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    Ambitious Foodie » Quick & Easy

    40 Recipes to Make with Leftover Pumpkin Puree

    Modified: Nov 8, 2026 · Published: Nov 8, 2026 · . Help us out! Review HERE. · Written by: Imene Senouci · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Every fall, recipes to make with leftover pumpkin puree are what I turn to after opening a full can for just one thing. That last cup in the fridge always deserves better than the trash.

    Pumpkin puree disappears fast once you have a plan for it. It goes into soups, pasta sauces and curries just as easily as breads and cookies. If you are still deciding on dessert, my Thanksgiving pie recipes roundup has plenty of pumpkin pies, and my fall pasta recipes include a few more pumpkin sauces.

    I'm sharing 40 of the best leftover pumpkin puree recipes below. They include Pumpkin Chili, Pumpkin Scones, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and more. Most use pantry staples you likely already have, and the pumpkin spice lattes in my plant-based fall drinks use up a spoonful or two as well. Pick a few favorites for the week!

    Jump to:
    • Breakfast
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Soups, Chili and Curry
    • Pasta, Dinners and Snacks
    • Cakes and Bars
    • Pies and Cheesecakes
    • Cookies and Treats

    Breakfast

    Leftover pumpkin puree fits right into your morning routine, adding warmth and fall flavor to everything from pancakes to overnight oats.

    1. Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes1

      Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

      Soft, lightly sweet pancakes made with real pumpkin puree and warm spices. Great for a cozy fall morning, they come together quickly and are freezer-friendly for busy weekdays.

      79 reviews / 4.8 average

      Make this recipe:

      Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes >

      Photo and recipe: Savory Nothings

    2. Pumpkin Waffles2

      Pumpkin Waffles

      Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these fall-flavored waffles work for breakfast, brunch, or even packed as waffle sandwiches in a lunchbox.

      5 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Waffles >

      Photo and recipe: Weelicious

    3. Pumpkin French Toast3

      Pumpkin French Toast

      A lightened-up take on French toast packed with pumpkin flavor and warm spices. Fluffy and satisfying for a slow fall weekend morning.

      9 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin French Toast >

      Photo and recipe: Well Plated by Erin Clarke

    4. Pumpkin Oatmeal4

      Pumpkin Oatmeal

      A simple stovetop oatmeal that is creamy and full of pumpkin and pumpkin spice flavor. Easy to pull together on a cool fall morning.

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Oatmeal >

      Photo and recipe: Recipe Runner

    5. Pumpkin Overnight Oats5

      Pumpkin Overnight Oats

      Thick, creamy overnight oats made with rolled oats, canned pumpkin, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup. Packed with fiber and protein for a no-fuss fall breakfast.

      64 reviews / 4.8 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Overnight Oats >

      Photo and recipe: Andie Mitchell

    6. Pumpkin Smoothie6

      Pumpkin Smoothie

      A simple, fall-inspired smoothie that makes great use of pumpkin puree for a quick and easy seasonal treat any time of day.

      10 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Smoothie >

      Photo and recipe: A Joyfully Mad Kitchen

    Breads and Muffins

    Nothing fills a kitchen with fall vibes quite like pumpkin bread baking in the oven. These loaves, muffins, rolls, and pastries are perfect for snacking, gifting, or enjoying alongside your morning coffee.

    1. Pumpkin Bread7

      Pumpkin Bread

      A soft, spiced loaf you stir together by hand with no mixer needed. It stays moist for days, making it ideal for snacking all week.

      221 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Bread >

      Photo and recipe: Preppy Kitchen

    2. Pumpkin Banana Bread8

      Pumpkin Banana Bread

      Moist and loaded with cozy fall spices, this no-mixer quick bread brings together the best of pumpkin bread and banana bread in one easy loaf.

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Banana Bread >

      Photo and recipe: JoyFoodSunshine

    3. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins9

      Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

      Made with a full can of pumpkin, so they come out extra moist, with chocolate chips in every bite. They freeze well, too.

      27 reviews / 4.8 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins >

      Photo and recipe: Love and Lemons

    4. Pumpkin Streusel Muffins10

      Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

      Warm pumpkin-spiced muffins topped with a crumble topping. I love how the streusel adds just the right amount of crunch to every bite.

      5 reviews / 4.6 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Streusel Muffins >

      Photo and recipe: Crazy for Crust

    5. The Softest Pumpkin Rolls11

      The Softest Pumpkin Rolls

      Incredibly soft dinner rolls made with pumpkin puree. A beautiful addition to any fall dinner table or holiday spread.

      24 reviews / 4.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      The Softest Pumpkin Rolls >

      Photo and recipe: Oh Sweet Basil

    6. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls12

      Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

      Super soft cinnamon rolls topped with maple cream cheese frosting. A wonderful fall treat that works equally well for breakfast or dessert.

