58 Canned Pumpkin Recipes That Are Easy to Make

By Amy Zavatto
Updated November 06, 2017
Once Upon a Cutting Board
When it comes to holiday shortcuts, canned pumpkin is not only super convenient, it’s also a quality product that offers big bang for the buck. With little more than the twist of a can opener, this gluten-free puree delivers a healthy dose of vitamin A (300 percent of the recommended daily dosage in just a half cup!) and 5 grams of dietary fiber, while clocking in at only 40 calories and half of a gram of fat. It might make you wonder why you don’t incorporate canned pumpkin into dishes all year long. With more than 50 recipes ranging from savory to sweet (and even sippable!), we can just about guarantee you’ll be serving up canned pumpkin well beyond Thanksgiving.
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Pumpkin Muffins

Grace Elkus

A great recipe to turn to when you’ve got leftover canned pumpkin, these pumpkin puree muffins make a great grab-and-go breakfast or tea time snack. Spread a rich cream cheese frosting on top for a sweet after-dinner treat.

Recipe and photo from Real Simple. Get the recipe here.

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Maple Pumpkin Pie

David Prince

Maple syrup brings an earthy, rich sweetness to a traditional pumpkin pie. The velvety texture—from a full can of pumpkin puree—works in tandem with the custardy accent of heavy cream and eggs.

Recipe and photo from Real Simple. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Cookies

Grace Elkus

The cute pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies can be turned into pilgrim hats or turkeys with a simple switch-up of cookie cutters for a festive plate of Thanksgiving pumpkin goodness—or use your favorite geometric shapes to make tasty pumpkin cookies any time of the year.

Recipe and photo from Real Simple. Get the recipe here.

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Creamy Pumpkin Casserole

Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

This flavor-packed casserole is beautiful, but that’s not all. Made with canned pumpkin, spaghetti squash, and cubed pumpkin, it’s a pumpkin-lover’s paradise!

Recipe and photo from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen. Get the recipe here.

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Spicy Pumpkin Leek Soup

Once Upon a Chef

This winning combo of pumpkin and leeks makes for a comforting weeknight meal that’s also worthy of serving at your next dinner party.

Recipe and photo from Once Upon a Chef. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Wine and Glue

The combination of pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and butter in these tender, cinnamon-kissed cookies makes for a plate of serious yum.

Recipe and photos from Wine & Glue. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Popsicles

Salt & Levender

Who says pumpkin puree is just for autumn? These irresistible pumpkin popsicles include a healthy dose of crunchy granola and a kiss of honey—perfect for summer mornings—or any time, really.

Recipe and photos from Salt & Lavender. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Cream Sandwiches

Beatriz da Costa

These dreamy cookie sandwiches can be whipped up a day or two ahead for easy party prep.

Recipe and photo from Real Simple. Get the recipe here.

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Crispy Pumpkin Ravioli

The Stiers Aesthetic

If you’re looking to up the ante with a gorgeous dinner for your loved one, the in-laws, or a few friends, these pretty homemade ravioli, filled with spiced pumpkin puree and topped with brown butter and sage, do the trick.

Recipe and photo from The Stiers Aesthetic. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Tomato Basil Meatballs

Wholesome Delicious

One of the great things to discover about pumpkin puree is the wide range of possibilities that are on offer when you think outside the can. Case in point: these sumptuous pumpkin tomato basil meatballs.

Recipe and photo from Wholesome Delicious. Get the recipe here.

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Brown Butter Pumpkin Grits

Peas and Crayons

You’ll find yourself looking to leave a little extra pumpkin puree in the can just so you can make these cheesy, warming grits (topped with a fried egg, please!).

Recipe and photo from Peas and Crayons. Get the recipe here.

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Savory Pumpkin Pancakes

Ruchis Kitchen

The kids (and, likely, anyone else in your household) will beg for a stack of these fluffy pumpkin flapjacks. Melt a pat of butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon, then drizzle with maple syrup and let the accolades roll in.

Recipe and photo from Ruchis Kitchen. Get the recipe here.

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Crockpot Chipotle Pulled Pork and Pumpkin Chili with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Half-Baked Harvest

We love the range of flavors in this fun take on classic pulled pork, including canned pumpkin, chipotle pepper, smoky paprika, and pumpkin beer. What’s more, it’s a great one-pot and make-ahead meal.

