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!
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Breakfast
Leftover pumpkin puree fits right into your morning routine, adding warmth and fall flavor to everything from pancakes to overnight oats.
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 averageMake this recipe:
Fluffy Pumpkin PancakesPhoto and recipe: Savory Nothings
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin WafflesPhoto and recipe: Weelicious
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin French ToastPhoto and recipe: Well Plated by Erin Clarke
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 OatmealPhoto and recipe: Recipe Runner
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Overnight OatsPhoto and recipe: Andie Mitchell
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin SmoothiePhoto 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.
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin BreadPhoto and recipe: Preppy Kitchen
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 BreadPhoto and recipe: JoyFoodSunshine
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip MuffinsPhoto and recipe: Love and Lemons
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Streusel MuffinsPhoto and recipe: Crazy for Crust
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 averageMake this recipe:
The Softest Pumpkin RollsPhoto and recipe: Oh Sweet Basil
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Cinnamon RollsPhoto and recipe: Little Sunny Kitchen
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin SconesPhoto and recipe: She Wears Many Hats
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 averageMake this recipe:
Glazed Pumpkin DonutsPhoto 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.
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin SoupPhoto and recipe: Love and Lemons
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 ChiliPhoto and recipe: Yellow Bliss Road
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin CurryPhoto 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.
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 CheesePhoto and recipe: Pumpkin 'N Spice
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Pasta SaucePhoto and recipe: Food with Feeling
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 RavioliPhoto and recipe: With Spice
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin GnocchiPhoto and recipe: Nora Cooks
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 averageMake this recipe:
One Pan Sesame Butter Pumpkin ChickenPhoto and recipe: Half Baked Harvest
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 averageMake this recipe:
Spicy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sour Cream SaucePhoto and recipe: Ambitious Kitchen
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 HummusPhoto 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.
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Spice CupcakesPhoto and recipe: I Heart Naptime
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Coffee CakePhoto and recipe: Well Plated by Erin Clarke
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Dump CakePhoto and recipe: Cookies and Cups
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin BarsPhoto and recipe: Wyse Guide
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 averageMake this recipe:
Easy Pumpkin BrowniesPhoto 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.
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 PiePhoto and recipe: The BakerMama
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 PiePhoto and recipe: Zestuous
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Swirl CheesecakePhoto and recipe: Sally's Baking
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 averageMake this recipe:
No Bake Pumpkin CheesecakePhoto and recipe: Dinner at the Zoo
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 CrustPhoto and recipe: Wyse Guide
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin CustardPhoto 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.
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip CookiesPhoto and recipe: Tastes Better From Scratch
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Oatmeal CookiesPhoto and recipe: Sugar Spun Run
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin Whoopie PiesPhoto and recipe: Dessert for Two
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 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin TrufflesPhoto and recipe: Dizzy Busy and Hungry!
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 FudgePhoto 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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