12 Best Pumpkin Recipes To Try This Fall (Using Canned Pumpkin Puree)

Get the most out of pumpkin season by using leftover pumpkin purée in these fun, practical, and delicious ways.

My youngest son loves pumpkin muffins so I have a can or two of pumpkin purée in the pantry at all times. Yet, even when I double the recipe, I often have leftovers. It ends up sadly forgotten in the back of the fridge.

I know I can’t be the only one with this problem, but I have a solution and few recipes to help you use up what remains of a partially used can of pumpkin.

Besides using leftover pumpkin for Pumpkin Cookies, it’s also delicious stirred into oatmeal, whisked along with milk and spices for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, or added to smoothies.

If you must freeze it, pumpkin purée lasts five to seven days in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer. Freeze leftovers in containers labeled with the date. For smaller amounts, freeze the puree in ice cube trays and then transfer to a ziplock once frozen.

I’m keeping a list of recipes that I can turn to when I have extra pumpkin to use. I picked recipes that the whole family enjoys, and store well, so that I can have pumpkin-flavored treats whenever the mood strikes.

1. Pumpkin Bread

Get Recipe: Pumpkin Bread

Similar to muffins, quick breads are well-loved in my family. It doubles easily, freezes well and will get eaten in record time. I love the addition of orange zest and the glaze that tops the loaf, though neither are necessary for excellent results.

2. Pumpkin Tiramisu

Get Recipe: Pumpkin Tiramisu

Contributor Micah Siva says, "Arrange your ladyfingers in opposite layers (think Jenga) for a clean-cut tiramisu."

3. Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze

Get Recipe: Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze

Contributor Mark Beahm says, "These pumpkin scones can be mixed the night before and baked in the morning for an easy breakfast treat. Mix the dough the day before and after shaping the dough into a disk, wrap it and chill in the fridge overnight."

4. Pumpkin Biscotti

Get Recipe: Pumpkin Biscotti

Biscotti is perfect for your mid-afternoon coffee break. Add cranberries or nuts to the dough or dip in melted chocolate for a decadent option. Store at room temperature for two weeks in an airtight container and enjoy.

5. Pumpkin Spice Blondies

Get Recipe: A Pan of These Pumpkin Spice Blondies Will Disappear Like Magic

Contributor Mark Beahm says, "Don’t overmix the batter when adding the flour. Stop mixing as soon as everything is evenly combined, and no dry spots of flour remain."

6. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

Get Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake bars have become a family-favorite. Not sure why it took me so long to try the handheld version of cheesecake but I’m making up for lost time. I love the spiced graham cracker crust, creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy streusel topping.

7. Pumpkin Gingerbread

Get Recipe: Pumpkin Gingerbread

Rich and dark with molasses and bursting with ginger, this moist gingerbread is the best of fall, with a hint of the holidays to come.

8. Basque-Style Pumpkin Cheesecake

Get Recipe: Basque-Style Pumpkin Cheesecake

Contributor Karishma Pradhan says, "Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, and pumpkin purée are at room temperature for the smoothest consistency. Cold cream cheese yields a lumpy texture."

9. Pumpkin Waffles

Get Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Waffles

Waffles are family-favorites that are easy to double and freeze for future hectic mornings. Cool waffles on a baking rack and freeze them on a baking sheet before moving to a ziplock bag. Rewarm in the toaster on low and serve with applesauce.

10. Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

Get Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake

Cheesecake doesn’t have to be a day-long affair. Using the Instant Pot or other pressure cookers, this pumpkin version cooks in one hour. If you’re not sure you have the right accessories to make cheesecake, then check out this article.

11. No-Churn Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

Get Recipe: No-Churn Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

Wait, what? Pumpkin ice cream? You got it! This pumpkin spice ice cream with pumpkin puree and sweetened condensed milk is flavored with ground ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Even better, no ice cream maker is required!

12. Pumpkin Sourdough Bread

Get Recipe: Pumpkin Sourdough Bread

Contributor Hannah Dela Cruz says, "For this recipe, the key is to use a mature active sourdough starter. This means the starter should be at its peak, 4 to 6 hours after feeding it. This is when the starter is at its highest point (double or triple in volume) before the yeast starts to die off."