Creative Ways to Use Leftover Pumpkin Puree
Elevate your extra squash mash into dishes bursting with autumn flavors all day long.
If you’ve made a pumpkin pie, cake, or a batch of pumpkin muffins, you’ve probably found yourself with some leftover pumpkin puree lingering in the fridge. Instead of letting it go to waste, try these inventive and delicious ways to incorporate pumpkin’s subtly sweet, earthy flavor into everyday recipes—transforming leftovers into standout dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
Pumpkin Puree in Savory Dishes
- Pumpkin Soup
Simmer pumpkin puree with sautéed onions, garlic, cumin, cayenne pepper, and a splash of wine or vinegar. Blend until smooth for a creamy, warming soup reminiscent of butternut squash soup. Garnish with toasted pepitas or a dollop of yogurt for a finishing touch. - Pumpkin BBQ Sauce
Make a tangy barbecue sauce by simmering pumpkin puree with molasses, brown sugar, onions, jalapeños, and spices. This sauce is perfect for basting grilled chicken, ribs, or roasted vegetables. - Pumpkin Pan Sauce
Create a quick pan sauce for proteins and pasta by combining a little cream, pumpkin puree, broth, garlic, and your favorite fresh herbs. Drizzle over pork chops, grilled chicken, or toss with pasta for a creamy, autumnal flavor. - Pumpkin Risotto
Stir pumpkin puree into Arborio rice as it cooks with chicken stock, white wine, fresh herbs, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. The pumpkin adds extra creaminess and depth of flavor. - Pumpkin Lasagna
Add a layer of pumpkin puree to your favorite lasagna recipe—mix it into the sauce or use it between layers. The pumpkin gives richness and an intriguing flavor contrast, pairing well with cheeses and pasta. - Pumpkin Pizza
Try using pumpkin puree as a sauce substitute on pizza dough. Top with goat cheese, fresh herbs, figs, and prosciutto for a gourmet, seasonal twist. - Pumpkin Salsa
Substitute tomato with pumpkin puree in your favorite salsa recipe. Combine chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice for a unique seasonal dip.
Pumpkin Puree in Snacks and Sides
- Pumpkin Snack Dip
Mix cream cheese, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and cinnamon to make a creamy dip for graham crackers, apple slices, or pretzels. It’s also delicious spread on bagels or toast. - Pumpkin Leather
Blend pumpkin puree with sugar and pumpkin pie spice, spread it thin on a dehydrator tray, and dry until chewy. Homemade pumpkin leather makes a healthy, portable snack. - Pumpkin Butter
Simmer pumpkin puree on the stovetop with sugar and pumpkin pie spice until thickened and glossy. Spread pumpkin butter on toast, muffins, or pancakes.
Pumpkin Puree for Breakfast
- Pumpkin Oatmeal
Stir a spoonful of pumpkin puree into morning oatmeal to add creaminess, flavor, and an extra touch of autumn. Top with chopped pecans, maple syrup, or dried cranberries. - Pumpkin Pancakes or Waffles
Add pumpkin puree to pancake or waffle batter for tender, flavorful results. The pumpkin not only flavors the breakfast but gives the batter an extra-soft texture. Serve with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon. - Pumpkin Smoothies or Milkshakes
Blend pumpkin puree into your morning protein shake or smoothie. Try it with vanilla or chocolate protein powder, milk, banana, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. For a treat, blend with ice cream and milk for a milkshake. - Pumpkin Whipped Cream
Whip heavy cream as usual, then fold in a little pumpkin puree and nutmeg. Use this pumpkin whipped cream to top pancakes, hot cocoa, or pies.
Pumpkin Puree in Desserts
- Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Combine pumpkin puree with cream, eggs, sugar, and spices before soaking day-old bread cubes. Bake until soft and custardy for a comforting dessert that uses up two kinds of leftovers. - Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
When preparing homemade cinnamon rolls, mix pumpkin puree with butter and cinnamon, then spread over dough before rolling. Pumpkin in the filling keeps the rolls moist and adds spicy sweetness.
Bonus Uses: Classic Pumpkin Dishes
- Pumpkin Sheet Cake
Use leftover pumpkin puree in a moist, heavenly pumpkin sheet cake. Blend the puree with butter, flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla. Bake and finish with cream cheese frosting for a crowd-pleasing dessert.Ingredient Quantity Pumpkin Puree 2 cups Butter 2 sticks All-purpose Flour 2 cups Sugar 2 cups Pumpkin Pie Spice 2 tsp Buttermilk ½ cup Eggs 2 Baking Soda 2 tsp Vanilla Extract 2 tsp Finish with a classic cream cheese frosting for maximum autumnal delight.
- Pumpkin Cream Pie
Transform pumpkin puree into an easy cream pie by mixing it with pudding mix, cream, spices, and (optionally) a touch of whiskey. Pour into a graham cracker crust, chill, and top with whipped cream and crumbled graham crackers for a simple, luscious dessert.
Tips for Storing and Using Leftover Pumpkin Puree
Standard cans of pumpkin puree usually provide up to 2 cups of puree, and homemade purée yields about the same per small pumpkin. If you’re not using it all at once:
- Store leftover pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freeze portions—flatten them in plastic bags for easy stacking and thawing. Properly stored, frozen puree lasts up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I substitute canned pumpkin for fresh pumpkin puree?
A: Yes, canned pumpkin and homemade pumpkin puree generally work interchangeably in most recipes. Just be sure you’re using plain puree—not pumpkin pie filling.
Q: How do I know if pumpkin puree has gone bad?
A: Look for changes in color, off smell, or any signs of mold. Pumpkin puree should be bright orange and smell sweet and earthy.
What others are reading
Q: Can I use pumpkin puree in savory dishes?
A: Absolutely! Pumpkin’s mild flavor works well in soups, sauces, risotto, and even chili for an earthy, rich note.
Q: What spices pair best with pumpkin puree?
A: Pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves), as well as cumin, cayenne, smoked paprika, and even jalapeño, all pair perfectly, depending on the dish.
Q: What’s the best way to freeze leftover pumpkin puree?
A: Spoon into a freezer-safe plastic bag, flatten for easy storage, and label with the date. Defrost in the refrigerator before use.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Every Last Spoonful
With so many creative ways to use leftover pumpkin puree, you’ll never have to worry about waste. Whether you’re mixing it into comforting classics or experimenting with bold, new flavors, pumpkin purée brings autumn goodness to your table in sweet and savory forms alike. Have your own favorite way to use up pumpkin? Share your best ideas with fellow cooks and keep the seasonal inspiration going!
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11184/make-your-own-pumpkin-puree/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a94884/creative-ways-to-use-leftover-pumpkin-puree/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11885/pumpkin-sheet-cake/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9551/pumpkin-cream-pie/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g36842422/canned-pumpkin-recipes/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm3lBDATdEA
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