Pumpkin does not have to mean dessert. Some of the best pumpkin recipes on this list are the savory ones, like pumpkin chili, pumpkin mac and cheese, and a Halloween soup served with grilled cheese for dipping.
The sweet side is all here too. Forty recipes in total, grouped by type, starting with pumpkin cookies and ending with homemade pumpkin puree if you want to skip the can entirely.
Pumpkin Recipes
Scroll to whatever you are craving: cookies and bars, muffins and bread, cakes, pies and cheesecakes, breakfast bakes, savory dinners, and pumpkin basics. Click any recipe for the full ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and storage tips.
Pumpkin Cookies and Bars
Pumpkin Muffins and Bread
Pumpkin Cakes
Pumpkin Pies, Cheesecakes and Puddings
Pumpkin Breakfast Recipes
Savory Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin Basics
Pumpkin Recipes FAQ
What can I make with pumpkin puree?
You can use pumpkin puree in muffins, breads, cookies, cakes, pies, cinnamon rolls, brownies, soups, chili, sauces, and creamy desserts. It adds moisture to baked goods and a silky texture to savory recipes.
What can I make with a lot of fresh pumpkin?
Roast it, blend it into puree, then use that for muffins, bread, soup, curry, or pie. Small sugar or pie pumpkins have the best flavor and texture for baking. Large carving pumpkins are watery and stringy, so they work better in soup than in a cake.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin?
Yes. Canned pumpkin puree is the easiest choice for most pumpkin recipes because it is smooth, consistent, and ready to use. Homemade pumpkin puree also works, but it may need to be drained if it is watery.
Is pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No. Pumpkin puree is plain cooked pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced. For the best results, use plain pumpkin puree unless the recipe specifically asks for pie filling.
How much pumpkin puree is in a can?
A standard 15 ounce can holds about 1 3/4 cups of pumpkin puree. The larger 29 ounce can holds roughly 3 1/2 cups, which is useful if you are baking for a crowd.
What spices go well with pumpkin?
Pumpkin pairs beautifully with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and pumpkin pie spice. It also works well with maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, chocolate, cream cheese, pecans, and walnuts.
What are the easiest pumpkin recipes for dinner?
Pumpkin chili, pumpkin mac and cheese, and pumpkin marry me chicken are the simplest savory recipes in this collection. All three use canned pumpkin puree straight from the can, so there is no peeling or roasting involved.
How should I store leftover pumpkin puree?
Transfer leftover pumpkin puree to an airtight container and refrigerate it for a few days. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions so it is ready for quick pumpkin muffins, pancakes, soups, or smoothies.
Can pumpkin recipes be made ahead?
Many pumpkin desserts, muffins, breads, and bars can be made ahead, and several freeze well. For the freshest texture, check the storage notes in each individual recipe before you bake or freeze.
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