Holidays & Entertaining Holidays Thanksgiving 51 Canned Pumpkin Recipes That Are Incredibly Easy to Make Canned pumpkin can be used for far more than just pumpkin pies, but we have recipes for those, too. By Amy Zavatto Amy Zavatto Amy Zavatto is a New York City–based wine, spirits, and food journalist, restaurant consultant, menu developer, and book publisher. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Betty Gold Betty Gold Betty Gold is the former senior digital food editor at Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 10, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Shana Novak/Getty Images When it comes to holiday shortcuts, a can of pumpkin or pumpkin pie filling is super convenient, economical, and loaded with health benefits. Recipes that use canned pumpkin come in all shapes and sizes—from appetizers and cocktails to main dishes and desserts—that you can enjoy year-round. We've compiled so many easy recipes that use canned pumpkin—some savory, some sweet, and some even sippable—you'll find yourself opening cans of pumpkin well beyond Thanksgiving. Alternatively, skip the can and make your own pumpkin puree, which is the same as canned pumpkin. 01 of 51 Pumpkin Muffins Grace Elkus A great recipe to turn to when you have a cup of canned pumpkin left over, these pumpkin muffins make a smart grab-and-go breakfast or tea-time snack. Spread a rich cream cheese frosting on top for a sweet after-dinner treat. Get the recipe 02 of 51 Pumpkin Spice Bread Victor Protasio Pumpkin puree stars in this autumnal bread flavored with ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Suitable for breakfast or dessert, this loaf is topped with a sweet streusel that gets plenty of texture from raw pumpkin seed kernels. get the recipe 03 of 51 Turkey Pumpkin Chili Caitlin Bensel If you’re looking for a dish that highlights the savory side of pumpkin, give this chili a try. It calls for a can of pumpkin puree, ground turkey, hearty cannellini beans, and spices like ground coriander and smoked paprika. get the recipe 04 of 51 Maple Pumpkin Pie David Prince Maple syrup brings earthy, rich sweetness to a traditional pumpkin pie. The velvety texture from a full can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, oddly enough) works in tandem with the custardy accent of heavy cream and eggs. get the recipe 05 of 51 Pumpkin Cookies Grace Elkus These cute pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies can be turned into pilgrim hats or turkeys with a simple switch-up of cookie cutters. Alternatively, use your favorite shapes to make tasty pumpkin cookies any time of the year. get the recipe 06 of 51 Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars Greg DuPree These gorgeous bars boast a Speculoos cookie crust, which pairs deliciously with the canned pumpkin filling spiced with allspice, ginger, and cinnamon. The addition of cream cheese makes it extra creamy. get the recipe 07 of 51 Pumpkin Grilled Cheese Philip Friedman; Styling: Colleen Riley Got just a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree left in a can? Save them for this fun, nutritious take on a classic lunchtime favorite. get the recipe 08 of 51 Pumpkin Cream Sandwiches Beatriz da Costa Canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice (homemade or store-bought) feature prominently in these dreamy cookie sandwiches. For easy party prep, whip these up a day or two ahead. Get the Recipe 09 of 51 Pumpkin Bread Antonis Achilleos Another take on pumpkin bread, this one is subtly sweet and easy to make, requiring just 10 ingredients. Eat it as a simple breakfast, or enjoy it as a snack with a cup of tea. get the recipe 10 of 51 Pumpkin Bread Trifle With Pepita Streusel Antonis Achilleos Use cubes from a large loaf of pumpkin bread to whip up this picture-worthy dessert made with layers of sweet streusel and a cream cheese-and-whipped cream filling. If you don’t have a trifle dish, serve this in a large bowl or glass jars for individual servings. get the recipe 11 of 51 Pumpkin Martini Joseph De Leo This riff on a Brandy Alexander is a decadent after-dinner sipper that calls for just a tablespoon of pumpkin puree per glass. It's also amazing with aged rum, spiced rum, or brandy. get the recipe 12 of 51 Pumpkin Pecan Crisps Max Kelly These delicious pecan-and-oat-topped custards are made with canned pumpkin. