Winter Pumpkin Spiced Dessert

Golden, roasted winter pumpkin treat with warm spices, perfectly caramelized and ready to be served. Save
Golden, roasted winter pumpkin treat with warm spices, perfectly caramelized and ready to be served. | showmevegan.com

This warm pumpkin dish combines tender roasted cubes with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Roasted until caramelized, it’s enhanced with melted butter and optional pecans for added texture. Perfectly suited for cold nights, it offers a comforting blend of spice and sweetness, topped optionally with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt. Easy to prepare and versatile, this treat can be adapted for vegan preferences and paired with breakfast staples or spiced beverages.

I still remember the first chilly evening I made this cozy, spiced pumpkin dessert. The warm aroma of cinnamon and maple filling my kitchen instantly made me feel at home, and it quickly became a staple for those cold nights.

One time, unexpected guests arrived just as the pumpkin was roasting. The inviting smell brought everyone to the kitchen, and the dessert was on the table before I knew it, earning rave reviews from everyone.

Ingredients

  • Pumpkin: I always reach for a small sugar pumpkin because it has the perfect sweetness and texture when roasted
  • Spices & Sweeteners: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully
  • Topping: Chopped pecans bring a delightful crunch if you want that extra texture
  • Garnish: Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt adds a cool creaminess that pairs well with the warm pumpkin

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things tidy.
Mix the Flavors:
Toss pumpkin cubes with maple syrup and your warming spices until every piece is lovingly coated. The smell here starts to tease your senses.
Arrange and Butter:
Spread the pumpkin on the baking sheet in a single layer and drizzle melted butter over the top, so it roasts up golden and fragrant.
Roast to Perfection:
Let the pumpkin roast for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway to get even caramelization and that tender bite everyone loves.
Add Some Crunch:
In the last 10 minutes, sprinkle chopped pecans if using, letting them toast to perfection right alongside the pumpkin.
Serve Warm:
Bring this dish to the table with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt and watch smiles light up the room.
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This pumpkin treat soon became more than just dessert; it was a cozy ritual for chilly nights, a simple joy that turned evenings into celebrations full of warmth and comfort.

Keeping It Fresh

After a few hours out, this dish is still delicious if gently rewarmed. To keep things fresh, store in an airtight container in the fridge and add a little fresh maple syrup or yogurt when serving.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

One of my favorite ways to serve this pumpkin treat is over oatmeal or pancakes, turning breakfast into an unexpected fall delight that starts the day on a cozy note.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

When a last-minute dinner invite came, this dessert was ready to shine. With minimal fuss and maximum comfort, it felt like I had a secret weapon in the kitchen.

  • Don&t forget to adjust spices to your taste – a pinch of allspice can elevate the warmth
  • Maple syrup substitution works well with honey for a different touch
  • Leftovers make a great topping for yogurt or ice cream the next day
A close-up of a delicious winter pumpkin treat, showcasing the tender pumpkin and spiced glaze. Save
A close-up of a delicious winter pumpkin treat, showcasing the tender pumpkin and spiced glaze. | showmevegan.com

Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me over this warm pumpkin treat. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.

Recipe Questions & Answers

A small sugar pumpkin works best due to its tender flesh and sweet flavor once roasted.

Yes, you can add allspice or cardamom to enhance the warming spice profile.

Use a plant-based butter alternative and substitute whipped cream with dairy-free options like coconut yogurt.

Pecans add a crunchy texture but can be omitted for nut-free preferences without compromising flavor.

Try serving it with oatmeal, pancakes, spiced chai, or a sweet dessert wine to complement the flavors.

Winter Pumpkin Spiced Dessert

Tender roasted pumpkin infused with warming spices and a touch of maple syrup.

Prep 15m
Cook 40m
Total 55m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Pumpkin

  • 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 4.4 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes

Spices & Sweeteners

  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Topping

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Garnish

  • Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Combine Pumpkin and Spices: In a large bowl, coat the pumpkin cubes evenly by tossing with maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3
Arrange Pumpkin: Spread the coated pumpkin cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4
Add Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the pumpkin pieces.
5
Roast Pumpkin: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until pumpkin is tender and caramelized at the edges.
6
Add Pecans: During the last 10 minutes of roasting, sprinkle chopped pecans over the pumpkin if using, then return to the oven.
7
Serve: Serve warm and garnish with whipped cream or vanilla yogurt if desired.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring spoons

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 190
Protein 2g
Carbs 32g
Fat 8g

Allergy Information

  • Contains tree nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter, whipped cream or yogurt). For nut-free or dairy-free options, omit nuts and use appropriate substitutes.
Rachel Monroe

Passionate home cook sharing easy vegan meals and everyday cooking tips.