Healthy ways to use up leftover pumpkin puree

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As a pediatric dietitian (and a mom who hates wasting good food!), I’m all about finding creative ways to use up what’s left in the fridge. That last bit of pumpkin puree is gold! From nutrient-packed breakfasts to easy weeknight dinners, here are some wholesome, family-approved recipes that’ll have you scraping the can clean.

A six image collage of sweet and savory recipes with pumpkin puree

Leftover Pumpkin Puree

While pumpkin recipes tend to take center stage in the fall, I honestly use pumpkin puree all year long. It’s one of those pantry staples I always keep on hand as an easy way to add extra flavor, creaminess, and nutrition without any extra effort.

Canned pumpkin puree is also one of my favorite baking hacks. It’s a fantastic substitute for oil or butter and helps make muffins and breads irresistibly soft and moist.

If canned pumpkin isn’t easy to find where you live, don’t worry! Making your own is simpler than you might think! All you need is a small sugar pumpkin (or any orange-fleshed variety), and before you know it, you’ll have a batch of homemade pumpkin puree that’s perfect for babies too!

And if you’ve ever made a recipe that only calls for half a can (which, let’s be honest, happens all the time), don’t toss those leftovers! I’m sharing my best storage tips and a tried-and-true kid-friendly recipes to help you use up every last spoonful.

Leftover Pumpkin Puree
A quick note about canned pumpkin puree
How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Puree
Favorite Breakfast Recipes with Pumpkin Puree
Baked Goods with Canned Pumpkin
Savory Pumpkin Puree Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipe Collections You Might Enjoy

A quick note about canned pumpkin puree

Most standard cans in the U.S. are 15 ounces (425 grams), which equals about 1¾ cups of pumpkin puree.
Some larger cans are 29 ounces (822 grams), or roughly 3½ cups.
Many recipes only call for ½ cup or 1 cup, which means you’ll often have some leftovers!
Don’t toss it! Store it and use it in muffins, pasta, smoothies, pancakes, and more.

How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Puree

You will first need to scoop it out of the can and transfer into a jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze for up to 6 months. I personally like to freeze in 1/4-1/2 cup portions using this freezer tray. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Note: When baking with leftover pumpkin puree, it is best to take it out of the refrigerator and bring to room temperature along with other cold ingredients, like eggs, milk, etc.

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Favorite Breakfast Recipes with Pumpkin Puree

I love having options, especially in the morning! Some of these pumpkin breakfasts can be made overnight, some freeze perfectly for busy weeks, and others come together in minutes.

Stacked pancakes with yogurt and pecans.

4.94 from 16 votes

Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes

Light and fluffy, these pumpkin oatmeal pancakes are made with just a handful of nutritious ingredients. Simply toss everything in the blender and enjoy this cozy breakfast in no time!

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A large plate with cooked waffles, toppings, and little hands grabbing them.

5 from 27 votes

Healthy Pumpkin Waffles

These light and fluffy pumpkin waffles are easy to make with simple ingredients. Enjoy them as a warm and cozy fall breakfast treat (or any time of the year).

View Healthy Pumpkin Waffles

5 from 9 votes

Pumpkin Oatmeal

This cozy fall breakfast pumpkin oatmeal is a breeze to whip up and makes for a seriously delicious and hearty way to kickstart your day.

View Pumpkin Oatmeal

5 from 2 votes

Pumpkin Chia Pudding

You just need 5 simple ingredients to make this pumpkin chia pudding. It's as easy as mixing all the ingredients together and then refrigerating.

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5 from 6 votes

Pumpkin Yogurt

Transform your plain yogurt into a delightful pumpkin spice treat with this pumpkin yogurt recipe. It's a smart way to use up leftover pumpkin puree and make your yogurt experience even more enjoyable!

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A close up shot of pumpkin ball with a bite taken out.

5 from 28 votes

No Bake Pumpkin Balls

This no-bake pumpkin balls recipe is so easy to make with simple, healthy ingredients, and is oh so delicious!

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Six variations of overnight quinoa in mason jars.

5 from 12 votes

Overnight Quinoa Oats

Here’s everything you need to know to make healthy and delicious overnight quinoa oats. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast.

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Baked Goods with Canned Pumpkin

Made with wholesome ingredients and packed with warm and cozy flavors, all of these treats are convenient on-the-go breakfast or snack. Plus, they freeze really well, making them a convenient and kid-friendly option for busy school days.

I like to thaw in the fridge overnight and add to kids lunchboxes and school snacks.

Sliced pumpkin bread on parchment lined wooden board.

4.99 from 51 votes

Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread

This healthy pumpkin banana bread is refined sugar-free, unbelievably moist, and full of cozy flavor in every bite.

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5 from 26 votes

4 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

Soft and chewy, these healthy pumpkin cookies couldn't be easier to make! You just need 4 ingredients and 15 minutes from start to finish

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Three muffins stacked on top of each other with the top one sliced in half.

4.96 from 50 votes

Fluffy Pumpkin Muffins

These healthy pumpkin banana muffins are super moist and have the perfect balance of natural sweetness and warm fall flavors

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Freshly baked muffins on a white plate, with one partially eaten to show the soft inside.

5 from 15 votes

Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins

Moist and tender with a fluffy crumb, these pumpkin oatmeal muffins deliver the perfect balance between cozy treat and healthy bite. Made with rolled oats for lasting energy, pumpkin for fiber and vitamins, and maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, they’re the ultimate fall bake!

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Two muffins stacked on top of a muffin tin filled with freshly baked muffins. The top muffin has a bite taken out of it.

5 from 3 votes

Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

If you want a healthy pumpkin muffin that actually tastes like a treat, this is the one! They’re made with simple ingredients, naturally sweetened without refined sugar, and come out soft, fluffy, and full of pumpkin spice flavor. Stir in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or crunchy nuts to make them extra special.

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4.94 from 49 votes

Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars (with Lentils)

These pumpkin oatmeal bars are high in protein and low in sugar. Moist and packed with the flavors of fall, enjoy them as a delicious no fuss breakfast or snack!

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Savory Pumpkin Puree Recipes

Pumpkin puree isn’t just for sweet recipes! Adding it to savory dishes can add depth, creaminess, and a touch of earthy goodness to your recipes. It’s also a great way to boost the veggie content of your family’s meals!

An overhead shot of plated pumpkin pasta with parmesan and parsley.

5 from 7 votes

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

Get a taste of fall comfort with this pumpkin pasta sauce that you can get on the table in under 30 minutes. It is super easy to make with canned pumpkin and bursting with cozy, warm flavors.

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A close up shot of plated risotto with parsley, pecans, and parmesan.

5 from 6 votes

Pumpkin Risotto

Cozy up with a bowl of this warm and creamy pumpkin risotto. While it may seem "fancy," It requires minimal stirring so you can get this fall comfort meal onto the dinner table even on the busiest of weeknights.

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An overhead shot of pumpkin soup with coconut cream.

5 from 4 votes

Pumpkin Carrot Soup

This pumpkin carrot soup is thick, creamy, and full of cozy fall flavor made with just a few simple ingredients for an easy weeknight meal that still feels warm and comforting.

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5 from 8 votes

One Pot Parmesan Pumpkin Quinoa

This fall inspired ultimate comfort meal, one pot parmesan pumpkin quinoa, is super easy to make, healthy, and delicious! It’s vegetarian, naturally gluten free and makes for a perfect weekday meal.

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A close up shot of the baked pumpkin pasta.

4.85 from 26 votes

Pumpkin Pasta Bake

This pumpkin pasta bake is a lighter vegetarian comfort dish perfect for the fall season! Pumpkin and kale are mixed with pasta and cheese then baked to golden perfection.

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Pasta sauce stored in mason jar with vegetables on the side.

5 from 15 votes

Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

This simple hidden veggie pasta sauce is great if you are struggling to get your child (or yourself) to eat the recommended amount of vegetables

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Whole wheat bun stuffed with sloppy joes.

5 from 27 votes

Healthy Turkey Sloppy Joes

Made with lean beef, vegetables, and a super easy homemade sauce with pumpkin, this quick and easy meal can be on your table in 30 minutes!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?

Real pumpkin puree is cooked and pureed pumpkin without any added sugar or spices. The only ingredient you should see is pumpkin.
Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices.

What is a good substitute for pumpkin puree?

If you’d like to incorporate more variety, you can easily swap pumpkin with butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree.