Beyond the Pie: 11 Creative & Delicious Ways to Use Pumpkin Puree This Fall
As the leaves begin to turn golden and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s one ingredient that truly captures the essence of autumn: pumpkin. Specifically, pumpkin puree. This versatile, nutrient-rich ingredient isn’t just for pies anymore! It’s the secret weapon in your fall kitchen, capable of transforming both sweet and savory dishes with its earthy sweetness and creamy texture. If you’ve embraced the delightful process of making your own pumpkin puree, you’re already ahead of the game, enjoying the freshest, most flavorful results. But what to do with that glorious stash of homemade (or even canned!) pumpkin puree now residing in your refrigerator? This guide is here to inspire you, offering 11 fantastic and easy ways to infuse the beloved flavor of pumpkin into your meals and treats throughout the entire season. Get ready to explore a world of pumpkin possibilities that extend far beyond your traditional Thanksgiving desserts.
From breakfast delights to comforting dinners and irresistible desserts, pumpkin puree adds a unique depth and a touch of seasonal magic to almost anything. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning boost or an impressive dish for your next fall gathering, these ideas will help you make the most of every spoonful. Say goodbye to plain pumpkin and hello to a season brimming with rich, autumnal flavors!
Add it to butter
Elevate your morning toast or brunch spreads with a simple yet incredibly flavorful pumpkin butter. Mixing a spoonful of pumpkin puree with softened butter, a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and perhaps a touch of maple syrup creates a luxurious spread that instantly screams fall. This delightful concoction is perfect on warm muffins, fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles, or even spread generously over a slice of banana bread. It adds a subtle sweetness and a rich, spiced aroma that transforms ordinary breakfast items into a seasonal indulgence. For inspiration, try this whipped cinnamon pumpkin butter recipe that offers a light and airy texture, perfect for enhancing your favorite baked goods.
Make a soup
Pumpkin puree is the ultimate base for a comforting, creamy autumn soup. Its natural sweetness and velvety texture lend themselves beautifully to a rich and satisfying bowl. A pumpkin soup can be as simple as combining the puree with vegetable broth, a touch of cream, and classic fall spices like sage, thyme, and a hint of ginger. Garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of crème fraîche, or even crispy bacon bits, it makes for an elegant starter or a hearty main course on a chilly evening. The depth of flavor is unmatched, offering warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Consider making this simple pumpkin soup from Minimalist Baker for a truly fabulous and easy recipe that highlights the natural deliciousness of pumpkin.
Or a chili
If you’re seeking something more substantial than a soup, incorporating pumpkin puree into your next batch of chili is a game-changer. It acts as a natural thickener, providing a wonderfully creamy texture without adding excessive dairy. Beyond texture, pumpkin puree infuses the chili with a subtle, earthy sweetness that balances the spices and robust flavors of meat or beans. This addition elevates a classic comfort food, making it distinctly autumnal and even more filling. It’s an excellent way to add extra nutrients and a unique twist to a family favorite. Give this hearty Slow Cooker Pumpkin Turkey Chili a try for a delicious and effortless meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Put it in a smoothie
Start your day with a healthy, fall-inspired boost by adding pumpkin puree to your morning smoothie. It’s an easy way to sneak in extra vitamins, fiber, and that comforting pumpkin flavor. Pumpkin puree blends seamlessly with ingredients like banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to create a creamy, nutritious, and incredibly delicious drink. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, but packed with goodness. This vibrant smoothie is perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout recovery, or a refreshing afternoon snack. You’ll love this pumpkin pie protein smoothie from Sally’s Baking Addiction; it truly tastes like a slice of pie in liquid form and is wonderfully satisfying.
Bake it up!
Baking is perhaps the most classic way to enjoy pumpkin puree, and for good reason! Its moisture content and distinct flavor are perfect for a wide array of baked goods, imparting a tender crumb and a beautiful golden hue. Think beyond traditional pumpkin pie and explore recipes for moist pumpkin bread, soft pumpkin cookies, fluffy pumpkin muffins, delightful pumpkin cupcakes, or even rich pumpkin cheesecake. The puree not only adds fantastic flavor but also helps keep baked goods incredibly moist and tender. It pairs wonderfully with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, creating that quintessential “pumpkin spice” aroma that fills your home with autumnal cheer. Experiment with recipes like our pumpkin banana bread with Nutella swirl, caramel-stuffed pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin cream cheese streusel muffins for a truly indulgent fall baking experience.
Fill ravioli with it
Venturing into savory territory, pumpkin puree makes an exquisite filling for pasta, particularly ravioli. When combined with creamy ricotta cheese, a hint of Parmesan, and a touch of nutmeg or sage, it creates a rich, earthy, and slightly sweet filling that is absolutely divine. These pumpkin ricotta ravioli are often served with a simple brown butter sage sauce, allowing the delicate flavors of the pumpkin to shine through. This sophisticated dish is perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special weekend meal, offering a unique twist on traditional Italian fare. Don’t limit yourself to just ravioli; pumpkin puree can also be incorporated into other pasta sauces or fillings, such as this unique roasted garlic hummus pumpkin pasta for a surprisingly delicious combination.
