Cozy, Spiced, and Spooky: The Magic of Pumpkin Puree
When the air turns crisp and the leaves start falling, there’s one ingredient that instantly says Halloween—pumpkin. Its smooth, earthy sweetness captures the flavor of autumn like nothing else. And when you’re vegan, pumpkin puree becomes a best friend in the kitchen—adding moisture, flavor, and a natural richness that’s perfect for festive desserts.
This season, skip the dairy-heavy pies and processed candy. Instead, whip up delicious, vegan Halloween desserts using pumpkin puree that are packed with fall spices and easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, hosting a spooky party, or treating yourself to something seasonal, pumpkin puree delivers every time.
And if you want to wear your vegan values proudly while baking or celebrating, check out The Dharma Store. They offer vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton—a stylish, sustainable choice for compassionate living.
Let’s dig into the most creative and comforting vegan pumpkin dessert ideas for Halloween.
Why Pumpkin Puree Works So Well in Vegan Desserts
Pumpkin puree isn’t just flavorful—it’s one of the most versatile plant-based ingredients you can use. Here’s why it’s so effective in vegan Halloween recipes:
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Natural binder: It replaces eggs in baking, helping hold ingredients together.
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Moisture booster: Pumpkin keeps desserts soft without needing butter or milk.
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Nutrient-rich: It’s full of fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
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Mild sweetness: Its subtle flavor pairs perfectly with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In short, pumpkin puree makes vegan baking simple, wholesome, and full of flavor.
1. Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nothing says cozy like a warm cookie. These vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and lightly spiced—perfect for Halloween gatherings or fall movie nights.
Ingredients:
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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½ cup coconut oil or vegan butter
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¾ cup brown sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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Mix pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, and brown sugar in a bowl.
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Add flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Stir until combined.
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Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
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Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes.
These cookies come out tender and slightly cake-like—the perfect blend of fall flavor and chocolate indulgence.
2. Pumpkin Spice Vegan Cupcakes with Maple Frosting
If you’re looking for a Halloween dessert that’s elegant yet easy, these pumpkin spice cupcakes are a must. They taste like pumpkin pie in cupcake form and pair beautifully with a creamy maple frosting.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp cloves
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½ tsp ginger
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½ tsp nutmeg
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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½ cup brown sugar
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⅓ cup melted coconut oil
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½ cup non-dairy milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting:
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½ cup vegan butter
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2 cups powdered sugar
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2 tbsp maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Combine dry ingredients in one bowl.
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Mix pumpkin puree, sugar, coconut oil, milk, and vanilla in another.
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Combine the two mixtures and stir until smooth.
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Pour into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
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Let cool before frosting.
Top with Halloween sprinkles or crushed pecans for extra flair.
3. Vegan Pumpkin Mousse Cups
For a no-bake dessert that feels fancy but takes minutes to make, try vegan pumpkin mousse cups. They’re creamy, rich, and great for portion-controlled treats.
Ingredients:
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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1 can full-fat coconut milk
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp ginger
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Blend all ingredients until smooth.
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Chill for at least 1 hour.
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Serve in small jars or cups, topped with crushed vegan cookies or coconut whipped cream.
These mousse cups are silky, sweet, and ideal for an after-dinner dessert that still feels light.
4. Pumpkin Swirl Vegan Brownies
Chocolate and pumpkin might not seem like an obvious pairing, but together they make one of the best Halloween dessert combinations.
Ingredients:
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1 cup flour
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½ cup cocoa powder
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1 cup sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup pumpkin puree
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½ cup non-dairy milk
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⅓ cup coconut oil
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
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Combine wet ingredients (pumpkin, milk, oil, vanilla) in another.
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Mix the two together until smooth.
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Pour half the batter into a greased pan, then swirl in more pumpkin puree on top.
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Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
The result? Dense, fudgy brownies with a marbled pumpkin top that screams Halloween decadence.
5. Mini Vegan Pumpkin Pies
Mini pumpkin pies are the perfect office or party dessert—cute, portable, and filled with fall goodness.
