Don't sell pumpkin short—it's good for more than Thanksgiving desserts. This collection of easy pumpkin recipes will have you enjoying pumpkin from breakfast to dinner.
20 Easy Pumpkin Recipes That Start with Canned Pumpkin
Updated on Nov. 07, 2024
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Pumpkin Cheese Ball
Total Time: 20 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, cream cheese, crushed pineapple, cheddar cheese
Level: Easy
If the combination of ingredients in this pumpkin-shaped, pumpkin-flavored cheese ball sounds improbable, it’s just a testament to the versatility of pumpkin in savory recipes. Drain the pineapple well so the cheese ball is firm enough to hold the decorative elements.
“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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Pumpkin Muffins with Cake Mix
Total Time: 25 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, spice cake mix
Level: Easy
These two-ingredient pumpkin muffins are a pantry-friendly, time-saving dream. Since the cake mix is already flavorful, you don’t need to do much to make these muffins taste great. Simply mix in canned pumpkin, pour the batter into muffin liners and pop them into the oven.
“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: Canned pumpkin, coffee, vanilla ice cream, pumpkin pie spice
Level: Easy
Cold and creamy, this copycat Starbucks recipe will satisfy your PSL cravings without leaving home. You can even make the drink’s pumpkin-flavored base ahead of time. Store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to whip up an icy drink.
“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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Pumpkin Overnight Oats
Total Time: 5 minutes + chillingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, oats, milk, Greek yogurt
Level: Easy
If this is your first foray into overnight oats, don’t worry if they seem a little runny at first. It takes time for the oats to soak up the liquid, but the mixture will thicken in the fridge. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to taste or swap in other sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
“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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Caramel Pumpkin Dip
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, cream cheese, sour cream, caramel ice cream topping
Level: Easy
Caramel’s toasted sugars pair well with earthy pumpkin, and this dip brings those two flavors together. Sour cream helps balance the caramel topping, creating a creamy dip with the perfect level of sweetness.
“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 Espresso Martini
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, vanilla dairy creamer
Level: Easy
Don’t forget about pumpkin at happy hour! A spoonful of pumpkin puree, vanilla-flavored coffee creamer and a few spices add serious fall vibes to this classic cocktail.
“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 Ice Cream Pie
Total Time: 10 minutes + freezingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, vanilla ice cream, chocolate crumb pie crust, candy bars
Level: Easy
This pie features two layers of vanilla ice cream: one flavored with crushed candy bars and the other with canned pumpkin. To prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly, briefly freeze your metal mixing bowl before combining the ingredients. Then, put the pie in the freezer as soon as it’s filled.
“Although it looks like you fussed, this pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. This make-ahead dessert is delicious any time of year.” —Recipe contributor Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia.
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Pumpkin Doughnut Drops
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, nonfat dry milk powder, lemon-lime soda, eggs
Level: Easy
Instead of rolling and cutting large doughnuts, drop spoonfuls of this pumpkin-spiked batter into hot oil to make bite-sized doughnut holes. Keep an eye on the oil temperature as you fry the doughnuts and adjust as needed. The doughnuts can become greasy or burnt if the oil temperature is off.
“I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks.” —Recipe contributor Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin
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Pumpkin Crunch Parfaits
Total Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, instant vanilla pudding mix, whipped topping, pecans
Level: Easy
Instant pudding and whipped topping transform a regular ol’ can of pumpkin puree into a light and creamy treat. Pecans and crushed gingersnap cookies add a crunchy element, but you can easily swap in different types of nuts or cookies.
“Have your little ones lend a hand with this dessert! It’s a great treat for the holidays.” —Recipe contributor Lorraine J. Darocha, Berkshire, Massachusetts
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Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt
Total Time: 10 minutes + freezingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, vanilla frozen yogurt, pecans, pumpkin pie spice
Level: Easy
This frozen yogurt recipe showcases how easy it is to turn vanilla frozen yogurt into an almost-from-scratch dessert. A sprinkle of pecans adds a nutty crunch to each serving, but you could drizzle the yogurt with caramel sauce or sprinkle it with mini chocolate chips for a nut-free treat.
“I always keep fat-free frozen yogurt on hand. By combining it with just four other ingredients, I can quickly whip up this great-tasting treat.” —Recipe contributor Anne Smithson, Cary, North Carolina
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Pumpkin Pie Dip
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, cream cheese, sour cream, pumpkin pie spice
Level: Easy
This simple dip is a nod to no-bake cheesecake with a pumpkin twist. Cream cheese and sour cream give the dip its creamy consistency and tangy flavor. It’s ready to eat as soon as it’s mixed, or it can be made ahead and refrigerated for later.
“I came up with this rich, creamy dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It is also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread or any other nut bread.” —Recipe contributor Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Pumpkin Scones
Total Time: 30 minutes + coolingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, flour, butter, eggs, baking soda
Level: Easy
Scone recipes create a pastry with flaky layers like a biscuit, but the texture is softer and more cakelike. Serve these pumpkin scones for breakfast or brunch, or brew a pot of tea and serve them as a mid-afternoon treat.
