10 Best Pumpkin Dessert Recipes for Fall
There’s nothing quite like the moment when the first crisp October breeze whispers through the trees and I know it’s time to pull out my favorite pumpkin recipes. I’ve been perfecting these fall pumpkin desserts for over a decade, and trust me when I say that these ten recipes have become the backbone of my autumn baking repertoire. From my grandmother’s traditional techniques to modern twists I’ve developed in my own kitchen, each of these pumpkin spice recipes tells a story of cozy evenings and the irresistible aroma of warm spices filling every corner of your home.
Whether you’re planning a Halloween dessert spread, prepping for Thanksgiving, or simply craving that perfect balance of pumpkin and spice, this collection covers everything from quick weeknight treats to show-stopping holiday centerpieces. I’ve organized these recipes based on my years of experience teaching home bakers, starting with the most approachable options and building up to the more adventurous creations. Each one has been tested countless times in my kitchen, and I can promise you that your family will be asking for these homemade pumpkin desserts year after year.
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1. Pumpkin Pie Bars
Let me tell you about the recipe that changed my entire approach to pumpkin pie alternatives. These bars deliver all the classic flavors you crave but in a format that’s infinitely easier to serve and transport. I developed this recipe after years of struggling with soggy pie crusts and uneven slices – now I can make a batch in just 45 minutes total time with only 15 minutes of active prep work.
The secret lies in the graham cracker and gingersnap crust that I press into a 9×13 pan, creating the perfect foundation that never gets soggy. The pumpkin custard filling uses a blend of pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and my special spice mixture that includes a touch of cardamom alongside the traditional cinnamon and nutmeg. What I love most is that these bars actually improve after chilling overnight – the flavors meld beautifully and the texture becomes incredibly creamy. Each batch serves 24 people and contains about 185 calories per square, making them perfect for potlucks and large gatherings. You’ll need basic pantry ingredients like eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla, plus a 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree.
2. Vegan Pumpkin Bread
I’ll admit, I was skeptical when my daughter Emma’s teacher asked if I could create a dairy-free pumpkin bread for their class celebration. But this recipe has become one of my most requested, even among non-vegan bakers! The genius is in using applesauce and coconut oil to create incredible moisture, while a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour provides the perfect tender crumb.
This plant-based fall baking masterpiece takes about 20 minutes to mix and 55 minutes to bake, creating two standard loaves that serve 16 people generously. At roughly 165 calories per slice, it’s lighter than traditional pumpkin bread without sacrificing any flavor. The key ingredients include coconut milk for richness, pure maple syrup for natural sweetness, and my signature spice blend that makes the bread smell absolutely heavenly while baking. I always make a double batch because these loaves freeze beautifully for up to three months – just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The texture is so moist and flavorful that even my husband David, who’s usually skeptical of vegan baking, declared it better than my original version!
3. Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake
I never thought I’d find myself perfecting a vegan coffee cake recipe, but when my neighbor mentioned she was hosting a brunch for her book club (half of whom follow plant-based diets), I knew I had to rise to the challenge! This dairy-free pumpkin coffee cake has become one of my most surprising success stories – it’s so incredibly tender and flavorful that even my butter-loving family requests it regularly. The secret lies in the combination of coconut oil, unsweetened applesauce, and a splash of oat milk, which creates an amazing crumb texture you can only imagine.
What I absolutely love about this plant-based fall coffee cake is how forgiving it is – 25 minutes of prep time, 45 minutes in the oven, and you’ve got a 9×13 pan that serves 15 people at just 195 calories per square. The pumpkin puree keeps everything incredibly moist, while my signature cinnamon-sugar streusel topping (made with vegan butter and a touch of brown sugar) adds that perfect sweet crunch we all crave in coffee cake. I use a blend of all-purpose flour and a small amount of almond flour for extra richness, along with my go-to spice combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom, which makes your kitchen smell like an autumn paradise. The best part? This cake actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together, making it perfect for make-ahead brunches or when you want to prep something special for weekend guests.
