Despite pumpkin being perfectly delicious and suited for all types of recipes, including savory meals suited for lunch and dinner, it has become an expectation to see pumpkin desserts as the first choice for pumpkin recipes. Why? Because it works, it works well.
Pumpkin desserts mean that colder days, warmer foods, and cozy nights are upon us. The way that the flavors of traditional ‘pumpkin spice’ and pumpkin play together, is simply too good to pass up.
When Did Pumpkin Become A Dessert Food
Pumpkin pie is no doubt the catalyst, and most notable, to the introduction of pumpkin desserts into our lives, and respectfully so. Pumpkin pie recipes can be found as far back as the 17th Century. Growing in popularity constantly, and seeing a skyrocket in popularity in the 19th Century, made pumpkin pie the queen of all pumpkin desserts.
That growth expanded over the 20th Century and by the 21st Century people began to move beyond pumpkin pie. Pumpkin bread and pumpkin spice lattes became commonplace making adventuring into other ways of using pumpkin acceptable.
Now, pumpkin dessert comes in any form you can think of. There are tons of creative spins and uses for sweet pumpkin treats.
Why Pumpkin Is So Popular in Desserts
Why does pumpkin work so well in desserts? Pumpkin has a subtle flavor that allows whatever you enhance it with to shine. This means all of those warm and sweet additives get to be the star of the show.
Pumpkin also has a texture that is easy to work with. It can be the main ingredient or it can blend in or enhance what is already there. Take a look at the desserts below and see all the creative ways in which pumpkin can be used.
Pumpkin Desserts That Are Not Pumpkin Pie
1. Pumpkin Cheesecake with Marshmallow Meringue
If you’re looking for something light and easy, but sweet and satisfying, this cheesecake is the one for you. The cheesecake itself is just on the other side of decadent and topped with a deliciously fluffy marshmallow meringue that adds a bit of smokiness to the mix.
2. Pumpkin Olive Oil Cake
Olive oil cake, all on its own, is quite underrated. The cake itself has a subtle earthiness to it that can be a bit unexpected in desserts. It is already a deliciously moist cake on its own, the addition of the pumpkin takes it to another level.
3. Pumpkin Cider Bread
When people say sometimes simpler is better, they mean this pumpkin cider bread! Super easy to throw together, just toss it all into one bowl and go. The result is a super soft, tasty cider bread.
4. Pumpkin Delight
Don’t be deceived by the amazing looks of this treat, it looks like it takes a lot of effort but it is low effort, high reward. Even better, you get a super tasty, light, and fluffy treat that is perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.
5. Pumpkin Chai Cinnamon Rolls
These cinnamon rolls are what fall daydreams are made of. Completely smothered in cinnamon flavors and wonderfully complemented with the subtlety of the pumpkin, you will not want to give these up. Make them for breakfast, a snack, or an after-dinner treat, it all works.
6. Marscarpone Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin desserts often skew more on the sweet side, which is great. However, if you want something a bit more balanced between sweet and tangy, this Marscapone Pumpkin Pie is what you’re looking for. The pumpkin flavors are perfectly balanced with sweetness and warm spices. The mascarpone adds just the right amount of savory to complement.
7. Pumpkin Ricotta Zeppole
Portability is always a good characteristic of a dessert. Being able to pop a treat in your mouth for a quick bite of goodness is underrated. These Zeppole, or fried Italian-style doughnuts, are not only portable, they are sweet and tangy, deep-fried goodness. The cinnamon sugar-coated treats are perfect for a crowd.
8. Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake
Fans of Gooey Butter Cake, this fall edition is for you! If you’re a fan of the dense, buttery sweet treat, try out this spicy version for size. All the buttery goodness is perfectly balanced with tangy, gooey cream cheese to create a decadent delight.
9. Pumpkin Creme Brulee
A well-placed creme brulee is such an amazing addition when done right and this pumpkin version is no exception. All of the subtle and sweet goodness of creme brulee mixed with the cream goodness of pumpkin!
10. Pumpkin Fritters
Think pumpkin spice meets a beignet. That’s a good thought, right? These pumpkin fritters are fried goodness that you will want to make all season long. They are also perfect for those who prefer something less sweet from their pumpkin desserts.
11. Pumpkin Bars
Looking for something easy to make for a group or just a nice treat? These cake-like pumpkin bars should get a chance. The sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting tops off a super delicately flavored base that makes for a winner.
12. Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
A pumpkin cobbler you say? Try this caramelly goodness on for size and it won’t disappoint. This cobbler is full of bold flavors from the pumpkin spices and the nuttiness of the pecans, perfectly balanced with caramelly sweetness, all to make for a treat that tastes like the perfect after-dinner delight.
13. Pumpkin Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Pumpkin and chocolate are not often paired together, and what a shame. This cake, however, does so and does it well. The end result? The most decadent and moist cake you won’t be able to turn away from.
14. Brown Butter & Maple Pumpkin Cookies
If we call these cookies anything other than addictive, we would be wrong. The deep flavors of these play so well with the subtle pumpkin flavors and it all comes together into a welcomed complex treat.
There is no arguing that fall, and therefore pumpkin season, is the perfect time to lose yourself in some sweet treat pumpkin desserts. And there are plenty more to choose from than pumpkin pie. These sweet treats offer up some deliciously creative alternatives you should give a try!
