Our Absolute Best Pumpkin Recipes (2024)

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Sweet or savory, any pumpkin recipe is a delicious treat. Check out the wide array of wonderful pumpkin recipes from soups to pies, muffins to drinks and everything in between.

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Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream with Salted Caramel Sauce

Truthfully, I want those cozy flavors of Thanksgiving throughout the year. This ice cream has just the right balance of spices, and no matter when you make it, you’ll find yourself surrounded in the warmth and love that pumpkin pie has to offer. —Angie Stewart, Memphis, Tennessee

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Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Usually I prepare two different desserts for our holiday dinner, but one of them must be pumpkin pie—otherwise, it just wouldn’t seem like Thanksgiving. My version calls for more eggs than most, making this pie’s custard filling especially rich. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Also, check these Pumpkin Dessert Recipes to use up your cans of pumpkin.

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Pumpkin Cheesecake

When I was young we produced several ingredients for this pumpkin cheesecake on the farm. We raised pumpkins in our large vegetable garden, and made homemade butter and lots of sour cream using milk from our dairy herd. —Evonne Wurmnest, Normal, Illinois

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Buttermilk Pumpkin Waffles

My girlfriend loves pumpkin, so I enjoy making these fluffy pumpkin waffles for her on cool Sunday mornings. —Charles Insler, Silver Spring, Maryland

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Pumpkin Brownies

Chocolate and pumpkin pair up to make a family-favorite fall dessert. These pumpkin brownies are fantastic for parties and picnics. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

I picked up this recipe at my local grocery store during a promotion for creative ways to use pumpkin. Black beans are not usually paired with this hearty fall vegetable, but once I tried this soup, I was a believer! Now it’s one of my favorite recipes to make when pumpkin is in season. —Lori Karavolis, McMurray, Pennsylvania

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Country Pumpkin Muffins

At pumpkin harvest time, these muffins are a favorite at our house. You’ll love the spicy taste, plump raisins and crunchy walnuts. They freeze well, too.

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Pumpkin Spice Latte Rolls

I get instant cravings for pumpkin spice when the fall weather creeps in. These pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls incorporate one of my favorite coffee drinks with one of my favorite pastries. I make them all the time. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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Herbed Pumpkin Flatbread

These herby pumpkin flatbreads benefit from the wonderful flavor and texture of pumpkin. They are amazing served with soup, salad and curry. Chickpea flour adds a protein boost and unique flavor. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California

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Pumpkin Mousse Trifle

You can speed up this recipe by using a store-bought pound cake or baking and freezing one ahead of time. The sugared pecans can also be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container. —Becky McClaflin, Blanchard, Oklahoma

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Pumpkin Bread with Nutella Swirl

A family favorite during the holidays! It’s easy, flavorful and reminds me of the Nutella sandwiches from childhood. One bite and you know the holidays are near. —Elizabeth Curcio, Oak Ridge, New Jersey

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Pumpkin Ice Cream Roll

This wonderfully light dessert is our standby at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The hint of pumpkin and the refreshing ice cream make a most delicious after-dinner treat. —Gayle Lewis, Yucaipa, California

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My children often request this dish. It also adds a great “wow” factor to a festive buffet table. —Andria Peckham, Lowell, Michigan

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Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

These pumpkin pancakes are also delicious served with butter or whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Freeze any extras in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then store in a freezer bag. They're great fresh out of the toaster! —Mindy Bauknecht, Two Rivers, Wisconsin

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Pumpkin and Walnut Squares

The buttery crust and crumb topping plus the creamy pumpkin filling make this a popular dessert at potlucks. Try it with whipped cream, ice cream or all by its yummy self. This is the pumpkin walnut recipe to end all recipes. —Ruth Beller, Sun City, California

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Mini Pumpkin Spice Trifles

These miniature trifles are so fun for fall holiday parties! The assembly takes a little longer than making one big trifle, but it's worth it to see everyone's reaction to getting their own! —Rhiannon Brownell, Newport News, Virginia

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We’ve rounded up the best pumpkin pie recipes, from new takes to traditional favorites.

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Purple-Ribbon Pumpkin Cake

I belong to a Christmas village collectors’ club and we all bring a potluck dish to our monthy meetings. The pumpkin cake is always a hit. It’s one of my family’s favorite Thanksgiving desserts, too, and disappears before the pumpkin pie does. —Debby Powers, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

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Roasted Pumpkin Nachos

I had previously made this dish with black beans and corn off the cob in the summer. Wanting to try it with fresh fall ingredients, I replaced the corn with roasted pumpkin—yum! It's also good with butternut squash. —Lesle Harwood, Douglassville, Pennsylvania

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Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu

I added pumpkin and subtracted some of the coffee flavor in a tiramisu I developed for a special holiday dinner. A new Christmas tradition was born! —Heather Clary, Downingtown, Pennsylvania

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Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These easy pumpkin cookies are pleasantly spiced. Everyone enjoys the soft, cake-like texture, too. —Lisa Chernetsky, Luzerne, Pennsylvania

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Pumpkin Bread

I keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia

Looking for a healthier alternative? Check out this cozy recipe for homemade gluten-free pumpkin bread.

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Next, try out these pumpkin cheesecake cookies.

