The minute the air turns crisp, it’s pumpkin season in the kitchen. These easy pumpkin desserts cover every craving, from classic pumpkin pie and creamy cheesecake to warm bread, soft cookies, and scoopable ice cream.
Many of these recipes are made in the air fryer, which means you can bake a small batch without heating the whole house, or make dessert while the turkey has the oven on Thanksgiving. Whether you need something for a holiday table, a bake sale, or a cozy Tuesday night, there’s a pumpkin treat here for you.
Tips for Baking with Pumpkin
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, so it throws off most recipes. Only use it when a recipe specifically calls for it.
Buy fresh pumpkin pie spice. Ground spices lose their flavor quickly. If your jar has been in the cabinet since last fall, it’s time for a new one.
Blot the pumpkin for cookies. Pressing canned pumpkin between paper towels removes extra moisture, so cookies turn out chewy instead of cakey.
Bake lower in the air fryer. Air fryer desserts usually bake at a lower temperature than the oven so the outside doesn’t brown before the middle sets.
Make pies and bars a day ahead. Pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and bars set up better after chilling overnight, which also frees up your holiday schedule.
Pumpkin Pies, Tarts, and Hand Pies
The classic Thanksgiving pie with a homemade flaky crust and smooth, spiced custard, made in the air fryer. Chill it until it’s set, then top it with whipped cream.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie with Graham Crust
A graham cracker crust and a maple-sweetened filling put a fun spin on traditional pumpkin pie. It cooks in minutes, so it’s great when you need a pie in a hurry.
Flaky, handheld pies with a creamy pumpkin filling. Make a big batch for parties, since they’re easy to grab and don’t need plates.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts
Pumpkin pie filling baked inside pie crust rectangles and finished with a brown sugar glaze. Kids love these, and they double as a fun fall breakfast.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Pie Egg Rolls
Creamy pumpkin pie filling wrapped in crispy egg roll wrappers and dusted with cinnamon sugar. They’re a fun, crunchy way to get your pumpkin pie fix in minutes.
Pumpkin Cheesecakes and Bars
Copycat Cheesecake Factory Pumpkin Cheesecake
Rich, creamy, and warmly spiced, just like the restaurant version. A buttery graham cracker crust makes this a showstopper for holiday dinners.
Soft, spiced pumpkin bars topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. They’re easier to slice and serve than pie, which makes them perfect for feeding a crowd.
Pumpkin Cakes
Two moist, spiced pumpkin layers stacked with cream cheese frosting. It looks impressive, but it’s beginner-friendly and doesn’t need the oven.
A simple single-layer pumpkin cake that’s moist and full of fall flavor. It’s a great starting point if you’re new to baking in the air fryer.
Spiced pumpkin cake with a gooey, melted center. This recipe makes two ramekins, so it’s perfect for a cozy dessert for two.
A single-serve, egg-free pumpkin cake that’s ready in about 12 minutes. It’s the answer when you want pumpkin dessert without baking a whole pan.
Pumpkin Breads and Sweet Rolls
Moist, tender pumpkin bread baked in mini loaf pans and finished with a simple vanilla glaze. It uses one bowl and canned pumpkin.
Toasted pecans or walnuts add a crunchy contrast to soft, spiced pumpkin bread. It bakes into four mini loaves, so there’s one to keep and some to share.
Air Fryer Libby’s Pumpkin Bread
A boxed-mix shortcut for busy days. The air fryer turns Libby’s mix into a moist, homemade-tasting loaf.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Bread Pudding
A cozy, comforting dessert that combines warm bread pudding with pumpkin flavor. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Puff pastry rolled with butter, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice, then air fried until golden. They’re quick, flaky, and great with a drizzle of icing.
Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Tangy sourdough starter and pumpkin puree make these soft, fluffy rolls extra special. They’re perfect for a slow weekend or holiday brunch.
Pumpkin Cookies and Donuts
Air Fryer Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies made with real pumpkin, oats, and dried cranberries. They’re a great addition to a fall cookie tray.
Homemade pumpkin donuts without deep frying. Serve them plain, glazed, or with cream cheese frosting.
No-Bake Pumpkin Treats
Ninja Creami Pumpkin Ice Cream
Real pumpkin and warm spices blended into a creamy base that tastes like pumpkin pie in scoopable form. The Ninja Creami does all the work.
Ninja Creami Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream
A copycat of the Baskin Robbins classic, made with pumpkin, cream cheese, and fall spices. Add crushed graham crackers for a cheesecake crust crunch.
Ninja Creami Jack in the Box Pumpkin Pie Shake
A thick, spiced copycat of the seasonal drive-thru favorite. Pile on the whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
How to Plan a Pumpkin Dessert Table
For Thanksgiving or a fall party, mix sizes and textures so guests can try a little of everything. Pair one full pie or cheesecake with a handheld option like hand pies or egg rolls, then add something cold like pumpkin ice cream. Bars and breads can be made a day ahead, while air fryer treats can be made while dinner plates are being cleared, so they’re served warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest pumpkin dessert to make?
Pumpkin mug cake and pumpkin pie egg rolls are two of the quickest options on this list. Pumpkin bread from a boxed mix is another easy choice.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
Usually not. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which changes the flavor and texture. Use pure pumpkin puree unless the recipe calls for pie filling.
Can you bake pumpkin desserts in an air fryer?
Yes. Pies, cakes, breads, cookies, and bars all work well in the air fryer. Use a lower temperature than you would in the oven and check for doneness early.
How far ahead can I make pumpkin desserts?
Pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and bars are best made a day ahead and chilled overnight. Pumpkin bread keeps well at room temperature for a few days.
How should I store leftover pumpkin desserts?
Store pies, cheesecakes, and anything with cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator. Breads, cookies, and donuts can stay in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
