The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm pumpkin drifting through the kitchen just feels like home, doesn’t it? This guide rounds up the very best pumpkin desserts for your fall table—everything from silky cheesecakes and airy mousse to kid-friendly treats and candy-inspired sweets.
You’ll find plenty of easy pumpkin desserts you can make ahead, plus several no-bake pumpkin desserts for those extra-busy days. And because holiday hosting needs options, I’ve mixed creamy, crunchy, and classic bakes so you can build a dessert spread everyone remembers.
Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner or a laid-back potluck, these picks deliver cozy flavor without fuss. Even better, most recipes scale well and travel beautifully. So, grab a can (or two) of pumpkin, dust off the spices, and get ready to whisk, layer, and swirl your way to the ultimate fall finale. Here are 21 of the best pumpkin desserts to make your Thanksgiving pumpkin desserts lineup—and your entire season—extra sweet.
Table of Contents
Creamy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Desserts
When you want pumpkin desserts that taste like a bakery treat but take minimal effort, these no-bake pumpkin desserts shine. This group leans rich and silky—perfect for make-ahead hosting, clean slicing, and beautiful plating. You’ll get that classic pumpkin cheesecake desserts flavor in several formats: bars for tidy squares, cups for elegant single-serves, and truffles for gifting.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars — creamy layers, buttery snap
A fan favorite for holiday buffets. Smooth pumpkin cheesecake filling settles over a crisp, spiced crumb base, then chills to a clean, sliceable texture. Best made the day before for flavor bloom and perfect edges. Serve straight from the fridge with a light cinnamon dusting.
Get the recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups — elegant, individual portions
If you love easy plating (and portion control), these creamy jars deliver. Layer the pumpkin cheesecake filling with crumbs in tumblers or lidded jars for travel-friendly desserts. Garnish with whipped cream, gingersnap crumbs, or toasted pecans for texture.
Get the recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles — bite-size, freezer-friendly
A candy-meets-cheesecake moment. Roll a spiced pumpkin cheesecake mixture, dip in white chocolate, then chill. These pack beautifully for cookie tins and make thoughtful gifts. Freeze in batches and thaw in minutes for instant dessert trays.
Get the recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles
No-Bake Pumpkin Pies & Lush Desserts
This is your Thanksgiving pumpkin desserts safety net: plush textures, nostalgic flavors, and zero oven juggling. These no-bake pumpkin desserts set up in the fridge, slice cleanly, and always please a crowd. Build a pie-and-lush duo for a buffet that looks as good as it tastes.
No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Mousse — light, airy, crowd-pleaser
Soft, spoonable, and silky with real pumpkin and warm spice. Portion into small cups for easy plating, or swirl into a crumb crust for a mousse pie. Two popular variations (cream-cheese forward or cool-whip/pudding quick version) cover every preference.
Get the recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Mousse
No-Bake Pumpkin Lush — classic layered comfort
A nostalgic layered dessert with a crunchy base, creamy pumpkin middle, and fluffy top. The layers set in the fridge and slice into generous squares. Ideal for potlucks and make-ahead menus—chill overnight for the cleanest cuts.
Get the recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Lush
No-Bake Marshmallow Pumpkin Pie — fluffy & nostalgic
Marshmallow brings lift and a cloudlike bite to spiced pumpkin filling. Pour into a graham or gingersnap crust, chill until set, and garnish simply. A fun, throwback twist that still tastes like a holiday classic.
Get the recipe: No-Bake Marshmallow Pumpkin Pie
Hosting Tip: Serve chilled in clear dishes to show off the layers and rich pumpkin color. Keep everything cold until plating to preserve structure and that ultra-creamy texture.
Sweet Pumpkin Treats & Candy-Inspired Desserts
Add playful texture to your dessert board with pumpkin spice desserts you can break, bite, or bag. These are quick wins for class parties, gifting, and Pinterest-perfect trays. They mix beautifully with the creamier picks above for contrast.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Bark — PSL magic in candy form
Swirled white chocolate with a whisper of espresso and pumpkin spice, scattered with crunchy mix-ins. Once set, snap into rustic shards for tins, boards, or favors. Easy to scale and highly giftable.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Spice Latte Bark
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats — kid-friendly and shapeable
Chewy cereal bars dressed in pumpkin spice. Press into a pan and cut into squares, or shape into mini pumpkins with a candy stem. Great for bake sales and last-minute easy pumpkin desserts.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Pumpkin Pie Fudge (No-Bake) — creamy squares in minutes
Creamy, fragrant, and fuss-free. This no-bake fudge sets in the fridge and slices into neat squares for platters and gift boxes.
You’ll need: 2 cups white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup well-blotted pumpkin purée, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp vanilla, 1–1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice, pinch of salt.
