Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (2024)

Enjoy the rich taste of pumpkin in pies, cakes, soups, cupcakes, bar cookies, cheesecakes and more.

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Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (1)

Sure, you've seen this combo before. But not done this well. This recipe doesn't use a whole can of pumpkin, so add leftovers to a smoothie, a pot of chili, hot oatmeal or even hummus.

Our Best Bar Cookies

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Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (2)

Like the chocolate-and-vanilla retro classic, this gingery icebox cake requires some make-ahead assembly—but no baking. And it's absolutely drool-worthy.

Video—How To Make Pumpkin-Spice Icebox Cake

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (3)

Cream cheese strudel inspired the owner of Just Pies in Westerville, Ohio, to build a pumpkin pie with a surprise cream cheese layer. For the creamiest pumpkin pie, don't overbake.

Perfect Pumpkin Pies

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Pumpkin-Praline Layer Cake

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (4)

This nutty layer cake is a favorite dessert with Midwest Living readers. Whipped cream topping complements a moist filling of pumpkin, brown sugar, pecans, butter and more whipping cream.

Ultimate Cake Recipes

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Hazelnut Pumpkin Cheesecake

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (5)

Trot this one out at the holidays and watch those pies quake in their aluminum plates. Gingersnaps in the base and tangy sour cream topping balance the pumpkin-spice sweetness.

Rich and Creamy Cheesecakes

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Maple Pumpkin Pie with Salted Pecan Brittle

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (6)

The combination of maple and pumpkin flavors make a second slice of this pie hard to resist. Prepare the pecan brittle up to a week ahead, then sprinkle on just before serving.

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Bourbon-Spiked Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (7)

Rather than cube the bread, we made sandwiches, layering cinnamon-raisin swirl bread with a creamy pumpkin filling. Serve with a generous drizzle of boozy cheaters' caramel sauce.

Decadent Bread Pudding Recipes

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Pumpkin Bread with a Chocolate-Pepita Swirl

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (8)

With its ripple of chocolate, cinnamon and toasted pumpkin seeds (and browned butter in the batter!), this pumpkin bread is an indulgent afternoon treat.

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Marbled Chocolate-Pumpkin Brownies

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (9)

Swirl a layer of cream cheese and pumpkin into chocolate batter to create these luscious brownies, and sprinkle walnuts on top for extra crunch.

Rich, Moist Brownie Recipes

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Pumpkin-Pecan Tassies

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (10)

These tiny pies, baked in a muffin tin, showcase the flavors of pumpkin and pecans in a one- or two-bite dessert.

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Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (11)

This utterly unforgettable autumn cake layers moist chocolate-pumpkin cake, luscious milk chocolate ganache and fluffy pumpkin-spice whipped cream. The recipe comes from Minnesota blogger Amanda Rettke (iambaker.net). See a short video about how to make this cake.

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Mommy's Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (12)

"This recipe is adapted from my mother's classic pumpkin pie," says Linda Hundt, owner of Sweetielicious Bakery Cafe in DeWitt, Michigan. "I added cream to make it a bit richer and orange zest for flavor." The result is a dark mahogany pumpkin pie with ginger-cinnamon-clove spiciness.

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Spiced Pumpkin Bisque

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (13)

The Inn at Irish Hollow in Galena, Illinois, serves this creamy, curried soup throughout the fall and winter. You can make your own crème fraîche for the garnish, or use purchased crème fraiche or sour cream.

Simmering Soups and Stews

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Pumpkin Spice Whoopies

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (14)

A spiced marshmallow filling is sandwiched between cakelike pumpkin cookies in this easy-to-make dessert.

Quick and Easy Dessert Recipes

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Pumpkin Fudge

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (15)

Set this pretty golden fudge on a plate with traditional chocolate fudge and a white fudge for an appealing array of colors. The recipe is from a Cherokee, Iowa, reader and was a winner at the Clay County Fair.

Fabulous Fudge Recipes

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Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (16)

The innkeepers at Burchell's White Hill Farmhouse Inn in Minden, Nebraska, make this moist spiced bread using homegrown heirloom pumpkins, but this version of their recipe uses canned puree.

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Aint Sug's Punkin' Puddin'

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (17)

Baked in a casserole dish, this unusual dessert channels the spirit of marshmallow-topped sweet potato, with the added spice of pumpkin pie. This recipe comes from Patty Pinner's cookbook Sweets (Crown Publishing).

