13 pumpkin recipes perfect for Thanksgiving

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As Thanksgiving gets closer, it’s nice to have a few dependable options in mind, and these 13 pumpkin recipes are the kind you can pull from whenever you need one. They bring that familiar seasonal comfort without adding extra stress, and they work whether you’re contributing a single dish or planning a bigger spread. You’ll find a mix of cozy classics and a few lighter ideas, so you can pick whatever feels right for the day.

A slice of no-bake pumpkin cheesecake delight on a white plate, partially eaten with a fork resting on the plate.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Crumbl Caramel-Pumpkin Cookies

A round metal tray holds seven frosted cookies topped with a sprinkle of spice. A small decorative pumpkin and autumn leaves are visible on the side.
Crumbl Caramel-Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s something so satisfying about a cookie that’s both soft and loaded with rich, gooey flavors. These Crumbl Caramel-Pumpkin Cookies combine the warmth of pumpkin spice with a drizzle of decadent caramel, making them a must-have for any Thanksgiving dessert table. These cookies practically steal the spotlight, looking as good as they taste. Serve them once, and you’ll find yourself adding them to your holiday traditions.
Get the Recipe: Crumbl Caramel-Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

A slice of Pumpkin Crunch Cake served on a white plate with a dollop of whipped cream, napkin beside it, and a baking dish in the background.
Pumpkin Crunch Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Not every dessert can feel this indulgent and effortless at the same time, but this Pumpkin Crunch Cake makes it look easy. This cake layers creamy, spiced pumpkin with a buttery, golden topping that balances everything perfectly. It’s the type of dessert that gets people asking for the recipe; and feels festive without being fussy. From Thanksgiving dinners to Friendsgiving celebrations, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crunch Cake

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Four frosted cinnamon rolls are arranged on a wooden board, with two additional pieces served on white plates beside star anise and cinnamon sticks.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

If you thought classic cinnamon rolls were cozy enough, imagine them with a seasonal pumpkin twist. These Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing combine pillowy dough swirled with pumpkin spice and topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese icing. Whether you’re enjoying these before the Thanksgiving parade or saving them for a post-dinner treat, they deliver all the fall feels in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

Pumpkin Dump Cake

A slice of pumpkin dessert topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sits on a white plate.
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

This Pumpkin Dump Cake is proof that simple can still feel totally homemade. With its blend of creamy, spiced pumpkin and a golden, buttery crust, it’s a dessert that tastes like you spent hours on it; but it’s as easy as it gets. Perfect for those moments when you want something incredibly satisfying but don’t want to overcomplicate things. And let’s be honest, this dessert always disappears first at the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Bread with Streusel & Glaze

A loaf of pumpkin bread with a crumb topping sits on a wooden board, partially sliced, with a bowl of puree and a halved squash nearby.
Pumpkin Bread with Streusel & Glaze. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Few things smell as inviting as fresh pumpkin bread baking in the oven. This Pumpkin Bread with Streusel & Glaze goes beyond the classic with a crumbly, sweet streusel topping and a drizzle of glaze that makes each slice feel like a little slice of heaven. It’s ideal for sharing, or keeping all to yourself. Pair it with a cup of coffee on a crisp fall morning, and you’ll know exactly why this one belongs on every Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bread with Streusel & Glaze

Pumpkin Chocolate Cake

Pumpkin Chocolate Cake on a white circular plate with gold rim.
Pumpkin Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’ve never paired chocolate with pumpkin, you’re in for a treat. This Pumpkin Chocolate Cake merges the deep richness of chocolate with the warm spices of pumpkin, creating a dessert that’s equal parts unexpected and unforgettable. The result is a moist, decadent cake that works equally well as a crowning dessert for Thanksgiving or as a make-ahead treat for potlucks and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Cake

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup with canned pumpkin garnished with a swirl of cream and sprinkled with pumpkin seeds, placed on a white plate beside a spoon.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Thanksgiving dinners are often rich and heavy, and that’s where this Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin. It’s a velvety-smooth way to start a meal without stealing the show from the main course. Made with canned pumpkin for ease, it’s warm, comforting, and brings just the right amount of fall flavor to the table. It’s a fantastic way to welcome guests while the turkey finishes up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies

A black plate with twelve pumpkin-shaped sandwich cookies dusted with powdered sugar, each showing a pumpkin-shaped cutout filled with orange jam.
Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

These Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies let you create something that looks bakery-worthy, even if you’re not an expert baker. These delicate treats, with their cut-out tops and rich pumpkin filling, are perfect for adding a bit of elegance to your dessert spread. They’re equal parts festive and delicious, and they’re the kind of cookie that gets people talking thanks to their beautiful presentation.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Linzer Cookies

Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins

A white rectangular plate Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffin topped with chocolate chips.
Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Some mornings, you just want a quick win in the kitchen, and these Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins deliver every time. Made with simple ingredients, they’re fast, flavorful, and packed with all the cozy spices that scream Thanksgiving. They’re perfect for serving on a busy holiday morning or even as an easy snack later in the day. You’ll love how moist these muffins are, plus, they make your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Easy Pumpkin Turnovers

Three white plates with golden-brown, triangular pastries on a rustic wooden surface, garnished with autumn leaves and spices.
Easy Pumpkin Turnovers. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

When buttery, flaky pastry meets smooth, spiced pumpkin filling, you know you’ve found a winner. These Easy Pumpkin Turnovers look like something you’d find at a fancy bakery, but they’re completely doable to make at home. Whether served as breakfast, dessert, or even a mid-afternoon snack, these turnovers add a festive touch to the season.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Turnovers

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Six pumpkin cheesecake bars with a marbled orange and white pattern are arranged on a wooden tray.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Cheesecake can feel heavy, but in bar form, it’s just right, and these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are no exception. These bars combine the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the warm, seasonal spices of pumpkin, and they’re perfectly portioned for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a massive Thanksgiving celebration or just want an easy dessert to bring to a potluck, these bars are guaranteed to stand out.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

A plate of pumpkin whoopie pies with cream filling, surrounded by spices and a decorative pumpkin, with bottles of milk in the background.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

What’s more playful than a whoopie pie? These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies take the best parts of fall and sandwich them into one sweet, nostalgic treat. The fluffy, spiced filling is perfectly nestled between soft pumpkin cakes, creating a portable dessert that’s great for both kids and adults. These little pies are as cute as they are delicious, and they’re always a hit at Thanksgiving gatherings or as a next-day snack.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

A slice of no-bake pumpkin cheesecake delight on a white plate, partially eaten with a fork resting on the plate.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

When your oven is maxed out with turkey and pies, this No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake steps in to save the day. This creamy, spiced dessert doesn’t need any time baking; just a quick setup in the fridge. It’s silky smooth and light enough to complement a decadent Thanksgiving feast. Whether you’re making it to add a little variety or to curb baking stress, this cheesecake is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

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