If you want to spice up your autumn cooking, look no further than this glorious collection of pumpkin recipes. It's packed with sweet treats in every shade of orange and surprising savory dishes that capture the flavors of fall.
Our Best Pumpkin Recipes
Updated on Oct. 23, 2024
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Pumpkin Cookies
Total Time: 40 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar
Level: Intermediate
Cinnamon, walnuts and pumpkin give these cookies big fall flavor. The tangy cream cheese frosting is a perfect complement.
“A classic cream cheese frosting tops pleasantly spiced pumpkin cookies. Everyone enjoys the soft, cake-like texture.” —Recipe contributor Lisa Chernetsky, Luzerne, Pennsylvania
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Pumpkin Cannoli Cake Roll
Total Time: 50 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, heavy cream, ricotta cheese, chocolate chips
Level: Intermediate
Cake meets pastry in this Nonna-approved Italian dessert recipe. It’s easy enough to make as an anyday dessert but elegant-looking enough to offer on a holiday buffet. You could jazz it up with some crushed pistachios.
“My family has been serving this dessert every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember. This last Christmas was no exception. Traditions are so heartwarming. The cake is not too sweet—the perfect ending to a special dinner.” —Recipe contributor Carolyn Rockwell, Milwaukie, Oregon
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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: All-purpose flour, pumpkin, semisweet chocolate chips
Level: Beginner
This pretty orange bread is studded with chocolate chips, giving it a Halloween-y vibe. If you don’t eat both loaves fresh from the oven, the leftovers would make a fun twist on baked French toast.
“A touch of cinnamon helps blend the flavors in this tender pumpkin chocolate chip bread. And since the recipe makes two loaves, you can send one to a bake sale and keep one at home for your family to enjoy.” —Lora Stanley, Bennington, Kansas
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Pumpkin Pie
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: All-purpose flour, pumpkin, evaporated milk
Level: Intermediate
Packed with useful info about pies in general and pumpkin pies in particular, this recipe is an excellent guide. The best part is the description of how to make decorative pie crusts, including vines, leaves and miniature pumpkins.
“Usually I prepare two different desserts for our holiday dinner, but one of them must be pumpkin pie —otherwise, it just wouldn’t seem like Thanksgiving. My version calls for more eggs than most, making this pie’s custard filling especially rich.” —Recipe contributor Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin
Level: Beginner
This fun pumpkin muffin recipe has a surprise cream cheese filling inside. If you like, swap out the pecan decorations for a crumbly streusel topping, or go ahead and do both. You can also swirl chocolate chips into the batter.
“I first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it’s my children’s favorite muffin recipe.” —Recipe contributor Wendy Stenman, Germantown, Wisconsin
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Pumpkin Soup
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Pumpkin, chicken broth, heavy whipping cream
Level: Beginner
This pumpkin soup is smooth and creamy, like a bisque. Chicken stock lends richness and makes the dish savory, and a hint of nutmeg is a stylish and surprising touch.
“While it looks elegant and is an appealing addition to a holiday meal, this creamy soup is so simple to make. My husband was skeptical at first, but after one bowl, he asked for second helpings!” —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Montgomery, Allston, Massachusetts
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Pumpkin Cheesecake
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Pumpkin, cream cheese, graham cracker crumbs
Level: Intermediate
Pumpkin cheesecake is always welcome at a holiday party or gathering, and our recipe gives you everything you need to be wildly successful as you bake. The easy sour cream topping is a nice touch.
“When I was young we produced several ingredients for this longtime favorite on the farm. We raised pumpkins in our large vegetable garden, and made our own butter and lots of sour cream using milk from our dairy herd.” —Recipe contributor Evonne Wurmnest, Normal, Illinois
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Pumpkin Ravioli
Total Time: 2 hours and 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin, sage, heavy cream, flour, eggs
Level: Intermediate
Making pasta from scratch is a culinary rite of passage, and this recipe for crowd-pleasing pumpkin ravioli will walk you through all the steps. If you eat meat, try topping the ravioli with some crisped-up prosciutto.
