Fall calls for the warmth and sweetness that comes with pumpkin, so here are 20 delicious, healthy pumpkin recipes.
I love all things pumpkin! Put it in a drink, dessert, breakfast, or dinner, I’ll eat it. Of course fall is the obvious time of year where everyone begins searching for pumpkin recipes, but I like to enjoy them all year long. Whether it’s in a latte or oatmeal, a soup or pie, these healthy pumpkin recipes will keep you coming back to the winter squash.
Why Eat Pumpkin?
On its own, pumpkin has a sweet, mellow, earthy flavor that is brighter when fresh, and more mild when canned. While commonly associated with pumpkin spice, pumpkin spice tastes nothing like actual pumpkin and instead refers to the spices commonly used when cooking with pumpkin.
Pumpkin is not only delicious, but healthy, too! Despite having a low sugar content, it’s still surprisingly pleasant and adds great natural sweetness and flavor to many dishes. It’s also a great source of fiber, and rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. And if that isn’t enough to sell you on pumpkin, its low calorie content makes it weight-loss friendly, so bring on the pumpkin pie!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I make my own pumpkin purée instead of using canned?
I love to use fresh pumpkin whenever I can, and it’s a great way to make your jack-o-lanterns and fall décor dual purposed. Here are some simple steps to follow:
1. Clean out your pumpkin and cut it in half. Brush the flesh with olive oil or vegetable oil. Keep the seeds if you plan on roasting them.
2. On a baking sheet lined with tin foil and cooking spray, put the pumpkin halves skin side up, flesh side down, and bake at 400 for 45-60 minutes. It will vary based on pumpkin size, but you’ll know it’s done when the skin is easily punctured with a fork.
3. Take your pumpkin out of the oven and let it cool. Once it’s cool enough to touch, use a large spoon to scrape the meat from the skin and put it in a food processor. Pulse into a purée and store in the fridge for up to a week, or freezer for 3 months. Use it to replace canned pumpkin in any recipe!
1. Clean out your pumpkin and cut it in half. Brush the flesh with olive oil or vegetable oil. Keep the seeds if you plan on roasting them.
2. On a baking sheet lined with tin foil and cooking spray, put the pumpkin halves skin side up, flesh side down, and bake at 400 for 45-60 minutes. It will vary based on pumpkin size, but you’ll know it’s done when the skin is easily punctured with a fork.
3. Take your pumpkin out of the oven and let it cool. Once it’s cool enough to touch, use a large spoon to scrape the meat from the skin and put it in a food processor. Pulse into a purée and store in the fridge for up to a week, or freezer for 3 months. Use it to replace canned pumpkin in any recipe!
Are pumpkins available year round?
Unfortunately whole pumpkins are seasonal at most stores, and usually pop up sometime in August or September. Canned pumpkin can always be found on your grocery store’s baking aisle.
How else can I use pumpkin?
Pumpkin can replace other winter squash in any recipe. For instance, a recipe that uses butternut squash would also do well with pumpkin. Like this Honey Chipotle Glazed Butternut Squash would also taste great with pumpkin.
20 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes
Pumpkin Spice Latte
25 minutes
Follow my easy, step-by-step guide to making your favorite gourmet coffee drink, the pumpkin spice latte, right in the comfort of your own home!
Try: Pumpkin Spice Latte Pin
Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes
20 minutes
Light, fluffy, and packed with warm spices – these pumpkin pancakes with yogurt topping are delicious and 100% gluten free.
Try: Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes Pin
Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pumpkin
45 minutes
A healthy twist on the comfort food classic, your entire family will love this baked mac and cheese with pumpkin.
Try: Healthy Baked Mac and Cheese with Pumpkin Pin
Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal
6 minutes
Warm, naturally sweet, and a filling breakfast, this Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal with walnuts tastes like pie in a bowl.
Try: Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal Pin
Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt Parfaits
10 minutes
These thick and creamy pumpkin pie parfaits are filled with vanilla Greek yogurt, crunchy granola and creamy pure pumpkin.
Try: Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt Parfaits Pin
Healthy Pumpkin Bread
1 hour 5 minutes
This moist and dense healthy pumpkin bread recipe is full of whole grains, cinnamon and other warm spices that reminds you of fall. Perfect for freezing!
Try: Healthy Pumpkin Bread Pin
Healthy Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins
45 minutes
These pumpkin-packed muffins with apples and walnuts are so light and fluffy your family will have no idea they’re actually good for you!
Try: Healthy Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins Pin
Thai Curry and Coconut Pumpkin Soup
20 minutes
This easy, five-ingredient Thai Curry pumpkin soup is made with creamy coconut milk and fragrant Thai spices.
Try: Thai Curry and Coconut Pumpkin Soup Pin
Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
25 minutes
Kids and adults alike will devour these healthy, protein-packed pumpkin oatmeal breakfast cookies.
Try: Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies Pin
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins
27 minutes
These bite-sized pumpkin chocolate chip mini muffins are not only tasty but made with whole grains and warm fall spices. Perfect for snacks!
Try: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins Pin
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
40 minutes
These pumpkin bars are made with pumpkin puree and fall spices, then topped with cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and the perfect dessert for fall!
Try: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Pin
Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes
25 minutes
The fluffiest pancakes you’ll ever make, these whole grain pumpkin pancakes are low sugar, made with real pumpkin and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and ground ginger.
Try: Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes Pin
Easy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
40 minutes
Crispy roasted pumpkin seeds with easy to follow step by step instructions. You will love this healthy and additctive snack!
Try: Easy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Pin
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Chia Seed Pudding
1 hour 5 minutes
The ideal make-ahead recipe, this vegan pumpkin pie chia seed pudding is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert!
Try: Vegan Pumpkin Pie Chia Seed Pudding Pin
Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
30 minutes
These light and fluffy pumpkin muffins are made with whole grains and warm fall spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Try: Healthy Pumpkin Muffins Pin
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
6 hours 10 minutes
Steel cut oats cook overnight with pumpkin, maple syrup and spices to create a healthy, make-ahead breakfast that will be waiting for you in the morning.
Try: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Pin
Stovetop Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
20 minutes
This easy stovetop mac and cheese recipe is made with creamy pumpkin, sharp cheddar cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. This kid-friendly, vegetarian pasta recipe is delicious and wholesome!
Try: Stovetop Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Pin
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
1 hour 15 minutes
This rich and creamy cheesecake combines the classic fall flavors of pumpkin and spice with an irresistible gingersnap crunch.
Try: Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust 
Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Dip
5 minutes
This pumpkin spice Greek yogurt dip is the ultimate healthy snack or dessert recipe. Ideal for dipping fruit or eating on it’s own!
Try: Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Dip 
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