How to:
- Gently melt white chocolate with butter until smooth.
- Whisk in vanilla, spice, and salt.
- Fold in blotted pumpkin until glossy.
- Spread in a parchment-lined 8-inch pan; chill 3–4 hours.
- Cut into squares; dust with cinnamon sugar.
Tips: For firmer fudge, add 2–3 tbsp powdered milk to the melted base; for a pretty swirl, reserve 2 tbsp white chocolate to marble the top.
Authoritative picks to consider adding:
- Pumpkin Icebox Cake — classic no-bake cake layers.
- Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze — weekend-brunch favorite.
Baked Pumpkin Dessert Favorites
Sometimes only a cozy bake will do. These baked pumpkin desserts bring classic comfort—soft crumb, warm spice, and that straight-from-the-oven aroma. They balance your no-bake pumpkin desserts with texture and structure, and they slice beautifully for a buffet.
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl — tender crumb, cheesecake ribbon
Swirled with a tangy cream cheese layer, this loaf makes a lovely breakfast-to-dessert crossover. Serve slightly chilled for cleaner slices or warm (briefly) for a softer crumb. Wrap tightly and refrigerate; flavors deepen by day two.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl
Pumpkin Spice Cream Puffs — show-stopping bakery finish
Whether you choose the classic choux method or the puff pastry shortcut, crisp shells meet a silky pumpkin pastry cream for a dessert that looks catered. Fill close to serving time to keep shells light and crisp; a whisper of powdered sugar makes them sparkle.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Spice Cream Puffs
External inspiration to round out the tray
- Pumpkin Roll — iconic swirl, cream cheese filling, holiday classic.
- Pumpkin Poke Cake — ultra-moist, simple to serve, crowd-friendly squares.
Easy Pumpkin Dessert Bars & Dips
When you need easy pumpkin desserts that scale up and travel well, bars and dips are your best friends. They’re casual, slice clean, and invite creative toppings—great for game days, Friendsgiving, or relaxed weeknights.
Pumpkin Pie Dip — 5 minutes, party-perfect
It’s creamy, spiced, and endlessly dippable with graham crackers, pretzels, apples, or vanilla wafers.
You’ll need: 8 oz cream cheese (soft), 1 cup whipped topping or lightly sweetened whipped cream, 1/2 cup pumpkin purée, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 1–1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice, pinch of salt, 1 tsp vanilla.
How to: Beat cream cheese smooth; mix in sugar, spice, salt, vanilla, pumpkin; fold in whipped topping. Chill 30–60 minutes. Garnish with cinnamon sugar.
Tip: For a lighter option, swap half the cream cheese for Greek yogurt and sweeten to taste.
Pumpkin Parfaits — layered and lovely
Parfaits look elegant in cups or jars and portion perfectly for buffets.
Layers: Spiced crumb (gingersnaps or grahams) + pumpkin mousse layer + softly whipped cream.
How to: Alternate crumbs and mousse, finishing with cream. Chill at least 2 hours. Top with toasted pecans or a caramel drizzle before serving.
Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead; keep covered and chilled.
Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix — crunchy, sweet-salty bowl
Zero fuss, huge yield, and a fun counterpoint to creamy pumpkin desserts.
You’ll need: Crisp cereal, mini pretzels, roasted nuts, pumpkin candies (optional), melted white chocolate, pumpkin pie spice, pinch of salt.
How to: Toss cereal/pretzels/nuts; mix melted white chocolate with spice and salt; drizzle and stir to coat; spread to set; break into clusters.
Party tip: Portion into cellophane bags as take-home favors.
Maple Pecan Cookie Bars — nutty bite with caramel notes
These bars bring buttery edges and a maple-kissed center. Slice small—richness goes a long way—and add to mixed platters for a texture contrast with softer pumpkin desserts.
Get the recipe: Maple Pecan Cookie Bars
External bar to consider
- Pumpkin Pie Bars — classic comfort, simple ingredients, easy to batch.
Caramel, Apple & Festive Fall Pairings
A great dessert spread mixes flavors and textures. Pair your pumpkin desserts with caramel and apple to keep palates excited—sweet-salty pretzel crunch, creamy apple layers, and snackable mixes everyone grabs by the handful.
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups — creamy layers, bakery look
Silky apple filling meets cookie crumbs and caramel for an instant crowd-pleaser. Layer in clear cups so the ribbons of caramel shine. Chill well for tidy spoonfuls and top with diced apples just before serving.
Get the recipe: Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars — sweet-salty superstar
The buttery crust and salty crunch balance rich toppings. Chill until firm, slice with a hot knife, and sprinkle flaky salt to finish. These bars sit confidently next to creamier no-bake pumpkin desserts on a buffet.