“This recipe may sound complicated, but it really isn’t if you follow these simple steps. The result will be pure pumpkin heaven. I like to sprinkle the ravioli with Parmesan as well. You can also add salt and pepper, as you like, to the rich sage sauce.” —Recipe contributor Christopher Presutti, Jacksonville, Florida
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Pumpkin Chili
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, hot chili beans, condensed tomato soup, canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice
Level: Beginner
This recipe has all of the beefy chili flavor you know and love, plus the richness of canned pumpkin. The flavors of the pumpkin pie spice will keep guests guessing, even as they scrape the bottom of the soup bowl. Serve with shredded cheddar and corn chips, and consider a sprinkling of green onion and cilantro, too.
“This unique chili freezes well…but it still doesn’t last around our farmhouse very long, especially when my five children and 13 grandchildren are around! They often are—we are a very close-knit family.” —Recipe contributor Betty Butler, Greencastle, Indiana
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Caramel Pumpkin Dip
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, canned pumpkin, caramel sauce
Level: Beginner
Sweet, slightly spiced and tangy, this smooth dip is an elegant take on classic apple dip. If you want, you could even make this spread with homemade salted caramel sauce.
“Served with vanilla wafers, graham cracker sticks or even apple slices, this cool, creamy dip from our home economists makes a special autumn snack.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Pumpkin Pancakes
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: All-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, canned pumpkin, vanilla yogurt
Level: Beginner
Whether you eat a short stack or a full stack, pumpkin pancakes with vanilla and spice will satisfy your breakfast cravings. Top ’em with maple syrup, or get fancy with a spoonful of apple-pear compote.
“My daughters love these tender, fluffy pancakes served with butter, syrup and whipped cream. We freeze the extras—for popping in the toaster.” —Recipe contributor Mindy Bauknecht, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Total Time: 1 hour + coolingMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, canned pumpkin, brown sugar, pecans
Level: Beginner
Quicker cooking than a whole cheesecake—and baked without a water bath—these sweet bars are nice for potlucks and parties. If you don’t like pecans, you can make the crust with walnuts instead. You can also turn the bars into individual cheesecakes by baking the cheesecake mixture in ramekins, creating adorable, personal-size desserts.
“This recipe was extremely popular at the annual Christmas party sponsored by our homemakers club. The bars are a terrific dessert for fall.” —Recipe contributor Agnes Jasa, Malabar, Florida
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Pumpkin Overnight Oats
Total Time: 5 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Oats, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin, Greek yogurt
Level: Beginner
With just five minutes of work in the evening, you can wake up to a rich and delicious breakfast made with protein-packed Greek yogurt, pumpkin and the warming combo of vanilla and brown sugar. Pumpkin pie spice makes it easy to nail the fall flavors.
“Have dessert for breakfast with these pumpkin pie-inspired overnight oats. Simple and easy to make, this recipe makes a hearty breakfast that harnesses all the delicious flavor of fall with warm notes of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and ginger.” —Recipe contributor Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
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Pumpkin Ice Cream Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes + freezingMain Ingredients: Heavy whipping cream, canned pumpkin, brown sugar
Level: Beginner
Made with pure ingredients and warming spices, homemade pumpkin ice cream is a treat you simply can’t miss. Use it to make milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches or an autumnal affogato.
“Folks who favor the flavor of pumpkin really need to try this spiced ice cream from our Test Kitchen. But be prepared to make more!” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Cinnamon raisin bread, cream cheese, canned pumpkin, pecans
Level: Beginner
This ingenious brunch dish is prepared in the evening, chilled overnight and baked in the morning. Combining a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread with spiced pumpkin custard is a delicious and creative move.
“Recipes that don’t tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests.” —Recipe contributor Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
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Pumpkin Lasagna
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Pumpkin, lasagna noodles, ricotta, mozzarella
Level: Intermediate
This delicious lasagna proves that pumpkin is just as much of a star in savory dishes as it is in desserts. Pasta dishes featuring winter squash are wildly popular in Italy, where seasonal eating is a way of life. So channel your inner Nonna and give this fall pasta dish a try.
