63 Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Recipes

By
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 08/4/21
Pumpkin Gnocchi alla Romana

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Get inspired to use pumpkin in new and delicious ways this fall with our round-up of the best pumpkin recipes. You'll find great ideas here for how to cook and bake with the iconic autumn vegetable, whether you want to learn how to make a classic holiday pumpkin pie, brew your own pumpkin spice lattes at home, or create a delicious vegan pasta dinner. From savory dinner party mains and sides, to easy weeknight freezer meals, sweet desserts, game day appetizers, brunch-ready pancakes and waffles, kid-friendly snacks, and even cocktails, we've got every pumpkin recipe here that you need to spice up your life.

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    Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (With Variations)

    Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (With Variations)

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    When you carve your Halloween Jack O'Lantern, be sure to save the seeds for roasting. Roasted pumpkin seeds are easy breezy to make, and can be used to garnish creamy fall soups, sprinkled over salads, and served as a snack all on their own. We include a number of ideas for turning them a party snack with added flavorings.

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    Pumpkin Pie Martini

    Pumpkin Pie Martini

    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

    This pumpkin martini is a boozy, creamy fall drink that tastes like everyone's holiday pie. With pumpkin liqueur, RumChata liqueur, vanilla vodka, and a cinnamon garnish, it is the perfect drink to spice up all your fall gatherings.

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    Pumpkin Spiced Waffles With Cinnamon Caramel Syrup

    Pumpkin Spiced Waffles With Cinnamon Caramel Syrup

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    Start autumn weekends out on the right foot, or impress holiday breakfast guests, with a heaping brunch plate of piping-hot pumpkin spiced waffles. The waffles are made with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, and then topped with a cinnamon caramel syrup that is so darn delectable, you'll want to pour it over everything from pancakes to cinnamon rolls.

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    Calabaza En Tacha (Mexican Candied Pumpkin)

    Calabaza En Tacha (Mexican Candied Pumpkin)

    The Spruce / Katarina Zunic

    Mexican-style candied pumpkin (calabaza en tacha) has a flavor similar to classic American candied yams, but is typically served for dessert. You need just 5 ingredients to make this popular Day of the Dead holiday treat, including pumpkin (or any similar winter squash). Don't forget to save the seeds for roasting!

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    Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oatmeal

    Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oatmeal

    Leah Maroney

    Overnight oatmeal is a gift you can give to yourself, when you want to wake up to a yummy and healthy breakfast. Preparing delicious overnight pumpkin pie oatmeal is as easy as stirring together a handful of ingredients in a bowl, and leaving them in the fridge overnight to mingle and soften. Enjoy your oatmeal bowl cold the next morning, or pop it into the microwave for a nearly-instant, warming meal.

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    Pumpkin Banana Bread

    Pumpkin Banana Bread

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    Adding pumpkin to a classic banana bread mixture yields a moist, flavorful loaf that is ideal for fall snacking. This is one of those wonderful, homey recipes that will fill your house with warmth, and make everything better. You can include chopped walnuts for crunch, or try it with chocolate chips.

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    Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

    Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

    Wake up and go with our pumpkin spice protein shake. Loaded with delicious pumpkin spice flavor, it is a quick and complete blender breakfast, with plenty of nutrition protein to give your day a boost. You can easily make it vegan, if you choose, with your favorite plant-based milk.

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    Quick and Easy Pumpkin Pancakes

    Quick and Easy Pumpkin Pancakes

    The Spruce / Bahareh Niati

    These pumpkin pancakes that start with a ready-made baking mix are a cinch to prepare, and make a delightful weekend breakfast. Kids will enjoy helping you stir together the simple batter which can be made with canned or homemade pumpkin puree. Top them with maple syrup for a true fall morning treat.

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    Pumpkin Spice Latte

    Pumpkin Spice Latte

    The Spruce / Julia Estrada

    All you pumpkin spice lovers, stop splurging on pricey coffeehouse lattes. Our homemade pumpkin spice latte delivers all the fall feels, at a fraction of the price. All you need are a few simple, pantry staples (including real pumpkin puree) added to your regular morning coffee to transform a boring pot of Joe into the iconic, seasonal pumpkin beverage.

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    Pumpkin Spice Coffee

    Pumpkin Spice Coffee

    The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

    If you like pumpkin spice, but prefer a flavored coffee to a creamy latte, have we got the recipe for you. A simple pumpkin pie spice blend is all that is needed to transform a strong brewed pot of coffee into a coffeehouse-style hot beverage.

