Halloween is the perfect time to celebrate fall flavors—especially pumpkin. Whether it’s the scent of cinnamon, the warmth of nutmeg, or the silky texture of pumpkin puree, this seasonal ingredient transforms simple vegan recipes into cozy, indulgent desserts. The best part? Pumpkin puree adds moisture and natural sweetness without the need for butter, eggs, or dairy.
If you’re planning a Halloween party, baking for friends, or just craving something comforting while watching spooky movies, these vegan Halloween desserts using pumpkin puree will fit the occasion. Each recipe is festive, simple to make, and packed with plant-based goodness.
Why Pumpkin Puree is a Vegan Baker’s Secret Weapon
Pumpkin puree isn’t just for pies. It’s one of the most versatile vegan ingredients for Halloween baking. Here’s why it’s so valuable:
-
Acts as a natural binder: Replaces eggs and helps hold batters together.
-
Adds moisture: Perfect for cakes, muffins, and cookies without adding oil.
-
Delivers nutrition: Full of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
-
Creates authentic fall flavor: Brings natural sweetness and depth.
Whether you’re making cookies, truffles, or puddings, pumpkin puree delivers that nostalgic autumn taste with a vegan twist.
Recipe 1: Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Frosting
These soft, spiced cupcakes are a Halloween must-have. The pumpkin puree makes them moist and fluffy, while the maple frosting adds a seasonal sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients:
-
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 cup pumpkin puree
-
½ cup brown sugar
-
¼ cup maple syrup
-
½ cup almond milk
-
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
½ teaspoon baking soda
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon
-
½ teaspoon nutmeg
-
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
For the frosting:
-
½ cup vegan butter
-
1½ cups powdered sugar
-
2 tablespoons maple syrup
-
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with Halloween-themed liners.
-
In one bowl, mix dry ingredients. In another, whisk wet ingredients together.
-
Combine and stir until smooth.
-
Divide batter evenly and bake for 20–22 minutes.
-
Let cool completely before frosting.
Frost, sprinkle with cinnamon, and add candy eyes or bat toppers for a Halloween flair.
Recipe 2: Pumpkin Puree “Graveyard” Parfaits
These no-bake parfaits are rich, creamy, and layered with cookie “dirt.” They’re easy to make and perfect for serving at parties in clear cups for a spooky presentation.
Ingredients:
-
1 can full-fat coconut milk (chilled overnight)
-
½ cup pumpkin puree
-
2 tablespoons maple syrup
-
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
-
1 cup crushed vegan chocolate cookies
-
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
-
Scoop solid coconut cream into a bowl. Whisk until fluffy.
-
Fold in pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, and spices.
-
In small jars or cups, layer cookie crumbs and pumpkin cream alternately.
-
Top with cookie “tombstones” or ghost-shaped decorations.
These parfaits stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days, making them great for prepping ahead.
Recipe 3: Vegan Pumpkin Truffles
If you’re short on time but want something impressive, pumpkin truffles are your answer. These bite-sized treats are coated in dark chocolate and melt in your mouth.
Ingredients:
-
1 cup pumpkin puree
-
1 cup crushed vegan graham crackers or oat flour
-
3 tablespoons maple syrup
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon
-
1½ cups vegan dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
-
Mix pumpkin puree, graham crumbs, maple syrup, and cinnamon until thick.
-
Roll into small balls and chill for 20 minutes.
-
Melt dark chocolate and dip each ball until fully coated.
-
Place on parchment paper and refrigerate until set.
You can dust them with cocoa powder or drizzle melted white chocolate for extra style.
Recipe 4: Pumpkin Oatmeal “Monster” Cookies
These chewy cookies are healthy enough for breakfast yet festive enough for dessert. They’re made with oats, pumpkin puree, and dark chocolate chips—no butter or eggs needed.
Ingredients:
-
2 cups rolled oats
-
½ cup pumpkin puree
-
¼ cup maple syrup
-
¼ cup almond butter
-
1 teaspoon cinnamon
-
½ cup vegan chocolate chips
-
Candy eyes (optional for decoration)
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
-
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until combined.
-
Scoop dough onto the sheet and flatten slightly.
-
Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden.
-
Add candy eyes while cookies are still warm.
Soft, chewy, and slightly spiced, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast from the office snack table.
Recipe 5: Pumpkin Puree Fudge Squares
Rich and velvety, these fudge squares use simple vegan pantry staples. They’re freezer-friendly and perfect for Halloween gatherings.
Ingredients:
-
1 cup pumpkin puree
-
½ cup almond butter
-
⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
-
¼ cup maple syrup
-
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
-
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
-
Mix all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat until smooth.
-
Pour mixture into a lined loaf pan.
-
Freeze for 1 hour until firm, then cut into squares.
For a finishing touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate and sprinkle crushed pecans on top.
Recipe 6: Pumpkin “Witch’s Cauldron” Pudding Cups
These thick, velvety pudding cups are perfect for Halloween-themed parties. The bright orange color and rich flavor make them fun for both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
-
1 cup pumpkin puree
-
2 tablespoons cornstarch
-
2 cups oat milk
-
⅓ cup brown sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla
-
½ teaspoon cinnamon
-
¼ teaspoon ginger
Instructions:
-
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and whisk over medium heat.
