.
24
/
60
Pumpkin Pie Cake
No one will guess this showstopper dessert with luscious cinnamon frosting starts with a mix! It’s a fall favorite that only needs to bake for 25 minutes. For an even sweeter garnish to press into the sides, opt for candied walnuts instead of regular.
25
/
60
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Pumpkin pie lovers won’t be able to resist the pudding version of their favorite Thanksgiving dessert! If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can whip up a homemade mix just by combining 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cloves and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
26
/
60
Pumpkin Dessert
These layered pumpkin squares couldn’t be easier, since the buttery crumb mixture starts with a box of cake mix that’s used for both the top and bottom layers. A silky pumpkin pie filling is the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth center.
27
/
60
Frosted Harvest Cake
This moist pumpkin sheet cake travels well and is also easy to prepare with a few pantry staples on hand. As for the cream cheese vanilla frosting, you’ll want to beat those ingredients with butter in a small bowl until it’s nice and fluffy, then gradually add in sugar and milk until smooth. Frost your cake, sprinkle with chopped nuts of your choosing and you’re ready to serve!
28
/
60
Pumpkin Snack Cake
Topped with pepitas and chocolate chips, this snack cake is something you’re going to want to munch on from breakfast to dinner. Make sure the butter and eggs are room tempterature before incorporating them for an extra-smooth batter.
29
/
60
Pumpkin Torte
This layered beauty drizzled with caramel topping will be the prettiest dessert at your fall gathering. Serve it on a cake stand for added presentaton points.
30
/
60
Pumpkin Cream Tiramisu
This recipe proves tiramisu is always better when pumpkin is involved. Now you can take the classic fall vegetable and enjoy it in a tiramisu-style dessert. After one bite, you’ll add this recipe to your keeper files.
31
/
60
Paul’s Pumpkin Patch Pudding
We would be at the pumpkin patch every day if we knew we could find this luscious, layered pudding there. One scoop reveals a graham cracker crust bottom with a cream cheese and pumpkin middle and a whipped cream swirled top. The hardest part of making this dreamy dessert is waiting the two hours for it to chill.
32
/
60
Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Pudding
Savor your favorite fall flavors in this scrumptious bread pudding, served warm with a sweet vanilla sauce. If you don’t have cinnamon bread at home, one reviewer shared that you can use homemade white bread and add one teaspoon of cinnamon and a dash of vanilla.
33
/
60
Baked Pumpkin Pudding
Baking pumpkin pudding at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean will give you the perfect custard-like consistency. It can be served warm or cold and is a great accompaniment to a cup of coffee or chai tea.
34
/
60
Pumpkin S'mores Cookies
Bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavor, bejeweled with toasted marshmallows and pooling with puddles of chocolate, these magical cookies take two of our favorite dessert recipes and bring them together into one heavenly union of flavors.
35
/
60
Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts
Cinnamon apple cider doughnuts get a lot of love come fall, but how about pumpkin doughnuts frosted with a zesty orange glaze? You can taste the sweet orange and pumpkin flavors in every last bite.
36
/
60
Pumpkin Cookie Pops
These cookie pops are a great way to liven up a Halloween party. Kids love them, and you can get as creative as you want with the frosting vine swirls. Plus, green gumdrops are the cutest-tasting stems.
37
/
60
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Tassies
Pumpkin and chocolate chip tassies taste like a cookie and look like a muffin, which means they pass for breakfast and dessert! If you don’t have a pastry tip, use a freezer bag to pipe the buttercream into the cookie cup.
38
/
60
Spiced Pumpkin Ice Cream Puffs
Ice cream puffs combine the best of both worlds with sweet ice cream and flaky cream puffs, but adding spiced pumpkin into the equation gives them a festive spin. The effort is worthwhile, and you can make the parts ahead of time for easy assembly later.
39
/
60
Pumpkin Ice Cream
Why bother with store-bought pumpkin ice cream when it’s so much fun to make your own? This recipe really captures the flavor of fall, and it’s good with or without the gingersnaps.
40
/
60
Pumpkin Butter
Word to the wise: Keep an oversized jar of this pumpkin butter around during the holidays. It’s spreadable on everything from toast and crackers to doughnuts and sweet bread. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
41
/
60
Pumpkin Mousse
If you’ve had your fill of pumpkin pie, this cool and creamy pumpkin mousse is a game-changer. Bonus: Its light and fluffy texture won’t make you feel “stuffed” after your favorite turkey dinner. We topped it with crushed gingersnaps, but you could also use vanilla wafers, nuts or caramel sauce.
