51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (2024)

When it comes to holiday shortcuts, a can of pumpkin or pumpkin pie filling is super convenient, economical, and loaded with health benefits. Recipes that use canned pumpkin come in all shapes and sizes—from appetizers and co*cktails to main dishes and desserts—that you can enjoy year-round.

We've compiled so many easy recipes that use canned pumpkin—some savory, some sweet, and some even sippable—you'll find yourself opening cans of pumpkin well beyond Thanksgiving. Alternatively, skip the can and make your own pumpkin puree, which is the same as canned pumpkin.

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Pumpkin Muffins

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (1)

A great recipe to turn to when you have a cup of canned pumpkin left over, these pumpkin muffins make a smart grab-and-go breakfast or tea-time snack. Spread a rich cream cheese frosting on top for a sweet after-dinner treat.

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Pumpkin Spice Bread

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (2)

Pumpkin puree stars in this autumnal bread flavored with ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Suitable for breakfast or dessert, this loaf is topped with a sweet streusel that gets plenty of texture from raw pumpkin seed kernels.

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Turkey Pumpkin Chili

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (3)

If you’re looking for a dish that highlights the savory side of pumpkin, give this chili a try. It calls for a can of pumpkin puree, ground turkey, hearty cannellini beans, and spices like ground coriander and smoked paprika.

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Maple Pumpkin Pie

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (4)

Maple syrup brings earthy, rich sweetness to a traditional pumpkin pie. The velvety texture from a full can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, oddly enough) works in tandem with the custardy accent of heavy cream and eggs.

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Pumpkin Cookies

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (5)

These cute pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies can be turned into pilgrim hats or turkeys with a simple switch-up of cookie cutters. Alternatively, use your favorite shapes to make tasty pumpkin cookies any time of the year.

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Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (6)

These gorgeous bars boast a Speculoos cookie crust, which pairs deliciously with the canned pumpkin filling spiced with allspice, ginger, and cinnamon. The addition of cream cheese makes it extra creamy.

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Pumpkin Grilled Cheese

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (7)

Got just a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree left in a can? Save them for this fun, nutritious take on a classic lunchtime favorite.

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Pumpkin Cream Sandwiches

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (8)

Canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice (homemade or store-bought) feature prominently in these dreamy cookie sandwiches. For easy party prep, whip these up a day or two ahead.

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Pumpkin Bread

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (9)

Another take on pumpkin bread, this one is subtly sweet and easy to make, requiring just 10 ingredients. Eat it as a simple breakfast, or enjoy it as a snack with a cup of tea.

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Pumpkin Bread Trifle With Pepita Streusel

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (10)

Use cubes from a large loaf of pumpkin bread to whip up this picture-worthy dessert made with layers of sweet streusel and a cream cheese-and-whipped cream filling. If you don’t have a trifle dish, serve this in a large bowl or glass jars for individual servings.

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Pumpkin Martini

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (11)

This riff on a Brandy Alexander is a decadent after-dinner sipper that calls for just a tablespoon of pumpkin puree per glass. It's also amazing with aged rum, spiced rum, or brandy.

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Pumpkin Pecan Crisps

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (12)

These delicious pecan-and-oat-topped custards are made with canned pumpkin. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast or crème fraiche for dessert.

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Pumpkin Cream Puffs

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (13)

What to do with less than a can of pumpkin puree? Make some pumpkin cream puffs. These creamy orbs of pumpkin sweetness are a brown-sugar-bolstered dream.

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Pumpkin Caramel Pie Bars with Toasted Coconut

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (14)

With its buttery crust and swirled caramel-pumpkin filling, this rich dessert is a hands-down winner. It goes one step further with a caramel and toasted coconut topping. Yum!

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Pumpkin Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (15)

Wondering how to make a fall favorite faster? Use a recipe loaded with shortcut ingredients, like this one that calls for boxed cake mix, canned pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice.

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Pumpkin Leek Soup

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This soothing recipe was made for a cold winter evening. It doubles down on pumpkin by using canned and fresh, but fresh butternut squash works just as well.

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Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (17)

Bake a crunchy, butterygraham cracker crust, then give your oven the rest of the day off. This recipe's pumpkin puree and cream cheese filling just chills in the fridge to set, resulting in a pumpkin pie cheesecake fusion that'll please fans of both.

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No-Bake Pumpkin Pie

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (18)

We promised you some pumpkin pie recipes, but we betcha didn't expect a no-bake one. This pumpkin pie calls for a standard graham cracker crust, but the filling mixes melted white chocolate chips and cream cheese with pumpkin puree for a pie that sets in the fridge in 4 hours.

