20 Homemade Pumpkin Desserts Your Family Will Love This Fall

Fall is the perfect time to bring pumpkin into your dessert menu. Whether you love classic pumpkin pie or want something a little different, there are plenty of homemade treats that pair pumpkin with warm spices, creamy fillings, chocolate, caramel, nuts, and buttery pastry.

These 20 pumpkin desserts include a mix of familiar favorites and easy variations that work well for family dinners, weekend baking, Thanksgiving gatherings, or a cozy afternoon at home. Some recipes are simple enough for beginner bakers, while others make an impressive centerpiece for a holiday dessert table.

For the best results, use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling unless a recipe specifically says otherwise. Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves can all add that familiar fall flavor.

1. Classic Homemade Pumpkin Pie

A traditional pumpkin pie is one of the easiest ways to bring classic fall flavor to the table. The creamy pumpkin filling, warm spices, and flaky crust make it a natural choice for Thanksgiving or a family Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 cup evaporated milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
Whipped cream, for serving

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Whisk pumpkin, eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, spices, and salt until smooth.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking until the center is set but still slightly soft, about 35–45 minutes.
Cool completely before slicing and serve with whipped cream.

Tip

Let the pie cool fully before cutting. This gives the custard time to firm up and creates cleaner slices.

2. Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin cheesecake combines the richness of cheesecake with the warm flavor of pumpkin spice. A cookie crumb crust adds a little crunch beneath the creamy filling.

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons melted butter
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make It

Heat the oven to 325°F.
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a springform pan.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
Pour over the crust and smooth the top.
Bake until the center is mostly set, about 55–70 minutes.
Cool gradually, then refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Tip

Avoid overmixing once the eggs are added. A smooth, gently mixed filling helps create a creamy cheesecake texture.

3. Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies

These soft pumpkin cookies are ideal for an easy afternoon baking project. They have a tender texture and plenty of cinnamon and pumpkin spice flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup softened butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Cream the butter and sugars together.
Beat in the egg, pumpkin, and vanilla.
In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10–13 minutes.
Cool before serving.

Tip

Pumpkin makes cookie dough softer than traditional cookie dough, so don’t add excessive flour trying to make it stiff.

4. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Pumpkin bread becomes even more inviting when packed with semisweet chocolate chips. It is easy to slice and works equally well for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

How to Make It

Heat the oven to 350°F.
Whisk pumpkin, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
Combine flour, spices, baking soda, and salt separately.
Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Pour into a greased 9 × 5-inch loaf pan.
Bake for about 50–60 minutes.
Cool before slicing.

Tip

Reserve a few chocolate chips for sprinkling over the top before baking for a bakery-style finish.

5. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Pumpkin cupcakes are a simple way to turn a seasonal flavor into an individual dessert. Top them with cream cheese frosting for a classic combination.

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the frosting:

4 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons softened butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

How to Make It

Heat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan.
Whisk pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs.
Stir together the flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Divide between cupcake liners.
Bake for 18–22 minutes.
Cool completely.
Beat frosting ingredients together and pipe over the cupcakes.

Tip

Cool the cupcakes completely before frosting so the cream cheese frosting stays firm.

6. Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

A pumpkin roll looks impressive but uses simple seasonal ingredients. The soft pumpkin cake wraps around a sweet cream cheese filling for a beautiful spiral when sliced.

Ingredients

Cake:

3 eggs
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
4 tablespoons softened butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

How to Make It

Heat the oven to 375°F.
Beat eggs and sugar until slightly thickened.
Mix in pumpkin.
Fold in flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
Spread batter in a lined jelly-roll pan.
Bake for about 12–15 minutes.
Turn the warm cake onto a clean towel dusted lightly with powdered sugar and roll it up.
Cool completely.
Unroll, spread with cream cheese filling, then roll again.
Chill before slicing.

Tip

Rolling the cake while it is still warm helps train it into the spiral shape and reduces cracking.

7. Pumpkin Blondies

Pumpkin blondies are a chewy alternative to cake. Brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and pumpkin puree create a rich fall dessert that travels well.

Ingredients

1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Mix butter and brown sugar.
Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.
Stir in flour, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt.
Fold in white chocolate chips.
Spread into a lined 8-inch square pan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes.
Cool completely before cutting.

Tip

Do not overbake. The center should be set but still soft for chewy blondies.

8. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin cheesecake bars offer the flavor of cheesecake in an easier-to-serve square format. They are especially useful for holiday dessert tables.

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons melted butter
16 ounces cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

How to Make It

Heat the oven to 325°F.
Combine crumbs and butter and press into an 8-inch square pan.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, and spice.
Spread over the crust.
Bake for 35–45 minutes.
Cool and refrigerate before slicing into bars.

Tip

Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. It makes the chilled bars much easier to lift and cut.

9. Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake

A Bundt cake makes a beautiful centerpiece without requiring complicated decoration. A simple powdered sugar glaze keeps the focus on the pumpkin and spices.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

How to Make It

Heat the oven to 350°F.
Grease and flour a Bundt pan thoroughly.
Beat sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla.
Add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
Pour into the pan.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Cool before removing from the pan.
Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze if desired.

Tip

Take extra care when greasing the grooves of the Bundt pan. A well-prepared pan makes releasing the cake much easier.

