If you love pumpkin but are looking to switch things up beyond classic pumpkin pie, here are some creative, mouth-watering pumpkin desserts to try this season! From rich pumpkin cheesecake bars to spiced pumpkin mousse, these treats will satisfy any autumn craving.
1. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Combining the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the spiced goodness of pumpkin, these bars are a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into a lined 8×8 pan.
- Beat cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Chill before cutting into bars.
2. Pumpkin Spice Donuts
These baked pumpkin donuts are soft, fluffy, and spiced to perfection. Plus, they’re easy to make with a donut pan!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan.
- Combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin, milk, and egg. Mix wet and dry ingredients.
- Fill donut pan and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool, then top with cinnamon-sugar or glaze.
3. Pumpkin Mousse Cups
Light, fluffy, and loaded with autumn flavors, this pumpkin mousse is an elegant yet easy dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
- Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture. Serve in cups and top with more whipped cream.
4. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, chewy, and with a hint of pumpkin spice, these cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat butter, pumpkin, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda. Mix into the wet ingredients and fold in chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Transform pumpkin bread into a luscious bread pudding with warm spices and a caramel drizzle!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed pumpkin bread
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish. Place cubed pumpkin bread in the dish.
- Whisk milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Pour over bread cubes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
6. Pumpkin Ice Cream
A cool, creamy dessert with all the flavors of pumpkin spice. Perfect for fall, even if the weather’s still warm!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions. Freeze for a few hours before serving.
7. Pumpkin Pecan Bars
These bars have a chewy pumpkin layer and a crunchy pecan topping, making them irresistible!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter, then press into a baking dish.
- Mix pumpkin puree, sugar, and cinnamon, then spread over the crust. Top with pecans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool before cutting into bars.
Final Thoughts
These pumpkin desserts are perfect for bringing cozy, autumn flavors to your table—no pie crust required! From pumpkin cheesecake bars to light pumpkin mousse, there’s something for every pumpkin lover to try. Enjoy the flavors of fall in these unique treats!
Leave a Reply