40 Quick and Easy Pumpkin Recipes to Make All Fall Long (2024)

Home Recipes Ingredients Vegetables Pumpkins

Annamarie HigleyUpdated: Feb. 07, 2024

These easy pumpkin recipes, which are all done in 30 minutes or less, make indulging in your favorite seasonal squash simple.

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Pumpkin Spice Cake

We sometimes call this pumpkin spice cake “Thanksgiving Cake” because it’s a tasty alternative to pie, but we don’t relegate it to just that holiday. I think you’ll agree it’s delicious any time of the year. —Kathy Rhoads, Circleville, Ohio

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Moist Pumpkin Scones

After trying a pumpkin scone at a coffee house, I was inspired to look for a recipe to try at home. The glaze nicely complements the pumpkin flavor. —Amy McCavour, Gresham, Oregon

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Try these tasty pumpkin pie ideas for your next big holiday feast.

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Pumpkin Butter

Biting into this spiced butter on a hot biscuit or toast is absolutely heavenly. With a dash of whipped cream, you might think you were eating pumpkin pie! —June Barrus, Springville, Utah

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Creamy Pumpkin Tortellini

My kids love the creamy, rich sauce on these tortellinis so much, and they don’t even know pumpkin is inside. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best nutty and delicious flavor. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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Pumpkin Pie Latte

I can't wait for fall to arrive so my favorite coffee shops will bring back pumpkin lattes. The rest of the year, I have to make my own version. With the right amount of spice, it tastes just like the popular version found at gourmet coffee shops.—Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins

Tart, juicy cranberries enhance the delicate pumpkin flavor of these muffins. Sometimes I dust the tops with powdered sugar to add a little sweetness. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona

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I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois

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Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

Although it looks like you fussed, this pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. The make-ahead dessert is delicious any time of year. —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia

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Pumpkin Sausage Soup

This dish is well suited to my lower-carb way of eating. It's definitely soul food, and I love that it's very simple to prepare. —Paula Diaz, Billings, Montana

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I'm one of the cooking project leaders for my daughter's 4-H club, where these soft, delicious cookies were a huge hit with the kids. —Marietta Slater, Augusta, Kansas

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Love soft, chewy cookies? Keep this quick recipe for pumpkin pudding cookies handy.

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Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

These pumpkin pancakes are also delicious served with butter or whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Freeze any extras in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then store in a freezer bag. They're great fresh out of the toaster! —Mindy Bauknecht, Two Rivers, Wisconsin

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Chorizo Pumpkin Pasta

I’m a busy student, and this spicy-sweet pasta makes a perfect quick dinner. Even better, it works on a bigger scale to feed a bunch of friends. —Christine Yang, Syracuse, New York

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Pumpkin Pecan Frozen Yogurt

I always keep fat-free frozen yogurt on hand. By combining it with just four other ingredients, I can quickly whip up this great-tasting treat.—Anne Smithson, Cary, North Carolina

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Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles

The combination of pumpkin and dark chocolate is unexpected and delectable. These delicious truffles make a pretty addition to a party plate, a sweet way to finish up a meal, or a gift your friends and family will love. —Monica Mooney, Roseville, California

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Pumpkin Waffles with Orange Walnut Butter

This is so delicious! Bring a flourish to the breakfast table with these unique and flavorful waffle. —Brandi Davis, Pullman, Washington

Harvest Pumpkin Dip

After trying to make my own pies (and failing miserably with the crust), I decided to try something new with the same great pumpkin pie taste. I came up with this awesome creamy dip. —Christy Johnson, Columbus, Ohio

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Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Nothing beats these quick muffins for irresistible, homemade pumpkin pie flavor. Serve them with any meal or as a satisfying snack. —Michel Karkula, Chandler, Arizona. Enjoy these muffins with a healthy pumpkin spice latte.

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Pumpkin Doughnut Drops

I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin

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Pumpkin Cream of Wheat

This autumn-inspired breakfast tastes like pumpkin pie—without the guilt! Double the recipe if you feel like sharing. —Amy Bashtovoi, Sidney, Nebraska

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Butterscotch Pumpkin Fudge

Each one of these creamy, heartwarming treats is like a bite-sized pumpkin pie. —Kathleen Henne, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

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Butterscotch Pumpkin Mousse

Guests savor every creamy, spoonful of this spiced autumn dessert. It tastes so good, no one guesses that it's actually low in fat. —Patricia Sidloskas, Anniston, Alabama

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Snappy Pumpkin Dessert

Our town has a pumpkin-canning factory, so we're known as the "Pumpkin Capital of the World." New pumpkin recipes are always welcomed by our family, and this has become a favorite. The gingersnap crust is the perfect flavor pairing to the pumpkin. —Nilah Fischer, Morton, Illinois

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Pressure-Cooker Lentil Pumpkin Soup

Plenty of herbs and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. It?s just the thing we need on nippy days and nights. —Laura Magee, Houlton, Wisconsin

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Pumpkin Pie Smoothies

My pie-flavored smoothie is loaded with fruit. The spices make it all come together. —Karen Sikora, Dayton, Nevada

