Fall is in full swing, and that means pumpkin has made its annual return as a favorite for fall baking and beyond. A can of pumpkin adds moisture to baked goods, boosts nutrients (like fiber and vitamin A), and brings a cozy and almost nostalgic flavor to your fall weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s shelf-stable, affordable, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or a combination of the two, the iconic pumpkin perfectly captures the essence of fall. From one-bowl bakes to easy weeknight dinners, these simple pumpkin recipes make the most of that humble can sitting in your pantry.
Autumn Harvest Vegetarian Chili
This one-pot vegetarian chili is made even cozier with pumpkin purée, which adds a velvety texture and a hint of sweetness. It’s also packed with the best of fall’s bounty—think butternut squash, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes—for a hearty, wholesome meal that celebrates the season. Of all the pumpkin recipes, this one is great for meal prep, too: the flavors deepen over time, and it reheats beautifully for easy lunches or weeknight dinners.
Get the recipe: Autumn Harvest Vegetarian Chili
Pumpkin Spice Donut Muffins
If you’re looking through pumpkin recipes for the perfect sweet treat, these mini muffins are just as adorable as they are fluffy and flavorful. Pumpkin purée pulls double duty by providing rich fall flavor while also maintaining a tender and moist texture. Meanwhile, the pumpkin pie spice–infused sugar topping gives them that classic donut bite, all in the shape of a muffin. These are best enjoyed warm alongside breakfast, as a snack, or a tasty dessert.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Spice Donut Muffins
Pumpkin Whipped Coffee
This coffee is worth crawling out of bed for. It’s a fall-inspired spin on the viral whipped coffee trend and combines pumpkin purée with warm spices for a festive boost of flavor. It’s creamy and luscious and is a special treat for those who love iced coffee year-round. Plus, it’s more affordable than your usual pumpkin spice latte at the local coffee shop.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Whipped Coffee
Quick Beef and Veggie Chili
This hearty chili comes together in 40 minutes and leaves you with crave-worthy leftovers. While the canned pumpkin is virtually undetectable in taste (so your kids won’t even notice), it adds a creamy texture, a hefty dose of fiber, and a touch of sweetness to balance out all the savory flavors. Feel free to get creative with toppings, which can range from creamy sliced avocado to crunchy radish to spicy jalapeños.
Get the recipe: Quick Beef and Veggie Chili
Pumpkin Dump Cake
For all the flavor of pumpkin pie with no fuss, this easy dump cake calls for time-saving staples like boxed cake mix and store-bought whipped cream. Just dump, bake, and serve—no crust rolling or extra cleanup required. It’s perfect for your next holiday gathering or simply to satisfy a midweek fall dessert craving.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
There are so many pumpkin recipes for bread, and that’s because pumpkin bread is the ultimate way to use a can of pumpkin purée. This gluten-free version tastes just like the real deal. It’s packed with fragrant fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, plus brown sugar for just the right amount of sweetness. The icing—made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of vanilla—is quite literally the icing on the cake.
Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter
Crunchy pumpkin seeds, canned pumpkin, and aromatic fall spices come together to transform your favorite corn muffin mix into a comforting, crave-worthy savory snack or side dish in just 30 minutes. Slather on some homemade honey butter and serve alongside your holiday meal or a pot of chili on a cold weeknight for the perfect bite.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Rich, indulgent, and ultra-fluffy, this pumpkin cheesecake can hold its own against even the best pumpkin pie, making it well worth a spot on your holiday dessert table. It’s easy to make ahead, too—just refrigerate for at least four hours before serving. Feeling extra fancy? Top it off with dollops of fresh whipped cream for a picture-perfect finish.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin–Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Don’t let the indulgent appearance fool you—these cookies are surprisingly nutrient-dense. Made with whole wheat flour and flaxseed, they’re packed with fiber, while pumpkin purée adds a dose of vitamin A and antioxidants. The recipe yields approximately 30 cookies, making it ideal for group gatherings or bake sales, and they’re ready in under an hour. Since the dough needs to chill for at least 30 minutes, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time. If you’re looking for healthy-ish pumpkin recipes, this one is for you!
Get the recipe: Pumpkin–Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Pumpkin-Lentil Stew
This ultra-affordable—and fully vegan—fall meal features protein-packed lentils, tender kale, creamy coconut milk, and aromatics, like ginger and garlic. Curry powder adds beautiful depth and spice, while the pumpkin lends a velvety texture and a hint of sweetness. Best of all, it comes together in just 25 minutes—perfect for a quick, nourishing weeknight dinner on even the busiest nights.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin-Lentil Stew
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
For a creamy, nutrient-rich fall breakfast that comes together in just five minutes, try this pumpkin spice smoothie. It’s made with nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt, pumpkin purée, rolled oats, banana, and low-fat milk—all blended with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice for that quintessential cozy flavor, minus the smoothie bar price tag.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
One-Pot Pumpkin Pasta
This fuss-free pumpkin pasta is the definition of hearty fall comfort—and it’s just as fitting for a low-key weeknight as it is for a holiday gathering or dinner party. Canned pumpkin purée and ground nutmeg add warmth, while butter, cream, and Parmesan create a rich, silky sauce. If that wasn’t enough, this vegetarian dish all comes together in one pot in just 35 minutes, with minimal cleanup required.
Get the recipe: One-Pot Pumpkin Pasta
One-Bowl Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chunks
Take your pumpkin bread to the next level with this chocolate chunk-speckled delight. Everything is added to a single bowl, including canned pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice for that iconic flavor. Then, transfer the batter to a loaf pan and top with a crunchy sugar and spice topping. Once cooled, slice thick and enjoy this fall treat as a light breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Get the recipe: One-Bowl Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chunks
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Both pumpkin purée and pie spice bring big fall flavor right into your dinner roll. Perfect for a holiday celebration, or even as a family project to enjoy as a side with dinner, these pillowy soft rolls are irresistible. The buttery, salted tops are a real showstopper, and each bite will leave you reaching for the breadbasket for more.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
