12 Pumpkin Pastries Better Than Pie

Creative ways to use everyone’s favorite seasonal ingredient.

Share

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

Pumpkin pie is a dessert staple this time of year, but sometimes you want to change things up. This classic flavor feels right at home in doughnuts, eclairs, and even cake—and we have proof. Here, we’ve rounded up pastry recipes with the same pumpkin flavor you love.

1. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins

Cream cheese and pumpkin swirl together to make soft muffins with a hint of autumnal spice. The combination is both refreshing and strikingly familiar at once.

2. Vanilla Doughnuts with Pumpkin Pastry Cream

filling doughnuts with pumpkin cream is is nothing short of genius. Surprise co-workers with these in the morning, and earn a promotion by lunch.

3. 

Pumpkin Pie Eclairs

Here’s a French twist using fall’s favorite flavor. Combine cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin to create a culinary masterpiece. We guarantee you won’t be missing the pie after this one.

4.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crepe Cake

Here’s a show-stopping cake bursting with flavor for your next soiree. Pureed pumpkin is incorporated into these thin crepes, stacked together with a sweet, cream cheese filling. Cutting a slice of cake has never been so satisfying.

5. 

Pumpkin Twists

Admit it: You’ve had pumpkin pie for breakfast before. Swap out your indulgent pie for these twists instead. They have the right touch of sweetness wrapped up inside a flaky puff pastry crust making them the perfect cold-weather treat.

6. Spiced Pumpkin Cake with Vanilla German Buttercream

If you’re looking for a celebratory dessert, opt for something a little unique. Go for the rustic look of a naked cake, and dazzle your guests with the wonderful flavor of autumn inside.

7. 

Fluffy Pumpkin Soufflé

If you’ve ever wanted to attempt a flavored soufflé, here’s your chance. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or whipped cream for an extra dash of sweetness.

8. 

Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping and Maple Glaze

With a decadent glaze like this, you’ll forget all about pie. Slice this bread up for a drool-worthy pairing with your morning cup of coffee.

9. 

Pumpkin Panna Cotta Tart

We like to think of this as a classy version of the pumpkin pie. Refined flavors like gingersnap and coconut come together to create this creamy, pumpkin panna cotta tart.

10. 

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Instead of pie, make whoopie pies. The bourbon, cream cheese filling is a delight, and the crunch from the candied pecans make this dessert sing.

11. Pumpkin Mascarpone Mini Bundt Cakes with Crème Fraiche 

Beautiful presentation aside, the decadent ingredients in these cakes make them the perfect finale to an elegant dinner party. Your guests will be thankful it isn’t pumpkin pie. Again.

12. 

Pumpkin Spice Cream Horns

Create a pastry worthy of being in a bakery window in only 30 minutes. These puff pastry horns are just as easy to make as they are yummy.