16 Delicious Pumpkin Recipes To Try This Fall

There’s so much more to make with pumpkin than just pie! Whether you’re adventurous and use the actual pumpkin pulp or pick up some cans of Libby’s, check out these recipes to spruce up any kitchen or brunch. Besides, with pumpkins everywhere you turn during autumn, you have no excuse not to try at least one of the delicious recipes below!

1. Pumpkin Bread

Yes, you can just pick up a slice of pumpkin bread at Starbucks when you get your Pumpkin Spice Latte. But baking the bread yourself is so much more rewarding. After all, when you have people over for brunch, would you rather serve some pre-made slices of pumpkin bread… or homemade ones? I thought so. Check out my fave recipe from Good Housekeeping here.

2. Pumpkin Butter

No, this isn’t to go on top of your pumpkin bread. This recipe from Minimalist Baker is the delicious must-have spread for your toast or waffles. The scent of all the ingredients simmering—including the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and apple juice—is sure to remind you of your grandma’s kitchen. To save time, you can even make it in your Crock-Pot with this recipe from Tasty Yummies!

3. Pumpkin Oatmeal Smoothie

Yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds and is like eating dessert for breakfast (and way less fattening than pumpkin pie). Plus, if you add some whey protein powder, you’ll be good to go until lunch. Get the recipe from Pham Fatale.

4. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

When you try this, you will be converted for life. And, good news—there’s no added sugar (bananas sweeten it), so eat away! Get the recipe from Fannetastic Food.

5. Pumpkin Waffles

Another great breakfast option, pumpkin waffles are a-maz-ing, especially when you add some pecans or cranberries for enhanced flavor. The Pumpkin Waffles Blog has lots of different recipes you can try. Your breakfast will never be the same again!

6. Pumpkin Seed Granola

You can add this to your Greek yogurt in the morning, add it to those waffles above, or bring it along as an on-the-go snack for your car. This recipe from Skinny Ms. has dried cranberries in it, too, for an added touch of sweetness.

7. Pumpkin Seed Candy

You read that right: pumpkin seed candy. With just four simple ingredients—pumpkin seeds, sugar, honey, and butter—soon, your kids will be chowing down on this instead of their Halloween candy loot. I recommend making a double batch of this recipe from Food.com so you and your family don’t have to fight over it.

My tip: I like to add other ingredients to the recipe, like almonds and chocolate chips. A friend of mine adds salt, to make the candy sweet and savory, but it’s your call.

8. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Since these have oatmeal in them, they can’t be that bad for us, right? If you want a unique, wonderful twist on your average oatmeal cookie, be sure to try these out! You can also throw in some chocolate or peanut butter chips! Get the recipe from Live Well Bake Often.

9. Pumpkin Donuts

Yes, Dunkin’ Donuts has them, but it’s much more satisfying to make them yourself! There are a lot of recipes out there, but this one by Betty Crocker is by far the easiest: yellow cake mix, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree. So easy! (Plus, these are baked, not fried, so you’ll automatically save calories versus your typical pumpkin donut.)

10. Pumpkin Dip

I could eat this treat from All Recipes all day, so please keep it away from me! With cream cheese as one of the primary ingredients, it tastes like cheesecake, but in a dip form. Each year, I bring it to parties (in a hollowed out pumpkin) and it disappears immediately. (I’ve learned to make double and triple batches).

11. Pumpkin Soup

I love this recipe by The Pioneer Woman, because she has step-by-step pictures, not to mention the soup is one-of-a-kind. Various-sized pumpkins can serve as your bowls, too, which you can garnish with a drizzle of cream and pumpkin seeds. It’s sure to woo all your guests.

12. Pumpkin Chili

Have you ever had pumpkin chili? Me, neither, until I started researching this article. Especially in the cool weather, it’s hearty, healthy, and you’ll definitely want more than one serving of this recipe from Taste of Home.

13. Pumpkin Salsa

Need something to bring to that next football party? There’s nothing better than pumpkin salsa! This recipe from Recipe.com calls for avocado, too, which complements both the spiciness and pumpkin well. Make it and see for yourself!

My tip: Bring an extra batch to your party host in a cute Mason jar as a gift.

14. Pumpkin Fries

Sweet potato fries are a thing, so why not pumpkin fries, too? Once you try this recipe from PopSugar, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them before!

15. Maple Roasted Pumpkin Salad

When you need a day off from hearty chili, try making this salad from Martha Stewart. It’ll also help you feel better if you scarfed down too many pumpkin oatmeal cookies.

16. Pumpkin Mousse Parfait

These will not only impress your guests—or family—but they are so delicious, too! And it’s a more creative dessert than making yet another pumpkin pie. Get the recipe from Good Housekeeping.