Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Canned Pumpkin

The fall season is here, and with it comes all things pumpkin! Whether you’ve got a whole can or just a little bit of leftover canned pumpkin, don’t let that precious pumpkin goodness go to waste! I’ll show you plenty of delicious and creative ways to use up every last spoonful of pumpkin purée.

 

Pumpkin pie is a staple at many holiday tables, including mine. But have you ever wondered what else you can do with canned pumpkin besides making pie?

Pumpkin purée is one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in your pantry. Leftover purée can be transformed into both sweet treats and savory dishes. Stir it into chili for a touch of warmth, blend it into your morning smoothie, swirl it into oatmeal, or even jazz up mac and cheese with a seasonal twist. 

Whether you’ve got a whole can or just a small amount of pumpkin, there are endless ways to enjoy this pantry staple.  Keep reading for creative ideas to use up your canned pumpkin, plus storage tips and links to some of my favorite pumpkin-packed recipes!

Sweet Recipes for Leftover Canned Pumpkin

From breakfast goodies to decadent desserts, these sweet pumpkin recipes make the most of your leftover pumpkin purée.

Pumpkin Banana Muffins

Perfectly moist with warm spices and a touch of sweetness. If you're a chocolate lover, stir some chocolate chips into the batter.

Protein Pumpkin Bread (with Chocolate Chips)

Canned pumpkin is perfect for stirring into quick breads like my pumpkin chocolate chip bread. It's a high-protein twist on the classic, made with Greek yogurt, protein powder, and plenty of pumpkin flavor.

Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

Add some canned pumpkin to your favorite smoothie or shake for the perfect fall treat. It's a creamy, protein-packed way to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte alternative.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Stir extra pumpkin purée into your favorite pancake batter. Try my Pumpkin Spice Dutch Baby, a show-stopping baked skillet pancake with fall flavors that's perfect for the morning after Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Waffles

Transform your waffle batter with some pumpkin purée and warm spices for a cozy breakfast.

Pumpkin Oatmeal

This comforting breakfast combines creamy oats, warm pumpkin spice, and a dollop of pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist.

Overnight Oats

Made with wholesome ingredients, this make-ahead meal is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for busy mornings. Stir a couple of spoonfuls of pumpkin purée into your favorite overnight oats recipe like my High Protein Overnight Oats or my Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats below.

Pumpkin Bars

Need a snack that satisfies and fuels your day? Pumpkin Protein Bars are so easy to make and have 11 grams of protein. They’re a great option for post-workout snacks or an on-the-go treat.

Energy Balls

These no-bake bites are the perfect quick and healthy snack. Made with simple ingredients, they deliver all the cozy fall flavors in a convenient, portable form.

Coffee Drinks

Save money by making your own pumpkin spice latte at home instead of going to the coffee shop. Just stir some pumpkin purée into a shot of espresso along with vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice, top with steamed milk, and garnish with cinnamon.

If you prefer cold drinks, try my Starbucks copycat pumpkin cream cold brew below.

Pumpkin Cookies

Add some pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice to your favorite cookie dough for a soft, spiced treat.

Pumpkin Dip

Mix leftover purée with Greek yogurt or cream cheese, pumpkin pie spice, and a drizzle of honey for a healthy dip that pairs perfectly with fruit or crackers.

Savory Recipes for Leftover Canned Pumpkin

Pumpkin’s creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it perfect for savory recipes, too. You can incorporate a little pumpkin into many of your favorite dinner recipes.

Soup

Combine pumpkin purée with chicken stock, heavy cream, and warm spices, like thyme or curry powder, for a comforting bowl of soup. You can also try my chipotle sweet potato soup, pictured below.

Pasta

Pumpkin is a fabulous addition to many types of pasta dishes. Use it to make homemade gnocchi or to fill ravioli.  You can also stir it into pasta sauces like alfredo sauce.  It will add a nutrition boost and your kids won’t even notice it.

Stir leftover pumpkin purée into mac and cheese, like my masala mac and cheese, or keto cauliflower mac and cheese, for extra flavor and color.

Hummus

Blend purée with chickpeas, tahini, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice for a savory spread to serve with veggies or pita.

Risotto

Stir pumpkin into a basic risotto to add lovely color and flavor.  Add hearty herbs that compliment the pumpkin like sage or thyme.

Pizza

Spread pumpkin purée on pizza dough, top with cheese like goat cheese or fontina, and savory herbs like thyme.

Mashed Potatoes

For a unique twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish, stir pumpkin into your mashed potatoes along with some nutmeg.  It will add great color as well as flavor.

Chili

Stir pumpkin into your favorite chili recipe.  It adds a subtle nutty flavor that nicely compliments the Southwest spices.

My Pumpkin Turkey Chili is a nutritious meal that your whole family will love.  It tastes like it’s been cooked for hours but it only takes about thirty minutes to make. The secret is the addition of pumpkin, chipotles in adobo, fire roasted tomatoes and chicken stock, which give it plenty of smoky, slow cooked flavor.

Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the recipe!

You can also try my pumpkin walnut chili for a vegetarian option.

With these ideas and great recipes, you’ll never waste a drop of canned pumpkin purée again. Whether you’re whipping up breakfast, dessert, or dinner, the possibilities are endless!

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