When fall ushers in the change in weather, I start thinking about that one dish I look forward too every season: obviously — it’s pumpkin pie.
My mom makes the best traditional version, so there’s no point in even trying to improve on it (in case you don’t know, it’s the OG Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie). But I’m thinking I may change things up this year, and in addition to the traditional version, I may try one or more of these deliciously ingenious, creative pumpkin pie recipes.
Top image: Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe | Full of Plants
Updated for 2022
Related: 7 easy Thanksgiving desserts for kids who won’t eat pumpkin pie
I’ll start with an all-out, over-the-top recipe with this Black Bottomed Pumpkin Pie with Marshmallows at How Sweet Eats. OMG, this looks amazing. Underneath that meringue-y marshmallow top are two decadent layers — one of creamy pumpkin pie and the second of rich chocolate. Want to impress the in-laws? Bring this to Thanksgiving dinner.
It’s hard for us to resist anything Nutella, and that includes this Pumpkin Nutella Swirl Tart recipe at Jojotastic. We’re talking a chocolate-hazelnut crust with a hint of pink Himalayan salt, with creamy pumpkin pie and that rich Nutella swirled as the filling. Decadent? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
Related: 10 of our readers’ favorite pie recipes
Pumpkin desserts don’t need to just be relegated to being served after a fancy dinner. This recipe for Easy Pumpkin Pudding from Good Life Eats takes about 5 minutes from start to finish, so you can enjoy a little pumpkin treat any day of the week or even as an afternoon snack! I also adore these WECK mini tulip jars to store and serve the pudding in (as seen above) because they fit so nicely in little hands (affiliate).
This Upside Down Pumpkin Pie at The Gold Lining Girl has a rich, buttery spice-cake flavored streusel on top. But don’t let that scare you away. You basically just dump all the ingredients in a bowl and slide it in the oven — perfect for a busy Thanksgiving prep day. Check her site for the easy, appealing instructions and this creative pumpkin pie recipe might be your new favorite.
Related: Impressive yet easy Thanksgiving pie recipes
Sometimes a creative pumpkin pie recipe means skipping the pie shape entirely. I love the thin layer of pumpkin with the rich almond cookie crust on these Pumpkin Pie Bars at Choosing Chia, because it turns the Thanksgiving dessert staple an easy, finger-food alternative. And if you have vegan or Paleo guests, this is a dessert option that will work for them.
If you’re looking to save space in your oven, try this Pumpkin Pie Bread Pudding recipe from Kara Lydon. It cooks in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours, while that rich caramel sauce over the top is prepared in the microwave. Brilliant!
Related: Creative pie crust alternatives
I clicked through to this recipe for Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake at Full of Plants because those layers of chocolate, vanilla and pumpkin cheesecake look unbelievably rich and decadent. It’s just a bonus that it also happens to be gluten-free and vegan.
For kids who may not be so willing to try a pie made of pumpkin (eww, something that sounds good for you!) I imagine they’d go for these Pumpkin Pie pops spotted at One Little Project. The filling is still that same, delicious pumpkin goodness, but in bite-sized pop form that kids can’t resist.
I love pumpkin pie. I love pumpkin bread. And I love pound cake. So, for another creative pumpkin pie recipe alternative, looks like I can’t go wrong with this Pumpkin Dessert recipe from I Am Baker. And yes, I’m going to go ahead and serve this with coffee for breakfast too if we have leftovers. Don’t judge.