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Pumpkin Doughnuts With Sour Cream Icing

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (19)

You'll need a doughnut pan to make these baked treats, but it's worth it. Pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and orange sprinkles make these doughnuts a must-have fall delight.

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Spiced Pumpkin Cake

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (20)

This Bundt cake features a lemony glaze that balances its pumpkin puree and pie-spiced batter. This easy recipe is an elegant treat for an autumn breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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Mini Pumpkin Pies With Speculoos Crust and Whipped Cream

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (21)

Who doesn't want an entire pumpkin pie to themselves? Make these little gems in a muffin pan, starting with a Speculoos cookie crust. A spicy-sweet pumpkin filling, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, and a sprinkle of crystallized ginger make these single-serving pies irresistible.

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Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Dump Cake

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (22)

While this dessert wouldn't win a beauty contest, it would surely take home the Miss Congeniality trophy because it's well-liked by everyone. The recipe tops a pumpkin-y base with chocolate cake batter, resulting in a pumpkin-pie-meets-lava-cake dessert that's a no-contest winner.

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Pumpkin Bread with Molasses

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (23)

Yes, another pumpkin bread, but this recipe sets itself apart with a dose of molasses in the batter, giving it a rich, pumpernickel-like look. Another unique ingredient is a cup of pumpkin pie filling—not pumpkin puree—which gives this loaf a dense texture and rich flavor.

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Creamy Pumpkin Casserole

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (24)

This flavor-packed casserole from Lexi's Clean Kitchen is beautiful, but that's not all. Made with canned pumpkin, spaghetti squash, and cubed pumpkin, it's a pumpkin lover's paradise!

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Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Popsicles

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (25)

Who says pumpkin puree is just for autumn? These irresistible popsicles from Salt & Lavender also include a healthy dose of crunchy granola and a kiss of honey. They're perfect for summer mornings...or any time, really.

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Pumpkin Tomato Basil Meatballs

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (26)

One of the great things to discover about pumpkin puree is the wide range of possibilities when you think outside the can. Case in point: these sumptuous pumpkin tomato basil meatballs from Wholesomelicious.

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Brown Butter Pumpkin Grits

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (27)

Peas and Crayons found a way to work a can of pumpkin into a breakfast skillet. You'll find yourself looking to leave a little extra pumpkin puree in the can just so you can make these cheesy, warming grits (topped with a fried egg, please!).

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Savory Pumpkin Pancakes

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (28)

The kids—and, likely, anyone else in your household—will beg for a stack of these fluffy pumpkin flapjacks from Ruchi's Kitchen. Melt a pat of butter over the top, sprinkle with cinnamon, drizzle with maple syrup, and let the accolades roll in.

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Crockpot Chipotle Pulled Pork and Pumpkin Chili with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (29)

We love the range of flavors in Half-Baked Harvest's fun take on classic pulled pork, including canned pumpkin, chipotle pepper, smoky paprika, and pumpkin beer. What's more, it's a one-pot, make-ahead meal.

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Pumpkin Tortilla Soup

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (30)

This Love & Lemons recipe calls for cubes of fresh pumpkin—but you can sub with about 12 ounces of pumpkin puree—to make this flavorful gluten-free soup. Stick to the vegan version, or add shredded leftover chicken or turkey for a heartier take.

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Pumpkin Spice Waffles

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (31)

Oat flour makes this iconic breakfast dish from Cookie + Kate more substantive than typical white flour, and it's gluten-free too. A touch of leftover pumpkin puree is all that's needed to add lots of extra flavor. Make an extra batch to freeze for an easy option on weekday mornings!

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Pumpkin Spice Latte

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (32)

If modern-day coffee culture has given us anything, it's a think-outside-the-mug attitude toward the average cup of joe. A blender or food processor makes this pumpkin-accented coffee from Greatist super-frothy.

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Healthier Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Pumpkin Spice Glaze

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (33)

Impressive but easy, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls from Knead to Cook are chewy, spicy, and full of pumpkin goodness. They're lower in fat but packed with flavor.

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Pumpkin Garlic Knots

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (34)

These knots from Handle the Heat are crisp on the top and bottom and wonderfully soft and pillowy inside. Serve them as a fun counterpoint to pumpkin ravioli, or whip them up on pizza night for a delightful pizza parlor classic.

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Spinach Pumpkin Lasagna

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (35)

Frugal Nutrition gives a classic Italian staple a twist with a healthy dose of spinach and pumpkin puree. Leave out the ground meat to go vegetarian, or swap it for spicy Italian sausage for a touch of heat.

