What to Make with Canned Pumpkin?
When October takes the stage and the leaves start to turn those yellow, brown, and orange shades before falling to the ground, you know what season it is! For me, it’s “Hooray, hurricane season is over, now bring on the pumpkin rolls!” Cozy evenings are the mood all over the globe… I think?
For someone like me who’s not about to go on the hunt for a fresh pumpkin, or if you simply don’t have the time to peel, steam, and puree one…canned pumpkin is the way to go! But that raises the question: what to make with canned pumpkin?
Canned pumpkin is quick, relatively affordable, and incredibly convenient. It’s also packed with nutrients and vitamins like A, C, and E. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or something in between, there are so many recipes for canned pumpkin you can try. I was amazed at what I found just scrolling on TikTok… stay tuned as I test out some of these recipes! And let me know if you’ve tried any of these or plan to—because sharing food ideas is half the fun.
1. Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Fluffy yet tasty pancakes have a special place in my heart! My plan (because I’m a lazy cook most times) is to add about a tablespoon or two of canned pumpkin to a ready-made pancake mix, maybe some dates…if I make it to the store, and a little baking powder for that extra fluff. Fry them up in some butter, and maybe toss in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for that fall smell. If you want some extra added texture, throw in some pecans or walnuts. And I’ll probably be making these all the way into to January, because who says pumpkin is just for fall? Hehe 🙂
2. Pumpkin Muffins
If you’re new to baking, this is a great place to start! Honestly, you can’t go wrong. I once forgot the baking powder, and they still came out decent! I usually use:
- 1 cup oats
- 3–4 dates (optional)
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (sometimes I use about ⅔ cup) – which im subbing for ½ of a peach
Mix it all together, then bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes, depending on how done you like them. Quick and simple.
3. Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl
Okay, I’ll be honest, I usually buy this one. I love cheesecake, but I don’t have the patience for the whole baking and setting process. A no bake version might be in my future, but for nowwww….. I’ll go grab my pumpkin swirl cheesecake from Sweet Justice. From what I can tell, it’s a classic cheesecake base with pumpkin puree mixed into part of the filling, then swirled through before baking. If you’re ever in the Bahamas with some time on your hands, you should give them a try! It’s baked to order to place in advance!
4. Simple Pumpkin Cupcakes
Moist, fluffy, and packed with flavor! These cupcakes are as easy as mixing canned pumpkin into your favorite boxed cake mix (spice cake is perfect or if you cant yellow cake) or a simple scratch recipe. Top with cream cheese frosting and just like dessert that’s ready in under an hour! This one is not the healthiest option, but boy is it delicious!
5. Grandpa’s Pumpkin Rice (with a Canned Pumpkin Shortcut)
This dish is pure comfort food with a Bahamian touch. Traditionally, my grandpa made it with fresh pumpkin, but using canned pumpkin means you can have it anytime! No peeling or chopping required.
Here’s how I make it:
- In your usual rice pot, melt about ½ tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Add roughly ½ cup canned pumpkin and fry it down for a few minutes until it deepens in color and the flavors develop.
- Pour in water (enough to cook your rice), season generously with salt, and stir.
- Add a little more butter, then stir in your white rice. Cook as you normally would.
- Fluff and serve—this buttery, slightly sweet side pairs beautifully with fish, chicken, or stew.
Final Thoughts
Canned pumpkin is versatile, easy to work with, and a star of the fall season! You can go sweet or savory, either way, it’s going to bring some comfort to your life, whether it be through your belly or on your table. So the next time you’re wondering what to make with canned pumpkin, grab a can and try one of these recipes. You might just find a new fall (or year-round) favorite!
Love all these ideas to make with canned pumpkin! The pumpkin swirl cheesecake sounds amazing! Yum!
It soooooo good!
Love these. Might have to try these muffins. They sound delicious. Thank you!
All of these ideas sound amazing! I am looking forward to the cheesecake.
Me too! LOL
This is a great list! I’m feeling super spooky and pumpkin inspired!! Can’t wait for fall!🎃
Same! Fall is going to start in September! Cant wait!
These all sound so wonderful! I’m looking for more ways to embrace Autumn when it arrives (even though I’m not quite done with Summer yet). I may need to pair a few of these with my pumpkin spice lattes!
Grandpa’s Pumpkin Rice sounds like a great lunch/dinner!
LOL Yip! Summers not over but here we are on the fall train! You should try it out!
I love some pumpkin spiced bread and muffins. Definitely brings out the fall season!
Right! Its a simple way to get in to the spirit of the season…for me anyway! Bring on the Pumpkin!
Love your ideas as I’m a diehard fan of pumkin. I love pumkin smoothies, too. Gotta try! 🙂
Oh never had it in a smoothie! Ill try to make one this week!
We love how versatile canned pumpkin is! You can also take it a savory route and add it to soups or chilis or pastas! So good.
Oh I never thought to try it in a pasta! I’ll have to look into that.
Loved these ideas! I always have a can (or three) of pumpkin in the pantry and usually just make pie, so it’s great to see some creative new ways to use it. Now I’m inspired to try something savory for a change!
Yeaaaaa!! Go for it! I hope you enjoy it!
I love canned pumpkin because it’s so easy to mix into different things. I have never heard of pumpkin rice but now I really want to try it! Thanks for sharing!
If you try it I hope you enjoy!
Awesome list of recipes to make with canned pumpkin. Thanks for the ideas!
You’re Welcome 🙂
I always have canned pumpkin on hand so I’m tempted to try your grandpa’s pumpkin rice, it sounds very delicious. Love all the ideas though!
If you try it I hope you like it! I havn’t got my own to taste like his…but Im hoping to one day!
Why I never thought of pumpkin pancakes: that’s the real question….
Thanks so much for these ideas, I’ll definitely have to try a few.
Great ideas! I’m not a huge fan of pumpkin flavor in general, but for some reason it always tastes better in the Fall 😁 Thank for sharing these ideas!
LOL. Tis’ the season
thse are great ideas
Thank you! I hope you get a chance to try at least one.
That pumpkin cheesecake sounds to die for! Two of my favorite things together sounds like a dream.
LISTENNNNNN!!!! I love it! Ill be placing my order the first week in September 🙂