Irresistible Pumpkin Cream Puffs: A Must-Have Fall Dessert Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopping fall dessert that’s light, elegant, and filled with cozy seasonal flavor, these Pumpkin Cream Puffs are exactly what you need. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any chilly autumn evening, these sweet little puffs are made with golden, crisp choux pastry and filled with a silky pumpkin spice pastry cream that screams fall comfort.

Whether you’re new to baking cream puffs or already a pro, this easy recipe makes it simple to create bakery-worthy pumpkin spice filled cream puffs at home. Let’s dive into this delicious puff recipe that’s destined to become a holiday classic!

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Why You’ll Love These Cream Puffs Easy and Impressive

These Pumpkin Cream Puffs are as stunning as they are delicious. The pastry shell is light and airy, providing the perfect contrast to the velvety pumpkin spice pastry cream. Whether you’re making them for a festive dessert table or just craving a cozy baking session, here’s why they’re so special:

• Easy to make ahead for parties and gatherings.
• Filled with fall flavor, thanks to pumpkin puree and warming spices.
• A delightful alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.
• A sophisticated twist on a cream puff recipe you know and love.

If you love versatile, seasonal desserts, you might also want to try these Pumpkin Pie Twists or this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting for more fall inspiration.

What Are Pumpkin Pie Cream Puffs? A Seasonal Twist on a Classic

Pumpkin Pie Cream Puffs are made with classic French pâte à choux (cream puff pastry) baked into bite-sized shells and filled with a luscious pumpkin pie-style pastry cream. While traditional cream puffs are often filled with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla pastry cream, this version uses a spiced pumpkin custard that brings all the familiar notes of your favorite fall desserts.

They’re light yet rich, making them perfect for a Thanksgiving cream puff tray or as an alternative to heavy pies and cakes.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Filled Cream Puffs

Here’s everything you need to create these stunning mini fall treats:

For the Choux Pastry:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (113g)
• 1 cup water (240ml)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)

For the Pumpkin Spice Pastry Cream:

• 1 ½ cups whole milk (360ml)
• 3 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For more seasonal recipes like this, check out Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake or Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make This Cream Puff Recipe

Make the Choux Pastry:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, combine butter, water, sugar, and salt over medium heat. Stir until butter melts and mixture begins to boil.
3. Remove from heat and add flour all at once. Stir vigorously until a dough ball forms and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4. Return to heat and cook for 1–2 more minutes, stirring constantly, to dry out the dough slightly.
5. Transfer dough to a mixing bowl. Let cool for 5 minutes.
6. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Dough should be smooth and glossy.
7. Pipe or spoon 1.5-inch mounds onto prepared sheet.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and puffed. Do not open the oven during baking. Let cool.

Make the Pumpkin Spice Pastry Cream:

1. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
3. Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture while whisking to temper.
4. Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick.
5. Remove from heat and whisk in pumpkin, spice, vanilla, and butter.
6. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill until cold.

Assemble the Cream Puffs:

1. Slice each puff in half.
2. Pipe pumpkin spice pastry cream into each base and replace tops.
3. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if desired.

For other warm and comforting desserts, don’t miss Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Pumpkin Dump Cake.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for Cream Puffs

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry bag or zip-top bag (for piping)
• Cooling rack

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Any Cream Puff Recipe

Even easy cream puff recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid these common errors:

• Under-baking: Puffs collapse when removed from the oven too early. Let them bake fully until golden brown.
• Opening the oven door: Heat loss can deflate the pastries.
• Hot filling: Always cool your pastry cream before piping or your shells will become soggy.
• Skipping the drying step: Cooking the flour on the stove for that extra minute is critical for structure.

Serving Ideas for Fall Cream Puffs and Holiday Entertaining

These cream puffs make an excellent addition to a Thanksgiving dessert table, but they’re also lovely for:

• Brunch with a seasonal twist (pair with Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls)
• Holiday cookie exchanges as a unique treat
• Afternoon tea or coffee with Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer

Serve on a wooden board or cake stand for rustic autumn charm. Add cinnamon sticks, mini pumpkins, and dried orange slices for decoration.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Cream Puffs

• Refrigerator: Store filled cream puffs in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unfilled shells for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes.
• Re-crisping: If your puffs get soft, a short trip in the oven will revive the texture.

Variations: Puff Recipe Twists for Any Season

Want to switch it up? Try these variations:

• Maple Cream Filling: Replace pumpkin with maple pastry cream.
• Savory Cream Puffs: Skip the sugar and fill with whipped goat cheese or herbed ricotta.
• Mini Pumpkin Knots: Use similar dough and shape into knots for a rustic look.

For more savory bakes, you might like this Cheesy Zucchini Bread or Garlic Parmesan Focaccia.

Pumpkin Cream Puffs for Thanksgiving or Fall Gatherings

If you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu, these cream puffs are a unique addition. They offer a lighter take on the usual pie lineup while still bringing all the cozy flavor of pumpkin spice. Arrange them in a pyramid on a festive platter and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar.

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FAQs: Troubleshooting and Tips for Cream Puffs Easy at Home

Can I make cream puffs ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the pastry shells and the pumpkin filling the day before. Assemble right before serving for best texture.

Why didn’t my cream puffs rise?
Most likely, the dough was too wet or the oven temperature wasn’t high enough. Make sure your choux dough is properly cooked and follow baking temps exactly.

Can I use store-bought pastry cream?
You can, but homemade pumpkin spice pastry cream offers unbeatable flavor and freshness.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action: Bake, Share, and Celebrate with Pumpkin Cream Puffs

These Pumpkin Cream Puffs are the ultimate combination of elegance and comfort. With crisp shells and spiced pumpkin filling, they bring a seasonal twist to a timeless dessert. Whether you’re baking for a big gathering or simply indulging in fall flavors at home, this recipe delivers every time.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and subscribe to the blog for more delicious seasonal bakes. For more pumpkin goodness, be sure to try Pumpkin Whipped Cottage Cheese and Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies.

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