Make ice cream
Who says pumpkin flavor is only for warm treats? Transform your pumpkin puree into a cool, creamy dessert by making pumpkin ice cream. Imagine the delightful taste of a pumpkin spice latte, but in a refreshing frozen form! This innovative use of pumpkin puree results in a vibrant, spiced ice cream that perfectly captures the essence of fall. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of the season even on a mild autumn day or as a unique dessert after a heavy holiday meal. Serve it on its own, with a sprinkle of gingersnap crumbles, or alongside a warm apple crisp for an unforgettable treat. Our pumpkin spice latte ice cream is a must-try for any pumpkin enthusiast looking for a truly unique frozen indulgence.
Add it to curry
For an adventurous and incredibly flavorful savory application, introduce pumpkin puree to your favorite curry recipe. This addition works wonders, providing a natural sweetness that mellows the heat of spices, while also adding an incredible richness and creamy texture to the sauce. Pumpkin puree helps to create a thicker, more luscious curry that feels wonderfully wholesome and comforting. It pairs beautifully with coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and a variety of curry spices, making it a fantastic addition to both vegetarian and meat-based curries. The result is a deeply satisfying and complex dish that’s perfect for a hearty dinner. Explore this delicious pumpkin coconut curry for a vibrant and aromatic meal that showcases pumpkin puree in a surprising new way.
Add it to a simple syrup
Simple syrup is a bartender’s and barista’s best friend, and adding pumpkin puree transforms it into a seasonal sensation. A homemade pumpkin spice simple syrup infuses drinks with the irresistible flavors of fall. This versatile syrup can be stirred into your morning coffee or tea for a homemade latte experience, drizzled over oatmeal, or even used to moisten cakes. It’s incredibly easy to make by simmering pumpkin puree with sugar, water, and your favorite fall spices. Once cooled, it keeps well in the refrigerator, ready to add a touch of autumnal charm to any beverage or dessert. Its concentrated flavor makes it an indispensable component for seasonal drinks, setting the stage for the next exciting way to use your pumpkin puree…
Amp up happy hour
Ready to infuse your happy hour with the spirit of fall? Pumpkin puree, especially when incorporated into a simple syrup, is a fantastic ingredient for crafting seasonal cocktails and mocktails. Elevate classic drinks or invent new ones with a delightful pumpkin twist. Imagine sipping on a sophisticated Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Old Fashioned, a festive Pumpkin Pie Mimosa for brunch, or a comforting boozy Pumpkin Bourbon Hot Chocolate on a cool evening. For something refreshing, try a Bourbon Pumpkin Smash, or impress guests with an elegant Pumpkin Pie Martini. These creative cocktails bring warmth, spice, and unique flavor profiles to any gathering, making your fall celebrations truly memorable.
Change up mac and cheese
Give a beloved comfort food a seasonal makeover by adding pumpkin puree to your mac and cheese. This unexpected ingredient transforms the dish by adding an incredible creaminess, a subtle sweetness, and a boost of nutrients. The pumpkin puree blends seamlessly with the cheese sauce, creating a rich, velvety texture and a beautiful orange hue that’s perfectly autumnal. It’s a wonderful way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters or simply to enjoy a more sophisticated take on a classic. Pairing it with roasted vegetables like butternut squash or broccoli can make it an even more wholesome and satisfying meal. For a healthier yet equally delicious version, try this lightened-up pumpkin mac and cheese with roasted veggies from Skinnytaste, proving that comfort food can also be wholesome and flavorful.
Need more pumpkin goodness? Check out some of my favorite cookbooks below:
If these 11 creative uses for pumpkin puree have only scratched the surface of your pumpkin cravings, there’s a whole world of inspiration waiting in these fantastic cookbooks. Dive deeper into the realm of pumpkin-infused culinary delights:
- The Pumpkin Cookbook: Now in its second edition, this comprehensive cookbook boasts 139 recipes, celebrating the incredible versatility of pumpkin and other winter squashes. It’s a treasure trove for anyone looking to explore the full potential of these autumnal staples.
- With a name like Pumpkin It Up!, how can you not get excited? This book promises to deliver even more delicious and innovative ways to incorporate pumpkin into your cooking and baking, making every dish a festive celebration.
- Perfect Pumpkin Recipes: A Charming Holiday Pumpkin Cookbook: Packed with a delightful assortment of pumpkin goodness, this cookbook is specifically curated for the holidays, ensuring your festive table is always adorned with seasonal treats.
- The Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookbook: Delicious Recipes for Sweets, Treats, and Other Autumnal Delights: As the title suggests, this cookbook focuses on the enchanting blend of pumpkin pie spice, offering a plethora of recipes that perfectly encapsulate the flavors of autumn in both sweet and savory forms.
As you can see, pumpkin puree is far more than just a seasonal ingredient; it’s a culinary hero that brings warmth, flavor, and versatility to countless dishes. From energizing smoothies and comforting soups to gourmet pasta fillings and festive cocktails, its applications are limited only by your imagination. Embrace the bounty of fall and let pumpkin puree inspire your kitchen creativity all season long!
Pin this 11 Ways To Use Pumpkin Puree guide for later!
Don’t let these incredible pumpkin puree ideas slip away! Save this comprehensive guide for future reference and ensure you’re always ready to infuse your meals with the delightful flavors of fall. Pin this image to your favorite recipe board and come back whenever you need fresh inspiration for your pumpkin puree. Happy cooking and baking!