Soul Food Desserts

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Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (18)

A spiced filling, made from whipped cream, creates a lighter-tasting version of traditional pumpkin pie. The gingersnap crust adds more kick than classic crusts.

Favorite Holiday Pie Recipes

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Chocolate-Glazed Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (19)

Cream cheese, pumpkin, dark chocolate, whipping cream ... this pumpkin dessert is pure decadence!

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Pumpkin-Banana Bread

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (20)

Lisa Johnson of Gardner, Kansas, added banana to pumpkin bread for a new twist on quick bread treats. "This pumpkin bread is a favorite with our family," she says. "It's easy to make, and my two girls enjoy helping me. They especially enjoy it when it's done baking. It makes the house smell wonderful."

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars with Chocolate Topping

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (21)

Cream cheese, oatmeal cookie mix, pumpkin and semisweet chocolate combine for a sensational seasonal treat.

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Paradise Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (22)

A cheesecake layer and nut topping help this pumpkin pie stand out from its peers. This recipe was a winner at the Morton, Illinois, Pumpkin Festival baking competition.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Caramel Swirl

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (23)

This dessert comes from a Hayward, Wisconsin, cafe. It's creamy, cool and not overpowered by the pumpkin or the spice.

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Apple Pumpkin Sunflower Bread

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (24)

We packed a bushel of fall into this homey loaf: pumpkin, apple, nuts and spices.

Recipes for Sweet Quick Bread Loaves

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Apple Butter Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (25)

The classic pumpkin pie gets even better with the addition of apple butter, which gives extra sweetness and a slightly softer texture to the dessert. A streusel topping adds a bit of crunch.

Favorite Apple Pie Recipes

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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (26)

These cakelike pumpkin drop cookies are delicious by themselves, but even better topped with a simple brown sugar frosting.

Easy Drop Cookies

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Pumpkin Parsnip Bisque with Hazelnut Toasts

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (27)

Puree wintry vegetables like potato, leek and parsnip into a velvety soup. Don't skip the crisp, buttery dippers. They're delicious dunked in the soup.

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Toffee-Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (28)

Love sweet and salty combos? You'll fall for these bars with sweet toffee, toasted pecans and a spiced Ginger Crumb Crust.

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Spiced Pumpkin Dip

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (29)

Satisfy your sweet-salty afternoon cravings with this nutrient-packed dip, made with canned pumpkin, white beans and maple syrup. It's fab with honey-wheat pretzel twists, and very kid-friendly.

Easy Dip Recipes

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Pumpkin, Chickpea & Red Lentil Stew

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (30)

This hearty soup boasts a bounty of veggies and seasonings, including pumpkin or squash, fresh ginger, lime juice, cumin and fresh cilantro.

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Pumpkin Cake Roll

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (31)

Our "twist" on the pumpkin craze. Nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon add even more flavor.

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Pumpkin-Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Pecan Streusel

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (32)

Pumpkin, cranberries and brown sugar swirl through a tender, moist coffee cake with a golden pecan topper.

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Sandwich Cake

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (33)

A cream cheese layer and rich chocolate frosting make this pumpkin cake a crowd-pleaser.

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Pumpkin Chess Pie

Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (34)

The bakers at Wick's Pies in Winchester, Indiana, crossed chess pie with pumpkin pie, adding more eggs, more spices and a little cornmeal to their pumpkin recipe. The result: a pie with a more intense pumpkin and spice flavor, and a slightly thicker filling.

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Pumpkin Recipes We Absolutely Love (2024)

FAQs

Should you roast canned pumpkin purée? ›

Not only does roasting deepen the flavor of the pumpkin, but it bakes off some of the moisture in the purée, ensuring a more custard-like pie with less risk of a soggy crust.

What flavor pairs best with pumpkin? ›

To complement pumpkin with sweet flavor pairings, consider using spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and vanilla, or sweet ingredients like chocolate, maple, honey, cranberries or brown sugar. Create savory dishes by pairing pumpkin with spices like chilies, cajun, cayenne or pepper.

Is canned pumpkin good for dogs? ›

Pumpkin is a delicious addition to a human diet, but it also has a number of health benefits for your dog. Mineral and vitamin-packed. Pumpkin contains vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. Feeding plain canned pumpkin gives a great boost to your dog's nutrition.