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Pumpkin Knot Rolls

These rolls are the lightest, most delicious ones I've ever tasted—and everyone else seems to agree. The pumpkin gives them mild flavor, moist texture and a pretty golden color. At our house, it wouldn't be the holidays without them. —Dianna Shimizu, Issaquah, Washington

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Pumpkin Waffles with Orange Walnut Butter

This is so delicious! Bring a flourish to the breakfast table with these unique and flavorful waffle. —Brandi Davis, Pullman, Washington

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Our family adores autumn and anything to do with pumpkins! This warm, comforting recipe is so easy to put together on a cool fall weeknight. When I have time, I make homemade ravioli and tortellini using this same filling. It also works well in stuffed shells. —Mandy Howison, Renfrew, Pennsylvania

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Pumpkin Chocolate Loaf

These tender chocolate loaves with hints of pumpkin and spice have been a favorite of mine for years. Slice them up for snack time or dessert. —Kathy Gardner, Rockville, Maryland

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Ginger-Streusel Pumpkin Pie

I love to bake and have spent a lot of time making goodies for my family and friends. The streusel topping gives this pie a special touch your family will love. —Sonia Parvu, Sherrill, New York

If you’re looking for some dairy-free dessert options, try thisdairy-free pumpkin pie, just one ingredient swap transforms this traditional dessert into a rich and decadent dairy-free sweet treat.

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Pumpkin Pan Rolls

Serve these spicy-sweet pumpkin rolls for dinner—or at any time of day–and get ready to hear a chorus of yums in your kitchen! —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas

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Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles

The combination of pumpkin and dark chocolate is unexpected and delectable. These delicious truffles make a pretty addition to a party plate, a sweet way to finish up a meal, or a gift your friends and family will love. —Monica Mooney, Roseville, California

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Pumpkin Swirl Bread

This combination of pumpkin, nuts and dates makes a delicious, golden pumpkin cream cheese bread. The surprise inside—a rich creamy swirl—is like a luscious layer of cheesecake in each slice. —Cindy May, Troy, Michigan

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Potato Pumpkin Mash

No more plain white mashed potatoes for us! I swirl fresh pumpkin into potatoes for a little extra holiday color. — Michelle Medley, Dallas, Texas

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Praline Pumpkin Torte

Homemade pralines, big poufs of whipped cream and spiced cake make this torte decadent to the last bite. It's perfect for an autumn day. —Esther Sinn, Princeton, Illinois

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Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon-Apple Topping

When these pumpkin pancakes are on the griddle, people flock to the kitchen. Grab a spoon and top each stack with buttery, cinnamon-spiced apples. —Kami Button, Cheektowaga, New York

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Bread Machine Pumpkin Monkey Bread

I love making this pumpkin monkey bread for a holiday brunch. Leftovers reheat well, and the sauce is good enough to make extra to use as waffle and pancake syrup. —Emily Main, Tonopah, Arizona

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Pumpkin-Apple Muffins with Streusel Topping

My mother always made these tasty muffins whenever our family got together at her house. Now they’re a family favorite at my house, and my in-laws love them, too! —Carolyn Riley, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

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Pumpkin Pie-Spiced Granola

My husband says this granola with pumpkin and spices tastes like a bite of real pumpkin pie, and it’s a whole lot quicker to make. —Sarah Ozimek, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

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Pumpkin-Lentil Soup

I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia

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Frozen Pumpkin Mousse Pie

The fluffed filling in this mouthwatering pie forms beautiful peaks and is nutmeg-colored. Rich and creamy, this popular dessert tastes so good with its buttery graham cracker crust. —Sheila Bradshaw, Powell, Ohio

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Pumpkin Lasagna

I especially like this comforting fall dish because it’s a vegetarian pumpkin recipe. Even friends who aren’t big fans of pumpkin are surprised by this delectable lasagna. Canned pumpkin and no-cook noodles make it a cinch to prepare. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama

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Baked Pumpkin Goat Cheese Alfredo with Bacon

This is a unique and delicious pasta, perfect for fall. I made this for my girlfriends, and everyone asked for the recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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Pumpkin Charlotte

My mother-in-law gave me this recipe a while back and I just love it! I make it for my husband and his friends during hunting season and it's a big hit. —Lorelle Edgcomb, Granville, Illinois

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Savory Zucchini Bread Pudding

I have been serving this dish for years and always receive compliments on it. If you don't have day-old bread in your pantry, simply slice fresh bread and bake it at 300° for 10 minutes. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

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I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois

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Pasta Squiggles with Pumpkin Sauce

My family loves this spiral pasta in a tasty pumpkin sauce. Make it for Halloween and call it Creepy-Crawly Noodles! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

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Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Homemade pumpkin puree can be used in most recipes that call for canned. One 3-pound pie pumpkin will yield about 2 cups puree, which is about what is in a 15-ounce can. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts

While traveling to Taiwan, I had the pleasure of trying a unique vegetable dish that included fresh pumpkin. It inspired me to roast pumpkin with Brussels sprouts. —Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania

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Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Pull-Aparts

We love sticky buns made with my husband's angel biscuit dough, caramel and pecans. For a twist, try apple butter or applesauce instead of the pumpkin. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

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Pumpkin Doughnut Drops

I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin

Lucy is an Australian, Bali-based writer of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. She’s currently polishing three books for publication and has a poetry cycle (or three) in the works. Lucy also coaches writers, helping them to write their novel or nonfiction book, improve their writing skills and find their flow (no more writer’s block).