I do love a dessert that lets us take a shortcut without making a big announcement about it. Ready-made dough, a pumpkin filling and a little frosting? That sounds like a perfectly sensible way to get something sweet onto the table.
These pumpkin pie twists offer a fun alternative to serving a whole pie. They’re easy to pick up, lovely alongside a cup of coffee and just the sort of treat I’d put out for an autumn afternoon tea.
The featured recipe comes from Stefanie of Simple Acres, sharing on Lolly Jane. It combines ready-made crescent-style dough with pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice and sugar, finished with cream cheese frosting and crushed pecans.
Where to Find the Pumpkin Pie Twists Recipe
Visit Lolly Jane’s pumpkin pie twists with cream cheese frosting for the ingredient quantities, shaping instructions and baking method.
The basic idea is to sandwich the pumpkin filling between rectangles of dough, cut them into strips and twist before baking. The frosting adds a sweet finishing touch.
If you enjoy this kind of baking shortcut, our crescent roll recipe collection has more sweet and savoury ideas to explore.
Tips Before You Start
Check Your Pumpkin Label
Choose plain pumpkin purée when following this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling already contains additional ingredients, so it can change the sweetness and seasoning.
If you’re using homemade purée, pay attention to its consistency. Watery pumpkin is harder to contain between layers of dough.
Keep the Filling Manageable
It’s tempting to add extra filling, especially when you love pumpkin. But you still need to cut, lift and twist those strips.
Aim for an even layer rather than thick dollops. If filling squeezes out everywhere while you’re shaping them, use a lighter hand with the next batch.
Seal the Dough Seams
When working with perforated crescent dough, press the joins together before adding the filling. Otherwise, those little triangle seams can become the places where your strips pull apart.
A slightly wonky twist is perfectly charming. A twist that falls into three pieces is rather less convenient.
Check the Pastry Is Baked Through
Use the original recipe’s timing as your starting point and check the thicker sections of dough before removing the tray.
Different dough products can behave differently. If you substitute another pastry, you’ll need to reassess the baking instructions rather than assume the same timing will work.
Can You Use Puff Pastry Instead?
Puff pastry could inspire a separate version, but it won’t produce exactly the same result as crescent dough.
For your first attempt, use the dough specified in the featured recipe where available. If you experiment with puff pastry, follow its handling guidance and check carefully for doneness.
Serving Ideas for Fall Gatherings
Arrange the twists on a platter for afternoon tea, or serve them as a small dessert after a family meal. Let them cool enough that the frosting keeps some shape rather than immediately melting away.
For a gathering, label the pecans so guests can see that the topping contains nuts.
If you’re planning a larger dessert spread, our fall dessert bar ideas offer more treats you can cut into portions. Or explore this pumpkin pie-inspired dessert feature for another playful approach to the theme.
What I like about these pumpkin twists is that they look inviting without needing precise decorating. A few turns of dough, a little frosting and a serving plate do most of the work. Put the kettle on, bring out the napkins and let everyone help themselves.