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast or crème fraiche for dessert. get the recipe 13 of 51 Pumpkin Cream Puffs Max Kelly What to do with less than a can of pumpkin puree? Make some pumpkin cream puffs. These creamy orbs of pumpkin sweetness are a brown-sugar-bolstered dream. get the recipe 14 of 51 Pumpkin Caramel Pie Bars with Toasted Coconut Brie Passano With its buttery crust and swirled caramel-pumpkin filling, this rich dessert is a hands-down winner. It goes one step further with a caramel and toasted coconut topping. Yum! get the recipe 15 of 51 Pumpkin Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting John Kernick Wondering how to make a fall favorite faster? Use a recipe loaded with shortcut ingredients, like this one that calls for boxed cake mix, canned pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. get the recipe 16 of 51 Pumpkin Leek Soup Francesco Lagnese This soothing recipe was made for a cold winter evening. It doubles down on pumpkin by using canned and fresh, but fresh butternut squash works just as well. Get the Recipe 17 of 51 Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake John Kernick Bake a crunchy, buttery graham cracker crust, then give your oven the rest of the day off. This recipe's pumpkin puree and cream cheese filling just chills in the fridge to set, resulting in a pumpkin pie cheesecake fusion that'll please fans of both. Get the Recipe 18 of 51 No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Greg DuPree We promised you some pumpkin pie recipes, but we betcha didn't expect a no-bake one. This pumpkin pie calls for a standard graham cracker crust, but the filling mixes melted white chocolate chips and cream cheese with pumpkin puree for a pie that sets in the fridge in 4 hours. Get the Recipe 19 of 51 Pumpkin Doughnuts With Sour Cream Icing Levi Brown You'll need a doughnut pan to make these baked treats, but it's worth it. Pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and orange sprinkles make these doughnuts a must-have fall delight. Get the Recipe 20 of 51 Spiced Pumpkin Cake José Picayo This Bundt cake features a lemony glaze that balances its pumpkin puree and pie-spiced batter. This easy recipe is an elegant treat for an autumn breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Get the Recipe 21 of 51 Mini Pumpkin Pies With Speculoos Crust and Whipped Cream Jennifer Causey Who doesn't want an entire pumpkin pie to themselves? Make these little gems in a muffin pan, starting with a Speculoos cookie crust. A spicy-sweet pumpkin filling, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, and a sprinkle of crystallized ginger make these single-serving pies irresistible. Get the Recipe 22 of 51 Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Dump Cake Caitlin Bensel While this dessert wouldn't win a beauty contest, it would surely take home the Miss Congeniality trophy because it's well-liked by everyone. The recipe tops a pumpkin-y base with chocolate cake batter, resulting in a pumpkin-pie-meets-lava-cake dessert that's a no-contest winner. Get the Recipe 23 of 51 Pumpkin Bread with Molasses Sang An Yes, another pumpkin bread, but this recipe sets itself apart with a dose of molasses in the batter, giving it a rich, pumpernickel-like look. Another unique ingredient is a cup of pumpkin pie filling—not pumpkin puree—which gives this loaf a dense texture and rich flavor. Get the Recipe 24 of 51 Creamy Pumpkin Casserole Lexi’s Clean Kitchen This flavor-packed casserole from Lexi's Clean Kitchen is beautiful, but that's not all. Made with canned pumpkin, spaghetti squash, and cubed pumpkin, it's a pumpkin lover's paradise! get the recipe 25 of 51 Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Popsicles Salt & Levender Who says pumpkin puree is just