Since everyone’s in PSL mode, it’s only natural to turn your thoughts to upcoming holiday baking, with visions of the ultimate pumpkin pie dancing in your head. But if the classic custard, cream and crust combo doesn’t do it for you anymore — maybe you’ve gone grain-free or dairy-free, or maybe you just never really liked pie — no worries. Here are 22 pumpkin pie alternatives that have ALL the delicious pumpkin spices you crave. You’re welcome, world.
1. Paleo Pumpkin Pie: If you’ve gone grain-free or dairy-free and thought your days of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving were over, think again. This pumpkin custard is made with coconut milk and sweetened with pure maple syrup, then served up in a grainless shell. Go ahead and drool, because this is one pie everyone can dig into. (via Primally Inspired)
2. Gluten-Free Crustless Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes (Dairy-Free): Remember when pudding cakes were all the rage, for their ooey-gooey texture? Well, these GF cupcakes have pumpkin custard baked right in for the same luscious effect, but are chock full of delicious pumpkin pie spices. (via Meaningful Eats)
3. Low Carb Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse: This pureed pumpkin mousse has all the Thanksgiving spices you crave, without all the carbs. Bonus: It calls for just five ingredients and whips up in five minutes. (via Sugar-Free Mom)
4. Pumpkin Pie Protein No-Bake Bites: These cake-like bites are packed with protein and fiber, but they have exactly the pumpkin pie flavor you crave. Make a big batch, because these goodies are guilt-free, and everyone will be going for seconds and thirds. (via Hummusapien)
5. (No Bake) Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bites: These all-natural raw bites call for chewy dates, sweet maple syrup, salty pecans, coconut and pumpkin spice — what’s not to love? Kids young and old will gobble them up. (via With Salt and Wit)
6. Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Bake: This oatmeal breakfast bake is so cake-y, it could double as a dessert. Gluten-free folks can easily substitute certified GF oats for a perfectly healthy dessert that satisfies your sweet pumpkin spice craving. Serve with a dollop of ice cream or a sprinkle of chocolate chips and it’s pure pumpkin nirvana. (via Running With Spoons)
7. Clean Eating Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe: Based on a dairy-free recipe made from pureed bananas, this ice cream gets a powerful flavor boost from pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices. This one’s so healthy, you can have it every night of the week. (via The Gracious Pantry)
8. Pumpkin Pie Bars: These bars deliver all the spicy goodness of pumpkin pie, without you having to roll out pastry dough. Lazy girl for the win! (via I Wash… You Dry)
9. Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes: If pumpkin pie and a pumpkin muffin had a baby, it would look like this. With super-easy whipped cream icing, these cupcakes are ultra-rich and taste like a dream. Double up on this one, because they’re going to go fast. (via CincyShopper)
10. Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Bars With Streusel Topping: If you like pumpkin and cheesecake, these are going to be your new favorite dessert. These bars are super decadent and have all the pumpkin spice flavor you crave this time of year. (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)
11. Double Stuffed Pumpkin Pie Oreos: Store-bought have nothing on a homemade Oreo. These are doubly good because they’re double stuffed with the usual cream filling PLUS pumpkin pie filling. (via Half Baked Harvest)
12. Maple-Glazed Pumpkin Pop Tarts: If you’ve got the ingredients for pumpkin pie, you can make these breakfast pastries too. Two layers of pie crust are stuffed with pumpkin filling, then topped with a delicious maple glaze. It’s all your fave pumpkin pie spices in a grab-and-go quick breakfast Pop Tart. (via High Heels and Grills)
13. Sweet Pumpkin Empanadas: Empanadas — the word sounds so exotic! But they’re really just little handheld pies that are perfect for all occasions. These sweet pumpkin treats make a great alternative to pumpkin pie slices, and are perfect to serve at buffet-style feasts. (via Mom on Timeout)
14. Pumpkin Lush Bars: Lush bars are triple-layer decadent concoctions, and this one does not disappoint. The shortbread crust makes this pumpkin dessert extra buttery and delicious. (via CincyShopper)
15. Pumpkin Turtle Cheesecake Parfait: If you’ve never been a fan of pie crust but love pumpkin pie taste, *this* is the dessert for you. The caramel turtle topping makes this indulgence in a glass something extra special. (via The Midnight Baker)
16. Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler: This dessert has all the yummy essence of pumpkin spice, baked into an oozing lava cake. Top it with vanilla ice cream when it’s hot out of the oven and watch it melt into a pool of creamy caramelized sugar and pumpkin goodness. YUM! (via Lauren’s Latest)
17. Four Ingredient Pumpkin Pie Dip: This spice cake dip is like everyone’s fave childhood throwback Dunkaroos, but with pumpkin pie spices. It’s easy to whip up and perfect for the dessert table at a Thanksgiving dinner served banquet style. (via My Suburban Kitchen)
18. Spiced Pumpkin Whoopie Pies With Browned Butter Maple Cinnamon Frosting: There’s a strong-but-not-too-strong pumpkin flavor in these whoopie pies that plays so nicely with the nutty browned butter in the maple cinnamon frosting. Don’t wait for Thanksgiving to give these a try; bring some into the office, and you’ll be everyone’s BFF. (via The Chunky Chef)
19. Pumpkin Pie Cinnamon Rolls: These cinnamon rolls have a delicious pumpkin filling and an incredible pumpkin pie spice cream cheese frosting. They bake in under one hour using refrigerated dough, making them perfect for Thanksgiving morning breakfast. The pumpkin spice scent warming the house will get everyone in a festive mood. (via Diethood)
20. Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake: Poke cake is back, and just in time for Thanksgiving. The antithesis of pie, this dessert is ridiculously easy to make, because it’s jump-started with a boxed spice cake mix. Just add a can of pumpkin puree and some pumpkin pie spice and you’re good to go. (via Averie Cooks)
21. Pumpkin Fluff Icebox Cake: Pumpkin, fluff and icebox cake are three of everyone’s favorite things all rolled into one fabulous dessert. The chocolate wafer cookie crust adds an unexpected crunch. (via TidyMom)
22. Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip BundtCake With Chocolate Ganache: Pumpkin puree keeps this cake extra moist and dense, and the pumpkin pie spices are a reminder of the bounty of autumn. The ganache comes together quickly in the microwave, but it’s so impressive your guests will OOH and AHH. (via Averie Cooks)
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Sally Jones
Sally Jones is a writer and editor living in New York City. She has worked at many websites including iVillage, Ladies Home Journal, More, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, The Knot and YourTango, in jobs ranging from editor to COO. Renovation and interior design are her
hobbies. She has renovated every home she's lived in, including the rentals, and like... whoa, who does that? You can catch her at her blog Renov8or.
