When the weather starts to cool off and the leaves start to turn, that’s when I whip out the pumpkin! Pumpkin is a must-use ingredient in my house come autumn. I personally make sure my pantry is stocked with both canned pumpkin and fresh pumpkin to get me through all the amazing sweet and savory pumpkin recipes I like to make in the fall.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite sweet and savory pumpkin recipes for you to try. You’ll find classic pumpkin dishes on here (like, say, a Pumpkin Spice Latte), but also some creative takes on fall’s favorite flavor. Before we dig into the list, let’s make sure we cover pumpkin basics.
When is it best to use canned pumpkin versus fresh pumpkin?
If you want the smooth texture, moisture, and flavor of pumpkin (like in a smoothie or pie), that’s when you want to reach for the canned pumpkin puree (not canned pumpkin pie filling).
If you want actual chunks of pumpkin in your final dish, that’s when you’ll need to get your hands on a fresh pumpkin. With a little bit of elbow grease, you can also process fresh pumpkin to delicious pumpkin puree that you can use in place of canned pumpkin.
How do you prepare a fresh pumpkin for cooking?
I have two ways of preparing a fresh pumpkin, depending on how I plan to use it.
- If you plan to chop it up and use it in pieces: Wash the dirt off the pumpkin and remove the skin (a Y-shaped peeler makes this much easier). Then, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy guts. From there, you can cut the pumpkin flesh into whatever size pieces you need.
- If you plan to make pumpkin puree: Slice the pumpkin in half (no need to peel), and after you roast the pumpkin to make it soft and blendable, you’ll be able to scoop the pumpkin right out of the skin. We have a full tutorial on how to make pumpkin puree that you can follow for more information.
Wholefully Protip
Don’t toss those seeds! Use them to make our flavored roasted pumpkin seeds.
Can you eat raw pumpkin?
Yup! It’s perfectly safe to eat raw pumpkin. However, some pumpkin tends to have fibrous flesh that is hard to chew, not very tasty, and hard on the digestive tract. Most folks prefer to cook their pumpkin before enjoying.
What does pumpkin do in baking?
Pumpkin puree added to baked goods is a great substitute for some or all of the fat or oil in a recipe. It adds moisture and a touch of sweetness.
Can I freeze fresh pumpkin chunks?
Absolutely! Just prepare it as you would for cooking, and then flash freeze it flat in one layer. Once frozen, transfer to your preferred freezer container (vacuum sealer bags, zip-top freezer bags, glass food storage containers, etc.)
Can I freeze pumpkin puree?
You can also freeze pumpkin puree to use in soups, pumpkin bread, or pies down the road. Pumpkin puree isn’t safe for home canning due to its density, so any puree I want to save for winter, I freeze!
Wholefully Protip
Freeze pumpkin puree in a silicone muffin tin. Then, once frozen solid, pop out the pucks and store in a freezer-safe container. Now you have perfectly portioned pumpkin puree for baking, smoothies, and more!
34+ Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Recipes to Enjoy this Fall
We have fan-favorite, home-tested pumpkin recipes that run the gamut from savory to sweet—let’s do this!
Savory Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin and Black Bean Vegan Enchiladas
These easy-to-make Pumpkin and Black Bean Vegan Enchiladas are hearty, flavorful, and completely plant-based! This is a make-ahead vegetarian dinner that even meat-eaters will love.
Vegan One Pot Pumpkin Curry
Pumpkin isn’t just for sweet recipes—it is also great in this savory and spicy One Pot Pumpkin Curry.
Roasted Apple and Pumpkin Farro Salad
If you're looking for a perfectly autumnal way to try out farro, this sweet-and-savory Roasted Apple and Pumpkin Farro Salad is just for you.
Savory Pumpkin Hummus
Savory Pumpkin Hummus is perfect for serving at your game day parties this Fall. The sweetness of pumpkin is an amazing addition to the smokiness of traditional hummus!
Two Ingredient Fresh Pumpkin Pasta
This simple pumpkin pasta with just two ingredients is a quick and simple, but still delicious, fall dinner.
Pumpkin Black Bean Burgers
These vegan, gluten-free Pumpkin Black Bean Burgers are hearty, healthy, and super tasty. They are also freezer friendly! Perfect for a speedy lunch.
Baked Parmesan Pumpkin Fries
Savory pumpkin? You bet! These Baked Parmesan Pumpkin Fries are sweet, salty, and totally healthy.
Pumpkin Soup Recipes
Pumpkin Sage Blender Soup in a Jar
This pumpkin soup is silky, rich, and packed full of complex flavor—you'd never know it took five minutes to make in the blender!
Blender Pumpkin Bisque
Dreamy, creamy, cozy soup in less than five minutes? It's possible with this recipe for Blender Pumpkin Bisque. It's all made in the blender!