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    Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Filling

    Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Filling

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

    This fall, change up breakfast with our must-know pumpkin quick bread recipe. Moist, spiced pumpkin bread with a ribbon of sweetened cream cheese running through it can serve as breakfast any day of the week, or double as an easy fall holiday dessert. You'll want to make it all-year round with canned pumpkin puree. It freezes well, too, for baking ahead.

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    Thai Pumpkin Coconut Soup

    Thai Pumpkin Coconut Soup

    The Spruce / Ali Redmond

    This lightly curried Thai pumpkin coconut soup is a blend of pumpkin, coconut milk, and sweet potatoes. Add some chicken, fried tofu, or another protein source to this lovely aromatic soup.

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    Pumpkin Hummus

    pumpkin hummus

     The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney

    Pumpkin purée and fresh sage add delicious fall flavor to this creamy hummus. It also adds nice color, making it an attractive appetizer for your fall party.

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    Pumpkin Corn Muffins

    Pumpkin Corn Muffins
    Diana Rattray

    These moist pumpkin corn muffins are a brilliant alternative to plain corn muffins. Serve them with beans, greens, or a big bowl of chili.

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    Quick Pumpkin Soup

    pumpkin soup in a bowl

    The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney

    With only six ingredients plus salt and pepper, this quick pumpkin soup is a snap to prepare and cook. Feel free to gussy it up with a swirl of roasted red pepper puree or pesto, or garnish servings with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. 

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    Chipotle Pumpkin Queso Dip

    Chipotle Pumpkin Queso Dip

    The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

    Chipotle pumpkin queso dip is the perfect football-watching snack. Chipotle in adobo, canned pumpkin puree, canned diced tomatoes, and Velveeta or American cheese come together in this deliciously spicy, velvety, Tex Mex dip. Serve it with corn chips or tortilla chips for a winning party appetizer.

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    Pumpkin Risotto

    Vegan pumpkin risotto

    The Spruce 

    This creamy pumpkin risotto is a vegan recipe. The risotto can easily be altered to include dairy butter if you like. 

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    Pumpkin Gnocchi alla Romana

    Pumpkin Gnocchi alla Romana

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    Roman-style gnocchi (gnocchi alla romana) are different from the usual plump potato gnocchi dumplings you might know. Made with semolina flour (the same kind used by Italians for making pasta), they are flat, round discs that are meant for baking casserole-style. We top them with pureed pumpkin, Parmesan and Gorgonzola cheeses, baked pasta dish, for a fall side dish that would go perfectly alongside a holiday roast turkey.

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    Pumpkin Pecan Penne

    Pumpkin pecan penne recipe

    ​The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    Fresh pumpkin and pecans team up to make a fantastic pumpkin pecan penne. Toast a few pecan halves to use as a garnish. 

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    Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

    Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

    If you like creamy pasta sauces such as Alfredo, and want to keep things vegan, this autumnal pumpkin pasta sauce is for you. Delightfully creamy and comforting, it is made with plant-based milk, and just a few other ingredients, with optional chopped walnuts for crunch. Serve it for a quick weeknight meal, or make it the star of a fall dinner party.

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    Vegetarian Pumpkin Lasagna

    Vegetarian pumpkin lasagna recipe

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

    This grand vegetarian pumpkin lasagna is a symphony of rich flavors. The layers feature pumpkin, mushrooms, sage, and three​ kinds of cheese.

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    Spiced Roast Pumpkin Chutney

    Spiced Roast Pumpkin Chutney

    The Spruce / Elaine Lemm

    Chutney is a wonderful way to preserve fall pumpkins, and enjoy their savory flavor longer. Our spiced roast pumpkin chutney is a versatile condiment that goes great with Thanksgiving turkey, and Christmas roast beef, and makes a magical addition to cheese boards. This thick, rich chutney also stores well in the cupboard for up to one year (but refrigerate after opening).

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    Baked Pumpkin Puree

    Baked Pumpkin Puree

    The Spruce

    Most people reach for a can when a recipe calls for pumpkin puree, but why not make your own while pumpkins are in season? Homemade pumpkin puree is a cinch to whip up in your kitchen with just a pumpkin — and no other ingredients. Bake it in under an hour, and freeze it ahead for using in all your favorite pumpkin recipes.