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Now this is what I call a grown-up pumpkin dessert! I created this recipe for my sister’s anniversary dinner, and it’s become my go-to when I want to serve something truly spectacular.
This pumpkin cheesecake requires about 25 minutes of active preparation time and bakes for 55 minutes, followed by an essential 4-hour chilling period. The gingersnap crust provides the perfect spicy foundation, while the filling combines cream cheese, pumpkin puree, eggs, and heavy cream for an incredibly rich texture. Each slice (this serves 12) contains approximately 340 calories, making it an indulgent but worthwhile treat. What sets this apart is the technique I use for preventing cracks – I bake it in a water bath and then cool it gradually in the oven with the door slightly open. This cheesecake actually improves after 24 hours, so it’s perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
5. Crispy Pumpkin Walnut Biscotti
These Italian pumpkin cookies hold a special place in my heart because they’re inspired by my Nonna Rosa’s traditional almond biscotti, adapted with fall flavors that make your kitchen smell like pure autumn magic. The double-baking process creates that perfect crispy texture that’s ideal for dunking in coffee or hot cider, and they keep for weeks in an airtight container.
The beauty of pumpkin spice biscotti is in the timing – 20 minutes to mix the dough, 30 minutes for the first bake, then 15 more minutes after slicing for that signature crunch. Each batch makes about 36 cookies at roughly 95 calories each, making them perfect for gift-giving or keeping on hand for unexpected guests. I use a combination of pumpkin puree, toasted walnuts, and a generous amount of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The key is not to make the dough too wet – the pumpkin adds moisture, so I reduce the eggs slightly from traditional biscotti recipes. After the first baking, I let the logs cool for exactly 10 minutes before slicing with a sharp serrated knife. The second baking transforms them into golden, crispy perfection that pairs beautifully with everything from morning coffee to evening dessert wine.
6. Pumpkin Gingerbread
This spiced pumpkin bread combines two of my favorite fall flavors into one incredibly moist and aromatic loaf. I developed this recipe when I couldn’t decide between making pumpkin bread or gingerbread for a neighbor’s housewarming gift – why not have both? The result is pure comfort food that tastes like autumn wrapped in a warm hug.
The magic happens with a combination of molasses and pumpkin puree, creating incredible depth of flavor and moisture that keeps this bread fresh for days. With just 15 minutes of mixing time and 60 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a loaf that serves 12 and contains about 195 calories per slice. What makes this molasses pumpkin bread special is the generous amount of warming spices – ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice – plus a secret ingredient of freshly grated ginger that adds little bursts of flavor throughout. I always use both vegetable oil and melted butter for the perfect texture, and the addition of buttermilk creates a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. This bread is incredible on its own, but it’s absolutely divine toasted with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread.
7. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll
I have to warn you – this pumpkin roll recipe looks intimidating, but it’s actually much more forgiving than it appears! I learned to make this from a fellow baker at the farmers market, and after years of practice, I’ve perfected the technique that prevents cracking and ensures a beautiful spiral every time. The key is rolling the cake while it’s still warm and using a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
This elegant cream cheese pumpkin dessert takes about 30 minutes of active preparation, 12 minutes of baking, and requires 2 hours of chilling time before serving. The sponge cake is made with pumpkin puree, eggs, and a blend of warm spices, while the filling combines cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the perfect tangy-sweet contrast. Each roll serves 10 people at approximately 245 calories per slice. What I love about this recipe is that it actually improves with overnight chilling – the flavors meld beautifully and the roll becomes easier to slice. The visual impact is stunning, with that perfect orange and white spiral that screams fall elegance. I always make mine a day ahead for stress-free entertaining, and it freezes beautifully for up to two months if you want to get ahead of the holiday rush.