“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 Spice Latte
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, milk, espresso, pumpkin pie spice
Level: Easy
A blender is the trick behind frothing pumpkin puree and milk, creating a perfectly steamy latte at home. Don’t worry if you don’t have a machine to brew fresh espresso; you can easily swap in instant espresso.
“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 Pancakes
Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, yogurt, flour, baking powder, eggs
Level: Easy
This pumpkin pancake recipe contains a bit of whole wheat flour to give the pancakes a nutty taste. My secret to perfect pancakes is keeping a close eye on the griddle’s heat. I make sure to adjust it up or down as I make the pancakes so each one is perfectly tender.
“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 Waffles
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, buttermilk, flour, baking powder, eggs, warming spices
Level: Easy
These spiced waffles are slightly sweet, but there’s plenty of room to add sweetness with maple syrup or honey. To keep the waffles tender and light, stop mixing the batter once the ingredients are just combined, even if a few small lumps remain.
“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 Milk Shakes
Total Time: 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, vanilla ice cream, orange juice, brown sugar
Level: Easy
Orange juice and vanilla ice cream transform a can of pumpkin puree into a thick, frosty treat. If you like extra-thick milkshakes, try freezing half of the orange juice in ice cube trays before blending.
“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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Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles
Total Time: 30 minutes + freezingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, dark chocolate chips, cream cheese, graham crackers
Level: Intermediate
These chocolate-coated truffles are a perfect no-bake treat for any fall gathering. I recommend using a fork to dip the truffles in the melted chocolate. The spaces between the tines will help the excess drip off.
“Here is an inviting way to bring fall flavors into the home. The fact that these don’t require baking provides a little lingering sense of summer.” —Recipe contributor Monica Mooney, Roseville, California
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Pumpkin Hummus
Total Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, ground cumin
Level: Easy
Canned pumpkin brings a beautiful color and earthy flavor to this chickpea and tahini dip. To create a vibrant presentation, swirl the top of the hummus and generously top it with oil, pomegranate seeds and toasted pumpkin seeds.
“I love to serve this pumpkin hummus with sliced apples, pears and pita chips. Top it with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of pumpkin oil and even fried sage leaves.” —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
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Herbed Pumpkin Flatbread
Total Time: 25 minutes + standingMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, all-purpose flour, chickpea flour, baking powder, dried herbs
Level: Easy
Homemade bread takes hours to prepare, but these pumpkin flatbreads come together quickly because they don’t contain yeast. The dough only needs a short rest before it can be shaped and cooked. I like to sprinkle the warm flatbreads with fresh herbs to add another layer of flavor.
“These flatbreads benefit from the wonderful flavor and texture of pumpkin, and herbs provide an autumnal twist. They’re amazing served with soup, salad or curries. The chickpea flour adds a protein boost and unique flavor.” —Recipe contributor Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
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Air-Fryer Pumpkin Biscuits with Spiced Apple Butter
Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Canned pumpkin, all-purpose flour, baking powder, butter, apple butter
Level: Easy
These biscuits use canned pumpkin instead of milk or buttermilk to hydrate the dough. Those additions also give them a bold flavor and color. For a particularly fall-themed treat, serve the biscuits with apple butter.
“A couple of years ago, one of my friend’s parents made pumpkin biscuits for Thanksgiving. I was inspired by the innovative idea but wanted to add my own spin by topping the biscuits with apple butter. I have been experimenting with the air fryer recently and wanted to try to make bread in the machine.” —Recipe contributor Jessica Burke, Chandler, Arizona
Easy Pumpkin Recipes FAQ
Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin puree?
Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing. However, be careful when selecting a can at the store because there are two types of canned pumpkin: 100% pure pumpkin and pumpkin pie filling. Both contain pumpkin puree, but pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices. Pure pumpkin has no added ingredients, so it’s a better fit for most of the canned pumpkin recipes in this collection.
What is the best way to substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin?
To substitute fresh pumpkin for canned, simply whip up a batch of pumpkin puree from a fresh pumpkin. One 3-pound pumpkin makes about 3 cups of pumpkin puree.
When making homemade pumpkin puree, we recommend using a baking pumpkin, like a sugar pumpkin. Smaller pumpkins will have a more concentrated flavor than larger pumpkins. After cooking and pureeing the pumpkin, strain it through cheesecloth or a coffee filter for at least an hour. This last step is critical so that the puree has a similar thick texture to canned pumpkin.
How do you store leftover canned pumpkin?
If you find yourself with a partial can of pumpkin puree, you can store the leftovers in the fridge. Don’t leave the puree in the can, though, where it might become crusty or dry. Instead, keep it fresh by transferring it to a food storage container.
Store leftover canned pumpkin in the refrigerator for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it in your favorite pumpkin recipes.