42
/
60
Pumpkin Creme Brulee
We didn’t know creme brulee could get any better—until we tried this out-of-this-world pumpkin version. Cracking the caramelized coating is arguably the best part of the tasting experience for many, but once you dig into this spiced pumpkin vanilla custard, life will be forever changed as you know it.
43
/
60
Pumpkin-Cream Cheese Ice Cream
Everyone loves a pumpkin-flavored cheesecake, so why not try a cool and creamy ice cream version with canned pumpkin, a bevy of spices and cream cheese? Try it with your favorite cakes, crumbles and cobblers, or atop a slice of pumpkin pie for gourd-on-gourd goodness.
44
/
60
Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
These pumpkin ice cream sandwiches taste just like your childhood, only we replaced the chocolate biscuits of our youth with spiced pumpkin cookies. Let’s just put it this way: Cravings satisfied.
45
/
60
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie
This creamy pumpkin pie is a little bit traditional and a little bit modern, but everyone will agree that it’s delicious. Just be sure to refrigerate it for at least four hours before serving to ensure the egg-rich pie is cooled and set.
46
/
60
Pumpkin Apple Pie
Why choose between pumpkin pie and apple when you can have a bit of both in one bite? This wonderful change-of-pace holiday dessert has a delicious layer of apples under the pumpkin and a flaky golden crust.
47
/
60
The Pioneer Woman's Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars
Where have Ree Drummond’s pumpkin cheesecake bars been all our life?! Made with a graham cracker crust and rich, creamy pumpkin filling, they come together by using easy-to-find ingredients and simple prep.
48
/
60
Pumpkin Cannoli Cake Roll
Looking for a unique pumpkin cake for Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve? You’ve met your match with this pumpkin cannoli roll that’s studded with mini chocolate chips. It’s the perfect ending to a special dinner.
49
/
60
Pumpkin Eggnog Rolls
Extra eggnog is the ultimate addition to a holiday sweet roll recipe! Even people who usually don’t go for eggnog will be going back for seconds of these yummy frosted treats.
50
/
60
Frozen Pumpkin Dessert
Even pumpkin pie naysayers will be intrigued by this frozen pumpkin ice cream dessert that can be prepared weeks in advance. The chopped walnuts on top give these squares a nice crunch, but you can use any chopped nuts you have on hand.
51
/
60
Butterscotch Pumpkin Fudge
Each one of these creamy, heartwarming treats is like a bite-sized pumpkin pie. Feel free to omit the nuts altogether or add your go-to mix-ins. This recipe makes 3 pounds, so there will be plenty of fudge to go around!
52
/
60
Magic Pumpkin Buckle
Warning: This magic pumpkin buckle is bound to become your new favorite dessert. The crust mixture, which is poured in first, rises to the top during baking to form a rich topping. You won’t get a soggy bottom crust here, as you might with a pie.
53
/
60
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking time make this a foolproof recipe that’s as easy as it is yummy. If you like a little more spice or crunch, you could add 1/2 teaspoon of ginger as well as 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.
54
/
60
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Level up your cinnamon rolls with spiced pumpkin. The pumpkin puree is a no-brainer to include in ooey-gooey cinna-buns, and the caramel frosting will get the chef’s kiss from your whole family.
55
/
60
Pumpkin-Spice Sugar Cookies
Sugar and spice and everything nice is included in these pumpkin sugar cookies. You can even freeze the dough to make the cookies later, then thaw it overnight or until soft enough to roll, bake and eat.
56
/
60
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
Pumpkin-y cheesecake pie is a winner at potlucks and on the Thanksgiving table. The gingersnap crust forms a spicy-sweet foundation and the sour cream vanilla glaze makes this cheesecake shine even brighter.
57
/
60
Pumpkin Delights
This vintage recipe for Libby’s pumpkin delights that dates back to 1971 combines pumpkin pie mix and vanilla ice cream for the best pumpkin ice cream you’ll ever taste.
58
/
60
Pecan Pumpkin Dessert
If sweater weather vibes were a dessert, these pecan pumpkin bars with frozen whipped topping would be it. Because it’s baked in a cake pan, the dessert travels really well. Add the whipped topping-based frosting just before serving.
59
/
60
Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie
Although this pretty layered pie looks like you spent hours making it, it’s easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought Heath candy bars and a prepared crust. Top with more crushed candies or try chopped peanut butter cups.
60
/
60
Contest-Winning Pumpkin Cheesecake Dessert
Always save room for dessert, especially when this creamy spiced pumpkin cheesecake with maple syrup drizzle is on the menu. Use a hot knife to slice the cheesecake into perfectly clean slices with no cracks or crumbles.Originally Published: August 25, 2021
