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Pumpkin desserts are one of the sweetest parts of the fall season. Whether you're planning Thanksgiving dinner, bringing something to a holiday potluck, or simply craving a homemade treat, pumpkin offers plenty of ways to bring warm, comforting flavors to the table.
And there's much more to pumpkin than traditional pie. From soft cookies and spiced cupcakes to creamy cheesecake, streusel-topped bread, and rich pumpkin cake, these easy pumpkin desserts offer something for nearly every occasion.
McCormick® favorites like Pumpkin Pie Spice, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, and All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract help bring out the familiar flavors of fall. With a few pantry staples and the right recipe, you can create pumpkin treats that are just as enjoyable to make as they are to share.
Here are nine pumpkin dessert recipes to try for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, and every pumpkin-loving occasion in between.
Why Canned Pumpkin Works for Easy Desserts
Canned pumpkin is one of the simplest ways to make homemade pumpkin desserts without adding extra preparation time. Unlike fresh pumpkin, which requires roasting, scooping, and pureeing, canned pumpkin is ready to use straight from the pantry.
Its smooth consistency and reliable moisture content also make it a convenient ingredient for baking. Pumpkin adds tenderness to cakes, breads, and cookies while creating the creamy texture that makes pumpkin pies and cheesecakes so appealing.
When shopping, look for 100% pure pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling, which already contains added sugar and spices. Pure pumpkin lets you control the sweetness and seasoning in each recipe.
For that signature fall flavor, McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice combines cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice in one convenient blend. McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract adds richness, while individual spices like Ground Cinnamon and Ground Cloves can help customize the flavor.
Want to prepare your own pumpkin instead? Our guide to How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds walks through the process. You can also explore How to Use the Whole Pumpkin for more ways to make the most of this seasonal favorite.
9 Easy Pumpkin Dessert Recipes to Try This Fall
From quick-to-assemble treats to desserts you can prepare ahead of Thanksgiving, these pumpkin recipes offer a mix of familiar favorites and creative alternatives.
1. Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies
If you love the flavors of a pumpkin spice latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies turn that seasonal favorite into a soft, chewy dessert.
Espresso powder, molasses, and McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice give the cookies their distinctive coffeehouse-inspired flavor, while McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract adds a smooth, sweet finish. A drizzle of melted white chocolate mixed with espresso powder brings the latte inspiration together.
The dough needs at least four hours of refrigeration, making this a convenient recipe to prepare the night before baking. Once the cookies have cooled, add the white chocolate espresso drizzle and let it set before serving or packaging.
These cookies are especially well suited for fall gatherings, cookie exchanges, and homemade holiday gifts.
2. Pumpkin Spice Bread
A homemade loaf of Pumpkin Spice Bread is a welcome addition to a Thanksgiving dessert table, holiday brunch, or seasonal gift basket.
This moist pumpkin bread combines canned pumpkin, orange juice, and McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice with McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract for a warmly spiced flavor. A buttery streusel topping made with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and McCormick Ground Cinnamon adds a sweet, crumbly finish.
The recipe makes two loaves, so you can serve one and save the other for later. With just 10 minutes of preparation before baking, it's a practical option when you want something homemade without spending much time assembling ingredients.
For a little extra seasonal flavor, try finishing the loaves with McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice Finishing Sugar or another favorite finishing sugar before baking.
Once cooled, slice the bread for a dessert platter or wrap a loaf in a tea towel for a thoughtful homemade gift.
3. Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake
Can't decide between pumpkin pie and cheesecake? Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake combines two holiday favorites in one rich, creamy dessert.
A buttery graham cracker crust supports a smooth filling made with cream cheese, brown sugar, canned pumpkin, and McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice. McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract rounds out the filling with a familiar sweetness.
The result is a dessert with the comforting flavor of pumpkin pie and the silky consistency of cheesecake.
Because the cheesecake needs several hours to chill after baking, it's an excellent make-ahead option for Thanksgiving dinner. Prepare it the day before, refrigerate overnight, and save yourself one more task on the holiday.