8. Pumpkin Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl
These marbled pumpkin brownies are what happens when you can’t decide between chocolate and pumpkin – so you choose both! I created this recipe during one of those October evenings when I was craving something rich and fudgy but wanted to incorporate seasonal flavors. The result is a brownie that’s perfectly balanced between indulgent chocolate and warm pumpkin spice.
The beauty of these swirled pumpkin desserts is in the contrast of textures and flavors. The chocolate brownie base is dense and fudgy, while the pumpkin cream cheese mixture adds lightness and tang that cuts through the richness beautifully. With 20 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of baking, you’ll have a 9×13 pan that serves 24 people at about 165 calories per serving. I use both cocoa powder and melted chocolate in the base for maximum chocolate flavor, then swirl in a mixture of pumpkin puree, cream cheese, egg, and warm spices. The swirling technique is key – I use a knife to create figure-8 patterns that create those gorgeous marble effects. These brownies are incredibly warm from the oven, but they also keep beautifully covered at room temperature for up to five days.
9. Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake
This is my showstopper holiday pumpkin cheesecake that never fails to impress dinner guests! The concept came to me when I wanted to create something more visually stunning than traditional pumpkin cheesecake, and the layered approach allows you to experience both classic vanilla cheesecake and spiced pumpkin in every bite. It’s definitely more time-intensive than my other recipes, but the results are absolutely worth it.
This elegant fall dessert requires about 45 minutes of active preparation time, 70 minutes of baking, and an overnight chilling period for the best results. The graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation, while alternating layers of vanilla and pumpkin cheesecake filling create a beautiful striped effect when sliced. Each cake serves 16 people at approximately 295 calories per slice. The technique involves making two separate fillings and carefully layering them in the pan before baking in a water bath to prevent cracks. What makes this special is the way the flavors complement each other – the vanilla layers provide a creamy, mild contrast to the spiced pumpkin layers. I always garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect finishing touch. This cheesecake is best made 2-3 days ahead, allowing the flavors to fully develop and making party planning much easier.
10. Pumpkin Pound Cake with Maple-Pecan Glaze
This glazed pumpkin cake is pure autumn comfort food that fills your entire house with the most incredible aroma while it bakes. I developed this recipe when I wanted something that captured the essence of fall but was sturdy enough for gifting and transporting. The dense, moist texture of pound cake is perfect for holding all those warm spices and pumpkin flavor, while the maple-pecan glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
The beauty of this maple pumpkin dessert lies in its simplicity and keeping quality. With 15 minutes of mixing time and 60 minutes of baking, you’ll have a Bundt cake that serves 16 people at about 285 calories per slice. I use the traditional pound cake method of creaming butter and sugar thoroughly, then alternating wet and dry ingredients for the perfect texture. The pumpkin puree adds incredible moisture, while sour cream keeps the crumb tender. But the real star is the glaze – I reduce pure maple syrup slightly to concentrate the flavor, then stir in chopped toasted pecans for texture and richness. This cake actually improves over the first few days, becoming more moist and flavorful as time goes on. It keeps beautifully covered at room temperature for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep or gift-giving during the busy holiday season.
Conclusion
There you have it – eleven incredible pumpkin dessert recipes that have become the heart and soul of my autumn baking tradition! I can’t tell you how excited I get every September knowing that pumpkin season is just around the corner, and now you have an entire collection of tried-and-true recipes to make this fall absolutely delicious.
Whether you’re just starting your baking journey or you’ve been whisking and folding for years, these homemade fall desserts offer something special for every occasion and skill level. Trust me when I say that your kitchen will smell like pure autumn magic, and your family will be asking for these recipes year after year. So grab that can of pumpkin puree, dust off your mixing bowls, and let’s make this the most deliciously cozy fall yet – I promise you won’t regret it!
Ready for more fall magic? Discover my 10 Mini Fall Desserts that pack all these cozy autumn flavors into perfectly bite-sized treats your guests will absolutely devour!