10. Pumpkin Pudding

Pumpkin pudding is a cozy spoon dessert that comes together without a pie crust. Serve it chilled or slightly warm with whipped cream.

Ingredients

2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt

How to Make It

Whisk milk, pumpkin, sugar, cornstarch, spices, and salt in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Continue until the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Divide into serving dishes.
Chill before serving or enjoy warm.

Tip

Keep stirring while the pudding cooks so the cornstarch does not settle and create lumps.

11. Pumpkin Crisp

Pumpkin crisp combines creamy pumpkin filling with a buttery oat topping. It is an especially easy dessert when you want something less formal than pie.

Ingredients

Filling:

1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
2 eggs
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make It

Heat the oven to 350°F.
Whisk the filling ingredients together.
Pour into a greased baking dish.
Mix oats, flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
Sprinkle the topping over the pumpkin mixture.
Bake for about 40–45 minutes.
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tip

Let the crisp rest for 10–15 minutes after baking so the pumpkin layer can firm slightly before serving.

12. Pumpkin Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar

Pumpkin muffins make an easy grab-and-go fall treat. A cinnamon-sugar topping adds a lightly crisp surface to the tender pumpkin crumb.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping:

2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
Combine flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture.
Fill muffin cups about three-quarters full.
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 18–22 minutes.

Tip

Mix the batter only until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make muffins heavier.

13. Pumpkin Fudge

Pumpkin fudge is a rich little treat that works well for gifting or serving alongside coffee after dinner.

Ingredients

3 cups white chocolate chips
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt

How to Make It

Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
Place white chocolate chips and condensed milk in a saucepan.
Heat gently while stirring until smooth.
Stir in pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt.
Spread into the prepared pan.
Refrigerate until firm.
Cut into small squares.

Tip

Keep the heat low while melting the chocolate to prevent scorching.

14. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin and chocolate are a dependable fall combination. These cookies are soft, warmly spiced, and dotted with semisweet chocolate chips.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup softened butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

How to Make It

Heat the oven to 350°F.
Cream butter and sugars.
Beat in pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.
Whisk the dry ingredients separately.
Add them to the wet mixture.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Drop dough onto lined baking sheets.
Bake for about 10–12 minutes.
Cool on the pan briefly before transferring.

Tip

For more evenly shaped cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough.

15. Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Pumpkin bread pudding turns everyday bread into a comforting fall dessert with custard-like pumpkin flavor.

Ingredients

6 cups cubed day-old bread
2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
3 eggs
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
2 tablespoons melted butter

How to Make It

Heat the oven to 350°F.
Place bread cubes in a greased baking dish.
Whisk milk, pumpkin, eggs, sugar, vanilla, spices, and butter.
Pour over the bread.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Bake for 40–50 minutes until the center is set.
Serve warm.

Tip

Day-old bread absorbs the pumpkin custard especially well without becoming too mushy.

16. Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

For a quick no-fuss dessert, add pumpkin spice to classic crispy cereal treats. They are easy to cut into squares and serve to a crowd.

Ingredients

5 cups crispy rice cereal
4 tablespoons butter
1 package mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

How to Make It

Melt butter in a large saucepan.
Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
Remove from heat.
Stir in pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
Fold in cereal.
Press gently into a lined square pan.
Cool and cut into squares.

Tip

Grease your spatula lightly before pressing the mixture into the pan to make the job easier.

17. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin cinnamon rolls are soft, fragrant, and especially inviting on a cool fall morning. A simple cream cheese glaze makes them feel like a dessert.

Ingredients

Dough:

3 cups flour
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling:

1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons softened butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

How to Make It

Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar.
Add pumpkin, butter, and egg.
Gradually mix in flour and salt.
Knead until a soft dough forms.
Let rise until doubled.
Roll into a rectangle.
Spread with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and spices.
Roll tightly and cut into pieces.
Place in a greased baking dish and let rise again.
Bake at 350°F for about 22–28 minutes.
Drizzle with cream cheese glaze.

Tip

Don’t add too much flour while kneading. A slightly soft dough helps produce tender rolls.

18. Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

Pumpkin ice cream pie is a refreshing alternative to baked pumpkin desserts. It combines seasonal spice with a creamy frozen filling.

Ingredients

1 prepared graham cracker crust
4 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup brown sugar
Whipped cream, for serving

How to Make It

Let the ice cream soften until easy to stir.
Fold together ice cream, pumpkin, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
Spread into the graham cracker crust.
Freeze until firm, preferably several hours.
Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve with whipped cream.

Tip

Don’t let the ice cream melt completely before mixing. It should be soft enough to fold but still hold its structure.

19. Pumpkin Caramel Bars

Pumpkin caramel bars combine a spiced pumpkin layer with buttery caramel flavor. They make a satisfying dessert for anyone who likes a richer fall treat.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup caramel sauce

How to Make It

Heat the oven to 350°F.
Mix flour, butter, and brown sugar until crumbly.
Press about two-thirds into a lined square baking pan.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Mix pumpkin, egg, spices, baking powder, and salt.
Spread over the crust.
Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the top.
Bake for 30–35 minutes.
Cool completely before cutting.

Tip

Chill the bars before slicing if you want especially neat squares.

20. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups

These individual pumpkin cheesecake cups are ideal when you want a simple dessert without turning on the oven. Layer graham cracker crumbs, pumpkin cheesecake filling, and whipped cream in small glasses.