Easy Pumpkin Desserts for Fall
When the leaves turn golden and the evenings get cooler, nothing feels cozier than filling your kitchen with the warm scent of pumpkin and spices. Pumpkin desserts are the ultimate fall comfort food — nostalgic, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly easy to master.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight treat, or planning your Thanksgiving menu, this list of 20 pumpkin desserts has something for everyone. From no-bake parfaits to elegant crème brûlée to air fryer–friendly shortcuts, you’ll find recipes that bring seasonal magic to the table without stress.
Grab your pumpkin purée, stock up on cinnamon, and let’s bake (and air fry!) our way into autumn.
1. Classic Pumpkin Pie with Brown Butter Crust
Pumpkin pie is the crown jewel of fall baking, and it’s easier than you think to make it bakery-worthy. Browning the butter for the crust adds a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the silky, spiced filling.
Quick Method: Blind bake your crust for 10 minutes, then whisk pumpkin purée, eggs, cream, sugar, and pumpkin spice. Pour into the crust and bake until just set in the middle. The jiggle test is your friend — it will firm up as it cools.
Pro Tip: A pinch of salt in both the filling and crust enhances the flavors. Serve with fresh whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
2. Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll
This spiral dessert looks complicated but is surprisingly beginner-friendly. A moist pumpkin sponge cake is spread with tangy cream cheese frosting, then rolled into a log that slices beautifully.
Mini Recipe: Bake a thin pumpkin cake in a jelly roll pan. While warm, roll it up in a towel to set the shape. Once cooled, unroll, spread evenly with cream cheese frosting, and roll again.
Tip: Less is more with the filling. Too much frosting causes messy overflow, while a thin layer creates that picture-perfect swirl.
3. Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
Imagine the creaminess of cheesecake blended with the cozy spice of pumpkin pie — all on a crunchy gingersnap crust. This dessert feels elegant but is totally doable at home.
Quick Method: Pulse gingersnap cookies with melted butter, press into a springform pan, then top with pumpkin cheesecake batter. Bake in a water bath for silky, crack-free results.
Serving Idea: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed gingersnaps on top.
4. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you love chocolate chip cookies but want a fall twist, this recipe delivers. The pumpkin purée makes them soft and cake-like, while chocolate chips add gooey richness.
Quick Method: Cream butter and sugars, then mix in pumpkin, egg, and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and chocolate chips. Chill, scoop, and bake until golden.
Tip: Don’t overbake — the centers should stay soft for that perfect chewy-cakey balance.
5. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits
Need a dessert in a hurry? These parfaits are a lifesaver when your oven is already full with holiday mains. They layer creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling with crushed cookies for a no-stress treat.
How to Make: Whip cream cheese, pumpkin purée, sugar, and spices. Layer in glasses with graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream. Chill before serving.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the cream and pumpkin layers a day or two in advance, but add toppings like cookie crumbs just before serving to keep them crunchy.
6. Flourless Pumpkin Bars
These bars are gluten-free but packed with flavor, making them a great option for guests with dietary needs. They’re tender, moist, and lightly spiced — proof that “healthier” desserts can still taste indulgent.
Method: Combine pumpkin purée, nut butter, eggs, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice. Bake until set and slice into squares.
Tip: Use natural peanut or almond butter for richness. Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts if you want extra texture.
7. Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes
Love your PSL? These cupcakes capture that same cozy vibe. With a pumpkin-spiced base and coffee-kissed frosting, they’re a guaranteed crowd favorite.
Quick Recipe: Bake pumpkin cupcakes with a hint of espresso powder. Frost with cream cheese or buttercream mixed with cinnamon and a drizzle of caramel.
Decoration Tip: Sprinkle with nutmeg or top with a tiny cinnamon stick for a coffeehouse-style finish.
8. Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Turn day-old bread into a rich, custardy dessert with pumpkin flavor in every bite. This bread pudding is warm, cozy, and absolutely irresistible with caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Method: Cube brioche or challah bread and soak in a pumpkin custard mixture. Bake until puffed and golden.
Serving Idea: Add raisins or chopped pecans for extra texture. Best served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
9. Pumpkin Crème Brûlée
Elegant yet easy, this recipe adds pumpkin spice flair to a classic French dessert. Silky custard topped with caramelized sugar makes for an impressive holiday treat.