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Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (36)

Clearly, this isn't the whoopie pie we grew up with. The secret to these deliciously creamy treats from Self Proclaimed Foodie is an unexpected duo of applesauce and leftover pumpkin puree.

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Pumpkin Fettuccine Alfredo

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (37)

This healthier version of classic Alfredo sauce from Cookie + Kate features goat cheese and canned pumpkin along with a little flour and low-fat milk. The result is a thick, creamy sauce with less fat than the traditional Alfredo recipe yet plenty of flavor.

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Pumpkin Gnocchi With Sage Butter Sauce

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (38)

This recipe from Pinch of Yum yields a tender pumpkin-and-potato dough that's easy to roll out and utterly irresistible with a drizzle of sage butter. Bonus: Uncooked gnocchi freeze beautifully, so you can make a double batch and save some for another night.

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Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (39)

A Sweet Pea Chef's easy, healthy canned pumpkin recipe for overnight oatmeal may have minimal ingredients, but it maxes out on flavor and velvety-smooth texture. What's more, these oats are no-cook, make-ahead, and ready in the morning when you are.

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Chickpea Pumpkin Coconut Curry

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (40)

This creation from Emilie Eats is sure to become one of your favorite healthy canned pumpkin recipes. Warming spices add loads of flavor, while chickpeas amp up the protein. Try it on its own or over brown basmati rice.

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Pumpkin Black Bean Burgers

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (41)

Wholefully's pumpkin puree-spiked black bean veggie burgers, with extra-flavorful avocado and sea salt toppings, are bound to become a Meatless Monday staple. Make an extra batch of these freezer-friendly burgers for a quick and easy lunch.

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Vegetarian Pumpkin and Kale Pasta Bake

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (42)

We love this healthy canned pumpkin recipe from MJ & Hungry Man as a one-dish weeknight meal, and this is one of those that only seems to improve as leftovers. Sub in Swiss chard or spinach for the kale, if you like.

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Pumpkin Lentil Soup

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (43)

One of the easiest and most satisfying things you can do with leftover pumpkin puree is to whip up a pot of soup. Red lentils add a punch of protein and make this Salt & Lavender dish extra filling. Top with toasty, crunchy croutons, or go pumpkin-wild by pairing it with our pumpkin grilled cheese.

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Pumpkin Rice Pudding

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (44)

Our pumpkin rice pudding recipe gets texture from Arborio rice and a nuanced fruity note from orange zest and juice. It's a make-ahead dessert that'll make pumpkin fans forget all about pie.

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Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (45)

Like Mother Like Daughter came up with this no-churn ice cream as an impress-your-guests dessert that requires only a few ingredients. Pumpkin pie spice plus crunchy bits of buttery graham crackers and pecans make it extra great.

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Pumpkin Swirl Brownies

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (46)

The combo of chocolate and pumpkin puree in this Self-Proclaimed Foodie recipe makes for a moist, velvety brownie and an eye-catching swirl. Just before serving, they're topped with toasted coconut, drizzled with reserved caramel, and sprinkled with flaky salt.

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Perfectly Spiced Pumpkin Scones

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (47)

Wake up to these spicy, sweet scones made with pumpkin puree for the ultimate autumnal breakfast. Inspired by Starbucks, this recipe from Inspired Taste tops these scones with a simple white glaze and a pumpkin spice glaze.

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DIY Pumpkin Liqueur

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (48)

You might want to skip the pumpkin pie and go directly to this creamy, decadent liqueur from The View From the Great Island. If rum isn't your preference, bourbon or brandy work equally well here.

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Pumpkin Fruit Dip

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (49)

This pumpkin puree-based fruit dip from Self Proclaimed Foodie may have you stocking up on canned pumpkin to use all year long. Whip up a batch for your next party and serve with sliced apples for dunking.

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Pumpkin Pie Yogurt Parfait

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (50)

This healthy canned pumpkin recipe from Healthy Nibbles is layered with pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, granola, and a surprising layer of fresh strawberries. This season-busting breakfast also works well as a healthy dessert.

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Pumpkin Hummus

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (51)

Once Upon a Cutting Board adds a healthy dose of canned pumpkin to a traditional hummus recipe. Set out a plate of fresh, crunchy veggies or toasted pita wedges with this easy riff on hummus for a tasty and good-for-you snack.

51 Recipes That Use Canned Pumpkin and Are Incredibly Easy to Make (2024)

FAQs

What are 2 ways people use pumpkins as food? ›

13 Not-So-Spooky Ways To Use A Pumpkin
  • Make pumpkin skin crisps. Munch and crunch on these delicious homemade crisps: ...
  • Cook up a tasty stock. ...
  • Compost it. ...
  • Seed snacks. ...
  • Grow your own. ...
  • Pumpkin Cupcakes. ...
  • Serve up a hearty pumpkin soup. ...
  • Pumpkin ravioli with sage butter.

