Vegetarian Pumpkin Dessert Recipes That Delight Every Palate

Updated On: October 4, 2025

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves turn golden, nothing captures the essence of the season quite like pumpkin desserts. These vegetarian pumpkin dessert recipes offer a cozy, delicious way to celebrate fall flavors, perfect for family gatherings or a comforting treat after a long day.

Pumpkin’s naturally sweet and earthy flavor pairs beautifully with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making these desserts both satisfying and wholesome. Whether you crave a classic pumpkin pie, a rich pumpkin cheesecake, or something a little more adventurous, these recipes bring out the best in this versatile vegetable.

Plus, they’re all vegetarian, so everyone can indulge without worry.

In this post, we’ll explore three delightful vegetarian pumpkin dessert recipes that are easy to make and sure to impress. You’ll find tips, ingredient lists, and serving ideas to elevate your fall baking game.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into these pumpkin-infused treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegetarian pumpkin desserts are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the rich, creamy texture and warm spices of pumpkin without any animal products. They are:

  • Easy to prepare: Simple steps and common ingredients make these recipes accessible to cooks of all levels.
  • Nutritious: Pumpkin is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making these desserts a healthier indulgence.
  • Versatile: Whether you want pies, bars, or mousse-like puddings, these recipes cover a range of textures and flavors.
  • Perfectly spiced: The warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg complements the pumpkin beautifully.
  • Great for gatherings: These desserts impress at holiday dinners, potlucks, or cozy family nights.

Ingredients

For Pumpkin Spice Bars

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For Creamy Pumpkin Mousse

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

For Pumpkin Cheesecake

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup melted vegan butter
  • 2 cups vegan cream cheese
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls: Several sizes for combining ingredients
  • Baking pan: 9×9 inch pan for bars, or springform pan for cheesecake
  • Electric mixer or whisk: To blend ingredients smoothly
  • Spatula: For folding and scraping bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accuracy
  • Oven: For baking the bars and cheesecake
  • Refrigerator: To chill mousse and cheesecake

Instructions

Pumpkin Spice Bars

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in walnuts if using.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Creamy Pumpkin Mousse

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine pumpkin puree, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add chia seeds and stir well to mix.
  4. Pour the mixture into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to thicken.
  5. Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts.

Vegetarian Pumpkin Cheesecake

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted vegan butter until crumbs are evenly coated. Press into the pan’s bottom to form the crust.
  3. In a large bowl, beat vegan cream cheese until smooth.
  4. Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and cornstarch. Mix until fully combined.
  5. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
  7. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

“For a nuttier flavor, try toasting the walnuts before adding them to the pumpkin bars.”

Feel free to swap out spices according to your preference—cardamom or allspice can add a unique twist. If you want a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour in the bars.

For a vegan mousse, ensure your coconut milk is full-fat for the best creamy texture. With the cheesecake, you can add a swirl of vegan caramel or chocolate for extra decadence.

Looking for more delicious vegetarian dessert ideas? Check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a naturally sweet treat, or try the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes if you want to balance savory with sweet.

For a quick bread to accompany your dessert, the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves is a must-try.

Nutrition Facts

Dessert Calories (per serving) Fat Carbohydrates Protein Fiber
Pumpkin Spice Bars 220 10g 30g 3g 2g
Creamy Pumpkin Mousse 180 12g 20g 2g 3g
Vegetarian Pumpkin Cheesecake 300 18g 35g 5g 2g

Serving Suggestions

Serve your pumpkin desserts with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon-spiced vegan ice cream for an extra special touch. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of pure maple syrup can also elevate the flavors beautifully.

These desserts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the warm spices.

For a festive occasion, consider layering the pumpkin mousse into parfait glasses with granola or crushed ginger cookies for texture contrast. The pumpkin cheesecake can be garnished with fresh cranberries or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a stunning presentation.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or simply love cozy, seasonal treats, these vegetarian pumpkin dessert recipes are a fantastic addition to your fall repertoire. They bring together wholesome ingredients, simple techniques, and classic spices to create desserts that are both comforting and delightfully flavorful.

Each recipe is versatile enough to customize according to your tastes, whether you prefer nutty, creamy, or cakey textures.

By choosing vegetarian ingredients, you’re also making a choice that’s friendly to both your health and the environment. These recipes are perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you want to add a little autumn magic to your day.

Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for a complete cozy meal experience. Happy baking and savor every bite of pumpkin goodness!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Description: Deliciously moist and flavorful pumpkin spice muffins perfect for a healthy dessert. These muffins are easy to make and packed with warm spices.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
  4. In another bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar and vegetable oil until smooth.
  5. Stir in the pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients.
  6. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  7. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  8. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool muffins in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Marta K

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