-
Cook for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
-
Pour into small bowls or cups and let cool.
Top with crushed cookies or dark chocolate shavings for a spooky “cauldron” look.
Recipe 7: Pumpkin Brownies with Chocolate Swirl
These brownies are ultra-moist and fudgy thanks to pumpkin puree. The combination of chocolate and spice makes them irresistible.
Ingredients:
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
½ cup cocoa powder
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
1 cup pumpkin puree
-
½ cup maple syrup
-
¼ cup melted coconut oil
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a square baking pan.
-
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another.
-
Combine and pour into pan.
-
Swirl in extra pumpkin puree on top for a marbled effect.
-
Bake for 25–28 minutes and cool before cutting.
These brownies pair perfectly with coffee or spiced tea at Halloween gatherings.
Recipe 8: Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
Everyone loves Rice Krispie treats—but this vegan pumpkin version brings fall flavor into the mix. They’re portable, fun, and nostalgic.
Ingredients:
-
4 cups crispy rice cereal
-
1 cup vegan marshmallows
-
½ cup pumpkin puree
-
2 tablespoons vegan butter
-
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
-
Melt butter and marshmallows together in a saucepan.
-
Stir in pumpkin puree and cinnamon.
-
Add cereal and mix well.
-
Press into a lined baking pan, let cool, then cut into squares.
Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter for added Halloween appeal.
Recipe 9: Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake
For a quick dessert fix, this microwave mug cake hits the spot. It’s warm, spiced, and ready in under five minutes.
Ingredients:
-
3 tablespoons flour
-
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
-
1 tablespoon brown sugar
-
1 tablespoon almond milk
-
½ teaspoon baking powder
-
Pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
-
Mix all ingredients in a microwave-safe mug.
-
Microwave for 60–90 seconds until fluffy.
-
Top with vegan whipped cream or coconut yogurt.
It’s perfect for a solo treat or a quick dessert at home after trick-or-treating.
Recipe 10: Pumpkin Coconut “Spider Web” Cheesecake Bars
A dairy-free twist on cheesecake that looks like a Halloween masterpiece. The creamy pumpkin layer is baked over a crumbly cookie base and topped with a chocolate spider web.
Ingredients:
-
1½ cups crushed vegan cookies
-
¼ cup melted coconut oil
-
1½ cups soaked cashews
-
½ cup pumpkin puree
-
¼ cup maple syrup
-
2 tablespoons lemon juice
-
¼ cup coconut cream
-
Melted vegan chocolate (for spider web design)
Instructions:
-
Mix crushed cookies and oil, then press into a baking pan for the crust.
-
Blend cashews, pumpkin, maple syrup, lemon juice, and coconut cream until smooth.
-
Pour over crust and chill for 3 hours.
-
Pipe melted chocolate in concentric circles, then drag a toothpick outward to form a web.
Elegant, spooky, and completely plant-based, these bars are perfect for impressing your Halloween guests.
Tips for Baking with Pumpkin Puree
To get the best texture and flavor in your vegan Halloween desserts, keep these baking tips in mind:
-
Drain excess liquid – Some canned pumpkin is watery; blot it with paper towels before adding it to batters.
-
Balance sweetness – Pumpkin puree has a mild flavor, so pair it with maple syrup or brown sugar for depth.
-
Add spice generously – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove bring the aroma of fall to every bite.
-
Use it as a fat substitute – Replace up to half the oil in muffins or brownies for a lighter texture.
-
Choose 100% pure pumpkin – Avoid pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
Making Vegan Halloween Desserts Look Spooky
You can make even simple desserts party-worthy with a few presentation ideas:
-
Use black cupcake liners, orange sprinkles, or edible glitter.
-
Decorate with candy eyes, bats, or spider shapes for playful visuals.
-
Layer desserts in clear cups or jars for dramatic colors.
-
Add mini flags or tags that say “vegan” to help guests identify your treats.
Conscious Celebration: Veganism Beyond the Kitchen
Choosing vegan desserts is about more than ingredients—it’s a reflection of kindness, creativity, and awareness. Every pumpkin-based treat you make supports a lifestyle that values sustainability and compassion.
For those who like to share that message beyond food, The Dharma Store offers vegan-themed t-shirts made from organic cotton. They’re stylish, comfortable, and the perfect conversation starter at any Halloween gathering.
Final Thoughts
Halloween doesn’t have to revolve around candy packed with dairy and artificial ingredients. With a few simple recipes, vegan Halloween desserts using pumpkin puree can capture all the warmth and flavor of the season—without compromise.
From pumpkin truffles and spice cupcakes to cheesecake bars and mug cakes, these treats celebrate the richness of autumn while staying plant-based and inclusive for everyone.
So this spooky season, embrace the pumpkin, fire up your oven, and let your kitchen fill with the cozy scent of cinnamon and spice. Your guests—and your conscience—will thank you.