Pumpkin puree is one of those ingredients that makes you feel like you’ve got secret cooking superpowers.
You open the can and suddenly you’ve got a hundred different directions you can go, from sweet to savory or cozy to refreshing.
I love how it works in everything from creamy soups to fluffy muffins without having to put in a ton of work.
No peeling, chopping, or roasting marathons…just scoop and stir!
This makes it so easy to pull together breakfast, dinner, or dessert last minute.
And honestly, I just like seeing how many different things I can make with it.
So if you’ve got a can or two hanging around, you’re halfway to something delicious!
Here are my fave pumpkin puree recipes:
Pumpkin Puree Sweets and Desserts
Sweet pumpkin recipes have a way of feeling both cozy and impressive without taking all day to make.
A little pumpkin puree can turn an ordinary treat into something that feels like fall in every bite!
1. Pumpkin Bread
Start by whisking together flour, baking soda, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree with sugar, eggs, and oil until it’s smooth and glossy.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until combined so it stays tender.
Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
You can even make it with cream cheese!
2. Pumpkin Bars
Mix together pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and oil until creamy, then stir in flour, baking powder, and cozy spices.
Spread the batter into a parchment-lined baking dish for easy removal.
Bake until the center is set and edges start to pull away slightly.
Once cooled, top with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting.
And check out my mini version here!
3. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Cream together butter, sugar, and pumpkin puree, then beat in an egg and vanilla extract.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice separately before adding to the wet mixture.
Roll the dough into balls, flatten slightly, and press a dollop of sweetened cream cheese into the center.
Bake until golden on the edges.
These pumpkin cheesecake cookies are extra smooth and creamy!
4. Pumpkin Cheesecake Donuts
Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in one bowl.
In another bowl, stir pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
Fill donut molds halfway, spoon in a swirl of sweetened cream cheese, then top with more batter.
Bake until springy to the touch, then cool before dusting with cinnamon sugar.
And if you’re like me, you’ll “test” one of these pumpkin cheese donuts before they’ve even cooled completely!
5. Pumpkin Pie
Combine pumpkin puree with eggs, brown sugar, heavy cream, and plenty of warm spices, whisking until silky.
Pour into an unbaked pie crust and smooth out the top.
Bake at a high temperature for the first 15 minutes, then lower the heat so the custard sets without cracking.
Let it cool at room temperature before chilling.
Serve your pumpkin pie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
6. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Beat together softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and pumpkin puree until light and fluffy.
Add an egg and vanilla, then stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
Fold in a generous handful of chocolate chips (dark chocolate works so well here!).
Scoop onto a lined baking sheet and bake until the edges are just set.
If you don’t want your pumpkin chocolate chip cookies to fall apart when you move them, let them rest on the sheet for a few minutes.
(It’s hard, I know!)
7. Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Mix flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice in a bowl.
Cream butter, sugar, and pumpkin puree together until smooth, then add an egg and vanilla.
Roll the dough into balls and coat each in a cinnamon-sugar mix before placing on a baking sheet.
Bake until they puff up and the edges are lightly golden.
I always make extra cinnamon sugar so I can roll them twice for a thicker coating.
8. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice.
In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Fill muffin cups halfway, add a spoonful of sweetened cream cheese, then cover with more batter.
Bake until a toothpick in the muffin (not the cream cheese) comes out clean.
For bakery-style tops, sprinkle raw sugar over the batter before baking.
9. Pumpkin Fudge
Melt white chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring constantly.
Add pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice, then cook until smooth.
Pour into a parchment-lined pan and smooth the top.
Chill until firm, then cut into squares.
I keep mine in the fridge so they stay perfectly dense and creamy.
10. Pumpkin Blondies
Combine melted butter, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice until just combined.
Fold in white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for extra texture.
Spread into a greased baking dish and bake until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft.
Let them cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
Pumpkin Puree Dinners
Pumpkin adds a creamy, velvety touch to savory dishes that warms you up from the inside out.
Using it in dinner recipes is an easy way to give your usual favorites a seasonal twist.
11. Pumpkin Soup
Sauté chopped onion and garlic in butter until fragrant, then stir in pumpkin puree and vegetable broth.
Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for richness, along with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Simmer until heated through, then blend until silky smooth.
I like to serve my pumpkin soup with crusty bread for dipping.
Oh, and top with roasted pumpkin seeds for a little crunch.
12. Pumpkin Chilli
Brown ground beef or turkey with diced onion and bell pepper in a large pot.
Stir in pumpkin puree, canned tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes so the flavors mingle.
If you want to add some meat to your chili, turkey tastes amazing with pumpkin!
13. Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
This pasta sauce is perfect for the fall and works with all kinds of pasta!
Melt butter in a skillet and add garlic until just golden.
Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg.
