35 Best Canned Pumpkin Recipes to Make This Fall
They go way beyond pie.
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Grab the can opener because all of these recipes are made with canned pumpkin! It's one of those simple shortcuts that will make your holidays so much easier. Of course, you can always make your own homemade pumpkin puree if you have the time, but when you're in a pinch, take Ree Drummond's advice: "I use canned pumpkin puree all the time because it really is one of those canned ingredients that is consistent and works just great," she says.
So, how do you use the canned stuff in your pantry? First, it's important to understand canned pumpkin versus pie filling. Pumpkin puree in a can is 100% the good stuff: perfect for all of your savory pumpkin recipes or pumpkin desserts. Pie filling, on the other hand, contains a mix of pumpkin puree with sugar and spices. Depending on which you have on hand, there are tons of ideas like a pumpkin spice layer cake, pumpkin cheesecake, and a few variations on pumpkin pie (including one in the form of a milkshake). Then again, you can also go the savory route with pumpkin mac and cheese and Ree's easy pumpkin ravioli.
Bonus: Many of these canned pumpkin recipes are great ways to use leftover puree if you didn't need a whole can for another recipe. (Three words: Pumpkin. Spice. Latte.) So get ready to find out how to put that canned pumpkin to good use all season long!
Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Smooth pumpkin puree helps to make this coffee cake both moist and tender. Plus, it's paired with pumpkin pie spice and a nutty pumpkin streusel for extra seasonal flavor.
Get the Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
There's no better way to celebrate pumpkin spice season than with this over-the-top monkey bread that's both sticky and sweet. Luckily, the canned pumpkin and refrigerated buttermilk biscuits make it easy.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread recipe.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Start your day off right with a fluffy stack of pumpkin pancakes. They're made with pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) and heavenly fall spices. All that's left to do is drizzle on the maple syrup!
Get the Pumpkin Pancakes recipe.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Both kids and adults will love this seasonal twist on mac and cheese. It's got plenty of ooey-gooey cheese sauce made with creamy pumpkin puree, fontina cheese, and smoked gouda.
Get the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe.
Pumpkin Layer Cake
Pumpkin cake and cream cheese frosting are a match made in heaven. Though this layer cake looks impressive, Ree says it's "easy peasy" thanks to the canned pumpkin puree.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Layer Cake recipe.
Pumpkin-Shaped Challah
With its vibrant orange color and cute pumpkin shape, this homemade challah bread is an all-time show-stopper. The pumpkin puree and maple syrup also give it a touch of sweetness.
Get the Pumpkin-Shaped Challah recipe.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
You can't go wrong with a basket of pumpkin muffins, especially when they're loaded with chocolate chips. Best of all, they come together in just 35 minutes.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are such an easy and convenient breakfast or snack. They're great for making ahead and packed with pumpkin flavor so you'll want to put them on repeat throughout the season.
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
These milkshakes have all the flavor of a real pumpkin pie! Just take a can of pumpkin puree and add some graham crackers, spices, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla ice cream. Blend and enjoy!
Get the Pumpkin Pie Milkshake recipe.
Pumpkin Bread
This is one of those quick breads that you can eat any time of day. And making a loaf for your Thanksgiving table wouldn't hurt either.
Get the Pumpkin Bread recipe.
Pumpkin Dip
You only need 10 minutes to whip up this fun fall snack. It's like a creamy, sweet pumpkin cheesecake filling that's perfect for scooping up with cookies, apple slices, or pretzels.
Get the Pumpkin Dip recipe.
Halloween Cheesecake Bars
Whether or not you decorate the top of these bars with sprinkles and Halloween candy, it's the pumpkin and chocolate-swirled cheesecake filling that really makes them shine.
Get the Halloween Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
A little extra pumpkin puree at the bottom of the can calls for pumpkin pie martinis if you ask us! Just add vanilla vodka, rum, maple syrup, half-and-half, and warm spices. Then, shake and serve!
Get the Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe.
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Double the pumpkin, double the flavor! This treat has pumpkin in both the cookie and the frosting, making it extra flavorful for fall.
Get the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies recipe.
Pumpkin Truffles
These gift-worthy beauties are much easier to make than they look. The filling is made with cream cheese, graham crackers, and of course, canned pumpkin, along with sugar and spices.
Get the Pumpkin Truffles recipe.
Pumpkin Bars
Want to impress at the bake sale? Grab some canned pumpkin and make this classic treat. No one will resist the cakey dessert bar or the cream cheese frosting.
Get the Pumpkin Bars recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
No need to run to the coffee shop to get your specialty latte! Make it at home with a little bit of canned pumpkin and some pumpkin pie spice.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe.
Pumpkin Risotto
A bowl of creamy, savory goodness when it's chilly outside is just what you need. Canned pumpkin makes an otherwise straightforward risotto dish even more spectacular.
Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
It's hard to make a classic cookie like the snickerdoodle even better. But this recipe does it thanks to the flavorful boost from puree and pumpkin pie spice.
Get the Pumpkin Snickerdoodles recipe.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Creamy, smooth, and seasonal mini cheesecakes have never been easier. But if you want another ingredient hack, look for a box of prepared graham cracker crumbs for the crust.
Get the Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes recipe.
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