Fall gatherings don’t need complicated desserts to feel special—just the right ones that people actually want to eat. That’s where pumpkin shines, bringing its cozy, spiced flavor to the spotlight without trying too hard. From casual potlucks to holiday spreads, these pumpkin dessert ideas hit that balance of festive and easy. They’re the kind of sweets that quietly disappear while the main dish is still being passed around. Because when pumpkin shows up on the table, everything else takes a back seat.
Pumpkin Pie Squares
These squares bring all the flavor of pumpkin pie without the heaviness of store-bought versions. They’re lighter, easy to portion, and still give that cozy holiday feel. Perfect for when you want dessert but don’t want to overdo it.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Squares
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
This cheesecake puts a fall spin on a classic favorite by using warm pumpkin spice. It’s smooth, rich, and a great option for anyone who prefers something different from pie. Serve it chilled for a holiday-worthy treat.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake
Pumpkin Cake
This cake is light, fluffy, and surprisingly simple to pull together. You won’t need complicated steps or extra crusts, just the comforting pumpkin flavor baked into a soft cake. It’s a no-fuss dessert that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cake
Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Soft and warmly spiced, these donuts bring pumpkin season to life in a fun way. The brown sugar buttercream adds sweetness without being too heavy. They’re perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee on a crisp morning.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Pumpkin Pecan Pinwheels
These pinwheels are a playful mix of pumpkin filling and crunchy pecans rolled up in bite-sized pieces. At just 50 calories each, they let you enjoy dessert without worrying about overdoing it. Great for sharing at holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pinwheels
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars
These bars combine gooey chocolate with the classic flavor of pumpkin spice for a dessert that feels festive and comforting. They’re soft, chewy, and just the right balance of rich and light. A smart way to enjoy pumpkin desserts without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars
Crustless Pumpkin Pie
This pie skips the crust but keeps all the silky, spiced filling that makes pumpkin pie so good. It’s simple to prepare and cuts down on extra calories. Enjoy a generous slice knowing it’s light but still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crustless Pumpkin Pie
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
Creamy, bite-sized, and easy to serve, these mini cheesecakes are a crowd-pleaser for the holidays. Each one gives a rich pumpkin flavor in a portion that feels just right. They’re the kind of pumpkin desserts guests always go back for.
Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
These cookies bake up soft and full of pumpkin spice. The chewy texture makes them feel homemade and cozy with every bite. They’re the kind of dessert that disappears quickly from the cookie plate.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin Custard
Smooth, creamy, and lightly spiced, this custard is simple but comforting. It’s a great option when you want pumpkin desserts that don’t require much effort. Serve it warm or chilled for a sweet way to finish any fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Custard
Pumpkin Bars
These Pumpkin Bars are soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Cozy fall baking doesn’t get better than this.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars
Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
These muffins started as an experiment — and they turned out so good I had to stop everything and write them up. I was working from a pumpkin loaf recipe, made a few instinctive tweaks, and ended up with a dozen rich, chocolatey, spice-warmed muffins that feel like fall in a wrapper. The candied pepita topping? Might be the best part. These are the kind of easy pumpkin muffins I come back to every year. Built on simple ingredients, with bold flavor and just enough sweet crunch. If you’re looking for a pumpkin muffin recipe that’s not basic — this is your sign. Save it, share it, and make it part of your simple recipe rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin Pasties
Pumpkin Pasties: Sweet and spicy pumpkin filling inside a flaky crust. This Harry Potter inspired treat puts pumpkin pie into the palm of your hand.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasties
Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies – These pumpkin whoopie pies with scrumptious cream cheese filling are super easy to make. The cakes are redolent with cozy, fall spices, pumpkin flavor, and have a great pillowy soft consistency. These favorite fall treats are part cookie part cake and everything great about all things pumpkin spice!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies
Pumpkin Mousse
Welcome to the world of simple and delicious desserts! If you’re a fan of all things pumpkin and looking for an easy-to-make dessert, you’re in for a real treat. Today, we’re diving into a 3 ingredient pumpkin mousse recipe that’s as easy as pie (or should we say mousse?).
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Mousse
Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse
This decadent no-bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse is made with super easy ingredients and is a delicious twist to a classic pumpkin dessert that comes together in no time. This easy cheesecake mousse recipe is exploding with cozy Fall flavors and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for your next holiday event!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse
Sourdough Pumpkin Scones
These easy sourdough pumpkin scones are just what you’re looking for! They’re light and fluffy, full of chocolate, and taste like pumpkin. You really can’t go wrong with warm pumpkin scones and a cup of coffee.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Pumpkin Scones
Pumpkin Flan
If you love the rich, silky texture of a traditional flan, you’re in for a treat with this delightful Pumpkin Flan Recipe (Flan de Calabaza). This creamy custard dessert takes a fun and flavorful pumpkin twist, blending the essence of fall into every luscious bite. With a maple-infused caramel base and a smooth, creamy pumpkin flan filling, this recipe is as simple as it is impressive.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Flan
Pumpkin Trifle
This fall trifle has layers of pumpkin bread or cake, cheesecake with warm spices and whipped cream. It comes together quickly, can be made in individual servings or a large bowl, and the different components can be made ahead. Make it with homemade ingredients, or use store-bought ones and have a last-minute Thanksgiving dessert that will delight everyone.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Trifle
Pumpkin Panna Cotta
This pumpkin panna cotta is rich, creamy, and delicious! A classic Italian dessert, it’s made with authentic pumpkin, warm spices, and cream. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you need a sweet treat for a holiday party, or you enjoy nostalgic, pumpkin spice flavors year round!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Panna Cotta
