By Becky Hardin
Published Sep 11, 2023
Fall is my favorite time of year because it means I get to start making all of these easy pumpkin recipes! Autumn is the season of pumpkin spice, and you bet I’m making as many pumpkin-filled desserts and baked goods as I can all the way through Halloween and Thanksgiving. There are so many other recipes to make with pumpkin though, including savory dishes for dinner and sweet ideas for breakfast. Whether starting with fresh pumpkin, pumpkin puree, or canned pumpkin, all of these recipes are a breeze to make!
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What to Make with Pumpkin
When pumpkin spice season rolls around, I’m right there waiting to dig into all the tasty fall foods. These pumpkin recipes and pumpkin desserts are where I like to start! And as much as I love pumpkin pie , there’s so much more to make using this classic Autumn ingredient.
I’ve made so many sweet and savory recipes using pumpkin–for breakfast, dinner, snacks, and dessert. So let’s grab some pumpkin pie spice , and some pumpkin puree , and get to cooking! And don’t worry, there are lots of pumpkin drinks and cocktails in the mix too.
Whether you’re prepping recipes for Halloween , Thanksgiving, or just indulging in the fall spirit, there are plenty of recipes here to try!
Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin Dessert Recipes
Pumpkin desserts are the perfect way to celebrate Autumn! These easy recipes are the first thing I think of when I have an extra can of pumpkin to use, and they’re great for parties, holidays, and weekends with the family.
- Pumpkin Pie : Autumn wouldn’t be complete without a pumpkin pie or two. This super easy version is great for any holiday or special occasion, and of course it’s one of the best Thanksgiving pies .
- Pumpkin Crisp : The buttery crumble topping is the star of this scrumptious dessert recipe!
- Pumpkin Cookies : These are my favorite fall cookies! They’re soft and chewy, filled with pumpkin spice, and topped with a simple cream cheese icing.
- Pumpkin Pie Dessert Lasagna : A creamy pumpkin filling is layered with ladyfingers, a graham cracker crust, white chocolate, and cool whip .
- Pumpkin Ice Cream : Serve any of these pumpkin dessert ideas with ice cream to match. No churning required!
- Pumpkin Mousse : Turn a box of cheesecake pudding mix into this quick, fluffy, sweet mousse. It’s one of the easiest pumpkin desserts to make, great for last-minute guests.
- Dairy-free Pumpkin Pie : Everyone should be able to enjoy pumpkin pie! This vegan and dairy-free recipe has really come in handy when I have guests who can’t eat the classic version.
Pumpkin Microwave Oatmeal
Pumpkin Breakfast Recipes
Start your morning with these pumpkin spice recipes! Whether you’re looking for something simple and healthy, or something sweet and indulgent, there’s something tasty for everyone.
- Pumpkin Pancakes : Use pumpkin puree and warm spices to make these fluffy pancakes for fall mornings with the family.
- Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal : This oatmeal is so warm, hearty, and filling. The mix of pumpkin spices with sweet brown sugar and maple syrup creates the most delicious flavor.
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls : You probably didn’t think cinnamon rolls could get any better, but they do! The addition of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice makes this recipe divine!
- Pumpkin Muffins : Bake these muffins ahead of time and you’ll have an easy breakfast ready to go in the mornings!
- Pumpkin Microwave Oatmeal : This recipe is so quick and easy! Made in the microwave, you can have this breakfast ready in no time, even on weekday mornings. It’s a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree because you only need less than 1 cup.
Pumpkin-filled Brownies
Pumpkin Baking Recipes
Turn on the oven and start baking with any of these delicious pumpkin recipes. Warm, fresh-baked goods, like breads and cookies, are satisfyingly comforting in this chilly season.
- Pumpkin Brownies : Grab a box of brownie mix , a can of pumpkin, and a few other ingredients to make these creamy and chocolate-y fall brownies.
- Oatmeal Pumpkin Bread : This fresh bread is full of warm spices but still deliciously sweet. It’s topped off with pecans and an apple cider sauce !
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies : These soft and fluffy chocolate chip cookies are infused with plenty of pumpkin to create the most delectable treat!
- Pumpkin Bars : These cakey dessert bars are topped with a delectable cream cheese icing. They’re so easy to make, and great for a crowd.
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread : This quick bread is one of my favorite pumpkin baking recipes! It has the perfect pumpkin spice flavor, with just the right amount of chocolate chunks.
- Pumpkin Pie Monkey Bread : This gooey pull-apart bread recipe has the best sweet pumpkin flavor, and it’s so simple to make.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Savory Pumpkin Recipes for Dinner
There are plenty of sweet recipes here, but pumpkin is the perfect ingredient for savory dishes too! Make a warm and comforting dinner with real pumpkin, and you’ll have even more chances to indulge in the flavor of the season.
- Pumpkin Mac and Cheese : This creamy baked macaroni is filled with canned pumpkin puree, fontina cheese, bacon, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!
- Maple Pumpkin Salad Dressing : Turn canned pumpkin, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a few other ingredients into a flavorful salad dressing that’s perfect for this fall kale salad .
You can also cut and roast a fresh pumpkin similarly to butternut squash , or substitute it in other winter squash recipes (like this roasted maple squash or butternut squash soup ). But be sure to use pumpkins intended for eating, rather than the large Halloween pumpkins.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Pumpkin Drinks & Cocktails
When pumpkin spice season rolls around, the coffee drinks are top of my mind. But there are lots of festive pumpkin cocktails and other fun drinks to make too!
