One of the absolute BEST things about autumn is pumpkin. Bring on the candles, carving, and pies! These incredibly delicious canned pumpkin recipes will soon become your fall favorites. So, let's pumpkin spice things up in here!
So you're done making pumpkin pies, but your pantry is still overflowing with pumpkin puree. Fear not! We'll show you how to use up all that leftover goodness.
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From savory dishes to delicious desserts, we've gathered more than a dozen of our favorite canned pumpkin recipes. Have thirsty family members? We've even got a super-easy pumpkin milkshake they're sure to love, too!
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVER CANNED PUMPKIN
If you've ever whipped up a pumpkin recipe only to find yourself with leftover puree, then you may have wondered how to best store leftover canned pumpkin. Well, wonder no more! We're here to tell you that you can and absolutely should save those leftovers.
- How to Store in the Fridge – Scoop your leftover pumpkin into a glass container and seal with a lid or plastic wrap. The tighter the fit, the better. Use within one week.
- How to Freeze – Toss the puree in a freezer bag! Running out of space? Lay the bags flat on a cookie sheet to freeze. The puree will last around six months in the freezer.
- How to Thaw – Ready to use your frozen pumpkin? Pop it in the fridge for 24 hours. Short on time? Place your bag in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes.
Ready to start cooking? We're just going to warn you. Once you check out these canned pumpkin recipes, you're gonna want to make them all. They're just that good. OMG! (Oh my gourd!) Ok, we're done with pumpkin puns. Promise.
CANNED PUMPKIN BREAKFAST RECIPES
Start your day with a little pumpkin for an extra dose of protein! No one will want to skip breakfast with these pumpkin-filled goodies on the table.
- Smoothie – We love a good smoothie! Especially in the morning. Toss a spoon full of pumpkin in your next breakfast smoothie. Bonus points if you add it to your frozen smoothie packs to make breakfast a breeze in the mornings!
- Donuts – You don't have to make a Dunkin' run to enjoy donuts at home! They're super fun to make, and this pumpkin donut recipe from Live Well Bake Often has us drooling. Maple frosting?! Yes, please.
- Pancakes – Pinterest is full of pumpkin pancake recipes! You can even toss in some chocolate chips if you'd like! Out of syrup? Try one of these clever maple syrup substitutes.
- French Toast – Make a couple of batches of this easy pumpkin french toast. One for now, and one to freeze for later! Serve with whipped cream to make it even tastier.
- Oatmeal – No one likes plain, boring oatmeal! Mix in two spoonfuls of canned pumpkin, some cinnamon, and sprinkle with crushed pecans if desired. It tastes like your favorite Thanksgiving dessert, but it's so much healthier!
- Easy Pumpkin Muffins – We have a simple chocolate chip pumpkin muffin recipe that you don't want to miss out on! These freeze well, too.
If you're looking for other quick, easy breakfast ideas, we've got them! Try these yummy freezer burritos.
SAVORY PUMPKIN RECIPES
Who says you can't make pumpkin the main dish? Definitely not us! Pumpkin is the star in these savory supper recipes. Bet you can't try just one!
- Pumpkin Curry Soup – We sure do love a good soup around here! Curry and pumpkin go together like peanut butter and jelly. Don't believe us? Take our curried sweet potato soup recipe, swap the sweet potatoes for pumpkin, and prepare to be amazed!
- Ravioli – Pasta filled with pumpkin is our idea of a good meal! We think you'll agree once you try this pumpkin ravioli recipe from Julia's Album.
- Pumpkin Quesadillas – We are kind of obsessed with this fall twist on a Mexican favorite! Spread a little pumpkin puree on a tortilla, add your other favorite quesadilla ingredients, and prepare for a tastebud explosion.
- Dinner Rolls – No meal is complete without a little freshly baked bread! You will love these soft and yummy pumpkin dinner rolls from Tastes of Lizzy T! Serve with whipped honey butter and enjoy!
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip – Pumpkin + cream cheese + brown sugar + bacon = YUM!
- Pumpkin Apple Grilled Cheese -You guys! We're swooning over this one. You've GOT to try this delicious pumpkin grilled cheese sandwich recipe from Vegetarian Gastronomy.
Pro Tip: Pack up some of these leftovers for lunch! We've got all the info you need to keep your warm food from getting soggy.
PUMPKIN DESSERTS
Why not round out your pumpkin-filled meal with a sweet treat? Here are five killer recipes to try:
- Pumpkin Fluff Dip – Mix together a 5-oz package of instant vanilla pudding, a can of pumpkin puree, and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Gently fold in thawed Cool Whip and chill in the fridge until nice and cold. Serve with cinnamon graham crackers, and enjoy!
- Oatmeal Cookies – What could be better than a chewy, gooey oatmeal cookie?! A pumpkin oatmeal cookie! We love Live Well Bake Often's recipe!
- Pumpkin Pie Cobbler – You guys know how much we love a good cobbler! Apple, peach, blueberry. It's all so yummy. And so is this pumpkin pie cobbler from Lauren's Latest.
- Pumpkin Fudge – We've never met a fudge we don't like, but this might be our new favorite. Take our peanut butter fudge recipe and make a few small changes! Use 2 cups sugar and ⅔ cup brown sugar, ½ cup pumpkin in place of the peanut butter, and add in a teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, 10 ounces of cinnamon baking chips, and a cup of chopped pecans. Stir in the cinnamon chips and pecans with the marshmallow cream once it comes off the heat.
Pro Tip: Fudge will last for about two weeks if you store it an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place! There's no need to refrigerate, though you certainly can if you prefer to eat your fudge cold.
OTHER USES FOR CANNED PUMPKIN
Looking for a few more ways to use your canned pumpkin puree? Pumpkin makes the perfect recipe substitute! Here are a few swaps to try:
- Oil – Pumpkin makes a great healthy alternative to oil when baking! Just use a one to one ratio when subbing it in.
- Eggs – For each egg in a recipe, replace with 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree.
- Butter – When using pumpkin in place of butter, reduce the amount the recipe calls for by a quarter.
- Dog Food – Running low on food for fido? Mix in some pumpkin! It's great for their digestive systems.
So smart, right?!
AN EASY PUMPKIN PIE MILKSHAKE RECIPE
Do you know what's even better than pumpkin pie? Pumpkin pie + ice cream. And you know what's even better than that? A pumpkin pie milkshake!!
You. Guys. You need to try this super simple, creamy, and dreamy pumpkin pie milkshake recipe. Your whole family will thank us. New Thanksgiving tradition, anyone?
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon or nutmeg)
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender, then pulse until combined thoroughly.
- Divide shakes equally among four glasses, top with whipped cream if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Want to make this milkshake extra special? Try our homemade ice cream recipe! You won't regret it.
And there you have it! So many clever ways to use canned pumpkin. The only question is, which one of these recipes will you make first?!
Looking for more fall food to try?
- This shepherd's pie recipe is perfect for a family dinner!
- You won't believe how easy it is to whip up these slow cooker meals.
- The whole family will love this hearty tamale casserole!
Gourdbye for now!
I use pumpkin instead of tomato paste to thicken my spaghetti sauce and always chilli. Less sodium. More vitamins.