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Pumpkin Gingersnap Ice Cream Pie

My family and I always try new desserts during the holidays. This one was a clear winner, so we now make it for all occasions! —Patricia Ness, La Mesa, California

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My family loves getting together to sample good food. While pumpkin makes it perfect for the holidays, this ice cream dessert is requested year-round. —Kathryn Reeger, Shelocta, Pennsylvania

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Pasta Squiggles with Pumpkin Sauce

My family loves this spiral pasta in a tasty pumpkin sauce. Make it for Halloween and call it Creepy-Crawly Noodles! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Pumpkin Pie Dip

I came up with this rich, creamy pumpkin dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It's also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas

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This wonderfully rich dessert has a terrific pumpkin flavor that definitely feels like fall. Sprinkle some nutmeg on top if you like. —Melissa Jelinek, Apple Valley, Minnesota

Originally Published: September 01, 2020

Annamarie Higley

Annamarie is Taste of Home’s Shopping Editor and previously worked on the brand’s magazine and special issues. It was during this time she tapped into her love language, gifts, and spearheaded the print holiday gift guides in 2021 and 2022. She’s thrilled to continue creating gift guides full time for the shopping team, in addition to testing and reviewing products, spotlighting viral gadgets and editing freelanced content. A midwestern transplant from the San Francisco Bay Area, she enjoys hiking, crafting and—you guessed it!—shopping and cooking.

40 Quick and Easy Pumpkin Recipes to Make All Fall Long (2024)

FAQs

What is the most flavorful pumpkin? ›

The Sugar Pie Pumpkin is often considered the crème de la crème of cooking pumpkins. Its deep orange flesh is sweet, smooth, and creamy, making it perfect for pies, soups, and purees. This culinary gem pairs beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating irresistible autumnal flavors.

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What is the difference between Cinderella and fairytale pumpkins? ›

Cinderella pumpkins, also known as Rouge Vif d'Étampes, are a similar shape to fairytale pumpkins, but they have a bright red-orange color as opposed to the orange-brown of a fairytale. Additionally, Cinderella are less flavorful and more watery, making them less suited for baking.

What is the best kind of pumpkin for cooking? ›

The sugar pie pumpkin, also known as sugar pumpkin, is a small pumpkin that is prized for its sweet and smooth flesh. This variety is specifically cultivated for its culinary uses, making it the go-to choice for homemade pumpkin pies, custards, and other delectable treats.

What makes pumpkin taste better? ›

For even more flavor, you can add spices (like the celebrated pumpkin pie spice!) to the purée during the cooking step. Heating spices “blooms” them, releasing their flavorful, fragrant oils.

What kind of pumpkin is the sweetest? ›

Galeux d'Eysines Pumpkin

Also known as “Peanut Pumpkin,” this French heirloom is super sweet and wonderful for eating. The “peanuts” on the flesh are signs of the sweetness within.

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Can you freeze pumpkin for later use? ›

You can freeze any kind of pumpkin, but small, pie-type pumpkins yield the most flesh per inch. Pie pumpkins are typically small—6 to 8 inches in diameter—and usually yield two to three cups of pumpkin puree. Choose pumpkins that feel solid and weighty for their size. There shouldn't be any bruises or soft spots.

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What can you do with expired pumpkins? ›

"Nature will naturally compost and break down. Wildlife can also feed on the decomposing pumpkin." You could also dig a hole and bury them, letting them compost naturally in the ground. However, watch for sowing any seeds, or you may have pumpkin plants next year.

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What are Cinderella pumpkins? ›

Cinderella pumpkins are a type of winter squash with a mild, sweet flavor and moist texture that makes them great for soups, sauces, purees, and curries. They can be roasted, baked and steamed, and used for ornamental purposes.

What is the most delicious pumpkin? ›

For cooking, you'll want to use sugar pumpkins (also called pie or sweet pumpkins), which are small and round. Long Island Cheese pumpkins, which are more oblong and can look like a wheel of cheese, are also good to eat. Field pumpkin types are larger, have watery, stringy flesh, and are best for decorating.

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What is the rarest type of pumpkin? ›

1. Black Futsu – Like a color-changing chameleon, this rare Japanese variety is one of the most unique pumpkins you can grow. Starting out as a greenish-black wart covered fruit, 'Black Futsu' turns chestnut color when mature, but not before transitioning through a grayish-green, moldy-looking stage.

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Which pumpkin has the best taste? ›

We like butternut pumpkins best when they're roasted, but this hardy oblong variety is one of the most versatile options in the pumpkin aisle. Butternuts are a little sweeter, dryer and can be turned into soups, roasted with cinnamon or put to use in most cooked pumpkin dishes.

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Which pumpkin is tasty? ›

Casperita Pumpkin

Part of the 'Munchkin' family, the Casperitas are dainty, pretty pumpkins, perfect for table decor. Not only do they look great, but they have a lovely sweet flavour and are thought to be the tastiest pumpkin you can eat.