“I especially like this comforting fall dish because it’s vegetarian. Even friends who aren’t big fans of pumpkin are surprised by this delectable lasagna. Canned pumpkin and no-cook noodles make it a cinch to prepare.” —Recipe contributor Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
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Pumpkin Espresso Martini
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice
Level: Beginner
If you worry that you’ll turn into a pumpkin before the last trick-or-treater has faded into the night, this is the Halloween drink for you. With a combination of real espresso, coffee liqueur (like homemade Kahlua), smooth pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, this martini is a caffeinated cocktail with gusto. And yes, it’s just as delicious on ordinary nights.
“If you love starting your days with a pumpkin-spiced latte, you’ll want to try this autumn-themed nightcap. Pumpkin flavors power through the subtle vodka flavors for a sweet and rich blend.” —Recipe contributor Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
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Pumpkin Muffins with Cake Mix
Total Time: 25 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, spice cake mix
Level: Beginner
These speedy pumpkin muffins contain just two ingredients, making them one of our favorite cake mix recipes. Customize the muffins with pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, chocolate chips or plump raisins to make them your own.
“Made with nothing more than a can of pumpkin and a box of spice cake mix, these simple pumpkin muffins are easy, fluffy and endlessly versatile. You can add raisins, chocolate, nuts and more.” —Recipe contributor Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
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Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino
Total Time: 15 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Whole milk, canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, coffee, vanilla ice cream
Level: Beginner
If concocting famous foods in the comfort of your own kitchen is a goal, start with this creamy fall favorite. Once you taste this homemade Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, you’ll never go back to Starbucks. (OK, that’s a lie…you’ll just go back less often).
“Enjoy your favorite seasonal frozen drink year-round with this copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino. Using canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla ice cream and brewed coffee, it’ll taste just like the real thing, and you won’t even have to wait in line!” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies
Total Time: 40 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Gluten-free flour, canned pumpkin, butter, cinnamon
Level: Intermediate
Made with gluten-free flour mix, these cookies are simple to make yet elegant enough to serve at a party. The vanilla and cinnamon scent that wafts through the house as they’re baking is almost as delicious as the cookies themselves.
“These yummy pumpkin cookies are light and fluffy, almost like cake cookies, and they are not overly sweet.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin, oats
Level: Beginner
These breezy pumpkin oat muffins feature a crunchy brown sugar topping. Some cooks love these with the addition of plumped-up dried cranberries or chopped nuts.
“It isn’t considered Thanksgiving or Christmas in my house until these are on the table! Enjoy the flavors of pumpkin pie in easy-to-eat muffin form.” —Recipe contributor Mrs. Carol Hale, Sarver, Pennsylvania
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Mini Pumpkin Pies
Mini pumpkin pies are heavenly bites of goodness bursting with the cozy, warm flavors of fall. If you are in search of a simple dessert, look no further than these adorable pumpkin pie tartlets.
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Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes + risingMain Ingredients: Active dry yeast, pumpkin, instant vanilla pudding mix, instant butterscotch pudding mix
Level: Intermediate
Flavored with vanilla and butterscotch pudding mixes, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls are as cozy as it gets. The orange dough gives them a distinctive look.
“I make sticky buns and cinnamon rolls quite often because my husband loves them. One day I had some fresh pumpkin on hand and decided to try pumpkin cinnamon buns. We loved the results!” —Recipe contributor Glenda Joseph, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Gluten-free flour, canned pumpkin, brown sugar
Level: Intermediate
No gluten? No problem! This snack cake recipe uses gluten-free baking mix and canned pumpkin, so it comes together easily. Make it your own with the addition of dried fruits, nuts or shredded coconut. Or add a quick vanilla glaze for the top.
“This is a Halloween party food recipe. I have many friends that are eating gluten-free, so I took my tried-and-true pumpkin bread recipe and made it using gluten free ingredients. It turned out delicious!” —Recipe contributor Cathy Orban, Chandler, Arizona
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Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Orange Dressing
Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin, salad greens, dried apricots, balsamic vinegar, goat cheese
Level: Intermediate
Healthy and full-flavored, this salad is ideal for an autumnal dinner party or a holiday feast. Jewel-toned dried apricots and cranberries pair with roasted squash and bright green arugula or spinach, creating a particularly beautiful presentation.