Get the recipe: No-Bake Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
Caramel Apple Snack Mix — big-batch crowd favorite
Mix cereals, pretzels, nuts, and caramel bits, then add apple chips and a light caramel drizzle. It’s portable, make-ahead, and irresistible—great bowls for coffee tables or grazing stations.
Get the recipe: Caramel Apple Snack Mix
White Chocolate, Candy & Holiday Boards
Round out your fall pumpkin desserts with white-chocolate treats and jewel-toned bites. They add color, crunch, and visual lift to a pumpkin-forward board.
White Chocolate Haystacks — quick clusters, playful crunch
Stir, scoop, and set—these candy mounds are famous for a reason. Fold in toasted coconut, pumpkin seeds, or fall sprinkles to echo your pumpkin palette without overwhelming the board.
Get the recipe: White Chocolate Haystacks
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars — tart meets buttery
Bright citrus and cranberry sparkle against cozy spices. Bake, cool completely, then slice with a hot knife for clean edges. Their color instantly elevates mixed platters beside pumpkin desserts.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars
Pear Gingerbread Dessert Cups — warmly spiced elegance
Gingerbread crumbs, spiced pear, and creamy topping create a refined foil for rich pumpkin sweets. Assemble in glassware; add a micro-grate of nutmeg on top for aroma and gloss.
Get the recipe: Pear Gingerbread Dessert Cups
Cozy Pumpkin Desserts for Thanksgiving (Make-Ahead, Serve & Store)
This is your planner’s corner—how to schedule, store, and plate Thanksgiving pumpkin desserts so everything looks (and tastes) its best.
Make-Ahead Playbook
- No-bake pumpkin desserts: Prepare 24 hours ahead; cover tightly; garnish day-of.
- Bars & breads: Bake 1–2 days ahead; wrap well; slice just before serving.
- Candy & mixes: Make up to a week ahead; airtight containers keep crunch.
Serving Ideas
- Offer a creamy + crunchy + candy trio on each board.
- Toppings to set out: softly whipped cream, caramel sauce, toasted pecans, gingersnap crumbs, cinnamon sugar.
- Serve chilled desserts last from the fridge for clean slices and steady texture.
More Ideas for Your Holiday Table
Looking for bite-size, crowd-pleasing desserts you can prep ahead? Browse our favorites in this seasonal collection:
Explore: No-Bake Thanksgiving Desserts
More Pumpkin & No-Bake Dessert Ideas
Keep the inspiration going. These supporting sweets add color, crunch, and contrast to your pumpkin desserts board—perfect alongside mousse, bars, and bark.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Turkeys – Whimsical, kid-approved, and shockingly easy. Dip, decorate, and chill; they travel well and add instant charm to platters.
- Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies – Buttery, slice-and-bake ease with festive pops of red and green. Make the dough ahead, chill, then bake right before serving for maximum aroma.
- Apple Cider Blondies – Chewy, cinnamon-forward bars that pair beautifully with creamy pumpkin desserts. Bake, cool completely, and cut with a warm knife for clean edges.
FAQ: Your Pumpkin Dessert Questions, Answered
What to make with lots of pumpkin?
Batch big-yield staples: mousse for parfaits, bars that freeze well, fudge for gifting, and snack mix for grazing. Roast and purée edible pumpkins, then portion and freeze in 1-cup bags for future pumpkin desserts.
What to do with too many pumpkins?
Cook food-safe varieties into purée and freeze; donate decorative pumpkins to farms (animal-safe varieties only); or compost to reduce waste and enrich soil. Avoid landfilling when possible.
How to use up a can of pumpkin?
Stir into quick mousse, truffles, or dip; fold into pancake batter, oatmeal, or yogurt parfaits; marble into brownies; blend into milkshakes with spice and vanilla.
What is the most famous dessert in the world?
Cheesecake, tiramisu, and apple pie often top global lists. For fall, pumpkin cheesecake desserts are a beloved seasonal spin—bars, cups, or truffles fit every occasion.
Why should you not throw away pumpkins?
Because of food waste and environmental impact. Edible pumpkins can be cooked and frozen; decorative pumpkins can be composted; even seeds can be roasted. It’s better for your budget and the planet.
What does soaking pumpkins in vinegar do?
For decor pumpkins, a mild vinegar rinse can slow surface mold and extend display life. It’s not a food-safety step for cooking—always follow safe prep and storage when making pumpkin desserts.
Final Thoughts
From mousses and lush layers to bars, bark, and bakery-style showstoppers, these pumpkin desserts prove that fall flavor can be easy, elegant, and endlessly versatile. Mix a creamy no-bake with a crunchy candy and a cozy bake for balance, prep what you can ahead, and garnish right before serving. Save this guide on Pinterest so you can build your Thanksgiving pumpkin desserts table stress-free—and come back anytime you need a fast, delicious idea for your next fall gathering.