Serve each slice with whipped cream, a light sprinkle of cinnamon, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For a different take on the crust, try finely crushed gingersnaps or vanilla wafers in place of traditional graham crackers.
4. Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes
Individual desserts are especially convenient for holiday parties, potlucks, and gatherings where guests may want to sample several sweets.
Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes start with yellow cake mix and vanilla instant pudding mix, making them a simple alternative to cupcakes prepared entirely from scratch.
Canned pumpkin adds moisture, while McCormick Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, and All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract give the cupcakes their seasonal flavor.
The finishing touch is a homemade cream cheese frosting flavored with McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract and Ground Cloves. The lightly spiced frosting complements the pumpkin cake without overpowering it.
With approximately 15 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of baking time, this recipe makes 24 cupcakes.
Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for Thanksgiving, or add a light dusting of cinnamon for an easy finishing touch.
5. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Classic snickerdoodles are known for their soft centers and sweet, spiced coating. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles bring a seasonal twist to that familiar cookie.
Canned pumpkin is mixed into the dough along with McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract. McCormick Cream of Tartar contributes the characteristic snickerdoodle flavor, while McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice is combined with sugar to create the flavorful outer coating.
After the dough chills for two hours, roll it into balls, coat with the pumpkin spice sugar mixture, and bake until lightly browned.
The result is a soft, warmly spiced cookie that's easy to serve at fall gatherings or tuck into a holiday cookie tin.
If you're putting together a dessert assortment, pair these cookies with chocolate treats or buttery shortbread for a mix of flavors and textures.
6. Pumpkin Pie Spice Doughnuts
For something a little different from traditional Thanksgiving desserts, Pumpkin Pie Spice Doughnuts combine the flavors of pumpkin pie with a homemade bakery-style treat.
McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice flavors both the yeast dough and the creamy pumpkin filling, while McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract adds sweetness to the dough.
After frying, the doughnuts are filled with a mixture of pumpkin puree, vanilla frosting, and pumpkin pie spice. A pumpkin glaze and pecan topping made with brown sugar and McCormick Ground Cinnamon create a sweet, crunchy finish.
Although the dough requires time to rise, much of that preparation is hands-off. You can use the rising time to prepare the filling, glaze, and topping.
These doughnuts make a memorable addition to a holiday brunch or dessert buffet, especially when you want to offer something guests might not expect alongside the usual pies and cakes.
7. Pumpkin Dump Cake
When oven space is limited and your Thanksgiving menu is already full, Pumpkin Dump Cake offers an easy alternative.
This slow-cooker dessert combines yellow cake mix, canned pumpkin, chocolate chips, and McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice to create a moist, rich pumpkin cake.
A homemade caramel sauce made with brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, and additional Pumpkin Pie Spice adds a sweet finishing touch.
The cake cooks in the slow cooker for approximately three and a half hours, leaving the oven available for other holiday dishes.
Serve it warm in individual bowls or ramekins with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
With only about 10 minutes of preparation, this is one of the easiest pumpkin dessert ideas for busy hosts who want a comforting homemade treat without complicated assembly.
8. Pumpkin Pecan Pie
Why choose between two Thanksgiving classics when you can enjoy both?
Pumpkin Pecan Pie brings together creamy pumpkin filling and a sweet, nutty pecan topping in one holiday dessert.
The pumpkin layer combines canned pumpkin, sugar, eggs, McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice, and McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract. Chopped pecans are layered over the filling before a mixture of brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and more vanilla is added.
As the pie bakes, the flavors come together to create a dessert that balances smooth pumpkin with the rich sweetness and crunch of pecans.
Using a refrigerated pie crust helps keep preparation simple, making this a convenient option when you're baking several Thanksgiving desserts.
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing, then serve it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream.
9. Pumpkin Roll
A Pumpkin Roll makes an impressive centerpiece for a Thanksgiving dessert table without requiring elaborate decorating.
This rolled pumpkin cake combines canned pumpkin with McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice for a tender, flavorful base. Inside, a smooth cream cheese filling made with butter, confectioners' sugar, McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, and additional Pumpkin Pie Spice creates a creamy contrast.
