Easy Canned Pumpkin Recipes

We often find ourselves with half of a can of pumpkin left over from a recipe, and it lingers (and lingers) in the fridge. I love to help families use up those leftovers to ensure we’re wasting less food and getting the most out of our food budget. So, below you’ll find options that use small amounts of canned pumpkin and a few that use an entire can. These are great in the fall when you’re craving pumpkin recipes, or whenever you have pumpkin to use up. Or even if you’re looking to get a jump on kid-friendly Thanksgiving recipes. Scroll down to find the ones that are most appealing to you and your family! (You may also like Healthy Pumpkin Muffins, Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins, Pumpkin Quesadillas, and Halloween dinner ideas.)

Healthy Pumpkin Bars

You can quickly stir together this Healthy Pumpkin Bars recipe (with oatmeal and low added sugar) for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. The method is so quick and easy and the result is moist and full of pumpkin goodness. Win, win!

Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

With a simple stir-together method and just sweet enough flavor, these mini Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Muffins are a yummy fall treat to share with the kids. Plus, they store so well!

Healthy Pumpkin Mini Muffins

With just a handful of nutritious ingredients, these Healthy Pumpkin Muffins are a treat that we love to make and enjoy each fall for breakfast, snack time, or as a simple side dish for dinner. And it’s easy to adjust for allergies as needed!

Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins

Make these healthy (and so easy) Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins to share with the kids for breakfast or snack—with or without chocolate chips!

Healthy Pumpkin Bread

This recipe uses a whole can of pumpkin puree, so you won’t be left with a small amount at the end to use up. And it bakes up moist and delicious. It stores well, is good cold or toasted, and is an easy breakfast or snack to share with the kids.

Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal

Start the day on a nutritious and totally delish note with this super easy Pumpkin Oatmeal. It has all the spice you expect from a pumpkin recipe but requires just 5 ingredients and about 10 minutes (or less!) of cooking. Win!

Quick Pumpkin Smoothie

If you find yourself wanting to serve up a delicious pumpkin treat that packs serious nutrition, try this Pumpkin Smoothie. It’s creamy, indulgent, and is a nice way to serve up a veggie for breakfast! And it’s perfect for finishing up leftover pumpkin puree you may have from baking.

Best Pumpkin Baby Food

Transform fresh pumpkin into a perfectly smooth pumpkin baby food. Serve it as is, combine with other flavors and nutrients, and learn tips for freezing it, too!

5-Minute Halloween Dinner: Pumpkin Quesadilla

These are a fun Halloween dinner (or lunch!), they take just a few minutes to make, and they’re super versatile. You can cut out the jack-o-lantern however you like and have this easy kids meal ready before the festivities begin!

Sheet Pan Black Bean Quesadillas

Learn how to make a big batch of quesadillas for the family all at the same time with these easy oven-baked Sheet Pan Black Bean Quesadillas. They’re flavorful, straightforward, and so delish!

Pumpkin Chocolate Baked Donuts

If you’re looking for a fun and easy breakfast for the littles come fall, these Baked Chocolate Pumpkin Donuts are a yummy option. Plus: They’re flourless, nut-free, packed with protein, and so easy to make!

Fluffy Pumpkin Cookies

These soft-baked cookies taste like mouthfuls of the most delicious pumpkin bread, in cookie form. They are made with just a few ingredients and are so perfect to share with the kids. I love this as a component on a cookie platter, a Thanksgiving dessert, or just something to bake (a few times!) during the fall.

Healthy Pumpkin Cookies with Chocolate Chips

These Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies are so impressively soft and light—and have a surprisingly small amount of added sweetener for how good they taste. Plus, the batter simply stirs together, so this is a recipe that even your little kids can help you cook!

Mini Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

With a simple stir-together method, these easy Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect fall dessert to share with the kids! They have less sugar than similar cupcakes yet deliver big time on both texture and flavor.

Easy Pumpkin Cake

Tender, lightly sweet, and so easy to make, this pumpkin cake is great for a snack or dessert.

How to Store Leftover Pumpkin

If you wind up with some pumpkin left over, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. Or, you can add to an ice cube tray and freeze. Then you can add cubes to a smoothie or oatmeal, or you can thaw them and use in baking. You can also stash the puree in a freezer bag and freeze flat.

Best Tips for Success

Store leftover pumpkin in the fridge or freezer to be sure you can use it before it goes bad. Use canned pumpkin or you can make homemade pumpkin puree. Share the recipes with your kids and be sure to enjoy them yourself, too.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this post or know your favorite canned pumpkin recipe, so please comment below.