Grayson West
Thanksgiving is all about rich flavors, warm spices, and, of course, pumpkin! While pumpkin pie steals the show, countless other pumpkin-inspired treats are just as delightful and perfect for your holiday table. Here are ten pumpkin dessert ideas that are sure to leave everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds).
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Pumpkin cheesecake bars are a showstopper without the fuss of a full-sized pie. Begin with a buttery graham cracker crust, then layer on a creamy cheesecake filling made with pumpkin puree, and other ingredients. Bake to perfection, and let the bars cool before slicing into perfect squares. The best part is, these bars can be made ahead of time.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
If you’ve got leftover pumpkin bread from your holiday baking or just want a comforting dessert, pumpkin bread pudding is the way to go. This dessert combines the comforting richness of pumpkin bread with the custardy softness of a traditional bread pudding. Serve with a flavored ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added taste.
Pumpkin Spice Donuts
This creamy, spiced dessert combines pumpkin puree with heavy cream, sugar, and a dash of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves for a fall-inspired flavor. These baked donuts are made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and they come out soft and moist with just the right amount of spice.
Pumpkin Ice Cream
This creamy, spiced dessert combines pumpkin puree with heavy cream, sugar, and a dash of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves for a fall-inspired flavor. If you have an ice cream maker, it’s as simple as mixing the ingredients, churning, and freezing. If not, no worries—this can be made without an ice cream machine as well.
Pumpkin Mousse
Light, fluffy, and rich with pumpkin goodness, pumpkin mousse is an easy, no-bake dessert that everyone will adore. The mousse is made by whipping heavy cream to stiff peaks and folding in a mixture of pumpkin puree, sugar, and warm spices. For added texture and flavor, top the mousse with a dollop of whipped cream.
Pumpkin Caramel Flan
If you’re looking to impress your guests with something a bit fancier, pumpkin caramel flan is a dessert that combines the richness of flan with the flavors of fall. Start by making a caramel sauce and pouring it into the bottom of your pan. Then, move on to making the custard. This dessert is creamy and full of autumn spices.
Pumpkin S’mores Bars
Combine the classic campfire treat with the rich flavors of pumpkin in these Pumpkin S’mores Bars. Layer a set of graham crackers at the bottom of a baking pan, then top them with pumpkin-spiced filling made from pumpkin puree, marshmallows, and melted chocolate. Bake until the marshmallows are golden brown and the chocolate is perfectly melted.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic cookie with a pumpkin twist—what could be better? These chewy pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are packed with flavor. The pumpkin adds moisture to the cookies, making them cake-like, while the chocolate chips provide a sweet contrast to the spices. You can make these cookies in large batches and have them ready to serve for Thanksgiving dinner.
Pumpkin Tiramisu
Give the classic Italian tiramisu an autumnal makeover with pumpkin. This dessert is rich and creamy with a spiced twist that brings together the comforting flavors of fall with the traditional Italian treat. It’s an ideal dessert to serve when you want to impress your guests with something that feels a bit indulgent yet still cozy enough for Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
What if you could drink your pumpkin pie? This pumpkin pie milkshake makes that dream a reality. Blend together vanilla ice cream, milk, a scoop of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Top it off with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and even a few crumbled graham crackers for a crunchy topping.