Toss with hot pasta and a bit of the pasta water for a glossy finish.
I sometimes add crispy bacon or sage leaves for a little extra flair!
14. Pumpkin Curry
Cook onion, garlic, and ginger in oil until softened.
Add curry paste and stir until fragrant, then mix in pumpkin puree and coconut milk.
Simmer until thickened, then toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Serve over rice or with warm naan bread.
A squeeze of lime over the top brightens everything up.
15. Pumpkin Butter Chicken
Sauté diced onion in butter until tender, then add garam masala, cumin, and paprika.
Stir in pumpkin puree, tomato paste, and cream, letting the sauce simmer until fragrant.
Add cooked chicken and coat it well in the sauce.
Let it simmer a few more minutes so the flavors soak in.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
16. Pumpkin Risotto
Sauté finely chopped onion in butter until soft, then stir in arborio rice and cook until the edges turn translucent.
Add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
When the rice is nearly done, mix in pumpkin puree, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Keep stirring until creamy and tender.
I like to finish with a drizzle of olive oil right before serving.
17. Pumpkin Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of pumpkin puree mixed with ricotta, Parmesan, and spices over the bottom of a baking dish.
Layer noodles, more pumpkin filling, sautéed spinach, and mozzarella, repeating until you run out of ingredients.
Top with extra mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting so the layers hold.
Pumpkin Puree Breakfasts
Pumpkin in the morning brings a touch of indulgence to the start of your day.
Its natural sweetness works beautifully with warm spices, making each bite feel cozy yet energizing!
18. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Cook rolled oats in milk or water until creamy.
Stir in pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a dash of vanilla.
Let it simmer another minute to thicken.
Spoon into bowls and top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers.
I sometimes add a handful of pecans for crunch.
19. Pumpkin Cream of Wheat
Bring milk to a gentle boil, then whisk in cream of wheat until smooth.
Stir in pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and cinnamon, cooking until thickened.
Serve hot with a pat of butter melting on top.
Sprinkle with brown sugar for extra sweetness.
If you like it richer, swap part of the milk for cream.
20. Pumpkin Overnight Oats
Mix rolled oats with pumpkin puree, milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice in a jar.
Stir well and cover, then refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, give it a good stir and add a spoonful of yogurt if you like it creamier.
Top with granola or chopped nuts for texture.
You can also make a few jars at once for easy breakfasts all week.
21. Pumpkin Pancakes
Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl.
In another, mix pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently so the batter stays fluffy.
Cook on a greased skillet until bubbles form on top, then flip and finish cooking.
I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar right after flipping for a sweet crust.
22. Pumpkin Ricotta Toast
Toast thick slices of bread until golden.
Spread with creamy ricotta, then swirl pumpkin puree over the top.
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon or crushed nuts.
I sometimes add pomegranate seeds for a little tart pop.
Serve immediately while the bread is still warm.
23. Pumpkin French Toast
Whisk eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and cinnamon together in a shallow dish.
Dip thick slices of bread into the mixture, coating both sides well.
Cook on a buttered skillet until each side is golden brown.
I like to top mine with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Add a few toasted pecans if you want some crunch.
Pumpkin Puree Drinks
Pumpkin in beverages is like a shortcut to autumn comfort, offering a perfect mix of creamy texture and warming spices.
It’s versatile enough for hot, frothy mugs or chilled, refreshing sips.
A touch of pumpkin can make your usual drink feel instantly seasonal and special.
24. Pumpkin Smoothies
Blend pumpkin puree with banana, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice until creamy.
Toss in a handful of ice cubes for a chilled texture.
You can sneak in a scoop of protein powder without changing the flavor much.
Serve right away with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Sometimes I freeze the banana first for extra thickness.
25. Pumpkin Hot Cocoa
Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming, then whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice.
Stir until smooth and frothy.
Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream.
A pinch of cinnamon on top makes it smell amazing.
You can even add a splash of coffee for a pumpkin mocha twist.
26. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Heat milk in a saucepan with pumpkin puree, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until steaming.
Whisk until frothy, then pour over a strong shot of espresso.
Stir gently so the flavors meld together.
Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
I sometimes add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
27. Pumpkin Bubble Tea
Brew strong black tea and let it cool slightly.
In a blender, mix pumpkin puree, milk, pumpkin pie spice, and a bit of brown sugar until smooth.
Add cooked tapioca pearls to a tall glass, pour in the pumpkin mixture, then top with the tea.
Stir before sipping so you get pumpkin in every sip.
Wide straws make this extra fun to drink.
Quick and Delicious Ways to Use Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is one of those ingredients that works hard without making you work harder.
With just a scoop or two, you can bring rich flavor, creamy texture, and seasonal warmth to all kinds of dishes.
Keep a can or two on hand and you’ll always be just a few steps away from something delicious and cozy