- Pumpkin Spice Latte : There’s no better way to celebrate pumpkin season than with a classic PSL! Skip the line and make your own at home any time.
- Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew : Make your own pumpkin sweet cream to top off your cold brew at home. It’s refreshing, easy, and so tasty!
- Pumpkin Whiskey Cocktail : A pumpkin spice simple syrup spices up this whiskey cocktail. It’s one of my favorite drinks for fall!
- Hot Pumpkin Cocktail : If you’ve ever wished you could drink a glass of pumpkin pie, this cocktail is the recipe for you. It’s like a pumpkin-flavored Irish Cream–so comforting!
- Pumpkin Spice White Russian : A classic creamy white russian cocktail gets a fall upgrade with the addition of pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin Pie Punch : If you need a party punch for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or another fall festivity, this recipe (made with real pumpkin) is the way to go!
- Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate : Warm up those chilly autumn evenings with this chocolate-y drink. It’s so easy to make in a slow cooker, and you can make a spiked version too.
- Pumpkin Jello Shots : Pump up your fall holidays with these festive jello shots. They look like mini pumpkin pies, and you can eat the pie crust cups too!
Pumpkin Hummus
Snack Ideas using Pumpkin
These snacks and appetizers, both sweet and savory, are the best way to sneak in a little more pumpkin time–these recipes are especially fun for parties!
- Pumpkin Hummus : Ingredients like pumpkin, chickpeas, tahini, maple syrup, and cinnamon create a sweet and savory dip that I just can’t get enough of. It’s a pretty healthy snack and a fun party appetizer!
- Pumpkin Dip : This sweet cream cheese dip is mixed with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for a quick snack or dessert. It’s delicious with apples or wafer cookies.
- Pumpkin Cheese Ball : There’s no real pumpkin in this one, but it looks like a cute little pumpkin, it’s delicious, and it’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Halloween parties!
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds : Keep the seeds when you’re carving out that fresh pumpkin, and roast them with some spices to make this crave-worthy snack.
Pumpkin Roll Cake
Pumpkin Cake Recipes
I love baking easy cakes for holidays, and of course I’m going to throw in a can of pumpkin if that holiday is Halloween or Thanksgiving. These pumpkin puree recipes are truly so simple!
- Pumpkin Dump Cake : This easy dessert requires no thought–just throw in a box of cake mix, pumpkin, spices, and a couple of extra things, and this cake will be ready to bake.
- Pumpkin Caramel Poke Cake : Here’s another boxed cake mix hack, with flavors of pumpkin, caramel, and butter pecan. The cream cheese frosting is my favorite part!
- Pumpkin Roll : This fluffy pumpkin spice cake is rolled up with a creamy filling. The best after-dinner dessert, and it only takes 20 minutes in the oven.
- Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake : We love gooey butter cake here in St. Louis, and this pumpkin version is perfectly dense, moist, flavorful, and oh so ooey-gooey.
- Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake : This no-bake recipe couldn’t be easier! A graham cracker crust , pumpkin cheesecake, and pumpkin spice whipped cream makes one delicious dessert.
Add all of these easy pumpkin recipes to your fall menu, and you’ll be able to satisfy every sweet and savory craving. Enjoy!
More Fall Recipes to Try
- 35 Apple Recipes and Desserts
- 32 Halloween Dessert Recipes
- 30 Fall Cocktail Recipes
- 40 Thanksgiving Desserts
Make these Recipes with Fresh Pumpkin
If you want to make your own pumpkin puree for any of these pumpkin desserts and recipes, you can certainly do that. Start with a fresh pumpkin (look for “sugar” pumpkins at the grocery store), and follow these simple steps.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 1 Pumpkin get a small “sweet” pumpkin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the stem from the pumpkin by slicing off the top portion, then cut the pumpkin in half from top to bottom. 1 Pumpkin
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy parts of the pumpkin flesh.
- Sprinkle the pumpkin flesh with salt, then lay each half onto the baking tray.
- Roast the pumpkin for about 30-45 minutes until tender.
- Leave the pumpkin on the baking sheet, and place that on a cooling rack to cool for 1 hour.
- Remove the pumpkin flesh from the skin and place it in a food processor, and pulse until the mixture is completely smooth.
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Baking Sheet
Becky’s Tips
- Pumpkin puree can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 week, or in the freezer for 3 months.
- If the puree is too thin, pour it through a fine mesh sieve and/or cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.
- If it’s too dry while pulsing (or if you’re using a blender), add a tiny bit of water.
- You can follow this recipe to puree other types of winter squash too, like butternut squash!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Pumpkin Puree
Equipment
- Food Processor
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 Pumpkin get a small “sweet” pumpkin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the stem from the pumpkin by slicing off the top portion, then cut the pumpkin in half from top to bottom. 1 Pumpkin
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy parts of the pumpkin flesh.
- Sprinkle the pumpkin flesh with salt, then lay each half onto the baking tray.
- Roast the pumpkin for about 30-45 minutes until tender.
- Leave the pumpkin on the baking sheet, and place that on a cooling rack to cool for 1 hour.
- Remove the pumpkin flesh from the skin and place it in a food processor, and pulse until the mixture is completely smooth.
Notes
- Pumpkin puree can be stored in the refrigerator for 1 week, or in the freezer for 3 months.
- If the puree is too thin, pour it through a fine mesh sieve and/or cheesecloth to remove excess liquid.
- If it’s too dry while pulsing (or if you’re using a blender), add a tiny bit of water.
- You can follow this recipe to puree other types of winter squash too, like butternut squash!
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