“Roasted pumpkin and dried fruits make a natural match for fall recipes. The dressing is a light and tasty mix of honey, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top it all off with crumbled goat cheese for that final tangy touch.” —Recipe contributor Sasha King, Westlake Village, California
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Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
Total Time: 55 minutes + cooling and freezingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, vanilla ice cream, homemade cookies, pumpkin pie spice
Level: Intermediate
Ice cream sandwich recipes are fantastic for any occasion. In this recipe, we make pumpkin-spice ice cream by combining canned squash with store-bought vanilla ice cream. It’s a clever, time-saving hack that results in an adorable and delicious treat.
“My grandfather loves these pumpkin-flavored treats. They remind him of a cookie his mother made. They’re fun to eat no matter what your age.” —Recipe contributor Amber Wahl, Acampo, California
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Bread Machine Pumpkin Monkey Bread
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes + rising and coolingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, active dry yeast, flour, brown sugar, cranberries
Level: Intermediate
This one’s for all you bread-machine owners. The best part of this sticky bread is the sauce, which combines pumpkin, cranberries, sugar and spices to make a gloriously gooey filling and topping.
“I love making this pumpkin bread straight from my bread machine. Leftovers reheat well on busy weekdays, and any extra sauce makes an excellent pancake or waffle syrup.” —Recipe contributor Emily Main, Tonopah, Arizona
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Roasted Pumpkin Nachos
Total Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin, black beans, salsa, tortilla chips, Mexican cheese blend
Level: Intermediate
Level up your nacho game by combining purchased salsa and shredded cheese with freshly roasted winter squash. For extra color, sprinkle on some cilantro or sliced green onions. A dollop of sour cream and a spritz of lime would be nice, too.
“Previously, I had made this dish with black beans and corn off the cob in the summer. Wanting to try it with fresh fall ingredients, I replaced the corn with roasted pumpkin—yum! It’s also good with butternut squash.” —Recipe contributor Lesle Harwood, Douglassville, Pennsylvania
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Pumpkin Milk Shakes
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Orange juice, vanilla ice cream, canned pumpkin, brown sugar
Level: Beginner
Pumpkin milkshakes capture the flavor of pumpkin pie without actually having to bake one. Add some rum or one of the best vodka brands to the blender to turn this milkshake into a decadent cocktail.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Pumpkin-Swirl Cheesecake
Total Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, sour cream, canned pumpkin, pecans
Level: Intermediate
It’s not unusual to see a cheesecake made with pumpkin, but this version swirls together plain and pumpkin-flavored batters for an elegant appearance. This lovely recipe takes some time to make, but the majority of it is baking time.
“I have to give my husband credit for this cheesecake. He found a recipe like it and asked if I could make it for him. I always make it for his birthday, and my four-year-old daughter loves to help.” —Recipe contributor Monika Walsh, Monterey, California
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Pumpkin Waffles
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: All-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, spices, buttermilk, pumpkin, maple syrup
Level: Beginner
Served with butter and real maple syrup, spiced pumpkin waffles are the very definition of cozy. We love adding toasted pecans, walnuts or cranberries to the buttermilk batter. Like the mix of sweet and savory? Whip up some crispy fried chicken to serve on top.
“My girlfriend loves pumpkin, so I often like to incorporate the ingredient in my recipes. In fall, I freeze pumpkin puree just to make these waffles.” —Recipe contributor Charles Insler, Silver Spring, Maryland
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Pumpkin Banana Muffins
Total Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Flour, brown sugar, canned pumpkin, banana
Level: Beginner
Need breakfast on the go? These hearty muffins are nicely spiced and enriched with buttermilk and whole wheat flour. If you’re looking for something a little more dessert-like, spread the muffins with cream cheese frosting.
“These pumpkin banana muffins are the perfect bite-sized snack for fall.” —Recipe contributor Desiree Rasch, Blue Springs, Missouri
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Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Total Time: 45 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Egg yolks, whipping cream, canned pumpkin, vanilla
Level: Beginner
Cracking the caramelized sugar atop a creme brulee is ever-so-satisfying, especially when you know the dessert is homemade. These custards are very rich, so they’re great for a special occasion.