Ingredients:
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Vegan pie crust dough
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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½ cup coconut cream
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp ginger
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½ tsp nutmeg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Cut small circles from the dough and press them into a muffin tin.
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Mix pumpkin puree with all remaining ingredients.
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Spoon filling into each crust.
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Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Cool before serving and top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
6. Pumpkin Oat Crumble Bars
Looking for a dessert that doubles as a snack? These pumpkin oat crumble bars are hearty, wholesome, and bursting with fall spice.
Ingredients:
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2 cups oats
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1 cup flour
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½ cup coconut oil
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½ cup maple syrup
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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1 tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp ginger
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Mix oats, flour, oil, and syrup to form a crumble.
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Press half into a baking pan.
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Mix pumpkin puree and spices, then spread on top.
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Add remaining crumble mixture and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Once cooled, slice into bars for easy sharing.
7. Vegan Pumpkin Truffles
A bite-sized treat that’s rich, creamy, and perfect for gifting or Halloween party platters.
Ingredients:
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½ cup pumpkin puree
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½ cup almond flour
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp pumpkin spice
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1 cup vegan dark chocolate
Instructions:
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Combine pumpkin puree, almond flour, syrup, and spice into a dough.
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Roll into small balls and freeze for 20 minutes.
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Melt vegan chocolate and dip each truffle.
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Chill until the coating sets.
These truffles taste like pumpkin pie and chocolate fudge had a baby—irresistibly good.
8. Vegan Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Glaze
Pumpkin bread is a fall classic, and this vegan version is soft, moist, and perfectly sweetened.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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¼ tsp cloves
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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½ cup coconut sugar
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⅓ cup melted coconut oil
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½ cup almond milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 tbsp non-dairy milk
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¼ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
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Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.
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Mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla in another.
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Combine and pour into a loaf pan.
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Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
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Drizzle glaze on top once cooled.
It’s great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
9. Pumpkin Coconut Pudding Parfaits
These layered desserts look beautiful and are simple to assemble.
Ingredients:
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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1 can coconut milk
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Crushed vegan graham crackers for layering
Instructions:
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Whisk coconut milk, pumpkin puree, cornstarch, syrup, and vanilla in a saucepan.
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Heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
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Layer pudding and graham crumbs in jars or cups.
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Chill before serving.
They look festive when topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts.
Tips for Making Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Desserts
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Use pure pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie mix, which contains added sugar and spices.
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Adjust sweetness to taste: Pumpkin has a natural sweetness—don’t overdo it.
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Add spice thoughtfully: A balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates that warm autumn flavor.
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Let desserts cool fully: Pumpkin-based desserts often firm up as they rest.
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Store properly: Most pumpkin desserts last up to 4 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
Bringing It All Together: A Vegan Halloween Dessert Spread
Imagine your Halloween table: chocolate truffles dusted with cocoa, pumpkin mousse in tiny jars, and slices of glazed pumpkin bread beside ghost-shaped cookies. Every dish celebrates the warmth of the season—and none rely on animal ingredients.
That’s the magic of vegan Halloween desserts using pumpkin puree. They’re seasonal, indulgent, and satisfying without compromise.
And while you’re in the festive spirit, don’t forget to wear your values proudly. The Dharma Store offers beautifully designed vegan t-shirts made from organic cotton—perfect for baking days, parties, or simply celebrating compassion year-round.
Final Thoughts: Pumpkin Puree Makes Vegan Halloween Sweeter
Pumpkin isn’t just a fall flavor—it’s a symbol of comfort, creativity, and plant-based abundance. These vegan Halloween desserts prove you don’t need dairy, eggs, or refined products to make something delicious and festive.
So grab that can (or homemade batch) of pumpkin puree, preheat your oven, and start baking your way into the Halloween spirit. Whether it’s cookies, cupcakes, or creamy puddings, every bite will taste like autumn—and every recipe will remind you that compassion can be sweet.