Pumpkin season is here, and these are our favorite ways to use it. You'll find everything from quick pumpkin drinks and no-bake treats to pies, cakes, muffins, and breads, plus a few savory dishes. Some are ready in minutes and others take a little more time, so there's something for every kind of day.
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Choosing the Right Pumpkin
The type of pumpkin you use affects both flavor and texture, so it's worth a quick look before you start.
Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin puree is cooked, pureed pumpkin with nothing added, which makes it convenient and lets you control the sugar and spices yourself. Look for a label that says 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. I always use canned pumpkin, and everything tastes fantastic.
Fresh Pumpkin
Fresh pumpkin has a more natural, slightly deeper flavor, but it takes more work. Choose a sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin, which are smaller and sweeter than carving pumpkins. Cut it into wedges, remove the seeds, and roast until tender. Once it has cooled, scoop out the flesh and puree it in a blender or food processor. Homemade puree can hold more water than canned, so drain any excess liquid, and press it through a sieve if it's lumpy.
Drinks
Whether you like your pumpkin drinks hot, iced, or topped with cold foam, these are easy to make at home.
Chilled espresso, real pumpkin, warm spices, and creamy dairy blend into a thick, frosty fall drink in about 5 minutes.
A homemade pumpkin spice latte that's easy to make and costs less than a coffee-shop run.
Smooth cold brew, pumpkin syrup, and creamy pumpkin cold foam come together in this Starbucks-inspired fall drink.
Creamy, sweet, and spiced, this foam turns any iced coffee into a fall drink. It's good all year, not just in October.
A rich, creamy pumpkin spice creamer made with condensed milk. It's quick to make and brings fall flavor to your coffee in any season.
Warm chai spices and earthy pumpkin flavor complement each other in this cozy latte for a chilly day.
Make a batch from just a few ingredients and use it in lattes, cold brew, and more. It's cheaper than store-bought, and I think it tastes better too.
Pies
From no-bake cheesecake to pies with a twist, here are our favorite pumpkin pies and pie-style desserts.
A rich, creamy cheesecake that doesn't need the oven. Make the layers, chill, and serve.
A flaky crust holds a creamy, decadent filling of pumpkin and cream cheese.
Sweet pumpkin pie bars with a soft, doughy crust, an easy fall dessert.
Creamy spiced pumpkin pie with a sweet, crunchy pecan topping, so you don't have to choose between pumpkin and pecan at Thanksgiving.
A twist on the classic, with a graham cracker crust that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
A copycat with thick caramel and real pumpkin flavor. It's the best copycat recipe I've ever tried.
A no-bake pie that's smooth, creamy, and packed with fall spices.
Pumpkin-shaped mini hand pies on a stick, sweet and flaky and full of pumpkin flavor.
A soft, chewy, no-bake pie with warm pumpkin spice flavor, fun for Halloween or Thanksgiving.
Cookies and Bars
Soft, spiced cookies and creamy bars that are easy to bake and share.
Fudgy centers, lightly crisp edges, and warm pumpkin spice flavor.
Cinnamon sugar and pumpkin pie spice combine in these easy fall cookies.
Easy cookies with the right balance of pumpkin and oats.
A sweet, tangy filling on a crisp crust. I like them even better than pumpkin pie.
Simple, inexpensive, and quick to make with just three ingredients, so they work for a craving, a party, or any occasion.
Cakes
From a quick air fryer cake to a layered chocolate showstopper, there's a cake here for every kind of gathering.
Pumpkin puree, olive oil, brown sugar, and honey make an incredibly moist, tender cake, finished with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
Moist pumpkin spice cake soaked with caramel and topped with cream cheese whipped cream and toffee bits. It's an easy make-ahead dessert.
Quick to prep and a showstopper on the Thanksgiving table.
A soft, moist, springy cake flavored with pumpkin pie spice and topped with cream cheese frosting. It's made without pumpkin puree.
A rich pumpkin cake topped with sweet streusel.
A decadent layered cake with chocolate cake, pumpkin mousse, cream cheese mousse, and chocolate ganache.
A moist pumpkin cake that comes together quickly in the air fryer.
Muffins, Breads and Pastries
These work for breakfast, brunch, or a snack with coffee.
Moist pumpkin muffins with a cream cheese filling and pecan topping.
Thick, tender scones with warm pumpkin spice flavor, a sweet maple glaze, and a pumpkin drizzle for a coffeehouse-style finish.
Lightly spiced, moist muffins that work for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Soft, moist muffins with warm pumpkin spice, a sweet and tangy cream cheese center, and crunchy pepitas on top.
A sweet, moist loaf made with real pumpkin and warm spices.
Pumpkin spice bagels made in the air fryer, easy and delicious.
A twist on classic banana bread that combines real pumpkin and sweet banana.
Crescent roll twists with pumpkin pie flavor, a simple glaze, and flaky, golden-brown dough.
Store-bought puff pastry layered with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then baked until golden and flaky. It looks bakery-fancy but is easy to make.
Baked pumpkin donuts that are soft and fluffy, finished with a pumpkin spice glaze.
Creamy and No-Bake Pumpkin Treats
No oven required for these cool, creamy treats.
A quick dessert dip with a luscious texture and balanced flavor that isn't too sweet. Serve it with gingersnaps, apple slices, or cinnamon-sugar pita chips.
A rich, creamy dessert made with real pumpkin, a tangy cream cheese base, and Cool Whip. No oven needed.
A smooth, creamy layered dessert that comes together in under 30 minutes, a good choice for Thanksgiving.
A no-bake dessert with rich chocolate flavor that looks like a tiny pumpkin patch, fun for parties or bake sales.
Homemade ice cream that's rich and creamy, with pieces of pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice.
Savory Dishes and More
Pumpkin isn't just for dessert. Here are a few savory recipes, a breakfast favorite, and a treat for your dog.
A rich, creamy soup that's vegan if you want it to be and ready quickly.
Pumpkin brioche French toast that's rich and hearty.
A hearty, comforting chili that takes about 30 minutes.
Homemade treats for your dog, made in the air fryer. These are for your four-legged friend, not for you.
Tips for Baking with Pumpkin
- Use good ingredients: Pure vanilla extract, real butter, and fresh spices make a noticeable difference.
- Store by recipe: Storage times differ between a cheesecake, muffins, and a bread, so check the storage notes in each recipe. Desserts with cream cheese, whipped topping, or custard-style fillings should be refrigerated.
Recipe FAQs
We don't recommend it. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, and the amount varies by brand, so it can make a recipe too sweet or throw off its flavor and texture. Look for a can that says 100% pure pumpkin puree.
Try the No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin Mousse Pie, Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Fluff, Easy Pumpkin Trifle, Pumpkin Dirt Cups, or Pumpkin Dip with Cream Cheese. (Link each name to its recipe.)
Homemade Pumpkin Praline Pie, Pumpkin Earthquake Cake, Easy Pumpkin Trifle, and Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkin Pie are all good choices for the Thanksgiving table. (Link each name.)
Which Pumpkin Recipe Will You Make First?
Whether you want a five-minute drink, a make-ahead cake, or a no-bake treat, there's a pumpkin recipe here for it. Pick one and get started.
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