Don't let leftover pumpkin puree go to waste! We'll show you how to use up that extra pumpkin at the bottom of the can.
You know the feeling: You stir up an amazing pumpkin dessert (it’s delicious, of course) only to be left with a few tablespoons of pumpkin at the bottom of the can. Since pumpkin is one of the fall’s best ingredients, you really don’t want to throw it away, but what can you do with leftover pumpkin puree?
It turns out that this bit of leftover pumpkin isn’t to be wasted. In fact, you can find lots of creative ways to use it.
How to Store Leftover Pumpkin
Keep leftover pumpkin puree and canned pumpkin in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep there for a week.
If you don’t think you can use up your pumpkin within that time, you can freeze it for up to a year. Seal it up in a zip-top freezer bag (be sure to label it) and toss it into the freezer. If you want to pre-portion your pumpkin, freeze it in an ice cube tray or muffin tin. Once set, remove the frozen pumpkin cubes or pucks and freeze in a bag. Defrost portions as you need them.
How to Use Leftover Pumpkin Puree
For Breakfast
Taste of Home
A few spoonfuls of pureed pumpkin can produce a cozy breakfast—just what you want on a chilly morning. Here’s how to use extra canned pumpkin at the breakfast table:
Oatmeal: Stir extra pumpkin into your morning oatmeal with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar. If you’re looking to make a bigger batch, try this pumpkin oatmeal recipe.
Pancakes: You can add canned pumpkin to your favorite pancake recipe (or try this top-rated pumpkin pancake recipe). With a dash of pumpkin spice and maple syrup, it’ll really feel like fall.
Parfaits: Layer up yogurt, crunchy granola and your leftover pumpkin puree for a simple breakfast.
Spread: Stir together whatever pumpkin leftovers you have with cream cheese to top your morning bagel.
To Sip
Taste of Home
Pumpkin spice latte lovers, we’re looking at you! Use the real deal in some easy drinks.
Lattes: Yep, you can make a pumpkin latte right at home. Use your leftover pumpkin along with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg for a warmup.
Milkshakes: Blend together vanilla ice cream, milk, pumpkin and your favorite spices for a decadent fall milkshake.
Smoothies: Pumpkin has a lot of amazing health benefits (it’s a great source of vitamins A and C). Add a few tablespoons to your next smoothie.
Hot cocoa: A dollop of canned pumpkin plus a dash of pumpkin pie spice is one of our favorite hot chocolate add-ins.
For Dessert
Taste of Home
Not every dessert calls for a whole 15-ounce can of pumpkin. So many treats require just a smidge of this ingredient to get the flavor you love.
Pumpkin bars: Believe it or not, this favorite seasonal bake requires less than a cup of canned pumpkin. Use your leftovers to make a batch of pumpkin bars.
Yep, you can give your pooch a sample of pumpkin (so long as it’s 100% pumpkin). A few tablespoons can help combat digestive issues in dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. Pumpkin is also a major ingredient in these homemade dog biscuits.
See, the season’s coziest ingredient doesn’t have to go to waste. Now, head to the kitchen and pop open a can or two of pumpkin!
Try More Delicious Ways to Use Up a Can of Pumpkin
Truthfully, I want those cozy flavors of Thanksgiving throughout the year. This ice cream has just the right balance of spices, and no matter when you make it, you'll find yourself surrounded in the warmth and love that pumpkin pie has to offer. —Angie Stewart, Memphis, Tennessee
The recipe for these pleasantly spiced pumpkin cookies won a champion ribbon at our local county fair. These are a family favorite, and everyone enjoys the soft cakelike texture. —Robin Nagel, Whitehall, Montana
This pumpkin roll recipe is great to keep in the freezer for a quick dessert for my family or unexpected guests, to take to a gathering, or to give as a yummy gift. —Erica Berchtold, Freeport, Illinois
Make this drink your own! You can add coffee or even alcohol if you want an extra kick. I’ve also chilled this mixture and blended it with vanilla ice cream to make
it a pumpkin shake. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas
A delicious crumb filling becomes the center of attention inside these yummy confections that taste like pumpkin bread. —Donna Gish, Blue Springs, Missouri
I look forward to the taste of pumpkin every Thanksgiving. This easy pumpkin fudge recipe lets me do that and everyone loves it.—Marlene Fudge, Rushville, Indiana
These miniature trifles are so fun for fall holiday parties! The assembly takes a little longer than making one big trifle, but it's worth it to see everyone's reaction to getting their own! —Rhiannon Brownell, Newport News, Virginia
This pumpkin and chocolate cookie has a special feel that makes it perfect for a holiday dessert table. If you don’t have a pastry tip, use a freezer bag to pipe the buttercream into the cookie cup. It works well for me. —Laura Milanowski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
This creamy pie is perfect for any autumn celebration. A store-bought graham cracker crust makes it such a cinch to whip up. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
My son loved this festive milkshake growing up—it's nicely spiced and tastes like pumpkin pie. I like cutting off both ends of a licorice twist and serving it as a straw.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Perk up an autumn morning with one of these hearty muffins. You'll really enjoy the pumpkin-spice flavor and crumbly nut topping&mash;and so will everyone else! —Mrs. Janice Christofferson, Eagle River, Wisconsin
My family enjoys anything with pumpkin so I knew this recipe would be well-received. Butter pecan ice cream is a perfect partner for the spiced pumpkin sauce.—Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana
In a world of pumpkin spice flavor, these fluffy cookies are my top choice. The infusion of fresh sage gives them a surprising savory note. You can use mashed sweet potatoes or yams instead of the pumpkin if you prefer. —Jill LeMasters, Ravenna, Ohio
Once your friends and family taste it, you're sure to receive frequent requests for this creamy delight throughout the holiday season. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
"No one will guess they're eating lighter when you serve moist slices of this pretty pumpkin bread with a ribbon of cream cheese inside," assures Beth Ask, Ulster, Pennsylvania.
In Omaha, Nebraska, Kathy Peters combines canned pumpkin with two kinds of chocolate in this fully autumn delight that's perfect for special occasions.
I'm one of the cooking project leaders for my daughter's 4-H club, where these soft, delicious cookies were a great hit with the kids. —Marietta Slater, Augusta, Kansas
Even though this dessert is quick to fix, it has a creamy pumpkin taste and golden harvest look...just like traditional pumpkin pie. It's a great dessert for both everyday dinners and special-occasion suppers.—Linda Clapp, Stow, Ohio
Sweet tooths will polish off these wonderful bars. They have a delicious orange frosting and can be decorated with candy pumpkins.—Barb Schlafer, Appleton, Wisconsin
I came across these loaves in a local newspaper about 10 years ago, and I still make this pumpkin banana bread recipe on a regular basis. It conveniently yields a number of mini loaves, making gift-giving easy. —Linda Wood, Roanoke, Virginia
These homemade goodies are simple enough for my children to help with. Sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, the yummy crescents are perfect with hot cocoa on a chilly morning.—Mindee Erickson, St. George, Utah
Grown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lisa is an editor at Taste of Home where she gets to embrace her passion for baking. She pours this love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa is also dedicated to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.