Pumpkin season is officially here in the Midwest, and families are ready to dig into all the cozy flavors that make fall so special. From warm baked goods to savory dinners and fun seasonal drinks, pumpkin takes center stage this time of year.
Getting a pumpkin latte and heading to a local fall festival, corn maze, or pumpkin patch is a peak fall weekend for many families. Make sure to check out our Fall Headquarters for all things fall this season!
Whether you’re baking with the kids, grabbing a seasonal treat at a local shop, or adding pumpkin to your weeknight meals, here are 20 pumpkin foods and treats that will make your fall feel extra festive.
Sweet Pumpkin Treats
Pumpkin Pie
The classic fall dessert that belongs on every table. Serve with whipped cream for an extra-special touch. Remember, just because people think of pumpkin pie and Thanksgiving, doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed all fall long!
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Creamy, rich, and perfectly spiced—this dessert feels fancy but is always a crowd-pleaser.
Pumpkin Bread
A warm loaf filled with pumpkin goodness. Great for breakfast, snacks, or an after-school treat. Top your loaf with sugar or pumpkin seeds for a little extra crunch.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Gooey and indulgent with pumpkin filling and cream cheese glaze.
Pumpkin Muffins
Portable, tasty, and easy for kids to grab on busy mornings. Check out our recipe for Pumpkin Spice Muffins. We think it’s pretty amazing!
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Bite-sized sweetness that feels like fall in every bite.
Pumpkin Cookies
Soft and spiced, sometimes topped with frosting. A fall twist on a kid-favorite. Did you know that you can make cookies out of a cake mix? For easy pumpkin cookies, get yourself a pumpkin cake mix and use this easy cake mix cookie recipe!
Pumpkin Scones
A bakery-style treat that pairs perfectly with a warm drink. Scones might seem difficult to make, but in reality, they are pretty simple to put together! Check out this recipe from Once Upon a Chef for Pumpkin Scones.
Pumpkin Bars
Moist and flavorful, often swirled with cream cheese for extra sweetness.
Pumpkin Donuts
A fun fall breakfast or dessert, rolled in cinnamon sugar or topped with glaze. Make sure to see if your local donut place makes a seasonal pumpkin donut to try.
Pumpkin Ice Cream
A chilly treat that brings pumpkin flavor into an unexpected form. For those of you in the Sioux Falls Area, check out our Sioux Falls Area Ice Cream Guide to find a local shop that serves up a chilly pumpkin treat.
Savory Pumpkin Foods
Pumpkin Soup
Smooth, creamy, and perfect for chilly nights. A pumpkin is a squash, so this is basically in the same family as something like butternut squash soup.
Pumpkin Risotto
A hearty, comforting dish with a rich and creamy texture. This is another dish that can seem hard to make, when really it just needs constant babysitting! Otherwise risotto can be simple to make at home.
Pumpkin Ravioli
A fun twist on pasta night, often paired with brown butter sauce.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
A family favorite with extra creaminess and a hint of fall flavor. For those who love comforting foods but also want to get more veggies in their diet, this could be a great option. Check out this recipe for pumpkin mac and cheese from Half-Baked Harvest.
Pumpkin Chili
A cozy, hearty twist on the classic, with a touch of sweetness from the pumpkin.
Roasted Pumpkin Wedges
A simple, savory, and lightly seasoned for a healthy side. If you ever wonder how to cook a vegetable, roasting is always always the right answer!
Pumpkin Curry
Warm spices meet creamy pumpkin for a flavorful fall meal. Pair with a protein like chicken for a tasty meal.
Pumpkin Hummus
A seasonal dip that’s both healthy and fun for snacking.
Drinks & Fun Extras
Pumpkin Spice Latte – The drink that started it all! Kids can enjoy a “steamer” version without coffee. Check out our recipe for a homemade and easy pumpkin spice creamer that you can make at home!
Fall in the Midwest wouldn’t be complete without pumpkin everything. From sweet bakes to savory meals, these pumpkin treats are perfect for cozy nights at home, festive fall gatherings (hello, an epic backyard bonfire), or just celebrating the season with your family.
