30 Healthy Pumpkin Desserts (Easy Recipes!)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.Enjoy this list of super easy and healthy pumpkin desserts to make during the winter and fall season! From quick breads, to pies, to muffins, pumpkin bars, and no-bake desserts, the whole family will love these aromatic, spiced pumpkin purée recipes! This list includes both vegan and vegetarian options with a healthy spin. Lightened up versions of classic recipes and other dietary-friendly needs are also in this list of treats!
Every fall, I end up craving all things pumpkin. From savory dishes to sweet treats, pumpkin is such a versatile ingredient that we can literally include it in everything!
I’m always on the lookout for the best healthy pumpkin desserts to try — because I like to have my “cake” and eat it too – totally guilt-free!
These healthy recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your pumpkin craving during the fall, or really any time of year. Read on to find healthier versions of your favorite fall desserts — everything from pumpkin gelato, to pumpkin spice cookies, to pumpkin rolls, to the best healthy pumpkin pie ever! Find most of these ingredients and cozy spices at your local grocery store to make these amazing recipes!
🍂 Tips for Healthy Fall Desserts
- Make It Gluten-Free: Most, if not all, of these desserts can be substituted with 1:1 gluten-free flour.
- Make It Dairy-Free: For dairy-free substitutions, use vegan butter or coconut oil, vegan cream cheese, vegan sugar, cream, dairy-free milk / coconut milk, etc.
- Lower The Fat: You can easily cut the amount of fat and calories in most healthy pumpkin dessert recipes by using low fat milk instead of regular, low fat cream cheese instead of regular, etc. You can also replace half of the butter or oil with applesauce, which doesn’t change the texture of the sweet treat but cuts the fat by half!
- Make It Vegan: Avoid any honey or animal products and substitute with your favorite liquid sweetener.
- Go Refined Sugar-Free / Low Sugar: When you’re remaking desserts in healthier ways, try substituting any sweetener with pure maple syrup, date sugar, monk fruit sweetener, coconut sugar, or agave nectar. For a low carb option, you can also use granulated or powdered erythritol.
- Add Protein: You’d be surprised at how well most protein powders will mix into these delicious pumpkin recipes. Within this list, some of the recipes include our favorite protein powder blend made by Tejari and Co. We love Tejari because it is kid-friendly, organic, sugar-free, plant-based / made with pea-protein, and rich in superfoods such as turmeric, cinnamon, and dates! We frequently use Tejari Organic Pumpkin Blend whenever we are looking to enhance our favorite healthy pumpkin recipes with a hit of protein!
🍮 Ideas for Healthy Pumpkin Desserts
There is something for everyone on this list of our favorite comforting and spiced recipes. This list features options for gluten-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and much more!
Both kids and adults will have options to choose from — this list features 30 of the best healthy pumpkin recipes! Pair these desserts with your favorite fall dinners, pumpkin soups, lattes, and more!
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread (Coffee Cake)
Incredibly moist with sweet flavors that are subtle but sweet enough, this warm bread comes with a delectable streusel topping that you will adore. Pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, gluten-free flour, and bananas are in this gluten-free dessert.
Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Bars
Gluten-free, refined sugar-free, no-bake, and vegan, these healthy pumpkin oatmeal bars are creamy and full of fluffy and nutty textures! Made with crunchy pecans and Tejari Organic Pumpkin protein powder, you can create dairy-free pumpkin pie bars that are not only delicious but filled with protein and fiber, too! Tejari’s protein powder also tastes amazing in a pumpkin pie protein shake when mixed with plant-based milk too!
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies
These healthy pumpkin oatmeal cookies are perfectly chewy and come with sweet icing! Gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, these indulgent treats are the perfect selections for anyone craving delicious cookies!
Fluffy Chia Pumpkin Mousse
This healthy pumpkin mousse is fluffy, creamy, and completely dairy-free! Made with chia seeds for extra protein. and fiber, this healthy dessert is so delicious with graham crackers on top!
Vegan Pumpkin Scones
Totally plant-based and dairy-free, these crumbly and sweet scones are rich with pumpkin flavors and the tasty spices that come with it! These healthy scones are coated in a sweet maple glaze and are perfect for whenever you need a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cups
These tender and sweet baked pumpkin oatmeal cups are full of protein and healthy ingredients! Refined sugar-free and a great way to feel good about the dessert you’re eating. These muffins are great for lunchboxes!
Tejari Protein Peanut Butter Chocolate Cups with Pumpkin
Rich flavors of dark chocolate are mixed with creamy peanut butter and pumpkin protein powder for your very own healthy Reese’s Cups–but with a twist! This recipe calls for just five simple ingredients so it’s super easy to make! Serve these perfectly crunchy and creamy protein peanut butter cups for an indulgent fall dessert that is gluten-free and dairy-free!