The secret to a successful pumpkin roll is shaping the cake while it's still warm. After baking, turn it onto a sugar-dusted kitchen towel and roll it gently before allowing it to cool.
Once cooled, unroll the cake, spread on the cream cheese filling, and roll it back up. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
A light dusting of confectioners' sugar gives the finished dessert a simple, elegant appearance.
Slice the roll just before serving to reveal the swirl of pumpkin cake and cream cheese filling. It's a festive choice when you want a dessert that looks as special as the occasion.
Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Dessert
A few simple baking practices can help you get consistent results from your favorite pumpkin dessert recipes.
Choose the Right Pumpkin
Most pumpkin recipes call for canned pure pumpkin rather than sweetened pumpkin pie filling. Always check the ingredient list before baking, since using the wrong product can change the sweetness, seasoning, and consistency of the finished dessert.
If you're using homemade pumpkin puree, keep in mind that its moisture content may vary. Excess liquid can affect the texture of cakes, cookies, and breads.
Use Spiced to Bring Out the Flavor
Pumpkin has a mild flavor on its own, which is why warm spices play such an important role in fall baking.
McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice provides a convenient blend for everything from cookies and cakes to pies and doughnuts. Individual spices like McCormick Ground Cinnamon and Ground Cloves can add extra depth, while All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract helps balance the flavors.
Curious about what makes this seasonal blend so versatile? Explore 9 Not-So-Basic Things to Know About Pumpkin Pie Spice and About Pumpkin Pie Spice: Uses, Pairings and Recipes for more inspiration.
Avoid Overmixing Your Batter
When making pumpkin bread, cupcakes, or cakes, mix the ingredients according to the recipe directions. Overmixing after adding flour can produce a denser texture than intended.
For cookies that require chilling, allow the dough to refrigerate for the recommended amount of time. This helps manage spreading and makes the dough easier to handle.
Let Desserts Cool Before Decorating
Cream cheese frosting, chocolate drizzle, and powdered sugar finishes all work best when applied at the appropriate stage.
Allow cupcakes and cookies to cool completely before frosting or drizzling. Cheesecakes and pumpkin rolls also benefit from the recommended refrigeration time so they can set properly before slicing.
Make-Ahead Pumpkin Desserts for Thanksgiving
Preparing desserts in advance can make Thanksgiving Day much easier, especially when oven space and counter space are limited.
Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake is an excellent choice to prepare the day before because it needs several hours in the refrigerator. Pumpkin Roll can also be assembled ahead of time and chilled until serving.
For cookies, prepare Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookie dough or Pumpkin Snickerdoodle dough in advance, then bake according to the recipe directions when you're ready.
Pumpkin Spice Bread is another convenient option. Bake the loaves ahead, allow them to cool completely, and wrap them securely to preserve their moisture.
If you're looking for something to prepare while the rest of the meal cooks, Pumpkin Dump Cake can work in the slow cooker without taking up valuable oven space.
Planning a larger gathering? Our collection of Top 10 Easy Thanksgiving Potluck Recipes offers additional ideas for dishes that are easy to share and transport.
Serving and Sharing Pumpkin Desserts
A Thanksgiving dessert table doesn't need to feature several versions of the same pie. Choosing desserts with different textures, shapes, and flavors creates a more inviting assortment.
Pair a creamy Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake with soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, add slices of Pumpkin Spice Bread, and include Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes for guests who prefer individual portions.
For a more traditional holiday presentation, serve Pumpkin Pecan Pie alongside Pumpkin Roll. The combination of smooth fillings, nutty textures, and spiced cake gives guests several ways to enjoy pumpkin.
Simple garnishes can make homemade desserts feel ready for a celebration. Try a dusting of cinnamon, a spoonful of whipped cream, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Pumpkin also pairs well with other seasonal favorites. For a little variety, explore Comforting Sweet Potato Recipes to round out your Thanksgiving menu.
And if you want to keep experimenting with fall flavors, our collection of 10 Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipes to Celebrate the Fall Season offers even more ways to use this versatile spice blend.