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    Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Muffins

    Cranberry pumpkin seed muffins

    The Spruce

    Start your crisp fall day with these amazing cranberry pumpkin seed muffins. The flavor of the fresh cranberries stands out, and crunchy pumpkin seeds are the perfect addition for the season. Use hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) in the muffins. 

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    Fireball Pumpkin Pie

    Fireball Pumpkin Pie

    Kristina Vanni

    Get your dessert and after-dinner drink all in one go with our insanely delicious Fireball pumpkin pie. Fireball cinnamon whisky is added to both the pumpkin pie filling, and the buttery, sugared pecan topping, for a boozy twist on your favorite Thanksgiving dessert. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side will take this pie over the top.

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    Pumpkin Crème Brûlée

    pumpkin creme brulee
    Diana Rattray

    Crème brûlée is a fantastic dessert that can fit into any occasion, and this pumpkin crème brûlée version is sure to please friends and family. Best of all, this rich and creamy dessert is easier than you might think. You may prepare and bake the individual custards up to 2 to 3 days in advance. All you have to do before serving is create the caramelized sugar topping with a kitchen torch or broiler.

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    Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing

    Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Brown Butter Icing

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    The thin brown butter icing takes these soft pumpkin cookies with brown butter icing over the top. Spread or drizzle the icing over the cookies or make it a little thicker by adding extra powdered sugar and use it as a filling for two cookies. The icing takes just a few minutes to prepare with the brown butter, but you could use a simple vanilla icing if you prefer.

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    Pumpkin Cupcakes

    Pumpkin Cupcakes

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    Bake these pumpkin cupcakes for a Halloween party or fall event. Decorate the cupcakes with a basic cream cheese frosting or this caramel cream cheese frosting.

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    Pumpkin Fruit Leather

    A portion of pumpkin fruit leather

     The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    Using canned pumpkin pie filling speeds up the process of making pumpkin fruit leather. It can be dried out in a conventional oven or a food dehydrator. This is a gluten-free and vegan snack for kids and grownups alike.

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    10 Minute No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

    10 Minute No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    It takes just 10 minutes to prepare the filling for this 10 minute no-bake pumpkin pie. It's a snap to prepare if you use a store-bought "ready" graham cracker crust. If you have a little more time, make a homemade graham cracker crust or gingersnap crust. 

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    Pumpkin Seed Pepita Brittle

    Pepita brittle

    The Spruce

    This delicious, crunchy pumpkin seed pepita brittle is made with hulled, salted and roasted pumpkin seeds, or "pepitas." You can use raw pumpkin seeds as well, or use the unhulled roasted pumpkin seeds from the Halloween pumpkin. 

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    Pumpkin Cake Roll With Cream Cheese Filling

    Pumpkin Cake Roll With Cream Cheese Filling

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    Bake this splendid pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling and be ready to take a bow. It is that good! Bake two pumpkin rolls—one to enjoy immediately and one for the freezer. It's always nice to have a special homemade dessert in the freezer for those unexpected guests.

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    Classic Pumpkin Pecan Pie

    Classic pumpkin pecan pie recipe

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    If you're having trouble choosing which pie to bake, we've got you covered! This layered classic pumpkin pecan pie offers the best of both worlds: a creamy pumpkin layer topped with pecan pie filling.

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    Pumpkin Doughnuts

    Pumpkin Cake Doughnuts

    The Spruce Eats / Jessie Sheehan

    Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a yummy snack, pumpkin doughnuts are an excellent treat to have around. The simple recipe bakes the pumpkin spice batter in doughnut pans, so it comes together as easily as muffins. Finishing them with cinnamon-sugar ensures they're filled with seasonal charm.

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    Easy Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake

    Easy layered pumpkin cheesecake recipe

    ​The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    From the homemade cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust to the luscious double layer pumpkin filling, this easy layered pumpkin cheesecake will look (and taste!) like you spent half the day in the kitchen crafting it! But have no fear; the pie takes only 15 to 20 minutes of hands-on prep time.

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    Instant Pot Pumpkin Pie

    slice of pumpkin pie from the instant pot with whipped cream
    Diana Rattray

    This traditionally flavored pie recipe is not only delicious but will also free up oven space, a precious commodity when cooking for the holidays. Packed with all of the familiar warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg—this pumpkin pie will be the centerpiece of the dessert table as it is made in a springform pan, allowing the pie to show off its beautiful rich hue.

