(Healthy Pumpkin Pie … and Beyond!)
~ A whole collection of easy pumpkin desserts that are also healthy … and have creative and unique twists, too! Delicious ideas to enjoy all throughout fall’s pumpkin season, and definitely during the holidays! We’ve got healthy pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving … and so, so much more! ~
Every fall, the American food scene absolutely lights up with all things PUMPKIN!
People eagerly head to Starbucks for their long-awaited first sip of autumn’s Pumpkin Spice Lattes.
And the Internet is overrun with searches for pumpkin recipes. Pumpkin soups and pumpkin chilis … pumpkin muffins and breads … and of course … pumpkin desserts!
No doubt, everybody needs a perfect pumpkin pie recipe for Thanksgiving!
And there are so many evenings when a lightly spiced pumpkin cookie or a rich slice of pumpkin cake hits exactly the cozy autumn notes we all crave this time of year.
I spent a lot of time sorting through recipes to choose the Easy Pumpkin Desserts featured in my list today – recipes that are not only do-able (seriously – some of these recipes are ready in 5 minutes flat!), but also a little unique. Maybe they’re unique in the ingredients they use, the way they make healthy substitutions, or in the dessert concept itself. Regardless, I wanted them to be something a bit different than the same-old, same-old pumpkin pie!
And, luckily for those of us who try to strike a balance between desserts that are crazy-delicious, but also healthier too: pumpkin is inherently a really healthy food, so, right from the start, pumpkin desserts have a lot going for them. And, pumpkin has so much moisture that it’s a great way to add moist texture to desserts, often replacing less healthy ingredients like butter or oils.
Interestingly, nutritious pumpkin also lends itself easily to desserts that just happen to fit into some of today’s most popular diet trends – adapting nimbly into vegetarian and vegan recipes, as well as paleo, dairy free and gluten free diets.
So yep – of course, there are healthier pumpkin pie recipes that made my list (you’re definitely covered if you absolutely have to have pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving). But there’s so much more here, too!
Easy pumpkin desserts for pretty much every occasion, any evening, all throughout the autumn season!
Bottom-line dilemma: with so many great, creative pumpkin dessert recipes to choose from, are you gonna make a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving? Or, are you gonna branch out into the realm of pumpkin cakes, cheesecakes, and even brownies?
Hey hey – here’s an idea. Don’t choose just one! Why not make a pie … and a cake (or a cheesecake … or some cookies … or a pan of brownies …)?!?
This clever twist keeps only the best part of the pumpkin pie (the pumpkin pie filling), and is so delicious that you won’t miss the crust! In addition to being lower in calories than regular pumpkin pie, it's even easier to make, since you don’t have to make a crust! ~ Recipe from Michele at Flavor Mosaic The perfect single-serve, easy dessert for fall! All you need are a few simple ingredients and a microwave-safe mug to make this delicious cake for one. Vegetarian, dairy free and oil free. ~ Recipe from Joy at Build your Bite Wonderfully moist and fuss-free! Topped off with maple cream frosting and maple candied pecans! Grain free, gluten free and dairy free. ~ Recipe from Erin at Texanerin Baking A rice crispy treat ... without the marshmallows! These have a perfectly crisp, yet chewy texture, and just the right amount of pumpkin pie spice! Gluten free and vegan. ~ Recipe from Kim at Kim's Cravings A simple, no-bake pumpkin dessert recipe that’s ideal for Thanksgiving. It can even be made days or weeks ahead and stored in the freezer until you’re ready to serve it! And unless you tell them, no one will guess that this gluten free, sweet treat is made with cashews ... and absolutely no dairy! ~ Recipe from Dianne at Dianne's Vegan Kitchen Bursting with flavor from a pecan crust, maple glaze and perfectly-spiced pumpkin pie filling! So adorable – they're made as individual mini desserts in your muffin pan! Vegan, gluten free, grain free, egg free and dairy free. ~ Recipe from Laura at Taste Abounds These quick and easy cookies are great for fall, with the flavors of maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice, and the wonderful crunch of pumpkin seeds! Nut free, oil free, egg free and vegan. ~ Recipe from Jenn at Veggie Inspired This creamy, dreamy pudding is such an easy autumn treat, made with only a few basic ingredients. Top it with maple toasted walnuts and figs for a delicious and beautiful flourish! Gluten free, dairy free, paleo, vegan and low FODMAP. ~ Recipe from Julia at The Roasted Root A deliciously creamy, bite-sized pumpkin dessert! It's a healthy, grab-and-go treat that you can keep in your freezer for whenever a little dessert craving strikes! Paleo, vegan and Whole30. ~ Recipe from Stacey at Kitchen of Youth Here's another, healthier twist on classic pumpkin pie. In this recipe, the delicious pie