“I’ve never met a creme brulee that I didn’t love! I’m not a big pumpkin fan, but this is fantastic.” —Recipe contributor Tamara Leonard Merritt, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Pumpkin Bagels
Total Time: 45 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, bread flour, spices, active dry yeast, cornmeal
Level: Intermediate
Move over, everything bagel seasoning: We’re making pumpkin spice bagels now! Great for spreading with cream cheese or peanut butter, these bagels are sweet, chewy and fun. Plumped-up raisins or dried cranberries would be a great mix-in.
“Enjoy pumpkin pie flavor with these classic bagels. For a change, adjust the spices to suit your taste buds.” —Recipe contributor Kristy Reeves, LeRoy, Kansas
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Pumpkin Biscuits
Total Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Flour, butter, brown sugar, canned pumpkin, buttermilk
Level: Beginner
These quick pumpkin biscuits are based on a classic biscuit but include some brown sugar and pumpkin puree for fall-flavored flair. Serve them with butter or leave out the sugar and use them to make eggy breakfast sandwiches with sausage or bacon.
“I got smart and started making double batches of these moist, fluffy biscuits to meet the demand. My dad loves their pumpkiny goodness and requests them for Christmas, Father’s Day and his birthday.” —Recipe contributor Liza Taylor, Seattle, Washington
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Pumpkin Fudge
Total Time: 60 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Brown sugar, canned pumpkin, cinnamon baking chips, marshmallow creme
Level: Beginner
Pumpkin fudge is perfect for a platter of holiday treats or as a sweet little stocking stuffer. Making the fudge with canned pumpkin and marshmallow creme creates a real crowd-pleaser.
“Every Thanksgiving I look forward to the taste of pumpkin. This fudge lets me do that and every one loves it.” —Recipe contributor Marlene Fudge, Rushville, Indiana
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Pumpkin Spice Latte
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Whole milk, canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, espresso
Level: Beginner
Combining foamed pumpkin milk with brewed espresso will earn you the coveted pumpkin spice latte without leaving the house. Make it fancy with whipped cream, or simply sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin pie spice on top.
“I can’t wait for fall to arrive so my favorite coffee shops will bring back pumpkin lattes. The rest of the year, I have to make my own version. With the right amount of spice, it tastes just like the popular version found at gourmet coffee shops.” —Recipe contributor Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
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Pumpkin Pie Cake
Total Time: 50 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Yellow cake mix, canned pumpkin, vanilla frosting, walnuts
Level: Intermediate
Using cake mix and store-bought vanilla frosting makes this cake easy and breezy. Check out our guide for how to decorate a cake if you want to add swirls to the frosting or pipe on some flowers.
“No one will guess this stunning dessert with yummy cinnamon frosting started with a mix. It’s a perfect treat year-round.” —Recipe contributor Linda Murray, Allenstown, New Hampshire
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Pumpkin Scones
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Flour, pumpkin pie spice, butter, eggs, canned pumpkin
Level: Beginner
Breakfast is best when it includes a scone, and these glazed pumpkin wedges fit the bill. They also taste fantastic alongside a mug of spiced chai as an afternoon snack. For a bit of a zing, gussy up the dough with bits of crystallized ginger.
“After trying a pumpkin scone at a coffeehouse, I was inspired to look for a recipe to try at home. The glaze nicely complements the pumpkin flavor.” —Recipe contributor Amy McCavour, Gresham, Oregon
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Pumpkin Curry Soup
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Mushrooms, vegetable broth, canned pumpkin, honey, curry powder
Level: Beginner
If you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons, this surprising and delicious soup is a great place to start. Thick with mushroom and onions, and seasoned with curry powder and nutmeg, it’s a robust way to enjoy pumpkin in the savory realm.
“I whipped up this satisfying soup last Thanksgiving for my family, and everyone was crazy about it! Even my brother, who is one of the pickiest eaters I know, asked for seconds.” —Recipe contributor Kimberly Knepper, Euless, Texas
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Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Cream cheese, canned pumpkin, crushed pineapple, sharp cheddar, dried beef
Level: Beginner
Other cheese ball recipes can step aside; the pumpkin cheese ball is here! This surprising appetizer mixes pineapple, dried beef and cheddar with canned pumpkin to make a richly flavorful party spread. Smear it on crackers, or serve it alongside a colorful veggie crudites platter.
