Pumpkin season is here, and one of the easiest ways to bring the cosy flavours of autumn into your kitchen is with pumpkin purée. Whether you’re using homemade pumpkin purée or a canned version like the one from Baking Buddy, this versatile ingredient goes far beyond just pumpkin pie. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and a naturally sweet flavor, pumpkin purée can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.
If you’re looking for some creative ways to use pumpkin purée, here are 12 ideas to try this autumn:
1. Pumpkin Pancakes
Add a scoop of pumpkin purée to your pancake batter for fluffy, autumn inspired pancakes. Sprinkle in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for an extra seasonal touch or instead top with pumpkin spice syrup.
2. Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin purée makes a silky base for soups. Combine it with vegetable or chicken stock, garlic, onion, and a splash of cream for a warming, hearty dish perfect for those chilly nights ahead.
3. Pumpkin Smoothies
For a healthy breakfast or even a snack, blend pumpkin purée with banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and pumpkin pie spice. It tastes like dessert but is full of nutrients.
4. Pumpkin Bread & Muffins
Swap some of the oil or butter in your quick breads and muffins with pumpkin purée. It keeps baked goods moist while adding natural sweetness and fiber. Check out this recipe for these delightful pumpkin potion muffins.
5. Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Mix pumpkin purée into a creamy pasta sauce with Parmesan, garlic, and sage. It’s a delicious alternative to Alfredo and pairs perfectly with penne or ravioli. It's also a great way for getting hidden veg into your children's meals.
6. Pumpkin Porridge
Stir pumpkin purée into your morning oats for extra creaminess and flavor. Top with pecans, cranberries, or maple syrup for a cozy fall breakfast.
7. Pumpkin Curry
Pumpkin purée blends beautifully into coconut milk-based curries. It adds body and a subtle sweetness that balances out spicy flavors.
8. Pumpkin Hummus
Mix pumpkin purée with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic for a seasonal twist on classic hummus. Serve with tortilla crisps or veggie sticks.
9. Pumpkin Lattes
Skip the coffee shop line and make your own pumpkin spice latte at home. I love making mine at home by whisking pumpkin purée, coffee, milk, and pumpkin spice syrup together for a creamy fall drink.
10. Pumpkin Cheesecake
Upgrade your cheesecake by folding pumpkin purée into the filling. The result is a rich, creamy dessert that’s perfect for autumn gatherings.
11. Pumpkin Dog Treats
Did you know that pumpkin purée is safe for dogs (in moderation) and can be baked into healthy homemade treats for your furry friend.
12. Pumpkin Face Mask
Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making pumpkin purée an excellent natural face mask ingredient. Mix it with honey or yogurt for a quick DIY skincare treat.
Final Thoughts
From pumpkin soup to pumpkin bread and even homemade skincare, there are endless ways to use pumpkin purée. Stock up this autumn and experiment in the kitchen with this seasonal superfood.
