That can of pumpkin sitting in the back of your pantry? Yeah, the one you bought for a pie that never happened. It’s been collecting dust since the holidays, and since you’re probably not making another pumpkin pie anytime soon, let’s put it work in something you’ll actually eat right now. With everything from quick breakfasts to easy dinners, there are plenty of ways to turn that forgotten can into something great.
Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta
This pumpkin garlic pasta is creamy, savory, and full of fall vibes. The perfect way to use up that extra can of pumpkin in a flavorful way.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta
Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Pumpkin, banana, and chocolate chips come together in this soft, sweet bread. Light enough for breakfast, sweet enough for dessert—either way, it’s a great way to finally use up that can of pumpkin.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
Pumpkin Dog Treats
Treat your pup to homemade pumpkin dog biscuits made with simple ingredients like peanut butter and pumpkin. You know that can of pumpkin in your pantry? Your dog is about to love you for it.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dog Treats
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Bites
These bite-sized pumpkin treats pack in pumpkin spice, chocolate chips, and a boost of energy. A great grab-and-go snack for fall.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Bites
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft and chewy with plenty of pumpkin spice and chocolate chips, these cookies come together fast. No mixer, no chilling—just easy cookies that taste like fall.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole
This creamy, cheesy pumpkin tortilla casserole has just the right kick of spice. It’s a great way to turn that can of pumpkin into an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole
Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage
This hearty pumpkin barley dish is like risotto but easier. The barley adds a bit of chew, the sausage adds flavor, and the pumpkin ties it all together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage
Pumpkin Banana Smoothie
This simple five-ingredient smoothie blends pumpkin and banana into a creamy drink that tastes like fall in a glass.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Smoothie
Pumpkin Corn Muffins
These pumpkin corn muffins hit the perfect balance between sweet and savory. They go great with soup, stew, or chili—or just eat them straight off the cooling rack.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Corn Muffins
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
Packed with 19 grams of protein per serving, these pumpkin pancakes are a great way to start the day and finally put that canned pumpkin to use.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
Pumpkin Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells loaded with pumpkin, sage, and nutmeg for a fall-inspired comfort meal. If you’ve got an extra can of pumpkin lying around, this is how you use it.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Stuffed Shells
Pumpkin Potato Soup
This creamy pumpkin potato soup blends up smooth and easy in the blender. Quick, simple, and a great way to make use of that forgotten can of pumpkin.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Potato Soup
Pumpkin Protein Muffins
Kickstart your day with these easy pumpkin protein muffins. Made with Kodiak mix and loaded with pumpkin, these fluffy muffins are a great way to use up that lonely can in your pantry. Breakfast just got better.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Protein Muffins
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
These pumpkin bars are the dessert you didn’t know you needed. Soft, spiced cake topped with creamy frosting—it’s the perfect way to finally put that can of pumpkin to good use.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
These muffins bring cinnamon, pumpkin, and a buttery streusel together for a fall treat. Quick to whip up and perfect for using that can of pumpkin you forgot you had.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
Pumpkin Banana Muffins
These pumpkin banana muffins blend the best of banana bread and pumpkin spice. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat. Use up that can of pumpkin and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Banana Muffins
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
This creamy pumpkin soup is smooth and satisfying. Ready in minutes, it’s a simple way to use that can of pumpkin for a cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin Cranberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This cake brings pumpkin, cranberries, and spiced cream cheese frosting together. It’s the perfect excuse to finally open that can of pumpkin in your pantry.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cranberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pumpkin Smoothie
Blend up this easy pumpkin smoothie for a quick breakfast or snack. It’s creamy, kid-approved, and the perfect way to use pumpkin in a healthy way.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Smoothie
Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
This pumpkin cheesecake dip is smooth, sweet, and perfect for dipping. It’s like your favorite pumpkin pie but in a creamy, spreadable form.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
These pumpkin spice pancakes bring the flavors of fall right to your breakfast table. Quick, simple, and a perfect way to turn that canned pumpkin into a cozy morning treat.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Soft and chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles, boosted with brown butter and pumpkin spice. No mixer, no chilling, just easy cookies with a little pumpkin punch.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Pumpkin Pancakes
Fluffy, light, and full of pumpkin flavor, these buttermilk pancakes come together in one bowl and take just minutes. A perfect breakfast for using up that pumpkin stash.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pancakes
Chicken Enchiladas with Spicy Pumpkin
These slow-cooker chicken enchiladas get a boost from a spicy pumpkin sauce. It’s a clever way to turn that can of pumpkin into a hearty, comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas with Spicy Pumpkin
Pumpkin Risotto
This creamy pumpkin risotto makes a great main dish or side. It’s a simple, savory way to turn pantry pumpkin into something special.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
This quick bread brings pumpkin and orange cream cheese frosting together for a sweet, seasonal treat. The perfect reason to open that can of pumpkin that’s been waiting all year.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Soup
This pumpkin soup packs a punch with pumpkin spice and veggies. Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a Halloween starter.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Spice Soup
Creamy Pumpkin Curry Soup
This vegan pumpkin curry soup is loaded with flavor and creamy goodness. You’d never know it’s dairy-free and it’s a perfect fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Curry Soup
Pumpkin Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms
This pumpkin pasta with spinach and mushrooms finally brings your can of pumpkin to life. Easy to make, great for dinner, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms
Pumpkin Oat Waffles
These pumpkin oatmeal waffles make breakfast great again. Pure pumpkin and oats give them a hearty twist, and they’re perfect for fall mornings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Oat Waffles
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
This quick pumpkin pasta sauce comes together in 30 minutes. Rich, creamy, and just what you need to make dinner interesting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