Chicken Pumpkin Quinoa Chowder
Pumpkin isn’t just for sweet recipes! This savory Chicken Pumpkin Quinoa Chowder is hearty, creamy, and oh-so-comforting.
Vegan Pumpkin Black Bean Chili
This Vegan Pumpkin Black Bean Chili is thick, rich, hearty, and totally, 100% free from animal products. You won't even miss the meat!
Pumpkin Bread Recipes
Pumpkin Muffins Recipe
They’re fluffy. They’re spiced. And they’re SO good. Find out how to make the best pumpkin muffins.
Grain-Free Pumpkin Bread
This Grain-Free Pumpkin Bread is filled with wholesome ingredients and a fall flavor that everyone will love.
One Bowl Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread
Dense, rich, and moist, this Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread comes together in one bowl—no need to dirty lots of dishes!
Pumpkin Spice Buttermilk Biscuits
These slightly-sweet Pumpkin Spice Buttermilk Biscuits are a perfect substitute for a dinner roll on your Thanksgiving table!
Pumpkin Breakfast Recipes
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter
Make this creamy, sweet, and spiced Pumpkin Butter right in your slow cooker! You won’t believe how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes on toast, biscuits, or stirred into your morning yogurt.
Pumpkin Spice Baked Oatmeal Cups
These Pumpkin Spice Baked Oatmeal Cups are lightly-sweet and naturally gluten-free, and perfectly suited for meal prep.
Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
Celebrate the flavors of fall with Pumpkin Overnight Oats! Packed with comforting spices, this oatmeal tastes like you're eating pumpkin pie for breakfast.
Pumpkin Spice Coconut Breakfast Porridge
This Pumpkin Spice Coconut Breakfast Porridge meets all the requirements of the AIP diet, but is so delicious, you won't feel like you're missing out on anything!
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Waffles
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Waffles are spiced with the perfect flavors of fall. They are fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, like a waffle should be.
Oatmeal Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
These lightly-sweet breakfast cookies are a great grab-and-go healthy breakfast for those busy fall weekday mornings. Packed with pumpkin spice flavor, healthy whole grains, and healthy fats!
Pumpkin Drink Recipes
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte
Learn how to make a homemade pumpkin spice latte! This fall favorite includes real pumpkin, and comes with a vegan option.
Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
This nourishing Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie works well as a snack or part of a breakfast - and it tastes like dessert!
Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate
Rich, decadent, and totally cozy, this recipe for Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate is a great treat to sip on after you go pumpkin picking!
Pumpkin Spice Fall Sangria
Sweet, spiced, and full of autumnal flavor, this Pumpkin Spice Fall Sangria is perfect for pumpkin carving, Thanksgiving, or anytime!
Pumpkin Pie Martini
We've turned pumpkin pie into a martini, complete with whipped cream and cinnamon. Find out how to make this autumnal drink for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and other fall parties!
Pumpkin Dessert Recipes
Small Batch Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Want a batch of Fall cookies but don't want four dozen kicking around your house? These Small Batch Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies only make eight cookies!
Three Layer Pumpkin Brownies
Super rich and decadent, these Three Layer Pumpkin Brownies are packed full of rich chocolate flavor and Fall festiveness.
Pumpkin Spice Banana Soft Serve
Frozen bananas pulsed in the food processor turn in to dreamy, creamy, vegan ice cream. This recipe combines the best of summer and fall into one healthy treat!
No-Churn Pumpkin Ice Cream
This No Churn Pumpkin Ice Cream requires no heating and no special equipment, and comes together in about six minutes. The perfect way to usher in Fall!
Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls
These cake balls are sure to be a hit at your Halloween parties and fall potlucks.
Pumpkin Pie Recipe with a Perfectly Silky Filling
Want a creamy pumpkin pie that's almost too easy to make? This pumpkin pie recipe goes from ingredients to finished dessert in less than an hour. Get the easy recipe here.
Pumpkin Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Here’s an easy pumpkin cake that’s perfect for fall gatherings. It’s spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger and topped with a cream cheese frosting.
Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Add the flavor of fall to your coffee, pancakes, and cocktails using this homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup! Whip up a batch and keep it stashed in the fridge.
One Minute Pumpkin Spice Cake
One of the issues with microwave cakes is that you have to watch so carefully to make sure they don't dry out, but the pumpkin puree in this cake keeps it moist, gooey and totally delicious.
Pumpkin Dog Treats
Grain-Free Pumpkin Coconut Dog Treats
Show your pets some love with Grain-Free Pumpkin Coconut Dog Treats, made entirely from ingredients you already have in your kitchen!
Healthy Homemade Dog Treats
Your four-legged friends will love these Healthy Homemade Dog Treats, which are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, pumpkin, applesauce, and eggs.