for autumn? These irresistible popsicles from Salt & Lavender also include a healthy dose of crunchy granola and a kiss of honey. They're perfect for summer mornings...or any time, really. Get the recipe 26 of 51 Pumpkin Tomato Basil Meatballs Wholesome Delicious One of the great things to discover about pumpkin puree is the wide range of possibilities when you think outside the can. Case in point: these sumptuous pumpkin tomato basil meatballs from Wholesomelicious. get the recipe 27 of 51 Brown Butter Pumpkin Grits Peas and Crayons Peas and Crayons found a way to work a can of pumpkin into a breakfast skillet. You'll find yourself looking to leave a little extra pumpkin puree in the can just so you can make these cheesy, warming grits (topped with a fried egg, please!). get the recipe 28 of 51 Savory Pumpkin Pancakes Ruchis Kitchen The kids—and, likely, anyone else in your household—will beg for a stack of these fluffy pumpkin flapjacks from Ruchi's Kitchen. Melt a pat of butter over the top, sprinkle with cinnamon, drizzle with maple syrup, and let the accolades roll in. Get the Recipe 29 of 51 Crockpot Chipotle Pulled Pork and Pumpkin Chili with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Half-Baked Harvest We love the range of flavors in Half-Baked Harvest's fun take on classic pulled pork, including canned pumpkin, chipotle pepper, smoky paprika, and pumpkin beer. What's more, it's a one-pot, make-ahead meal. get the recipe 30 of 51 Pumpkin Tortilla Soup Love and Lemons This Love & Lemons recipe calls for cubes of fresh pumpkin—but you can sub with about 12 ounces of pumpkin puree—to make this flavorful gluten-free soup. Stick to the vegan version, or add shredded leftover chicken or turkey for a heartier take. get the recipe 31 of 51 Pumpkin Spice Waffles Cookie and Kate Oat flour makes this iconic breakfast dish from Cookie + Kate more substantive than typical white flour, and it's gluten-free too. A touch of leftover pumpkin puree is all that's needed to add lots of extra flavor. Make an extra batch to freeze for an easy option on weekday mornings! get the recipe 32 of 51 Pumpkin Spice Latte Greatist If modern-day coffee culture has given us anything, it's a think-outside-the-mug attitude toward the average cup of joe. A blender or food processor makes this pumpkin-accented coffee from Greatist super-frothy. get the recipe 33 of 51 Healthier Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Pumpkin Spice Glaze Knead to Cook Impressive but easy, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls from Knead to Cook are chewy, spicy, and full of pumpkin goodness. They're lower in fat but packed with flavor. get the recipe 34 of 51 Pumpkin Garlic Knots Handle the Heat These knots from Handle the Heat are crisp on the top and bottom and wonderfully soft and pillowy inside. Serve them as a fun counterpoint to pumpkin ravioli, or whip them up on pizza night for a delightful pizza parlor classic. get the recipe 35 of 51 Spinach Pumpkin Lasagna Frugal Nutrition Frugal Nutrition gives a classic Italian staple a twist with a healthy dose of spinach and pumpkin puree. Leave out the ground meat to go vegetarian, or swap it for spicy Italian sausage for a touch of heat. get the recipe 36 of 51 Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Self Proclaimed Foodie Clearly, this isn't the whoopie pie we grew up with. The secret to these deliciously creamy treats from Self Proclaimed Foodie is an unexpected duo of applesauce and leftover pumpkin puree. get the recipe 37 of 51 Pumpkin Fettuccine Alfredo Cookie and Kate This healthier version of classic Alfredo sauce from Cookie + Kate features goat cheese and canned pumpkin along with a little flour and low-fat milk. The result is a thick, creamy sauce with less fat than the traditional Alfredo recipe yet plenty of flavor. get the recipe 38 of 51 Pumpkin Gnocchi With Sage Butter Sauce Pinch of Yum This recipe from Pinch of Yum yields a tender pumpkin-and-potato dough that's easy to roll out and utterly irresistible with a drizzle of sage butter. Bonus: Uncooked gnocchi freeze