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    Bourbon Pumpkin Pie

    Bourbon pumpkin pie recipe

    The Spruce Eats/Julia Hartbeck

    A splash of bourbon turns an everyday pumpkin pie into a grown-up dessert. If you prefer a non-alcoholic dessert, feel free to replace the bourbon with orange juice or milk. Or substitute an orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Guests will love this Bourbon pumpkin pie!

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    Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

    Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

    The Spruce / Christine Ma

    Ooey gooey pumpkin butter cake is the autumn dessert you did not know you were missing. Inspired by the famous St. Louis dish, this fall-friendly dessert includes a thin layer of moist vanilla cake, topped with a thick layer of pumpkin pie. Assemble it easily with a boxed cake mix, canned pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and a few other baking ingredients.

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    Pumpkin Pie Cake

    Pumpkin Pie Cake

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    When Thanksgiving rolls around, and you can't choose between serving cake or pie, this scrumptious pumpkin pie cake takes the dilemma out of dessert. It has all the custardy, crumbly, crunchy textures and tastes you love in a slice of pumpkin pie, in an easy sheet cake form. Best of all, it uses convenient store-bought ingredients, including a boxed cake mix, to pull off this dessert magic.

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    Spiced Pumpkin Fritters

    Spiced Pumpkin Fritters
    Diana Rattray

    These delicious little deep-fried spiced pumpkin fritters (or drop doughnuts) are an excellent way to enjoy the special flavor of pumpkin, and they make a fabulous fall treat. 

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    Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

    Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

     Kristina Vanni

    This recipe offers a light and airy twist on the traditional pumpkin pie, making it an ideal dessert after a filling holiday meal. Whipped egg whites are folded into a mixture of pumpkin and spices, along with gelatin, and left to chill and set. A topping of caramelized almonds adds a sweet crunch and pretty finish.

    The Best Pie Pans, According to our Tests
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    Pumpkin Whipped Cream

    Pumpkin Whipped Cream

     The Spruce / Pete Scherer

    Bring the quintessential taste of fall to almost any dessert with a dollop of this simple pumpkin whipped cream. Heavy cream, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice are whipped together to create the perfect fall topping for cake, pie, and even a hot beverage.

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    Pumpkin Squares With Oat Crust

    Pumpkin Squares With Oat Crust and Crumb Topping

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    The buttery crust and topping for these soft pumpkin squares with oat crust include brown sugar, oats, and pecans. Homemade or store-bought pumpkin pie spice flavors the filling perfectly.

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    Pumpkin Pie Bars

    Pumpkin Pie Bars

    The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo 

    Pumpkin pie bars everything you love about pumpkin pie put into bar form. The recipe makes more servings than your typical pie, making it a quicker and easier method for feeding a crowd.

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    Pumpkin Bread Pudding

    Pumpkin Bread Pudding Recipe

    The Spruce

    This fabulous pumpkin bread pudding is the perfect dessert for a fall dinner party, a Halloween or Thanksgiving gathering, or a special family meal. Feel free to use raisins in place of the dried cranberries, or try it with chopped dates or pecans.

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    Autumn Pumpkin Pie

    Autumn pumpkin pie recipe

    The Spruce

    This pie is a classic fall dessert, with its velvety spiced pumpkin filling. Serve this iconic autumn pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with a little cinnamon or cinnamon-sugar.

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    Pumpkin Pound Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze

    Pumpkin Pound Cake With Maple Pecan Glaze
    Diana Rattray

    Serve this delicious pumpkin pound cake with maple pecan glaze or dust it with powdered sugar. It's a delicious cake for Halloween or any other fall or winter holiday gathering. Feel free to leave the pecans out; it's delicious with or without them.

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    Spiced Pumpkin Pie With Molasses

    Pumpkin Pie With Molasses
    Diana Rattray

    A variety of spices flavor this delicious spiced pumpkin pie with molasses. Use a homemade crust or your favorite frozen pie shell.

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    Pumpkin Streusel Bars

    Pumpkin Streusel Bars

    The Spruce / Julia Estrada

    A buttery pecan streusel topping adds crunch and sweetness to these pumpkin streusel bars. Use walnuts in the topping if you like, or, if you aren't a fan of nuts, omit the pecans. 

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    Pumpkin Pie With Graham Cracker Crumble

    Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crumble
    Diana Rattray

     A crunchy, buttery graham cracker crumb mixture creates the topping for this pumpkin pie. The crunchy baked topping is sprinkled over the whole pie or individual slices. The filling is a classic mixture of spiced pumpkin puree with brown sugar and eggs. These pumpkin pie with graham cracker crumble is a favorite!

