Tired of pie? 10 creative pumpkin recipes you’ll love

You’ve had pumpkin pie. Probably more times than you can count. But pumpkin is so much more than a holiday dessert … it’s a cozy, versatile ingredient that can make everything from breakfast to dinner feel a little more special. If you’re ready to think outside the pie crust, here are 10 delicious, creative recipes to enjoy pumpkin this season.

1. Pumpkin pancakes with maple butter

Start your day with a stack of fluffy pumpkin pancakes. The pumpkin purée adds natural sweetness and moisture, while a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg gives that autumn warmth.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup pumpkin purée
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp melted butter

To make:

Whisk dry ingredients together. In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients, then combine. Cook on a buttered pan over medium heat until bubbles form and edges set. Top with maple butter or a drizzle of warm syrup.

2. Creamy pumpkin pasta sauce

Pumpkin can’t be savoury? Blend pumpkin purée with garlic, cream, and a sprinkle of parmesan for a rich, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to fettuccine or penne. Add crispy sage leaves or pancetta for an elegant finish.

You’ll need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

To make:

Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Stir in pumpkin and cream; heat through. Add parmesan and seasoning. Toss with hot pasta and top with crispy sage or pancetta.

3. Pumpkin hummus

This is one of those pumpkin recipes that is an easy way to give your meal a fall twist. The result is smooth, slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with pita chips or fresh veggies. Sprinkle with smoked paprika for a pop of flavour.

You’ll need:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• ½ cup pumpkin purée
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt to taste

To make:

Blend everything until smooth, adding water to reach desired consistency. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle smoked paprika before serving.

4. Pumpkin chili

Pumpkin adds a hearty, earthy note to chili while boosting nutrition. Stir a cup or two of pumpkin purée into your usual chili recipes. It thickens the sauce and adds subtle sweetness that balances the spice. Perfect for chilly nights.

You’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper

To make:

Brown the meat with onion. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning and serve with shredded cheese or sour cream.

5. Pumpkin smoothie

When it comes to recipes, this pumpkin smoothie is something that's unexpectedly delicious. Blend pumpkin with banana, Greek yogurt, a touch of honey, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice for a creamy, energizing smoothie. It’s like dessert for breakfast … minus the guilt.

You’ll need:

• ½ cup pumpkin purée
• 1 banana
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cup milk or almond milk
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

To make:

Blend everything until creamy. Add ice for a thicker texture.

6. Pumpkin risotto

This one’s a showstopper. Stir roasted pumpkin or purée into a classic risotto for a creamy, golden dish that feels downright luxurious. A drizzle of brown butter and a sprinkle of parmesan make it even better.

You’ll need:

• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ onion, finely diced
• ¾ cup Arborio rice
• ½ cup pumpkin purée
• 3 cups warm chicken or vegetable broth
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

To make:

Sauté onion in butter. Add rice and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly until creamy. Stir in pumpkin and parmesan. Serve warm with extra cheese.

7. Pumpkin muffins with streusel topping

These bakery-style muffins are soft, spiced, and perfectly moist. The secret? A buttery streusel topping that adds crunch and sweetness. They’re great for brunch, snacks, or gifting.

For muffins, you’ll need:

• 1½ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¾ cup pumpkin purée
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs

For streusel, you’ll need:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp butter

To make:

Mix muffin batter and spoon into liners. Combine streusel ingredients and sprinkle on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–22 minutes.

8. Pumpkin curry

Pumpkin’s natural sweetness balances beautifully with the spice of curry. Simmer it with coconut milk, red curry paste, and your choice of veggies or chicken. Serve it over rice for a warming, flavour-packed meal.

You’ll need:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1–2 tbsp red curry paste
• 2 cups pumpkin cubes (or 1 cup purée)
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• Salt and lime juice to taste

To make:

Sauté onion and curry paste. Add pumpkin and coconut milk; simmer until tender. Stir in bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes more. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

9. Pumpkin mac and cheese

Give comfort food a fall makeover. Stir pumpkin purée into your cheese sauce for extra creaminess and a gorgeous golden colour. It’s subtle but adds a rich depth that makes this mac unforgettable.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup pumpkin purée
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar
• Salt and pepper

To make:

Melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Add milk and stir until thickened. Whisk in pumpkin and cheese. Combine with pasta and bake (optional) for 10 minutes at 375°F.

10. Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Swap pie for this cozy dessert. Cubes of bread soak up a pumpkin custard mixture spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Bake until golden, then drizzle with caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream.

You’ll need:

• 4 cups cubed bread
• 1½ cups milk
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp vanilla

To make:

Whisk milk, pumpkin, sugar, eggs, and spices. Pour over bread cubes and let soak for 15 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream or caramel drizzle.

11. Pumpkin soup with toasted seeds

Smooth, creamy, and deeply comforting — this pumpkin soup is autumn in a bowl.

You’ll need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups pumpkin purée (or roasted pumpkin chunks)
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ cup cream or coconut milk
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

To make:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add pumpkin, broth, and seasoning. Simmer 15 minutes, then blend until smooth. Stir in cream and heat through.
For the topping: Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry pan until golden and fragrant, then sprinkle on top before serving.

Fall flavour, no pie required

Pumpkin doesn’t have to live in the dessert section. From savoury recipes to sweet breakfasts, pumpkin is one of the most versatile ingredients in your pantry. So next time you reach for that can of pumpkin, skip the pie crust and try something new instead.

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