Recipe and photo from Half-Baked Harvest. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Cookies With Chocolate

Philip Friedman; Styling: Colleen Riley

Rich with molasses, walnuts, and pumpkin puree, these chocolaty cookies are a Real Simple favorite!

Recipe and photo from Real Simple. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Martini

Joseph De Leo

This riff on a Brandy Alexander is a decadent after-dinner sipper. It’s also amazing with aged rum, spiced rum, or brandy.

Recipe and photo from Real Simple. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Tortilla Soup

Love and Lemons

Fresh or canned pumpkin puree can be used to make this flavorful gluten-free soup. Stick to the vegetarian version, or add shredded leftover chicken or turkey for a heartier take.

Recipe and photo from Love and Lemons. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

A Cozy Kitchen

When two classic desserts meet to make one tasty treat, you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone who'll turn this sipper down—no matter what time of year it is.

Recipe and photo from A Cozy Kitchen. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Pecan Crisps

Max Kelly

These delicious pecan and oat-topped custards, made with canned pumpkin, are even better with a dollop of yogurt or crème fraiche on top.

Recipe and photo from Real Simple. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Spice Waffles

Cookie and Kate

Oat flour makes this iconic breakfast dish more substantive than typical white flour (and gluten-free, too), and a touch of leftover pumpkin puree is enough to add a lot of extra flavor. Make an extra batch and freeze for an easy option on weekday mornings!

Recipe and photo from Cookie and Kate. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Biscotti

Dessert for Two

Dipped in your favorite hot cup of tea or French press coffee, these crunchy, nutty biscotti accented with pumpkin puree will disappear from the cookie jar faster than you can make them.

Photo and recipe from Dessert for Two. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Pavlova with Roasted Apples

Max Kelly

Most of us who love pavlova think of it as a berry-packed summer treat, but we switched this one up using leftover pumpkin puree and sweet-tart Honeycrisp apples to give it an apropos fall twist.

Recipe and photo from Real Simple. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Spice Latte

Greatist

If modern-day coffee culture has given us anything, it’s a think-outside-the-mug attitude toward the average cup of joe. A blender or food processor makes this pumpkin-accented coffee super frothy.

Recipe and photo from Greatist. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Grilled Cheese

Philip Friedman; Styling: Colleen Riley

Got just a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree left in a can? Save them for this fun and nutritious take on a classic sandwich favorite.

Recipe and photo from Real Simple. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin BBQ Sauce

Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

You’ll want to bust out this pumpkin puree barbecue sauce every time you fire up the grill—or anytime you want an interesting kick on burgers or oven-baked ribs.

Recipe and photo from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Knead to Cook

Impressive but easy, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls are chewy, spicy, and full of pumpkin goodness. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice for the glaze, try nutmeg, cinnamon, or allspice—or make your own pumpkin spice.

Recipe and photo from Knead to Cook. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Garlic Knots

Handle the Heat

Serve these as a fun counterpoint to the pumpkin ravioli recipe above, or whip them up on pizza night for an addictive pizza-parlor classic.

Recipe and photo from Handle the Heat. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Coconut Smoothie

Emily Kinni

We love the spike of ginger in this healthy smoothie—and how leftover pumpkin puree makes the texture extra creamy.

Recipe and photo from Real Simple. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Sauce Lasagna

Frugal Nutrition

This pasta favorite gets a healthy dose of veggies in the form of spinach and pumpkin puree. The ground meat can be left out if you want to go vegetarian, or swapped for spicy Italian sausage, if you like a touch of heat.

Recipe and photo from Frugal Nutrition. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Cream Puffs

Max Kelly

What to do with canned pumpkin? These creamy orbs of pumpkin sweetness are a brown-sugar bolstered dream.

Recipe and photo from Real Simple. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Pie Fudge

Bake. Frost. Repeat.

This gingery pumpkin fudge is a great recipe to bring to your next potluck dinner party. It uses up any extra pumpkin puree you have left in the fridge and ensures you’ll get an invite back.

Recipe and photo from Bake. Frost. Repeat. Get the recipe here.

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Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Self Proclaimed Foodie

The secret to these deliciously creamy whoopie pies? An unexpected duo of applesauce and leftover pumpkin puree!

Recipe and photo from Self Proclaimed Foodie. Get the recipe here.

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