beautifully, so you can make a double batch and save some for another night. get the recipe 39 of 51 Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats A Sweet Pea Chef A Sweet Pea Chef's easy, healthy canned pumpkin recipe for overnight oatmeal may have minimal ingredients, but it maxes out on flavor and velvety-smooth texture. What's more, these oats are no-cook, make-ahead, and ready in the morning when you are. get the recipe 40 of 51 Chickpea Pumpkin Coconut Curry Emilie Eats This creation from Emilie Eats is sure to become one of your favorite healthy canned pumpkin recipes. Warming spices add loads of flavor, while chickpeas amp up the protein. Try it on its own or over brown basmati rice. get the recipe 41 of 51 Pumpkin Black Bean Burgers Wholefully Wholefully's pumpkin puree-spiked black bean veggie burgers, with extra-flavorful avocado and sea salt toppings, are bound to become a Meatless Monday staple. Make an extra batch of these freezer-friendly burgers for a quick and easy lunch. get the recipe 42 of 51 Vegetarian Pumpkin and Kale Pasta Bake MJ and Hungryman We love this healthy canned pumpkin recipe from MJ & Hungry Man as a one-dish weeknight meal, and this is one of those that only seems to improve as leftovers. Sub in Swiss chard or spinach for the kale, if you like. get the recipe 43 of 51 Pumpkin Lentil Soup Salt and Lavender One of the easiest and most satisfying things you can do with leftover pumpkin puree is to whip up a pot of soup. Red lentils add a punch of protein and make this Salt & Lavender dish extra filling. Top with toasty, crunchy croutons, or go pumpkin-wild by pairing it with our pumpkin grilled cheese. get the recipe 44 of 51 Pumpkin Rice Pudding Dana Gallagher Our pumpkin rice pudding recipe gets texture from Arborio rice and a nuanced fruity note from orange zest and juice. It's a make-ahead dessert that'll make pumpkin fans forget all about pie. get the recipe 45 of 51 Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Like Mother Like Daughter Like Mother Like Daughter came up with this no-churn ice cream as an impress-your-guests dessert that requires only a few ingredients. Pumpkin pie spice plus crunchy bits of buttery graham crackers and pecans make it extra great. get the recipe 46 of 51 Pumpkin Swirl Brownies Self Proclaimed Foodie The combo of chocolate and pumpkin puree in this Self-Proclaimed Foodie recipe makes for a moist, velvety brownie and an eye-catching swirl. Just before serving, they're topped with toasted coconut, drizzled with reserved caramel, and sprinkled with flaky salt. get the recipe 47 of 51 Perfectly Spiced Pumpkin Scones Inspired Taste Wake up to these spicy, sweet scones made with pumpkin puree for the ultimate autumnal breakfast. Inspired by Starbucks, this recipe from Inspired Taste tops these scones with a simple white glaze and a pumpkin spice glaze. get the recipe 48 of 51 DIY Pumpkin Liqueur The View From Great Island You might want to skip the pumpkin pie and go directly to this creamy, decadent liqueur from The View From the Great Island. If rum isn't your preference, bourbon or brandy work equally well here. get the recipe 49 of 51 Pumpkin Fruit Dip Self Proclaimed Foodie This pumpkin puree-based fruit dip from Self Proclaimed Foodie may have you stocking up on canned pumpkin to use all year long. Whip up a batch for your next party and serve with sliced apples for dunking. get the recipe 50 of 51 Pumpkin Pie Yogurt Parfait Healthy Nibbles and Bits This healthy canned pumpkin recipe from Healthy Nibbles is layered with pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, granola, and a surprising layer of fresh strawberries. This season-busting breakfast also works well as a healthy dessert. get the recipe 51 of 51 Pumpkin Hummus Once Upon a Cutting Board Once Upon a Cutting Board adds a healthy dose of canned pumpkin to a traditional hummus recipe. Set out a plate of fresh, crunchy veggies or toasted pita wedges with this easy riff on hummus for a tasty and good-for-you snack. get the recipe Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit