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16 Pumpkin Desserts That Definitely Beat a PSL

Pumpkin desserts that go way beyond a PSL. Find cookies, cakes, and cozy treats to satisfy every fall craving with comforting recipes you'll actually love.

A collage of different photos showing pumpkin desserts and other autumnal outings.

Summer had it’s moment and you might miss it.

Or maybe you won’t and you’re one of those people who count down the days until it’s fall and you get to start making pumpkin desserts.

Because yes, a good lemon tart or iced raspberry lemonade is nice, but I don’t really think there’s anything better than cozy hot chocolate and baked goods (like fall brownies).

Also, autumnal spices kind of outdo all the other seasonal flavors. And if you feel the same way and you’re getting pumpkin cravings, then I’ve got some pumpkin dessert recipes that actually look like they’re worth making.

So grab a few of these pumpkin-spiced desserts and enjoy your fall season.

PS – Here are some fall desserts you can try if you want more ideas!


1. Small Batch Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Three Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins stacked up.
PHOTO: OF JEN SWEETS

Muffins are kind of the perfect pumpkin treat for cold mornings, but I don’t think it gets any tastier than pumpkin cream cheese muffins.

I feel like this is one of those pumpkin recipes you make the night before, wake up at 7:30 AM, sit down with a hot cup of coffee, and enjoy as you watch the morning get brighter.

Also, with plenty of dark brown sugar and a streusel topping, I think this is a recipe to make that’ll impress anyone at a fall get-together.

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2. Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread

Pumpkin Caramel Monkey Bread on a white plate.
PHOTO: PINCH OF YUM

I’m sorry, but this pumpkin caramel monkey bread looks like something I’d eat daily (but really shouldn’t). Also, it definitely looks like one of the best pumpkin desserts on this list.

The sauce is simple but sounds really good! Also, you’ll be using refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, so it really doesn’t get much easier than that.

Oh… and with white chocolate drizzle, I feel like the flavor combination is gonna be ridiculously good. 👌

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3. Pumpkin Muffins With Maple Cream Cheese Filling

Pumpkin Muffins With Maple Cream Cheese Filling on a marble surface.
PHOTO: PINCH OF YUM

Ok, so it has a whipped maple cream cheese filling… let that sink in for a moment. I feel like I need to make this immediately and enjoy 7 of them.

Oh and with a nice crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, I can’t imagine this not being good. Also, coming from Pinch of Yum, I kind of just trust them to make a good recipe which is why I’m recommending it to you. They just know how to make good food. 👍

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4. Textured Pumpkin Macarons

Pumpkin Macarons laying on a white surface.
PHOTO: THE WHITE WHISK

I really love the idea of being good at making macarons, and right now, if I were to attempt it, it would be this recipe right here.

I mean how do you say no to making cute pumpkin macarons with a pretty (and eat-worthy) looking design? These are the kind you make for a fun Halloween get-together, or just enjoy alone at home. Up to you!

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5. Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cupcakes

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cupcakes on a wood surface.
PHOTO: BRITNEY BREAKS BREAD

I love salted caramel and I love fall desserts, so these salted caramel pumpkin cupcakes look like they’d be an instant win.

They have a cream cheese frosting, which let’s be real, is so much better than any other type of frosting. And on top of all that, you’re probably gonna get an amazing flavor combination of spices and cream.

I’d say it’s worth making!

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6. Pumpkin Ice Cream

Pumpkin Ice Cream in an ice cream container.
PHOTO: HOUSE OF NASH EATS

Pumpkin ice cream has always been a favorite of mine since I was a kid.

The pumpkin spices paired with rich creaminess can never be beat.

And with egg yolks, lots of autumnal spices, and Lotus cookies, you know this dessert is probably gonna be an instant go-to every year!

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7. Pumpkin Pie With Graham Cracker Crust

Pumpkin Pie in a white baking dish.
PHOTO: BRITNEY BREAKS BREAD

I feel like when you pair a graham cracker crust with a pumpkin pie, there’s gonna be that nice mouth feel (and taste) you get with a cheesecake.

And then with all those nice pumpkin spice flavors and heavy rich whipped cream, I think this might just be the new way of making pumpkin pie!

Side Note: The crust also has fall spices in it too so you know it’s gonna be super good!

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8. Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Cake on a wood cake stand.
PHOTO: BRITNEY BREAKS BREAD

If you’re wanting to make a full on cake for Halloween or a fall party (or just because), then I think this should probably be it.

It’s the kind of pumpkin dessert that’ll probably take the center place on the dessert table (in my opinion).

Oh, and it’s stuffed with a MAPLE PUMPKIN BUTTER and a brown butter cream cheese frosting.

Yeah, I think you should make it.

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9. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Three Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies on a white plate.
PHOTO: SUGAR & CHARM

This recipe is the kind of dessert you make when you’re craving that nice pumpkin autumnal flavor and cookies at the same time.

It’s the perfect combination and it’s calling your name tonight for when you’ve finished dinner and you want to catch up on a Netflix series while enjoying dessert.

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10. Chocolate Dipped Brown Butter Pumpkin Madeleines

Chocolate Dipped Brown Butter Pumpkin Madeleines stacked on each other.
PHOTO: THE LITTLE VINTAGE BAKING COMPANY

When madeleines are done right, they are so good.

And if I ever get a madeleine maker, then this is probably gonna be pretty high up on my list of flavors to try. It looks pretty simple and I’m also a sucker for chocolate and pumpkin!

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11. Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake in tall and pretty gold and glass cups.
PHOTO: SUGAR & CHARM

I think this might just be one of the most perfect pumpkin desserts you can make for Thanksgiving. It looks like you’re hitting just the right notes of creamy spiced goodness, and it even has a tiny slice of pumpkin pie on top!

Maybe a good substitute for a whole pumpkin pie? Or just have both. Both is good.

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12. Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Baked Pumpkin Donuts on a cooling rack.
PHOTO: HOUSE OF NASH EATS

Baked donuts are kind of a weakness for me. And I think if someone made these, I’d probably grab 5 of them and a hot coffee and enjoy them, and then regret I ate so many later on.

No but seriously, these look like they’d taste so good coming fresh out of the oven!

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13. Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake on a baking dish.
PHOTO: SUGAR & CHARM

I keep seeing butter cake recipes on my Pinterest feed and they look so good!

I’m kind of addicted to desserts that have that perfect texture and rich creamy flavor, and butter cakes look like they fit the bill. Also, if it’s pumpkin flavored, then I’m definitely all in.

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14. Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie on a white table.
PHOTO: HOUSE OF NASH EATS

I know about chiffon cakes, but this is my first time seeing a chiffon pie and I’m honestly a fan. It’s supposed to be more light and fluffy and the filling is a no-bake recipe which makes things so much easier!

And if you want something more mousse-like for your Thanksgiving dessert, then this is probably it!

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15. Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin Scones on a baking sheet.
PHOTO: EMMA DUCKWORTH BAKES

Scones are one of the top desserts I get at a coffee shop to pair with my drink, and seeing these pumpkin ones with tasty toppings is making me crave them right now.

Also, with a nice maple glaze and a topping of turbinado sugar, I feel like these are going to be ridiculously good and satisfying.

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16. Pumpkin Chocolate Babka

Pumpkin Chocolate Babka in a baking dish.
PHOTO: HOUSE OF NASH EATS

It’s been a while since I’ve had babka, but I do remember it being hard to stop eating. And this looks like it might just be the same kind of situation.

This is probably the perfect pumpkin recipe to make for when you’re wanting something nice to feed your guests in the morning while they’re visiting for Thanksgiving.

Also, let’s be honest. Dark chocolate and pumpkin is a really good combination!

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Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.

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