Pumpkin season is back, and you’ve probably already stocked up on those iconic orange cans. But beyond the traditional pies and muffins, that smooth, wholesome puree holds a world of surprising potential. Don’t let your leftover pumpkin languish in the back of the fridge. From savory dinners to skin care DIY recipes, the possibilities extend far beyond festive desserts. Get ready to put that pantry staple to work with these 25 delightful uses.
25 Pumpkin Puree Recipes for Fall
1. Vegan Pumpkin “Milkshake” With Coconut Whipped Cream
Have your pie and drink it, too! This pumpkin milkshake is brimming with all the flavors of fall, better-for-you ingredients and an added protein boost. It’s everything a pumpkin lover could dream of, with creamy pumpkin seed butter, nutrient-dense pumpkin pureé and the warm and comforting flavors of pumpkin spice.
2. Pumpkin Spice Protein Bites
Whether you enjoy them pre-gym, post-workout, for breakfast or as a mid-day pick-me-up, these pleasantly pumpkin-y protein bites are the perfect homemade grab-and-go snack. They’re simple, flavorful and satisfying to roll up in just 15 minutes.
3. No-Bake Chocolate-Dipped Pumpkin Cookies (Vegan)
This recipe deserves your favorite mixing bowl as it really may make the ultimate healthy fall treats. Stir together wholesome ingredients including pumpkin puree, tiger nut flour and maple syrup, form into cookies and coat with melted chocolate. After a quick trip to the fridge, the chocolate forms a delicate coating that gives way with a snap to plump and crumbly, perfectly spiced pumpkin.
4. Pumpkin Spice Mousse
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of fall with this pumpkin spice mousse! This light and airy dessert blends velvety pumpkin with warm spices, offering the perfect sweet treat for the season. Whether you’re serving it after a cozy dinner or whipping it up for a special occasion, this mousse delivers the essence of autumn in every spoonful.
5. Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte
Craving that cozy coffee shop feel without the crowds or questionable ingredients? We’ve got you, pumpkin spice lover. Turn your kitchen into a corner café with the perfect pumpkin spice latte recipe. With just a few organic “real food” ingredients and your trusty blender, you can whip up a frothy, flavorful drink that’s as kind to your body as it is to your taste buds.
6. Vegan & Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin season isn’t just a vibe, it’s practically a state of mind. These vegan and gluten-free pumpkin muffins from Bob’s Red Mill capture autumn in every tender bite: golden tops kissed with a sparkle of sugar, soft centers laced with cozy spices and that unmistakable pumpkin glow. Perfect for crisp mornings, weekend brunch spreads or whenever the leaves crunch just right underfoot.
7. Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal With Cream Cheese Icing
Welcome the fall season with this outstanding pumpkin baked oatmeal. Your family will love it as a warming breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea after a walk to look at the changing leaves. Lovingly put together with rolled oats, maple syrup, pumpkin, vanilla, walnuts and pumpkin spices, it offers wonderful autumn flavor in every bite.
8. Pumpkin Fudge With Collagen
This pumpkin fudge with collagen is the ultimate fall indulgence—smooth, spiced and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, it’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Pumpkin purée and cashew butter create a creamy, nutrient-rich base, enhanced with warming spices and a collagen boost for skin and joint support.
9. Soft-Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
When days get shorter, thoughts turn to cozy comforts. These cookies deliciously fit that bill. They bake up soft, pillowy and filled with the warm flavors of pumpkin, maple, cinnamon, apple and vanilla. What’s more comforting still is they’re gluten-free and supply good healthy fats and protein.
10. Pecan Pumpkin Pie Skillet Cookie
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this decadent pecan pumpkin pie skillet cookie. This warm and welcoming treat bursts with pumpkin pie spices, chewy pecans and gooey chocolate chips, and is topped with a rich pecan pie glaze. It’s custom made for sharing with friends and family on chilly autumn evenings.
11. Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Tart
In this leveled-up alternative to pumpkin pie, a rich layer of melted dark chocolate delights under a top layer of sweet, pillowy pumpkin. The incorporation of better-for-you, vegan ingredients adds to the specialness of this standout pumpkin tart – no refined sugar is used and the crumbly, slightly caramelized nutty crust is gluten-free.
12. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes With Coconut Frosting & Caramel Drizzle
One bite out of these fall-inspired cupcakes and you wouldn’t believe that they’re actually made with nourishing, wholesome ingredients. A combo of healthy flours, including tigernut (or almond if you choose!) and coconut, organic pumpkin puree, natural apple sauce and nutritious sweeteners (date paste, pure maple syrup – YUM!), these frosted treats are out of this world.