What does canned pumpkin replace in baking? ›

Use pumpkin in your favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert recipe –you can even sub it in for ingredients like eggs, oil, and butter.

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

Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing, and you'll often see the terms used interchangeably in recipes and cookbooks. Unlike pumpkin pie mix, canned pumpkin does not have any spices, sugars, or other additives. In many cases, the only ingredient is pumpkin.

How can I eat pumpkin from the can? ›

It has been cooked- that's part of the canning process. You could eat it from the can, but you would probably like it better with a little spice and butter as a side dish. Some canned pumpkin is 'pumpkin pie filling' and has had spices and perhaps egg or cream added.

What can I do with expired canned pumpkin? ›

But the expired contents may have a different flavor, so it may be best to toss it and buy a new can for your pumpkin-forward treat. If you're feeling inspired, try our Pumpkin Pie Crisp or Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake for a delicious dessert you'll want for your upcoming holiday spread.

How healthy is canned pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin contains immune-promoting nutrients like vitamins A, E, and C, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, iron, magnesium, and beta-carotene. Consuming pumpkin may help manage immune-related diseases, reduce how often you fall sick, and help you recover faster from infections.

How do you spruce up canned pumpkins? ›

Cook it on the stove

It involves nothing more than cooking canned pumpkin on the stove for a few minutes. This trick works because adding heat to the purée releases the natural pumpkin flavor, elevating it from barely there to wow.

Can I use canned pumpkin in place of eggs? ›

Aside from giving your baked goods a seasonal touch, pumpkin puree is excellent for replacing eggs. Use 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree for each egg, says Traci Weintraub, chef and founder of Gracefully Fed, a restaurant in Los Angeles.

Can you eat canned pumpkin as a vegetable? ›

Nutritious eating knows no season, and pumpkin can be a perfect solution towards building a better diet. Incorporating pumpkin into meals can help in fulfilling your daily vegetable requirement.

How much pumpkin puree equals one egg? ›

For each egg, a recipe calls for, add in one quarter cup of pumpkin puree. For replacing oil add in a one-to-one ratio, so if a recipe calls for one half cup of oil, one half cup of pumpkin can be added instead.

Can I give canned pumpkin to my dog? ›

You can feed cooked or canned pumpkin to your dog—if it's 100% pumpkin with no added ingredients. Make sure you don't accidentally grab the canned pumpkin pie filling. That contains sugar, which isn't healthy for your pup, and usually nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs.

Is Libby's real pumpkin? ›

Libby's, the quintessential canned pumpkin brand, uses a proprietary strain of the Dickinson pumpkin variety in their product, which is also often called a Dickinson squash. On Libby's website, it states that their product is 100 percent pumpkin.

How long is canned pumpkin good for? ›

Canned pumpkin, if unopened and stored properly, is generally safe to use for 3 to 5 years past its labeled expiration date. One should inspect the can before usage; any signs of damage, such as severely dented, rusted, or bulging cans, should lead to immediate disposal.

What are three ways that pumpkins can be used? ›

Here are eight ways to use pumpkins.
  • New coffee. Cosy up with a spiced pumpkin latte as a change from your usual cappuccino or mug of hot chocolate. ...
  • Baked and filled. Turn pumpkins into edible shells for all sorts of tasty fillings. ...
  • Sweet tart. ...
  • Dainty dumplings. ...
  • Savoury snack. ...
  • Super seeds. ...
  • Smoky supper. ...
  • Party essentials.

What are pumpkin common uses? ›

Pumpkin is delicious, versatile and easy to add to your diet. Its sweet flavor makes it a popular ingredient in dishes like custards, pies and pancakes. However, it works just as well in savory dishes such as roasted vegetables, soups and pastas. Pumpkins have a very tough skin, so it requires some effort to slice.

What are pumpkins most commonly used for? ›

Miniature-sized pumpkins weigh less than one pound and typically are used for decorative purposes. Pie pumpkins come in many sizes. The five to ten pound pie pump- kin varieties are most often grown. Pumpkins in the 10 to 25 pound range are primarily used for jack-o-lanterns and can also be used for processing.

How many ways can you eat a pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin can be steamed, roasted, fried, shredded into dishes, or eaten raw. The basic preparation after washing and cutting, is to: Scoop out the innards. (Save the seeds – clean them off, then plant in your garden, or toss with oil and salt and roast for a snack!)

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