filling is nestled into an easy yet wonderfully flaky, almond flour pie crust. Yum! ~ Recipe from Sheena at Noshtastic These soft, delicate cookies have a texture similar to pumpkin pie – kind of like a no-bake cookie (even though they're baked)! The frosting is indulgently sweet and tangy, with a hint of maple flavor. Heavenly! They're best served chilled (just like pumpkin pie). ~ Recipe from Joy at Build Your Bite A healthy, super-easy pumpkin dessert recipe that's ideal for dipping graham crackers or seasonal apple wedges. Ready in just 5 minutes and always a crowd favorite! Makes for an indulgent, festive snack, too! ~ Recipe from Liz at The Lemon Bowl Soft, moist, rich bars that feature the surprisingly wonderful pairing of pumpkin and almond butter ... all studded with pops of gooey, dark chocolate! Grain free, refined sugar free and dairy free. ~ Recipe from Julia at The Roasted Root This easy cake is sweet and spiced, with just a light pumpkin flavor. The pumpkin serves mostly to make the cake moist, replacing typical baking ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, and (much of) the oil. Smart! And cleanup is a breeze, since you only need one bowl and one spoon to make this! ~ Recipe from Julia at Imagelicious Creamy and delicious, filled with the autumn flavors of a no-bake pumpkin cheesecake ... and ready in just 5 minutes! Low in carbs and low in fat, and easy to make in single-serving amounts for any time you need a quick, sweet treat! ~ Recipe from Nora at The Wholesome Recipe Box Super moist, fudgy brownies with the perfect balance of chocolate and pumpkin! Vegan, gluten free, dairy free, egg free, oil free and refined sugar free. ~ Recipe from Jenn at Veggie Inspired An autumn-themed treat that tastes sweet and decadent, but still offers lots of nutrients! A healthy dessert option to satisfy your sweet tooth! Gluten free, refined sugar free and paleo. ~ Recipe from Elysia at Haute & Healthy Living This unique take on pumpkin pie features a richer, creamier filling than your traditional pumpkin pie! And nobody will know that it’s allergy-friendly and healthier! Paleo, gluten free, grain free and dairy free. ~ Recipe from Erin at Texanerin Baking With just a handful of ingredients, these easy bars are ready in minutes! A hint of cinnamon, medjool dates, almonds, pecans … and everyone’s favorite fall ingredient: pumpkin! Vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free and refined sugar free. ~ Recipe from Lorie at Lemons & Zest Ready in about 20 minutes, and with just 5 simple, healthy ingredients (plus those optional but delicious chocolate chips)! ~ Recipe from Pamela at Brooklyn Farm Girl Easy to make and allergy friendly because it’s dairy, gluten, and refined sugar free (and vegetarian). Terrific with apple wedges or graham crackers. This dip is so tasty you won’t believe it’s actually healthy! ~ Recipe from Mary Ellen at VNutrition Featuring the surprisingly delicious combo of pumpkin and almond butter, these are so dense and sweet that you’d never know they’re a healthier treat! But, these blondies have no butter or oil, for only 105 calories! They’re paleo, dairy free, gluten and grain free, and vegan friendly too! ~ Recipe from Taylor at Food Faith Fitness How about an easy pumpkin dessert for when you need a quick, grab-and-go indulgence? So easy to throw together at the last minute, and everyone will want to gobble these up! Vegetarian and gluten free. ~ Recipe from Sara at Tastefulventure Moist and fluffy, full of subtly spiced pumpkin flavor, and slathered with a delicious, tangy “cream cheese” frosting! Garnish with edible flowers, or try decorating with coconut or chopped nuts. Refined sugar free, too. ~ Recipe from Rhian at Rhian's Recipes These autumn-flavored cookies feature simple, wholesome ingredients. And, they only take about 3 minutes to prep and 15 minutes in the oven! A sweet treat anytime! Gluten free, dairy free and vegan. ~ Recipe from Stephanie at The Foodie and the Fix For those of you who want something REALLY different this Thanksgiving, or who happen to be celebrating Turkey Day in a tropical paradise (yes ... I'm jealous!), enjoy pumpkin pie flavors in cool, refreshing popsicle form! How fun! Dairy free, vegan, paleo, egg free, gluten free, refined sugar free, and even low carb. ~ Recipe from Reuse Grow Enjoy These bars are a deliciously guilt-free treat to serve around the holidays! They're vegan, gluten free, low in calories and naturally sweetened. ~ Recipe from Kiki at Cinnamon & Coriander These soft, perfectly-spiced cookies are amazing during the fall, when you’re craving something sweet but not too sugary. Try adding walnuts, pecans or cranberries for other flavors and textures. Sweetened with pure maple syrup, they're made grain-free with almond flour. ~ Recipe from Julia at The Roasted Root Delicious and flavorful – a real fall treat! This cake is made with whole grains and other nutritious ingredients, packed with autumn spices and irresistible dark chocolate, and bursting with sweet pumpkin flavor! ~ Recipe from Natalie at Natalie's HealthFun, Easy Pumpkin Desserts