13. Pumpkin & Pecan Pancakes
How about a breakfast that tantalizes your taste buds and fuels you for a day of fall adventure? Mix up these better-for-you pancakes that incorporate pumpkin, pumpkin seed protein and pecans! They’re super easy to make and worlds better than mix, with pumpkin pie spices of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg stirred in.
14. Pumpkin Pie Hot Chocolate
Featuring oat milk infused with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves, this rich hot chocolate captures the best flavors of a slice of pumpkin pie, in the form of a warm autumn beverage. This pumpkin pie hot chocolate is easily made vegan by choosing a dairy-free dark chocolate. Garnish your mug with a cinnamon stick and a swirl of coconut whipped cream.
15. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Toaster Pastries
No tricks. Just treats. These plant-based pumpkin toaster pastries are perfect for sweet mornings and midday snack breaks. They’re made with minimally processed, better-for-you seasonal ingredients, including pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.
16. Pumpkin Pie Parfait
Layered with creamy Greek yogurt, rich pumpkin puree, crunchy granola and walnuts, and a hint of aromatic pumpkin pie spice, this festive fall parfait is a delicious seasonal treat that’s easy to prepare – and good for you, too!
17. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Milk
With the colorful falling leaves and the crisp, cool breeze, we all crave the cozy flavors of fall. This homemade pumpkin spice milk is a must-make to celebrate the season. Whether you enjoy it as is over ice, heat it up and mix it with espresso for a vegan pumpkin spice latte or spoon a bit over oatmeal, it’s a versatile, dairy-free delight.
18. Spiced Pumpkin Hummus
Dress your hummus up this Halloween season with a pumpkin-y twist! While this dip is undoubtedly delicious in its traditional form, there’s something about adding some fall flavor to make this snack a true crowd pleaser. Simply combine pure pumpkin puree, tahini, cinnamon and classic hummus spices for a creamy spread you’ll definitely want to share at your next fall gathering.
19. Easy Vegan Pumpkin Chili
Fall just isn’t fall without pumpkin-related recipes – and not just desserts! So go ahead and embrace everyone’s favorite autumn ingredient by making this vegan, fall-inspired chili. When it’s melded with creamy coconut milk, corn, diced tomatoes and a smattering of spices, you’ll find that eating actual pumpkin is an exceptionally pleasant way to enjoy the season!
20. Dairy-Free Pumpkin Lasagna
Each layer of this pumpkin lasagna presents a delectable dance of textures and tastes, from the velvety cashew cream cheese to the robust lasagna noodles, finishing with a lavish pumpkin cheese sauce full of veggies. Free from gluten and dairy, this culinary creation celebrates fall flavors, transforming simple ingredients into a symphony of taste and nourishment that will leave you craving seconds.
21. Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce Over Penne Pasta
Upgrade pasta night with a seasonal flair – no intensive kitchen labor required. This pumpkin alfredo sauce is the right amount of sweet, creamy and savory and is made with a few convenient pantry ingredients. Shop your favorite alfredo crème sauce, add pureed pumpkin, fresh thyme and toasted garlic for a scrumptious sauce that’s hard to resist.
22. Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup
Delight every one of your guests this season with a few healthy tweaks to a classic pumpkin soup recipe. Create a plant-based version that’s as rich and velvety as the one Grandma lovingly made, but more inclusive of everyone’s dietary choices. This feel-good soup recipe replaces heavy cream with coconut milk and adds garlic, ginger, thyme and the sweet surprise of maple syrup.
23. Savory Pumpkin Flatbread Pizza
Combine fresh or canned pumpkin puree with flavorful garlic and chunky ricotta cheese to create the most phenomenal, autumn-inspired base for this simple flatbread recipe. Top with mozzarella and nutritious veggies, then bake for 20 minutes – and voila! Your nutritious, seasonal lunch or dinner is served.
24. Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes
What’s on your fall menu? Pumpkin is no doubt a key ingredient this time of the year, appearing in everything from pies and muffins to smoothies and coffee. Balance out all the sweet treats with a savory option, like these pumpkin mashed potatoes. A lighter version of the classic, this side dish offers boost of nutrients and adds beautiful color to your meal.
25. Pumpkin Spice Facial Scrub
Pumpkin-flavored confections may be available once a year at your favorite foodie hub, but this much sought-after squash provides long-lasting benefits that will stick around once the season has ended. This antioxidant-rich fruit (yes, pumpkin is a fruit) contains vitamin A and vitamin C to help soften your skin and boost collagen production. So while the changing temps outside may play havoc with your skin, here’s an excuse to stay inside, throw on a cozy sweater and pamper yourself with warm fall spices and some me-time.
The post 25 Things You Can Make With a Can of Pumpkin first appeared on The Upside by Vitacost.com.