Of course you’ll make the customary pumpkin pie, but if that’s all you think a can of pure solid-pack pumpkin is good for, you’re missing out. These pumpkin desserts go way beyond pie, showcasing Thanksgiving’s favorite flavor (sorry, turkey!) in layer cakes, pound cakes, cheesecakes, and more.
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RecipePumpkin & Cornmeal Cake with Orange Syrup
Pumpkin-y with a wonderful texture thanks to the cornmeal, the pumpkin-citrus flavor pairing makes a dynamite combination, in part because it’s a little unexpected. -
RecipeBourbon Pumpkin Tart with Walnut Streusel
Consider this tart pumpkin pie’s more elegant cousin, despite being every bit as easy to make. It’s also a wonderful make-ahead since the flavor is best the day after baking. -
RecipeBourbon-Caramel Pumpkin Tart
From its dramatic straight sides to its bourbon-spiked caramel and crunchy pepita toppings, this gorgeous tart makes plain pumpkin pie pale in comparison. -
RecipePumpkin Swirl Cheesecakes
Even people on the fence about pumpkin sing the praises of these little beauties. You probably have all the ingredients you need on hand already, and they freeze exceptionally well. -
RecipePumpkin Sage Bundt Cake
This wonderful and savory combination make for an interesting and sophisticated pumpkin cake. Finish off slices with some maple syrup–sweetened crème fraîche. -
RecipePumpkin-Croissant Bread Pudding with Pecans
Sweet pumpkin, classic winter spices, and crunchy pecans make this bread pudding a perfect fit for the Thanksgiving dessert table. -
RecipePumpkin-Ginger Tunnel Cake
This not-too-sweet cake gets a double dose of ginger: dried ginger in the spice mix used to flavor the cake and finely diced crystallized ginger in the cake’s creamy filling. -
RecipeSpiced “Pumpkin” Fritters with Chocolate Sauce & Candied Pepitas
Think of these as pumpkin-pie doughnuts dressed up with chocolate sauce and candied, spiced pepitas. Suzanne Goin's fritters are actually made with kabocha or butternut squash, but even die-hard pumpkin lovers won't know the difference. -
RecipePumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cinnamon Cream
Traditional whoopie pies take a seasonal twist in this fun fall favorite that’ll add a little diversity to the dessert table. -
RecipeChocolate-Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake
Chocolate and pumpkin make a dramatic and delicious pairing in this stunning cheesecake. -
RecipeBrown Butter Pumpkin Layer Cake
Truly a showstopper, a gingery glazed nut topping and brown-butter-spiked cream cheese frosting are the finishing touches for this spectacular spiced pumpkin cake. -
RecipePumpkin & Ginger Pound Cake
The lightest-tasting pound cake you’ll ever make, this twist on pumpkin pie comes together, as one reviewer put it, “like a dream.” -
RecipePumpkin Panna Cotta with Apple Cider Sauce
Apples and pumpkin, two fall favorites, pair up in this elegant, light, silken dessert. The cider sauce is also wonderful over ice cream and on french toast or pancakes. -
RecipePumpkin Spice Bread
If you like your pumpkin bread spicy, this is the pumpkin bread recipe for you. Ginger and a little black pepper give the bread a touch of heat. The recipe also works for mini loaves or Bundt cakes as well. -
RecipePumpkin Bread Pudding
This rich satisfying pudding ends the holiday meal on a sweet note. You can scatter dried cranberries or golden raisins over the top, but dried cranberries make the dessert look especially festive. -
RecipePumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap & Pecan Crust
When not obscured by overly assertive spices, pumpkin is a revelation. The filling here celebrates that fact. Gingersnaps, cinnamon, and pecans flavor the crust and toasted pecan halves add a decorative touch. -
RecipeSpiced Pumpkin Bread Pudding
The simplicity of this one-bowl dessert belies how satisfying it is. Serve it slightly warm or at room temperature with whipped cream and graciously accept all the compliments that come your way.