      15 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls >

      Photo and recipe: Little Sunny Kitchen

    7. Pumpkin Scones13

      Pumpkin Scones

      Light and cake-like scones made with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices, finished with a simple vanilla glaze. Perfect for a cozy fall afternoon.

      6 reviews / 4.7 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Scones >

      Photo and recipe: She Wears Many Hats

    8. Glazed Pumpkin Donuts14

      Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

      Perfectly fall, perfectly spiced, and finished with a sweet glaze, these donuts are a fun pumpkin treat worth pulling out for the season.

      22 reviews / 4.7 average

      Make this recipe:

      Glazed Pumpkin Donuts >

      Photo and recipe: Gemma's Bigger Bolder Baking

    Soups, Chili and Curry

    Pumpkin puree adds a silky, natural richness to savory dishes that makes these soups, chilis, and curries feel extra cozy and satisfying.

    1. Pumpkin Soup15

      Pumpkin Soup

      Creamy and warming, this soup works beautifully with canned pumpkin or fresh varieties like kabocha or butternut squash. Just right for a cool fall night.

      135 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Soup >

      Photo and recipe: Love and Lemons

    2. Pumpkin Chili16

      Pumpkin Chili

      A hearty, savory chili that is ready in 30 minutes, with customizable heat level and protein options. Great for a quick weeknight dinner.

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Chili >

      Photo and recipe: Yellow Bliss Road

    3. Pumpkin Curry17

      Pumpkin Curry

      A fragrant, one-pot Indian-inspired curry loaded with vegetables that is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It can be made on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.

      66 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Curry >

      Photo and recipe: Elavegan

    Pasta, Dinners and Snacks

    Pumpkin puree is not just for dessert. These savory mains and snacks prove it works just as well in pasta sauces, enchiladas, and even hummus.

    1. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese18

      Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

      A fall spin on classic mac and cheese that uses pumpkin puree for extra creaminess and flavor. Easy to make and a fun seasonal comfort food.

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Mac and Cheese >

      Photo and recipe: Pumpkin 'N Spice

    2. Pumpkin Pasta Sauce19

      Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

      A creamy vegan pasta sauce made with canned pumpkin, onion, garlic, and sage, ready in minutes. Delicious tossed with any pasta or gnocchi for a cozy dinner.

      6 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Pasta Sauce >

      Photo and recipe: Food with Feeling

    3. Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli20

      Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli

      Silky pumpkin-filled homemade ravioli tossed in nutty brown butter with crispy pumpkin seeds. A beautiful and impressive fall pasta worth every bit of effort.

      Make this recipe:

      Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli >

      Photo and recipe: With Spice

    4. Pumpkin Gnocchi21

      Pumpkin Gnocchi

      Pillowy potato gnocchi simmered in a rich pumpkin pasta sauce. Creamy and indulgent, it is the kind of cozy fall dinner that feels genuinely special.

      38 reviews / 4.8 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Gnocchi >

      Photo and recipe: Nora Cooks

    5. One Pan Sesame Butter Pumpkin Chicken22

      One Pan Sesame Butter Pumpkin Chicken

      Chicken marinated in yogurt and garam masala bakes in a creamy coconut milk and pumpkin sauce, then gets a spiced sesame butter on top. Serve it with rice and naan.

      18 reviews / 4.6 average

      Make this recipe:

      One Pan Sesame Butter Pumpkin Chicken >

      Photo and recipe: Half Baked Harvest

    6. Spicy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sour Cream Sauce23

      Spicy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sour Cream Sauce

      Black bean and chicken enchiladas with a sweet and spicy pumpkin sour cream sauce. Packed with protein and a creative way to put extra pumpkin puree to good use.

      121 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Spicy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sour Cream Sauce >

      Photo and recipe: Ambitious Kitchen

    7. 10-Minute Cozy & Creamy Pumpkin Hummus24

      Creamy Pumpkin Hummus

      Creamy pumpkin hummus seasoned with fall spices, great for serving with veggies, pita, or root veggie chips at Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.

      Make this recipe:

      Creamy Pumpkin Hummus >

      Photo and recipe: Plays Well With Butter

    Cakes and Bars

    Pumpkin bakes up into some of the most tender, flavorful cakes and bars of the season. These recipes are easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for a gathering.

    1. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes25

      Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

      Light, tender cupcakes topped with maple cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and full of cozy fall spice flavor that works for any occasion.

      51 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes >

      Photo and recipe: I Heart Naptime

    2. Pumpkin Coffee Cake26

      Pumpkin Coffee Cake

      Moist and lightly spiced with a streusel topping and sweet vanilla glaze. I love how the crumb topping gives every slice that perfect coffee cake feel.

      67 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Coffee Cake >

      Photo and recipe: Well Plated by Erin Clarke

    3. Pumpkin Dump Cake27

      Pumpkin Dump Cake

      Pumpkin puree and yellow cake mix go into one pan and bake into the easiest fall dessert imaginable. No complicated steps, no fuss.

      40 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Dump Cake >

      Photo and recipe: Cookies and Cups

    4. Pumpkin Bars28

      Pumpkin Bars

      Spongy, light pumpkin bars topped with sweet cream cheese frosting. A simple and crowd-pleasing fall treat that is perfect for sharing.

      37 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Bars >

      Photo and recipe: Wyse Guide

    5. Easy Pumpkin Brownies29

      Easy Pumpkin Brownies

      Scratch-made pumpkin brownies that come together quickly. A fun fall twist on a classic for anyone who loves both chocolate and pumpkin.

      79 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Easy Pumpkin Brownies >

      Photo and recipe: Love From The Oven

    Pies and Cheesecakes

    Fall would not be complete without a slice of something pumpkin-spiced from the dessert table. These pies, tarts, and cheesecakes range from simple weeknight options to showstopping Thanksgiving centerpieces.

    1. Pumpkin Cream Pie30

      Pumpkin Cream Pie

      A from-scratch pumpkin cream pie that is as easy as it sounds. It would make a perfect and festive ending to a Thanksgiving feast.

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Cream Pie >

      Photo and recipe: The BakerMama

    2. Pumpkin Chess Pie31

      Pumpkin Chess Pie

      A Southern-inspired mashup of classic pumpkin pie and rich chess pie. A unique and indulgent fall dessert that puts a fun twist on tradition.

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Chess Pie >

      Photo and recipe: Zestuous

    3. Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake32

      Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

      A stunning cheesecake with a pumpkin spice swirl, gingersnap cookie crust, fresh whipped cream, and salted caramel. A real showstopper for a Thanksgiving dessert table.

      112 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake >

      Photo and recipe: Sally's Baking

    4. No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake33

      No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

      Light and creamy with no baking required, this pumpkin cheesecake is finished with caramel sauce for an easy but impressive fall dessert.

      41 reviews / 4.8 average

      Make this recipe:

      No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake >

      Photo and recipe: Dinner at the Zoo

    5. Pumpkin Tart with Chocolate Crust34

      Pumpkin Tart with Chocolate Crust

      A pumpkin tart with a chocolate crust that makes a beautiful and unique alternative to traditional pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Tart with Chocolate Crust >

      Photo and recipe: Wyse Guide

    6. Pumpkin Custard35

      Pumpkin Custard

      All the rich flavor of pumpkin pie without the crust, seasoned with cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Luscious and wonderfully simple to prepare.

      10 reviews / 4.8 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Custard >

      Photo and recipe: Nourished Kitchen

    Cookies and Treats

    Sometimes a small bite is all you need. These cookies, truffles, and fudge pieces are fun to make and even better to share.

    1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies36

      Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

      Soft, moist pumpkin cookies loaded with chocolate chips and ready in just 20 minutes. A classic fall cookie that is very hard to stop at one.

      130 reviews / 4.8 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies >

      Photo and recipe: Tastes Better From Scratch

    2. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies37

      Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

      Made with brown butter, hearty oats and plenty of pumpkin spice, with no mixer or chilling needed. The brown butter gives them a toasty, warm flavor.

      10 reviews / 4.9 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies >

      Photo and recipe: Sugar Spun Run

    3. Pumpkin Whoopie Pie38

      Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

      Soft, fluffy pumpkin cookies sandwiched around vanilla buttercream filling. A fun and festive fall treat that is a joy to make and eat.

      28 reviews / 4.6 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Whoopie Pies >

      Photo and recipe: Dessert for Two

    4. Pumpkin Truffles39

      Pumpkin Truffles

      Bite-sized pumpkin cheesecake-flavored truffles topped with pecans. Simple to put together and a great addition to any fall holiday dessert spread.

      65 reviews / 5.0 average

      Make this recipe:

      Pumpkin Truffles >

      Photo and recipe: Dizzy Busy and Hungry!

    5. Chocolate Pumpkin Fudge40

      Chocolate Pumpkin Fudge

      Two-layered fudge with chocolate on the bottom and creamy pumpkin on top. Easy to make and perfect for fall holiday entertaining or gifting.

      Make this recipe:

      Chocolate Pumpkin Fudge >

      Photo and recipe: Around My Family Table

    With so many ways to put it to use, a can of leftover pumpkin puree never has to go to waste.

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    Welcome I'm Imene, author of the Ambitious Foodie.

    My name is Imene, and i am the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

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    Hi, This is Imene! I'm the author, recipe developer, and photographer behind Ambitious Foodie. Welcome to my virtual kitchen! If you're wondering what's for dinner, you've come to the right place.

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