9 Best Pumpkin Recipes to Celebrate the Fall Season

Fall is here, and with it comes an abundance of pumpkins! While you might be planning to decorate your front porch or carve a spooky Jack-o’-lantern for Halloween, don’t forget that pumpkins can also take center stage in your kitchen. In this blog, you'll find a curated list of the most popular pumpkin recipes online, so you won’t have to spend hours searching for the right ones. From savory dishes to sweet treats, these recipes will help you make the most of pumpkin season without the hassle.

 

1. Pumpkin Chili

This savory pumpkin chili is a fall favorite, combining ground beef or turkey with fresh pumpkin puree, pinto or kidney beans, and a blend of warm spices like cayenne pepper, chipotle and cumin. You can easily make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by omitting the meat or using plant-based alternatives, like hard tofu. The dish is best served with shredded cheese and tortilla chips for fall dinner parties or cozy weeknight meals, and it takes about an hour to cook! 

Recipe: https://www.onelovelylife.com/pumpkin-chili/#h-recipe-card

2. Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin bread is a fall classic for its simple ingredients and cozy results! This recipe calls for canned pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin purée, depending on what you have at home, along with the usual suspects: eggs, flour, baking powder, and fall spices, topped with a layer of creamy cream cheese frosting. It’s quick to prepare—just let the oven do most of the work. In the meantime, you can whip up the cream cheese topping, and before you know it, you'll be enjoying a dessert that tastes like the Christmas season.

Recipe: https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/pumpkin-cake.html

3. Maple-Glazed Pumpkin Pancakes

What makes these fluffy pumpkin pancakes shine is the pumpkin pie spice and the maple syrup glaze. Made with pureed pumpkin, eggs, and flour, there are vegan variations available, but for this particular recipe, the fluffiness can’t be outmatched. Serve them with a side of crispy bacon, fresh fruit, and eggs for a hearty, comforting brunch. These pancakes take about 20 minutes for a large batch, making them a go-to for easy fall recipes.

Recipe: https://www.lizshealthytable.com/2015/10/23/pumpkin-maple-pancakes/

4. Pumpkin Soup 

Pumpkin soup is a simple, warming dish that brings out the creamy richness of pumpkin puree. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give the soup a velvety texture and a savory yet slightly sweet flavor. It takes about 40 minutes to make and can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth, or even vegan. If you prefer a thicker soup, add cooking cream or coconut cream for extra richness. This soup pairs well with a crusty baguette or roasted pumpkin seeds, making it perfect for cozy gatherings.

Recipe: https://soulfulandhealthy.com/recipes/maple-roasted-pumpkin-soup

 

5. Pumpkin Spice Latte

No fall season is complete without the iconic pumpkin spice latte. While grabbing a PSL from your favorite coffee shop is a treat, it can get expensive. Luckily, this warm and cozy drink—made with espresso, steamed milk, and pumpkin pie spice, sweetened with maple syrup or brown sugar—is easy to make at home. You can also create a vegan version by using almond or oat milk instead of dairy. For a budget-friendly and organic option, try this delicious recipe! 

Recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLu9lomLmLo

6. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Think organic pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls! These rolls are filled with pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and pureed pumpkin, then topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting. They take about 2 hours to prepare, mostly for baking, making them a perfect treat for special occasions—like waking up the morning after Thanksgiving dinner!

Recipe: https://www.the-farmersdaughter.com/blog/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/10/18/2017

7. Pumpkin Pie

This traditional fall dessert is all about pumpkins, from the canned pumpkin pie filling to the warm spices. It boasts a silky-smooth texture, with the rich pumpkin filling perfectly balanced by a crisp, golden-brown pie crust. The recipe takes about an hour to prepare and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or ice cream. While most people opt for canned pumpkin puree from the grocery store, you can also use freshly cooked pumpkin puree from your organic harvest, allowing you to utilize all the ingredients you have on hand!

Recipe: https://thefarmerslamp.com/pumpkin-recipes-tips-for-preserving/

8. Roast Pumpkin with Maple Syrup and Pumpkin Seeds

This dish uses every part of the pumpkin—both the flesh and the seeds. Start by peeling and roasting the pumpkin, tossing it in olive oil and maple syrup, while doing the same for the seeds on the side. Roast until everything is caramelized and golden brown. This dish takes about 45 minutes and makes a great side for fall dinner parties or Thanksgiving. Roasting the seeds adds a crunchy texture, making it a delicious way to enjoy the whole pumpkin. You can also serve it with some goat cheese for an extra punch of flavor.

Recipe https://www.maplefromcanada.co.uk/recipes/maple-glazed-roast-pumpkin/

9. Pumpkin Ricotta Cheesecake

Pumpkin ricotta cheesecake combines ricotta cheese with pumpkin puree, cream cheese, eggs, flour, sugar, and spices like vanilla, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the filling. You can use a classic graham cracker crust or opt for a homemade pie crust, depending on how much time you want to invest. The cheesecake takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, plus additional time to chill until set. For the best results, prepare it a day in advance before serving.

Recipe: https://bakerbynature.com/pumpkin-ricotta-cheesecake-with-brown-butter-crust-and-grand-marnier-whipped-cream/

 

Final Thoughts

Fall is the season for pumpkin spice everything, and with three months to fully embrace those cozy flavors, there’s no better time to harvest, can, and store the surplus pumpkins from your garden. Use this opportunity to transform your pumpkins into delicious dishes and treats, bringing the soul of the season into your kitchen. From sweet pumpkin desserts to hearty meals, try out these favorite recipes and discover new ways to enjoy the flavors of fall. Choose your favorites now, and look forward to bringing them back to your table next year!