If you’ve ever opened a can of pumpkin purée for one recipe and then stared at the rest, wondering “now what?”, you’re not alone. The good news? There are so many delicious ways to use it up! From warm breakfasts to decadent desserts (and even a creamy soup), these recipes will help you put every last spoonful of leftover pumpkin to good use!
A Few Fun Facts About Pumpkin
Pumpkin purée is one of those magical ingredients that makes everything it touches feel instantly like fall. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and full of fiber and nutrients like vitamin A and potassium. But in the kitchen, it’s all about the texture and flavor and extra moisture it adds to baked goods, soups, and sauces.
Here’s something helpful to remember when you’re baking: a standard 15-ounce can of pumpkin equals just shy of 2 cups (about 1¾ cups, to be exact). That means if your recipe calls for “1 cup of pumpkin purée,” you’ll still have enough left over for another round of muffins, cookies, or maybe even a little pumpkin yogurt. It’s the perfect excuse to keep baking your way through fall!
How to Store Leftover Pumpkin
If you do end up with some leftovers, you will want to store it properly until you are ready to use it! You can store fresh or canned pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
You can also freeze it if you need it to last longer! Place in a ziplock freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using!
👉 A quick tip: I don’t recommend storing it right in the can, even if you cover it with plastic wrap. Air can sneak in and affect the flavor (and nobody wants pumpkin that tastes like “fridge”).
You are going to love the fall twist with all of these recipes; most of them take a cup of pumpkin puree or less.
1. Pumpkin Streusel Muffins (Panera Copycat!)
These soft, spiced pumpkin muffins are a perfect copycat of the Panera version, complete with a buttery streusel topping! Tested from sea level to high altitude and loved by readers, they’re easy to make at home and taste just like the real deal (maybe even better). Fair warning: you’ll want to bake a double batch!
2. Pumpkin Bread with Browned Butter Maple Frosting
This pumpkin bread is moist, warmly spiced, and finished with a rich maple brown butter glaze that makes it irresistible. It’s made with less sugar but still packed with flavor, thanks to cozy spices and plenty of pumpkin.
3. Pumpkin Yogurt
Inspired by the seasonal Noosa favorite, this creamy pumpkin yogurt is smooth, lightly spiced, and naturally sweetened, no refined sugar needed! It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and tastes like pumpkin pie for breakfast.
4. Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream
This ultra-creamy pumpkin ice cream tastes just like pumpkin pie in frozen form! No eggs, no cooking, just pure fall flavor. Made with real pumpkin purée, warm spices, and a simple mix-and-churn method, it’s smooth, rich, and totally irresistible.
5. Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake
All the cozy flavor of pumpkin pie, without the crust or the effort! This pumpkin dump cake is made with just seven simple ingredients, warm spices, and a buttery crumble topping. It’s the perfect easy dessert for holidays, potlucks, or any time you need a quick (and crowd-pleasing) win.
6. Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins
These pumpkin banana bread muffins are soft and fluffy, and they use the whole can of pumpkin! Lightly spiced and topped with a buttery streusel, they bake up tall and bakery-style every time. Quick to make and even quicker to disappear!
7. Pumpkin Fluff (Pumpkin Pie Dip)
This creamy pumpkin fluff tastes like pumpkin pie and cheesecake had a (very delicious) baby. Made with real pumpkin purée, cream cheese, and fresh whipped cream (no instant pudding or Cool Whip here!), It’s light, fluffy, and ready in just 10 minutes with only one bowl. Serve it as a dip, dessert, or straight off the spoon!
8. Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze
These Pumpkin Scones are tender, perfectly spiced, and topped with a luscious browned butter maple glaze. It’s no wonder they’ve been saved over 16,000 times! Made with real pumpkin and sweetened with pure maple syrup, they’re cozy, flavorful, and taste just like the ones from your favorite coffee shop!
9. Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake
Pumpkin spice coffee cake is soft, spiced, and swirled with gooey brown sugar and pecans. It’s the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell amazing! Made with a simple cake mix (but upgraded with all the good stuff), it’s the ultimate fall breakfast or dessert.
10. Chocolate Pumpkin Crisp
This chocolate pumpkin crisp is part cobbler, part cake, and completely irresistible. Rich chocolate and pumpkin come together in a warm, soft, crustless pie topped with a brown sugar graham cracker crunch. It’s a total Thanksgiving (or anytime) winner!