Eggless Pumpkin Pie
If you’re looking for an eggless version of your favorite pumpkin pie, then this is one of the best recipes we have found! The pumpkin pie filling is creamy, sweet, and filled with spiced flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and sugar, and the crust is nice and flaky. This is the perfect healthy dessert for your holiday table!
Vegan Pumpkin Cake
Extra soft, moist, sweet, and made with the best vegan buttercream frosting and caramel sauce, this Fall pumpkin cake is going to quickly become your favorite recipe! Serve this healthy pumpkin dessert whenever you are in the mood for a cake filled with rich flavors!
Vegan Frozen Pumpkin Gelato
Creamy, refined sugar-free, and a healthy frozen pumpkin treat for anyone looking for vegan gelato–this recipe is full of flavor! So easy to make and great for kids to enjoy with crushed gluten-free graham crackers or cookies.
Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
Rich with moist and dark chocolate flavors, this gluten-free, healthy pumpkin bread is refined sugar-free and a great option for whenever you have a sweet tooth! Pumpkin and chocolate are incredible together, and this lightened-up bread is the way to go!
Vegan Pumpkin Bread
If you’re looking for a healthy pumpkin bread recipe, then you’ve come to the right spot! If you’re just getting into healthy baking, this is a great recipe to start with because it’s super easy and smells divine as it bakes. Aromas of sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon are intertwined and baked into a yummy bread.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll
This gluten-free and refined sugar-free recipe is made with dairy-free cream cheese frosting and contains the best pumpkin spice flavors! Incredibly moist and perfect for whenever you are wanting something indulgent and jam-packed with spices.
No-Bake Pumpkin Energy Balls Recipe
Sweet and protein-rich with no added sugar, these no-bake pumpkin energy balls are great for whenever you need a quick breakfast or snack! This recipe is a delicious way to enjoy nostalgic fall flavors.
Pumpkin Spice Granola
Vegan pumpkin spice granola is sweetened with maple syrup and rich in pumpkin seeds, pecans, and oats. This spicy and sweet crunchy goodness is great for healthy ice cream recipes, yogurt, or just by itself!
Vegan Rice Krispie Treats with Pumpkin Spice
These gooey and vegan sweet treats are the perfect recipe for fall! Serve these Rice Krispie Treats for dessert whenever you are craving your favorite pumpkin spice flavors.
Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
This healthy pumpkin dessert is a favorite! Made with bits of dark chocolate chips with a little indulgence, this pumpkin-baked oatmeal is gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and vegan-friendly! Baked oatmeal is not only great as a dessert but for breakfast, too! Feel free to cut it into smaller rectangles to create healthy pumpkin bars for an on-the-go snack! For another variation, try this vegan baked oatmeal with berries!
Pumpkin Parfaits with Spiced Granola
Creamy and fluffy, this rich pumpkin treat is great for whenever you are craving something sweet, but wanting to keep things protein-rich. These parfaits are great for serving in individual cups for the kids!
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Fluffy and sweet vegan pumpkin donuts are the perfect options for breakfast or dessert! Made with healthier ingredients and gluten-free flour, you can’t go wrong with these donuts!
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Bars
You’re going to swoon over these nutty, soft, and sweet gluten-free pumpkin bars. Made with an almond flour crust mixed with walnuts and oats, these healthy dessert bars are incredible! Make a batch of this healthy snack to enjoy during the week. Kid-friendly and family friendly too!
Healthy No-Bake Pumpkin Cookies
No-bake pumpkin cookies are great for whenever you’re in need of a quick and filling dessert! Made with oats, pumpkin purée, peanut butter, and maple syrup for healthier flavors you will love!
Vegan Pumpkin Muffins
Wanting to try a hand at your very own vegan, healthy pumpkin muffins? We like this recipe because it is easy and produces muffins that have the best pumpkin flavors that are mixed with applesauce, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. They’re the perfect amount of pumpkin-y goodness and sweetness!
Gluten-Free Healthy Pumpkin Pie
One of my absolute favorite fall recipes, this gluten-free pie recipe is great when you are wanting traditional pumpkin pie without all the extra heavy flavors. This simple, easy pumpkin pie recipe is a lightened up version of the original recipe, and a great option when you’re looking to enjoy the most delicious pumpkin pie without any of the guilt!
Keto Pumpkin Cookies
These sugar-free, low-carb, healthy pumpkin cookies are filled with the right textures and flavors and are everything you could ever want in a cookie recipe! Gluten-free and made with almond flour for crumbly cookies.
