These Healthy Pumpkin Recipes Make the Most of the Sweet and Savory Squash (2024)

These Healthy Pumpkin Recipes Make the Most of the Sweet and Savory Squash (1)

As far as we're concerned, every season is pumpkin season. Perhaps it's because there's no end to what you can make with the sweet and savory squash. Pumpkin muffins, pumpkin smoothies, pumpkin pie — if it has pumpkin in it, you can be sure the dish will be good. And the best part is, these recipes range from keto and paleo to gluten-free and low calorie! From breakfast to dessert — and everything in between! — these healthy recipes will have you running to the kitchen. Read ahead for the best pumpkin recipes you can make, and get ready to dig in!

Additional reporting by Lauren Harano

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These Healthy Pumpkin Recipes Make the Most of the Sweet and Savory Squash (2)

Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes

Wake up right when you bite into these sweet pancakes for breakfast. They're fluffy, rich, and made without refined sugar, flour, or oil. Just add syrup and a dollop of whipped cream to complete the dish.

Get the recipe: healthy pumpkin pancakes

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These Healthy Pumpkin Recipes Make the Most of the Sweet and Savory Squash (3)

Whole30 Pumpkin Muffins

With wholesome ingredients, these tasty pumpkin muffins offer the perfect balance between spicy (thanks to the pumpkin-pie spice) and sweet. They're moist, tender, and easy to nosh on!

Get the recipe: Whole30 pumpkin muffins

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Vegetarian Pumpkin and Three-Bean Chili

Looking for a healthy (and equally delicious!) chili? This recipe was made for you. Toss together beans, veggies, and spices to make this hearty dish in no time.

Get the recipe: vegetarian pumpkin and three-bean chili

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Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake

Looking for a low-carb sugar-free dessert? We've got just the thing for you! This pumpkin cheesecake is rich, creamy, and oh-so good.

Get the recipe: keto pumpkin cheesecake

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Vegan Sourdough Pumpkin Bread

Made with pumpkin puree, light olive oil, and spices, this vegan bread is seriously good. Enjoy it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, for lunch with a spread of butter, or after dinner with a warm cup of cider.

Get the recipe: vegan sourdough pumpkin bread

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Chickpea Pumpkin Blondies

Made with only eight ingredients, these chewy blondies are a treat for your taste buds. Pair them with semisweet chocolate chips and enjoy!

Get the recipe: chickpea pumpkin blondies

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Instant Pot Pumpkin Walnut Chili

This vegan chili is a quintessential fall dinner. It's made with red lentils, fire-roasted tomatoes, walnuts, black beans, pumpkin, chipotles, and all the best toppings. Yum!

Get the recipe: instant pot pumpkin walnut chili

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Vegan Chia Pumpkin and Oat Snacking Loaf

This delightful loaf is made with vegan ingredients and is naturally sweetened by applesauce and banana. You'll love how moist and flavorful it is, too!

Get the recipe: vegan chia pumpkin and oat snacking loaf

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Thai Pumpkin Soup

If you're hungry, whip up this easy Thai soup. It takes less than 30 minutes to make, and is vegan and gluten-free. Top it off with your favorite seeds and a dash of cilantro.

Get the recipe: Thai pumpkin soup

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Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

These easy-to-make muffins are comprised of honey, oatmeal, yogurt, and tasty fall spices. Enjoy them with a cup of warm apple cider for best results.

Get the recipe: healthy pumpkin muffins

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Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

Wake up to the seasonal flavors of pumpkin pie with this exceptionally creamy and perfectly spiced overnight oats recipe. The best part is that you'll enjoy this breakfast for a week because this recipe makes five jars at once, saving you time and ensuring you have a healthy breakfast waiting for you every morning.

Get the recipe: pumpkin spice overnight oats

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Keto Pumpkin Bread

Just because it's the holidays doesn't mean you have to stray from your eating plan. Now you can have your pumpkin bread and eat it, too.

Get the recipe: keto pumpkin bread

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Vegan Chocolate-Marbled Pumpkin Protein Bread

Made with whole-wheat flour, plant-based protein powder, and pumpkin puree, this treat offers almost five grams of filling fiber and almost nine grams of protein. Each slice also has just 5.6 grams of sugar, but tastes super sweet.

