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Out of all the fall desserts we look forward to each year, pumpkin-flavored treats always seem to steal the show. There's just nothing better than pulling a tray of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies out of the oven on a chilly afternoon. And whether you're planning a lineup of Thanksgiving desserts, coming up with creative Halloween treats, or just need easy after-school snacks (pumpkin spice muffins are always a hit!), you'll find plenty of pumpkin dessert recipes here to fit the occasion.
At the heart of most pumpkin recipes are two simple things: pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. You can buy both on your next supermarket run (just make sure you know the difference between canned pumpkin versus pie filling)—or you can go the homemade route and whip up your own pumpkin puree and homemade pumpkin pie spice in minutes. Those two ingredients are what turn everyday bakes into seasonal favorites, from fall cakes and cookies to cozy pumpkin drinks like a pumpkin spice latte or, for the grown-ups, a pumpkin pie martini.
Stock up on plenty of both to make treats like a stunning pumpkin layer cake complete with cream cheese frosting or pumpkin bread that makes enough to gift a neighbor (or enjoy all yourself). For cute desserts that are perfect for kids, try the Halloween cheesecake bars or cereal treats. Both are guaranteed to disappear in a flash at any party. You really can't go wrong with any of these pumpkin spiced sweets. They're just the thing to make when the weather turns chilly!
1
Pumpkin Layer Cake
Ralph Smith
There's pumpkin cake, and then there's this pumpkin cake. The layers are soft, the frosting is tangy and thick, and together they make a dessert that gets people hovering around the table for seconds.
As much as we love all things pumpkin, the real star of this recipe is the maple frosting. It pairs perfectly with the warm, cozy spices of the pumpkin cupcakes and the whole thing comes together in a just-sweet-enough bite.
Pumpkin pie for a crowd? This one does it with ease! Instead of fussing with multiple pies, you spread the filling into a sheet pan, slice it into squares, and everyone gets a piece.
These little sandwiches are part cake, part cookie, and pure deliciousness. The pumpkin-spice cakes are soft and fluffy, and the marshmallow filling makes every bite feel like a treat.
The sticky pull-apart bread we all know gets an autumnal upgrade here. Biscuit dough bakes up golden while the pumpkin-spice coating caramelizes in every nook and cranny.
Coffee cake has never looked more festive! This one is swirled with pumpkin, topped with a crunchy streusel, and finished with a drizzle of cream cheese icing. It's the perfect excuse for a second cup of coffee.
If you've ever wanted pumpkin pie in dip form, here it is. It's creamy, light, and tastes a little like cheesecake. Serve it with graham crackers, apples, or whatever you've got handy.
These cakey sugar cookies bake up soft and puffy (just like the ones from the grocery store!), then get topped with a pumpkin glaze. The flavor is nostalgic but also just a little different, which makes them fun to share.
Pumpkin puree keeps these muffins moist, while the chocolate chips melt into little pockets of sweetness. They'll disappear fast, whether you serve them at breakfast or dessert.
These bite-sized treats look fancy but are surprisingly easy to pull together. The pumpkin filling is spiced and creamy, and the chocolate shell makes them perfect for gifting...or hoarding for yourself.
From Halloween parties to fall bake sales, you'd be hard-pressed to find an occasion where these pumpkin bars don't make sense. They're rich and dense, with a thick layer of spiced cream cheese on top.
These adorable dessert bars are a must-have at your Halloween spookfest. With an Oreo crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and candy topping, they're as tasty as they are cute.
Give your favorite chocolate chip cookies a fall update with this recipe! Canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice give the cookies so much warm, cozy flavor. There's begging to be dunked in a glass of milk!
Whether you enjoy it first thing in the morning or as a night cap alongside a slice of freshly baked pumpkin bread, a pumpkin spice latte is a delicious sip for fall. Learn how to make the best version right at home.
Two loaves of pumpkin bread are better than one! Gift one to a friend or keep both for yourself. This recipe shows you how to make loaves topped with pumpkin seeds or studded with chocolate.
When you need an easy fall dessert, this heavenly pumpkin trifle comes to the rescue. You can even make it a day in advance and store it in your fridge until it's time to serve!
This mile-high cheesecake is made to impress=! Wow the crowd even more by topping it with crunchy pecans, a thick drizzle of rich caramel sauce, and a spoonful of whipped cream.
Ree Drummond's favorite version of pumpkin pie is light, mildly flavored, and oh-so creamy! This pie will be a fresh addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table.
This swirled cake roll may look impressive, but it's actually easy to make. Between the pumpkin cake and the cinnamon-spiked cream cheese frosting filling, it's delightfully moist and full of flavor.