Vegan Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
These sweet and super soft vegan cinnamon rolls are great for whenever you are wanting something extra delicious. Great for the holidays and for the cooler temperatures, who could say, “No,” to this recipe? This recipe for cinnamon rolls is gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free–mmm! Tastes great warm or at room temperature!
Chocolate Pumpkin BonBons
These treats are made with sweetened medjool dates and enhanced with rich flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the perfect combination of chocolate and pumpkin. This no-bake vegan recipe is gluten-free and one of the best ways to use Tejari’s Pumpkin Blend!
Easy Pumpkin Chia Pudding
This protein-rich chia pudding is creamy and sweet with maple syrup! Indulge in a vegan pudding that is rich in omega-3s and made with wholesome foods. Serve this chia pudding with homemade vegan whipped cream or oat crackers!
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars (Gluten-Free Friendly)
These lighter pumpkin cheesecake bars are great for whenever you are craving your favorite cheesecake recipes! Make these refined sugar-free and gluten-free friendly bars whenever you are in need of comfort.
Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
This creamy and dairy-free pumpkin dessert is a great alternative to traditional cheesecake! Lighten things up this year with this cheesecake with fluffy whipped coconut cream.
Healthy Layered Pumpkin Brownies
These healthy pumpkin brownies are made with whole wheat flour and flax meal for extra fiber and nutrients. Make these brownies either vegan or gluten-free for a healthier twist! This recipe contains the perfect amount of chocolate and pumpkin.
Drizzle with these brownies with creamy almond butter for extra protein!
❓FAQs
Is pumpkin good for weight loss?
Yes, pumpkin is great for weight loss because it is fiber-rich and low in calories and carbs. 1 cup of cooked pumpkin has only 49 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, and happens to be a great source of vitamins and minerals like Vitamins A, C, E, Potassium and Iron!
Is pumpkin healthier raw or cooked?
Pumpkin is actually healthy in both preparations, but there are different things to consider for each! Raw pumpkin may be harder to incorporate into recipes, and tougher to chew, but is absolutely healthy on its own. Cooked pumpkin allows for better absorption of antioxidants, and is easier to incorporate into a variety of recipes! The key with preparing cooked pumpkin is to use a minimal amount of added oil and no added sugar, to keep the recipe from becoming too high in calories or sugar.
What is the healthiest way to eat pumpkin?
There are all types of ways to enjoy pumpkin – and all of them are healthy as long as they are made with a small amount of oil and no added sugar (or high fat ingredients like cheese, cream, etc!) Eat freshly roasted or canned pumpkin for a boost of Vitamin A and fiber. Dice up some cooked pumpkin and add to soups, stews or stir fries. Enjoy pumpkin purée in smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, bread, muffins, and more!
What brand of canned pumpkin is best?
I like any organic canned pumpkin with a lining that is BPA free. The farmer’s market brand makes a great option, and Trader Joe’s has a healthy canned pumpkin as well. Libby’s canned pumpkin purée is high on the list of popular canned pumpkin brands, because it’s not organic, we like the Farmer’s Market brand better!
Is canned pumpkin still healthy?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin is still jam-packed with nutrients and benefits that are great to use in recipes. In fact, pumpkin is canned when it’s freshest, so canned pumpkin is going to be more nutrient rich than fresh pumpkin when it’s not pumpkin season!
Is it okay to eat pumpkin every day?
Yes, it is okay to eat pumpkin every day. There are so many different ways to enjoy it! A serving of pumpkin contains healthy vitamins and plant benefits and is low in calories!
Is your mouth watering yet? 🙂 These healthy pumpkin recipes are a delicious way to enjoy your favorite treats without any of the guilt, and they are also great for managing different dietary needs! You definitely need to make some of these easy pumpkin desserts for the best time of the year! Happy pumpkin season everyone!
🥧 More Healthy Recipes You Will Love!
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So many great recipes! That cheesecake looks delicious.
Thanks so much Biana! 🙂
What a great list, and I appreciate that these are healthy recipes at a time when I tend to overindulge. It’s nice to have some balance. Can’t wait to make my way through the list.
Totally!! And the best part is, they don’t “taste healthy” so they still feel super indulgent!
I love pumpkin recipes!! These recipes look perfect, I am so excited to try them! Such a good roundup 🙂
Yay!! I can’t wait for you to try these! You will probably love all of them! 🙂
What a delicious collection of recipes! Perfect for this season!
Aw thank you so much Shadi! 🙂
This is fantastic. I am always looking for gluten and dairy free recipes (especially desserts) and it’s the end of pumpkin season down under. I have a pumpkin in my pantry right now. Time to figure out which of these recipes to make first.
Yay!! I can’t wait for you to try these recipes Jeff! You really can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose first! 🙂 Enjoy!