My Favorite 25 Pumpkin Recipes That Actually Live Up to the Hype

Pumpkin hype can be over the top, but these 25 recipes actually deliver. Each one earns its spot with ease, and no one’s leaving disappointed. You might even see the quiet ones in the corner going back for seconds. It’s the kind of collection that keeps your plate full and your expectations met.

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Close-up of a frosted cookie with a bite taken out, sprinkled with cinnamon, on a parchment surface.
Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

You’ll want a second batch after trying Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies. They pack a comforting balance of sweetness and warmth in every bite. Soft, chewy textures pair perfectly with a caramel drizzle. They’re the kind of cookie you’d keep reaching for without realizing it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Two cupcakes with light brown frosting are shown on a white surface, each in a beige paper liner.
Pumpkin Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

There’s no going wrong with Pumpkin Cupcakes at any gathering. Moist and tender, they’re the perfect size for everyone to enjoy. Top with a creamy frosting, and they’re instantly a crowd pleaser. They’re simple but hit all the right spots.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cupcakes

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Close-up of seasoned and roasted meat with crispy edges.
Copycat Honey Baked Ham. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Everyone knows a good holiday meal isn’t complete without Copycat Honey Baked Ham. Sweet, smoky, and with every slice, it’s hard not to reminisce about family dinners. With that golden glaze, it’s the centerpiece of any spread. It’s a classic for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Close-up of a slice of pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of caramel on top.
Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If dessert is on your mind, Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake is absolutely worth it. Light layers combined with a sweet drizzle make it a must-try treat. It’s the kind of cake that feels perfect for gatherings. You’ll probably find a reason to grab more than one piece.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Close-up of a dish of bread pudding with walnuts drizzled with caramel sauce in a white baking dish.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

After one bite, you’ll see why Pumpkin Bread Pudding is a fan favorite. Rich yet not too heavy, it’s got just the right amount of smooth texture. It hits a sweet spot between cozy and indulgent. That warm, sweet finish just makes you want to go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Pumpkin Pasta

A bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, topped with grated cheese, pumpkin seeds, and sprinkled with herbs.
Pumpkin Pasta. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pasta night gets better with Pumpkin Pasta on the table. Creamy, comforting, and totally unexpected, it switches things up in all the best ways. Perfect on its own or paired with a side, it’s a solid choice. You’ll be happy it made its way into the rotation.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta

Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Close-up of five bright orange physalis fruits placed on a chocolate pumpkin patch brownie surface, garnished with fresh green mint leaves.
Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chocolate lovers won’t want to skip Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake. It’s a rich dessert that feels extra special at any gathering. Layers of chocolate and pumpkin come together effortlessly in each slice. It’s hard to find a better combo when you’re craving dessert.
Get the Recipe: Fudgy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake

Pumpkin Bread

A close-up of a sliced loaf of pumpkin bread with a light tan glaze dripped over the top. The bread has a moist and textured look, with visible air bubbles throughout.
Pumpkin Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Whether for breakfast or a snack, Pumpkin Bread is always a good idea. Moist, tender slices are perfect on their own or lightly toasted. It’s one of those “anytime” recipes that never gets old. There’s a reason it’s a yearly staple for so many.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Carbonara

A close-up of a forkful of spaghetti carbonara with crispy bacon bits and garnished with green herbs.
Pumpkin Carbonara. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

You don’t have to overthink dinner when Pumpkin Carbonara is on the menu. Rich and smooth, it’s a fresh but familiar take on a pasta favorite. It brings hearty, comfort food vibes without being overly complicated. It’s worth a spot in your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Carbonara

Pumpkin Pancakes

Close-up of a stack of pancakes topped with walnuts and drizzled with syrup.
Pumpkin Pancakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Lazy mornings get a delicious upgrade with Pumpkin Pancakes. Fluffy and warm, they work perfectly with syrup or any topping you have on hand. They’re ideal for a breakfast that feels just a little bit special. Your stack won’t last long on the table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pancakes

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Close-up of a muffin with a bite taken out, topped with cream and pumpkin seeds.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When snack time comes around, Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins hit the mark. The tangy center is a game-changer against the sweet pumpkin base. They’ve got that “grab-and-go” appeal for busy mornings. You’d think they came straight from the shop.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Pumpkin Soup

A mouthwatering close-up of pumpkin soup garnished with a swirl of cream, crunchy pumpkin seeds, a crispy slice, and aromatic sage leaves.
Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When craving something warm, you can’t go wrong with Pumpkin Soup. Smooth, creamy, and comforting, it’s a bowl that works well for almost any occasion. Perfect alongside bread or a light salad, it’s a go-to for satisfying meals. Every spoonful feels just right.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese

Close-up of cake slices topped with white frosting and decorated with small, star-shaped sprinkles.
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A quick dessert option like Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese is always a hit. Soft bars meet a tangy topping to create just the right mix of sweet and smooth. They’re quick to make and perfect for sharing. It’s hard to go wrong with these on the table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese

Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Two slices of pumpkin s'mores pie on a white plate, topped with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows.
Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dessert takes a gooey turn with Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake. Layers of marshmallow, cookie, and pumpkin make it impossible to put down. It’s everything you love about s’mores, just reimagined in cake form. You’ll definitely look forward to another bite.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Three cinnamon rolls topped with white icing and sprinkled with cinnamon, served on a plate.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

You deserve a cozy treat that blends soft dough with seasonal spice. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are a perfect match for relaxed mornings or casual gatherings. Each roll has a gentle sweetness paired with that classic pumpkin aroma. It’s an ideal choice to share or snack on solo.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy pasta garnished with herbs, with a slice of bread on the side; a skillet and a small bowl of roasted vegetables are in the background.
Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A creamy comfort dish doesn’t need dairy to hit the mark. Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese brings that comfort with plant-based creaminess and pumpkin richness. It’s a solid dinner option for anyone wanting something hearty. Toss some on your plate, and you’ve got a warming meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Bars

A group of pumpkin bars with icing on top.
Pumpkin Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You’ll want a dessert with a soft bite and easy flavors. That’s where Pumpkin Bars come in, offering a simple way to enjoy pumpkin as a snackable treat. They’re the kind of bite-sized dessert you could eat with friends or keep for yourself. No mess, just happiness in every square.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars

Pumpkin Cheesecake

A person holding a piece of pumpkin cheesecake on a fork.
Pumpkin Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Got a get-together happening? Pumpkin Cheesecake offers a rich twist on your usual desserts and will easily be the thing people keep coming back to for seconds. Smooth, creamy, and not too intense, it fits all kinds of occasions. Seriously, it’s a dessert worth trying out.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin Risotto

A close-up of vegan pumpkin risotto, topped with roasted pumpkin slices, sage leaves, and chopped nuts.
Pumpkin Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A good dinner option doesn’t have to be over-complicated. Pumpkin Risotto makes a creamy, comforting dish that’s a fresh take on hearty meals. It works well for a dinner that’s good enough to impress but easy enough to handle. It’s all about bringing something enjoyable to the table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin Waffles

Three golden-brown vegan pumpkin waffles stacked on a white plate, with syrup pooling in their square pockets.
Pumpkin Waffles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

You could use a breakfast that feels a little different but not over-the-top complicated. Pumpkin Waffles give you something nice and warm to kick off the day. These waffles have a touch of that cozy seasonal vibe without going overboard. Pair them with your favorite syrup, and it’s golden.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Waffles

Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Pie

A slice of vegan spiced pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon on a white plate.
Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If dessert is on your mind but you want it vegan-friendly, I’ve got one for you. Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Pie keeps all the classic, comforting goodness while skipping any dairy or eggs. It’s got enough spice and pumpkin flavor to keep things interesting without going too heavy. Just grab a slice and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Roll

A slice of pumpkin roll being sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Roll. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A dessert that’s rolled out, literally, can shake up your usual lineup. Pumpkin Roll tastes soft and sweet while offering a fun bite with every slice. It’s a cool way to change things up with a dessert that’s simple but different. If you’ve never tried it, this one’s worth a go.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Pie

A slice of pumpkin pie on a plate with cranberries.
Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dessert during the holidays doesn’t always need extra frills to work. Pumpkin Pie proves that keeping it classic often gets the job done right. It pairs well with coffee or just on its own, and seriously, who doesn’t love a dessert that feels homey? It brings people together every time.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

A stack of pumpkin spiced muffins on a plate.
Pumpkin Spiced Muffins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You’ll want an easy grab-and-go snack that fits the season, and these work for that. Pumpkin Spiced Muffins are just the right balance of warm spices with that pumpkin taste baked right in. Perfect for mornings or tossing into a lunch bag, they’re light but hit the spot. They might just be your new favorite snack.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Something different for your next snack lineup could come in this form. Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus mixes good pumpkin essence with a creamy plant-based spread. It’s great with chips, crackers, or veggies, making it super versatile for guests or yourself. If hummus is your thing, this checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Roasted Pumpkin Hummus

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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