What can I add to pumpkin puree to make it taste better? ›

Make a pumpkin purée infusion

But don't stop at a teaspoon of cinnamon powder or a dash of nutmeg there. To really take advantage of spices' power, you've got to let them infuse into the veggie mash. Doing so helps elevate both the flavor of the pumpkin and the final dish, whatever that may be.

Is there a difference between canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree? ›

Canned pumpkin (labeled as "100% pure pumpkin") is a purée of pumpkin that is sometimes mixed with other kinds of winter squash. It is unsweetened and does not contain any added spices. Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing, and you'll often see the terms used interchangeably in recipes and cookbooks.

Is it better to roast or steam pumpkin puree? ›

Two of the best ways to cook the pumpkins for puree are steaming and roasting. I prefer steaming because it is quicker and easier when making a lot of puree at once.

What meat goes best with pumpkin? ›

Fresh or canned pumpkin would taste good with meat proteins.
  1. Beef.
  2. Shrimp.
  3. Pork chops.
  4. Lobster.
  5. Crab.
  6. Chicken breast.
  7. Rabbit.
  8. Turkey (turkey legs)
Jun 17, 2022

What is the most delicious pumpkin? ›

For cooking, you'll want to use sugar pumpkins (also called pie or sweet pumpkins), which are small and round. Long Island Cheese pumpkins, which are more oblong and can look like a wheel of cheese, are also good to eat. Field pumpkin types are larger, have watery, stringy flesh, and are best for decorating.

What is the best pumpkin to bake and eat? ›

The best type of pumpkin for cooking and baking

Instead, I recommend using a pie pumpkin or sugar pumpkin (pictured above). During the fall and winter seasons, most stores will have them available. Try to pick pumpkins between 3-6 pounds — that's usually when the flesh is best.

What happens if I give my dog too much canned pumpkin? ›

When it comes to how much pumpkin your dog eats, “Too much pumpkin can cause gastrointestinal upset,” according to Dr. Su. “Also, if it's used as a topper or supplement on top of a complete and balanced diet to provide fiber, too much pumpkin can make the overall diet unbalanced.”

Why is my dog throwing up yellow foam? ›

Vomiting Yellow Foam

This yellow foam usually means that its stomach is empty and the bile is causing stomach irritation. Infrequent projectile bile from your dog may be due to Bilious Vomiting Syndrome. In addition to lack of food, this syndrome may be caused by: A lack of fiber in the dog's diet.

What if my dog eats too much canned pumpkin? ›

Too much canned pumpkin can lead to lose bowel movements and create an entirely different issue. It's also wise to make sure your pet isn't suffering from a more serious gastrointestinal issue such as pancreatitis, which can be life threatening.

What spices enhance pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin is notorious for pairing well with warm winter spices – as found in a variety of Moroccan-inspired cuisines. Try incorporating cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cumin and chilli with your pumpkin dishes for flavour-packed feasts.

How much pumpkin should I put in my dogs food? ›

So, how much should be given? Just like any time you introduce a new food to your dog's diet, it is important to do so slowly. A rapid change could cause an upset stomach. Usually, it is recommended that you give your dog about one to four tablespoons of canned pumpkin a day.

What's the difference between pumpkin pie mix and pumpkin puree? ›

They are the same product. Both canned pumpkin puree and pie filling are useful, shelf-stable ingredients that can help speed up your kitchen prep time. Just remember that puree is unsweetened, while pie filling contains sugar and spices. This will help you choose the right pumpkin product for your recipes.

Does canned pumpkin need to be baked? ›

Canned pumpkin is fully cooked. But if you make a pie, a cake, pumpkin bread, cookies, muffins or any other baked good, it tastes so much better.

How long to roast canned pumpkin puree? ›

Spread the pumpkin puree mixture onto a baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until it looks slightly dried out.

Do you have to heat canned pumpkin? ›

Canned pumpkins are already cooked, with the pumpkins steamed before they're processed and packaged up, so it's easy to think that they don't need much more. But if you're placing them in certain dishes, you'll need to cook them further.

How do you eat canned pumpkin puree? ›

Add it…
  1. To yogurt.
  2. To oatmeal.
  3. To pancakes , waffles, crepes.
  4. To toast with a drizzle of honey.
  5. To legume dishes, such as lentils, chickpeas, or black beans.
  6. To sour cream (for soups and tacos)
  7. To curry, soups, chili, or stew.

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