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    Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

    Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

     Kristina Vanni

    With a rich cream cheese layer and a creamy spiced pumpkin layer, these bars are as pretty as they are delicious. Whip up some pumpkin cheesecake bars for a fall dessert, bake sale, or pot luck.

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    Baked Spiced Mini Pumpkins

    Mini Pumpkins With Rice Pudding
    Diana Rattray

    Use these mini pumpkin shells as containers for baked spice mini pumpkins or custard, or fill the warm pumpkins with scoops of vanilla ice cream or a serving of apple cobbler. 

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    Pumpkin Cake With Browned Butter Icing

    Pumpkin cake with browned butter icing

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

    The brown butter icing is a delicious way to top this moist fall pumpkin cake with browned butter icing, but feel free to use your favorite cream cheese frosting. If you don't have the time, use a purchased frosting.

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    Pumpkin Layer Cake

    Pumpkin cake cream cheese frosting

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga 

    A fluffy cream cheese frosting and chopped pecans finish this top-rated pumpkin layer cake perfectly. Bake this cake for a fall party or holiday dessert.

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    Bread Machine Pumpkin Bread

    Bread Machine Pumpkin Yeast Bread
    Diana Rattray

    This bread machine pumpkin bread is another tasty way to use canned or homemade pumpkin puree. It's a refreshing, savory way to use pumpkin.

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    Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Bundt Cake

    Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Bundt Cake

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

    Cocoa and cinnamon pair with pumpkin to make a moist and rich chocolate pumpkin Bundt cake. Frost this flavorful cake with an orange-tinted vanilla icing or dust with powdered sugar.

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    Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

    Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

    The Spruce / Jessie Sheehan

    Fun to say, and an absolute treat to eat, pumpkin whoopie pies are a great cookie treat to know about. They are something like a cookie sandwich, with two soft, spiced, cake-like pumpkin cookies surrounding a sweet, creamy, vanilla-flavored filling. Enjoy them with your afternoon cup of coffee for a delicious fall treat.

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    Pumpkin Brownies

    Pumpkin Brownies

    Kristina Vanni

    Put an autumn twist on tried-and-true chocolate brownies with our outrageously delicious pumpkin brownies. A classic blondie batter is boosted with pumpkin pie ingredients, and swirled together with a chocolate brownie batter, to create these gorgeous, two-tone seasonal treats in no more time than you would spend making regular chocolate brownies.

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    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    Kids will cheer when they find one of these pumpkin chocolate chip muffins in their lunchbox. They are a snap to assemble and bake, and will fill your kitchen with homey baking aromas. Freeze them ahead for winter breakfasts, serve them at bake sales, or snack on them with your afternoon tea or coffee anytime.

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    Cardamom Pumpkin Pie

    Cardamom Pumpkin Pie

    The Spruce / Nita West

    Cardamom spice and roasted pumpkin bring unique and sophisticated flavors to a classic pumpkin pie. Bake it to bring along to potluck parties, or save it for your holiday meal at home. You can bake the crust a day ahead (cool and leave tightly-covered on the counter), and prepare the filling a day ahead for the fridge. The next day, simply add the filling to the crust, and bake.

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    Pumpkin Poke Cake

    Pumpkin Poke Cake

    The Spruce / Christine Ma

    Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, drenched in a milky, salted caramel glaze, and topped with fluffy whipped cream, our pumpkin poke cake is one of those fall desserts that are worth waiting for (even though you could make it anytime with canned pureed pumpkin). A yellow cake mix is a great shortcut that helps this Southern-style cake come together easily.

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    Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

    Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    Pumpkin pie cupcakes are a great way to enjoy everything you love about a slice of the classic Thanksgiving dessert, in the form of a portable cupcake. Bake them for a grab-and-go treat the kids will love, or a fun alternative to the standard pie or cake after a big holiday meal.

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    Pumpkin Flan

    Pumpkin Flan

    The Spruce/ Kristina Vanni

    Our pumpkin flan is a rich and creamy dessert worthy of your most special fall dinner guests. The filling will remind you of a classic crème brûlée, but covered in gooey caramel sauce. You bake it like an upside-down cake, with the caramel layer at the bottom, so that when the dessert is inverted, the golden sauce generously coats the custard. Plan ahead for a few hours of chilling before serving.