RYAN LIEBE
Recipes

Our Best Pumpkin Dessert Recipes That Are Anything But Basic

From bourbon-infused pumpkin mousse to cheesecake, go beyond pumpkin spiced lattes with our best pumpkin dessert recipes

By SAVEUR Editors


Published on October 9, 2017

One of our favorite things about fall is making the most of pumpkins: carving them for Halloween, baking with them, or even drinking pumpkin spice lattes (okay, maybe not that last one). Regardless of your stance on the much-maligned #PSL, pumpkins are one of our favorite things to cook with in the fall. Their versatility is often understated, as they are often tasty in savory dishes as well as sweet: pumpkin's orange color makes for picture-perfect fall desserts. Our best pumpkin dessert recipes will have you wanting to make pumpkin-flavored cakes and pies all year long.

Just three ingredients—pumpkin, coconut milk, and salt—combine to make a simple spoon pudding, sweetened with cardamom-scented golden syrup and topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds. Get the recipe for Pumpkin Spoon Halva with Cardamom Syrup »

This autumnal dessert is a lighter and more refined version of plain old pumpkin pie, thanks to egg whites folded into the filling. Get the recipe for Pumpkin Chiffon Pie »

Pumpkin Mango Cake

Fresh mango, mixed into the base and fanned on top of this warmly spiced pumpkin dessert adds a tropical brightness and dramatic presentation to his Thanksgiving table. Get the recipe for Pumpkin Mango Cake »

Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Pepita-Sage Brittle

A sprinkle of bittersweet caramel brittle adds a welcome crunch to this perennial favorite, made even more special with a homemade graham cracker crust. Get the recipe for Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Pepita-Sage Brittle »

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Pie

This pie packs in all the spicy sweetness of your traditional pumpkin pie, with the added bonus of a creamy pumpkin ice cream filling. Get the recipe for Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Pie »

Pepita-Sage Brittle

Use this bittersweet caramel brittle as a topping to kick up store-bought pumpkin pie—substitute dried coconut flakes and chopped macadamia nuts to pair with a Key lime pie, or dried lavender and slivered almonds for a chocolate cream pie. It also makes a great gift: a fall party favor, wrapped in cellophane and handed off as your guests make their exit. Get the recipe for Pepita-Sage Brittle »

Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin Cheesecake

Rum and gingersnaps add a spicy, warming flavor to this rich fall dessert. Get the recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake »

Rum and gingersnaps add a spicy, warming flavor to this rich fall dessert. Get the recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake »

A dense, pudding-like pumpkin bread makes a rich and satisfying dessert. Use leftover butternut, acorn, or pumpkin squash purée. Get the recipe for Pumpkin Bread (Fein Tau Weiyema) »

Pumpkin and Bourbon Mousse
Pumpkin and Bourbon Mousse

All the traditional flavors of pumpkin pie combine in this satisfying, creamy mousse. Get the recipe for Pumpkin and Bourbon Mousse »

All the traditional flavors of pumpkin pie combine in this satisfying, creamy mousse. Get the recipe for Pumpkin and Bourbon Mousse »

Pumpkin Cheesecake Tart with Gingersnap Crust
Pumpkin Cheesecake Tart with Gingersnap Crust

Creamy pumpkin filling over a ginger cookie crust provides a comforting balance of sweetness and spice.

Creamy pumpkin filling over a ginger cookie crust provides a comforting balance of sweetness and spice. Get the recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake Tart with Gingersnap Crust »

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Mascarpone
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Mascarpone

This batter also makes delicious muffins, perfect for a day-after-Thanksgiving brunch.

This batter also makes delicious muffins, perfect for a day-after-Thanksgiving brunch. Get the recipe for Pumpkin Spice Cake with Mascarpone »

Maple syrup is folded into the filling of this take on a classic. Just before serving, the chilled pie is brûléed, yielding a caramelized top with a dramatic crunch. Get the recipe for Maple Pumpkin Brûlée Pie »

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