Get the recipe: vegan chocolate-marbled pumpkin protein bread

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Vegan Pumpkin Pie

This no-bake pumpkin pie is free of gluten and refined sugars, meaning you can dig in without worrying about artificial ingredients. Top it off with warm nuts and a pinch of sugar.

Get the recipe: vegan pumpkin pie

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Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

There's nothing better than noshing on crispy, crunchy, and flavorful pumpkin seeds. These satisfying seeds are high in both protein and fiber, and they contain healthy nutrients such as manganese, iron, and zinc. Bake them until they're golden brown, and enjoy them all season long.

Get the recipe: roasted pumpkin seeds

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No-Bake Pumpkin Cookies

Not super into baking but craving cookies? These no-bake pumpkin goodies will cure all your cravings and more. Not only are they easy to make, but they're naturally sweetened with maple syrup meaning you won't feel weighed down from too much sugar.

Get the recipe: no-bake pumpkin cookies

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Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake

Dig in to a decadent dessert with this vegan pumpkin cheesecake! It's creamy, moist, and oh so good.

Get the recipe: vegan pumpkin cheesecake

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Pumpkin Coconut Bisque

This pumpkin coconut bisque tastes so creamy and rich, it's hard to believe that it doesn't contain an ounce of dairy. This is a recipe both vegans and those following the Paleo diet can enjoy!

Get the recipe: pumpkin coconut bisque

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Pumpkin Banana Smoothie

Start your day off with a burst of pumpkin flavor and whip up this pumpkin banana smoothie that will help keep you satisfied all morning long.

Get the recipe: pumpkin banana smoothie

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Paleo Pumpkin Pie Muffins

These paleo pumpkin pie muffins are not only gluten- and dairy-free, but they're also light, fluffy, and delicious.

Get the recipe: paleo pumpkin pie muffins

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Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie

This pumpkin pie is raw, vegan, and gluten-free — a win for everyone at the table! With oven space at a premium, you'll love that you don't need to turn yours on for this one.

Get the recipe: pumpkin pie is raw, vegan, and gluten-free

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Vegan, Grain-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft, chewy, and only 86 calories per serving, these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are vegan and grain-free. Bonus: since they contain no eggs, you can lick the bowl clean!

Get the recipe: vegan, grain-free pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

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Vegan Pumpkin Quinoa Muffins

If all those pumpkin muffins are too hard to resist during the holidays, bake up a batch of these vegan pumpkin quinoa muffins immediately!

Get the recipe: vegan pumpkin quinoa muffins

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Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chip Muffins

As a breakfast on the go, these oatmeal dark chocolate chip muffins do not disappoint — they'll leave you satisfied and full of fiber!

Get the recipe: oatmeal dark chocolate chip muffins

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Pumpkin-Carrot Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin-carrot bars are a low-cal alternative to pumpkin pie. Besides, who doesn't love a little cream cheese frosting?

Get the recipe: pumpkin-carrot bars

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Pumpkin Pancakes

Pancakes don't have to be a breakfast-only meal, especially when it's a stack of these pumpkin pancakes. The maple yogurt topping helps give the dish a sweetness that makes it feel like dessert.

Get the recipe: pumpkin pancakes

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Oatmeal Pumpkin Spice Bread

Stock up on your favorite pumpkin puree, and then make a batch of this oatmeal pumpkin spice bread. The oats increase fiber and also add a chewy texture to the bread, resulting in a much denser loaf.

Get the recipe: oatmeal pumpkin spice bread

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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Protein Bars

If you are craving a sweet treat at the end of the night, these protein-packed chocolate chip pumpkin protein bars will satisfy any craving.

Get the recipe: chocolate chip pumpkin protein bars

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Pumpkin Oatmeal Coconut Bars

If supersweet desserts aren't your thing, look no further than these pumpkin oatmeal coconut bars. Made with whole wheat flour and sweetened with applesauce, they'll satisfy your craving for something cakey minus the sugar bomb.

Get the recipe: pumpkin oatmeal coconut bars

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Baked Pumpkin Ravioli

Enjoy pumpkin for dinner by whipping up a batch of these baked pumpkin ravioli — one serving brings in a whopping 10 grams of protein. Before the idea of homemade pasta scares you off, rest assured this recipe can easily be made with ready-made wonton wraps.