11. Soft Pumpkin Cookies
These soft pumpkin cookies are big, chewy, and studded with rich butterscotch chips! They’re soft like muffin tops, but never dry. Best part? They’re in the oven in under 15 minutes! It’s one of those pumpkin recipes you’ll make over and over.
12. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
Pumpkin cheesecake bars are rich, creamy, and full of cozy spice! Think pumpkin pie meets cheesecake in the best way possible. With a buttery Biscoff cookie crust and three decadent layers, they’re the ultimate fall dessert.
13. Panera Autumn Squash Soup
This creamy Panera-inspired autumn squash soup is cozy, nourishing, and naturally vegetarian. Silky smooth and lightly sweet, it’s perfect for chilly days and pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a crisp salad. Comfort food at its easiest (and healthiest).
14. Gluten-Free Breakfast Cookies
These soft and chewy breakfast cookies are everything you want in a grab-and-go morning treat! Packed with oats, nuts, and pumpkin, and naturally sweetened with banana and maple syrup. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and totally mom-approved (but kid-loved too!).
15. Pumpkin Custard Pie
With a silky smooth, lightly spiced, and perfectly sweet pumpkin pie filling. It’s a simple twist on the classic that rivals the famous Costco version. After testing five variations, this one came out on top: creamy, cozy, and absolutely perfect for pumpkin pie season.
16. Fall Charcuterie Board
This cozy fall charcuterie board is the ultimate graze-all-morning spread! Think cheeses, fruits, nuts, pastries, and even some creamy pumpkin yogurt. Perfect for Thanksgiving breakfast, brunch, or a crisp weekend morning, it’s easy to customize and guaranteed to impress your guests (and make your kitchen smell like fall!).
17. Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
Okay, this one doesn’t technically use leftover pumpkin, but you’ll definitely need it for your next pumpkin recipe! Made with just five simple spices, this DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice comes together in minutes and saves you money compared to store-bought. Perfect for baking, coffee, or gifting with a cute tag during the holidays.
18. Best Spaghetti Sauce
It might sound strange, but make a vegetable based spagetti sauce, nobody will be the wiser if you stir in some leftover pumpkin puree, it’ll make the sauce creamy.
19. Firecracker Chili
I regularly add pumpkin to my chili, the kids can’t taste it and it adds great flavor, nutrition, and creaminess!
Other Easy Ways to Use a Spoonful of Pumpkin
If you’ve only got a little bit left, don’t toss it! Here are some fun ways to use just a spoonful or two:
- Stir a tablespoon of pumpkin into your morning latte with a dash of pumpkin pie spice for a homemade (and healthier) PSL.
- Add up to a ¼ cup to your favorite pasta sauce or alfredo sauce for pumpkin pasta.
- Stir it to oatmeal or overnight oats for extra creaminess and fiber.
- Blend it into a smoothie with banana, almond milk, and cinnamon.
- Mix it into pancake or waffle batter for instant fall flavor. Try these pecan pumpkin waffles!
- Whisk it into cream cheese or yogurt with a drizzle of maple syrup for an easy dip or spread.
- Stir a scoop into your favorite mac and cheese.
- Add a scoop to pasta sauce, curry, or chili for a subtle earthy sweetness.
- And let’s not forget your dog! Pumpkin is great to add to your pup’s food!
Leftover pumpkin might just be the nudge you need to bake, blend, or stir up something delicious. Whether you go sweet or savory, you’ll be glad you didn’t let a single spoonful go to waste!
FAQs for What to do with Leftover Pumpkin Puree
Store leftover pumpkin puree in an airtight container (not the can — air can sneak in, even under plastic wrap!) and refrigerate for 5–7 days. For longer storage, freeze in 1-cup portions for up to 3 months. Homemade puree is a bit softer than canned, so blot it if it looks watery after thawing.
Pumpkin puree is great in both sweet and savory recipes; think muffins, breads, soups, pasta, smoothies, and even dog treats! It adds warm flavor, natural sweetness, and a boost of nutrients to just about anything.
Canned pumpkin can taste a little plain on its own, but it’s easy to perk it up! Stir in warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice, plus a splash of vanilla and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. A pinch of salt brings out its natural sweetness, too. For savory dishes, try adding a little butter, garlic, or herbs like sage or thyme; instant upgrade!
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