Method: Mix cream, pumpkin, egg yolks, sugar, and spices. Bake in ramekins in a water bath. Chill, then torch sugar on top until golden and crackly.
Tip: Strain the custard before baking to ensure the smoothest texture.
10. Pumpkin Apple Streusel Bars
Can’t choose between pumpkin and apple? These bars let you have both. A spiced pumpkin layer meets tart apple slices, all under a crumbly streusel topping.
Method: Spread pumpkin batter in a pan, layer with thin apple slices, and finish with a buttery streusel. Bake until golden.
Flavor Tip: Granny Smith apples balance the sweetness and keep the bars from tasting too heavy.
11. Pumpkin Tiramisu
This creative twist swaps the coffee-soaked ladyfingers with pumpkin-spiced ones for a fall version of the Italian classic.
Method: Layer pumpkin mascarpone filling with soaked ladyfingers, repeating until the dish is full. Chill overnight for the flavors to meld.
Serving Idea: Dust with cocoa powder or cinnamon just before serving.
12. Pumpkin Churro Bites
These bite-sized pumpkin fritters are fried (or air-fried!) until golden, then rolled in cinnamon sugar. Perfect for sharing at fall parties.
Quick Method: Mix a pumpkin dough, scoop into hot oil, fry until golden, then coat in sugar.
Tip: Fry in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop.
13. Marbled Pumpkin Brownies
The best of both worlds: rich, fudgy chocolate and creamy pumpkin swirl. Each bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
Method: Pour brownie batter into a pan, swirl in pumpkin cheesecake mixture, and bake until set.
Tip: Use a butter knife to create defined swirls without overmixing.
14. Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
These cake-like sandwiches are filled with cream cheese frosting and are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Quick Recipe: Bake pumpkin cookies until soft, let cool, then sandwich with frosting.
Serving Idea: Roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for a festive touch.
15. Pumpkin Crumb Cake
Part breakfast, part dessert — this moist cake is topped with a buttery crumb that’s hard to resist.
Method: Mix a pumpkin spice cake batter, top with streusel crumbs, and bake until golden.
Tip: Double the crumb topping if you’re a streusel lover!
16. Air Fryer Pumpkin Donuts
Skip the deep fryer and make these soft, spiced donuts in your air fryer. Rolled in cinnamon sugar, they taste just like the fairground classic.
Method: Pipe pumpkin donut batter into silicone molds, air fry until golden, and toss in cinnamon sugar.
Serving Idea: Add a simple vanilla glaze for extra sweetness.
Get the Full Recipe →
17. Air Fryer Pumpkin Hand Pies
These mini pies are flaky, portable, and ready in minutes. Perfect for parties or after-school treats.
How to Make: Fill pie dough rounds with pumpkin filling, crimp edges, brush with egg wash, and air fry until golden.
Tip: Sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for sparkle and crunch.
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18. Air Fryer Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
A faster, bite-sized version of pumpkin cheesecake that sets up beautifully in the air fryer.
Method: Line muffin cups with crust, fill with pumpkin cheesecake batter, and air fry until set. Chill before serving.
Serving Idea: Top each with a dollop of whipped cream and cinnamon.
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19. Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake
This dessert is perfect for when you want something sweet right now. In just 10 minutes, you get a fluffy, spiced pumpkin cake straight from your air fryer.
Method: Mix pumpkin, flour, sugar, egg, and spices in a mug. Air fry until puffed.
Tip: Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for a cozy single-serve treat.
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20. Air Fryer Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin purée tucked into pre-made cinnamon roll dough makes this shortcut dessert irresistible. The air fryer bakes them up gooey and golden.
Method: Spread pumpkin purée mixed with cinnamon and sugar on dough, roll up, slice, and air fry. Drizzle with cream cheese glaze while warm.
Serving Idea: Perfect for brunch or holiday mornings when you want minimal effort but maximum flavor.
Get the Full Recipe →
Pumpkin Baking Success Tips
- Make your own pumpkin spice mix for fresher flavor: 4 parts cinnamon, 2 parts ginger, 1 part nutmeg, 1 part allspice, ½ part cloves.
- Drain watery pumpkin purée with cheesecloth before baking for consistent texture.
- Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
- Use room-temperature eggs and dairy for smoother batters and better rise.
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📌 Pin this post now to your Fall Desserts board so you’ll have pumpkin inspiration all season long!