“No one will guess this make-ahead spread contains pumpkin. The subtle ingredient lends harvest color and extra nutrition.” —Recipe contributor Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
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Magic Pumpkin Buckle
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, flour
Level: Beginner
The magic referred to in this recipe won’t turn a frog into a prince or an old dress into a ball gown—you’ll need a fairy godmother for that. What’s magic about this recipe is the way the filling and crust swap places as they cook, making this a fun experiment for kiddos. The fact that it tastes great is a bonus.
“Probably my family’s favorite pumpkin dessert, this is something I’ve been making since our two daughters—now 23 and 18—were small. The crust mixture, which is actually poured in first, rises to the top during baking to form a rich topping. So you don’t get a soggy bottom crust like you do with a pie.” —Recipe contributor Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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Pumpkin Roll
Total Time: 45 minutes + freezingMain Ingredients: Pumpkin, flour, cream cheese
Level: Intermediate
This pumpkin-spiced dessert is a great introduction to making a cake roll. It’s visually striking, with its pure-white filling against the deep-orange sponge cake. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can steal the chocolate “bark” technique from our holiday yule log and use it here.
“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.” —Recipe contributor Erica Berchtold, Freeport, Illinois
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Pumpkin Apple Pie
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Pie dough, tart apples, canned pumpkin, evaporated milk
Level: Beginner
A marriage of two fall favorites, this combination of pumpkin and apple pie will satisfy folks who are still trying to decide which dessert they long for the most. Top this with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of your favorite caramel sauce.
“The first time I made this for my family, they gobbled up this wonderful change-of-pace holiday dessert. It has a scrumptious layer of apples under the pumpkin.” —Recipe contributor Elizabeth Montogomery, Taylorville, Illinois
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Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
Total Time: 60 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Eggs, canned pumpkin, flour, zucchini
Level: Beginner
In Vermont, we like to joke that zucchini season is the only time people lock their car doors (to prevent neighbors from loading the vehicles with excess summer squash). If you’re the recipient of some gifted zucchini, this bread is a lovely way to use it. Summer squash and winter squash are culinary cousins, so it makes sense that they taste great together.
“Everyone in Spokane has zucchini in summer. The people who grow it have enough for all of their friends! This is one of many ways I like to use it.” —Recipe contributor Pat Thompson, Spokane, Washington
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Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Whole wheat bread, dried fruit, canned pumpkin, pecans
Level: Beginner
Bread pudding is less common than it used to be, but I love it for using up leftover bread, cake and even croissants. This delicious iteration blends pumpkin into the custard and is studded with dried fruit and pecans. If you decide to serve it for breakfast, feel free to call it a French toast casserole!
“Old-fashioned but never out of style, I got this favorite pumpkin recipe from an elderly aunt.” —Recipe contributor Lois Fetting, Nelson, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Recipes FAQ
What is the healthiest way to eat pumpkin?
There are plenty of healthy pumpkin recipes to make this fall, including incredible soups, stews and salads from around the world. Combining a winter squash like pumpkin with green vegetables like kale, Brussels sprouts or spinach is a top-notch nutritional strategy.
Should I cook with fresh or canned pumpkin?
For baked goods in particular, we recommend cooking with canned pumpkin. For starters, it’s less time-consuming. Making homemade pumpkin puree is a multi-step process. And, unlike farm-stand pumpkins, the canned stuff is consistent in flavor and texture, leading to ideal culinary results.
That said, if you’ve acquired a gorgeous pumpkin from a local farm, don’t be deterred from using it to make something delicious. We’ve got a pumpkin puree recipe to help.
Can I use my Halloween pumpkin for cooking?
Once you’ve cut holes in a pumpkin and let it sit, it’s no longer fair game for cooking. Carving a pumpkin into a jack-o’-lantern can introduce bacteria and fungus to the flesh, rendering it unsafe for human consumption. However, some farms accept donated post-holiday pumpkins to use as animal feed, so check to see if a nearby pig, chicken or goat farm might be able to use it. If not, there may be a community garden with a compost pile that would benefit from your carved pumpkin.