Get the recipe: baked pumpkin ravioli

These Healthy Pumpkin Recipes Make the Most of the Sweet and Savory Squash (2024)

FAQs

What is the most nutritious way to eat a pumpkin? ›

There are many ways to enjoy pumpkin. For the healthiest versions, try using it in savory dishes like soup or as a roasted vegetable.

What is the most popular dessert made from pumpkins? ›

The Great Pumpkin Pie Recipe

My beloved pumpkin pie recipe is one of the most popular recipes on my website every fall. It's rich, smooth, and bursting with flavor thanks to a careful combination of pumpkin puree, spices, and one very special ingredient.

What are 2 ways people use pumpkins as food? ›

Top 20 pumpkin recipes
  • Pumpkin pie. This classic Thanksgiving dessert is well-deserving of a place in our top 20. ...
  • Pumpkin curry with chickpeas. ...
  • Halloween pumpkin cake. ...
  • Pumpkin soup. ...
  • Stuffed pumpkin. ...
  • Pumpkin pie s'mores. ...
  • Pumpkin hummus. ...
  • Roast pumpkin & spinach lasagne.

What is the difference between canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree? ›

Canned pumpkin (labeled as "100% pure pumpkin") is a purée of pumpkin that is sometimes mixed with other kinds of winter squash. It is unsweetened and does not contain any added spices. Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing, and you'll often see the terms used interchangeably in recipes and cookbooks.

What organ is pumpkin good for? ›

Pumpkin is recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet that may help lower your risk of heart disease. It offers a long list of nutrients that protect and support the heart, such as vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, copper, fiber, folate, and manganese.

What does pumpkin do to your gut? ›

Improves digestive health: Pumpkins are high in fiber, which keeps your bowel movements regular, promotes healthy weight management, and can help lower your cholesterol.

Which pumpkin is best for dessert? ›

For cooking, you'll want to use sugar pumpkins (also called pie or sweet pumpkins), which are small and round. Long Island Cheese pumpkins, which are more oblong and can look like a wheel of cheese, are also good to eat. Field pumpkin types are larger, have watery, stringy flesh, and are best for decorating.

What is the most eaten dessert in the world? ›

  • Mar 31, 2023, 08:13 PM IST. 10 Most Popular Desserts in the World. ...
  • Apple Pie. This traditional American dessert is popular due to its flaky crust and sweet apple filling. ...
  • Tiramisu. ...
  • Baklava. ...
  • Crème Brûlée. ...
  • Panna Cotta. ...
  • Cheesecake. ...
  • Mochi.
Mar 31, 2023

What is the best pumpkin to bake and eat? ›

The best type of pumpkin for cooking and baking

Instead, I recommend using a pie pumpkin or sugar pumpkin (pictured above). During the fall and winter seasons, most stores will have them available. Try to pick pumpkins between 3-6 pounds — that's usually when the flesh is best.

Can you eat pumpkin like a vegetable? ›

Pumpkins are a member of the squash family and pumpkin can easily be substituted for winter squash or sweet potatoes in most recipes. The pumpkin's origin has been traced to Central America and is still used there as a vegetable in side dishes and casseroles.

What do farmers do with leftover pumpkins? ›

“Goats, chickens, pigs, and even the farm dogs enjoy munching on pumpkins, and they are filled with nutrients,” says Chriss Hall of Triple H Farm in Swansea, South Carolina. “The eggs laid by the hens after eating pumpkin have deep rich, orange yolks that pass the extra nutrition on to us as well.”

Can dogs eat pumpkin? ›

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin and it is actually often added to dog foods. Check the label of some dog treats and you may find pumpkin on the ingredient list there too. However, if you are feeding fresh pumpkin, you will need to be careful about which part you're feeding as the stem and leaves are covered in prickly hairs.

Does canned pumpkin go bad? ›

The Department of Agriculture classifies it as a low-acid canned good, and advises that with proper storage on the shelf or in your pantry, pumpkin puree can last from two to five years.

Does homemade pumpkin puree taste better than canned? ›

Based on my taste tests, I think that fresh puree would easily elevate any savory pumpkin dish such as soup or pasta. The fresh, unadulterated flavor and fluffy texture would work wonderfully in savory dishes, especially because even “sugar pumpkins” aren't very sweet on their own.

What happens if you use pumpkin pie mix instead of pumpkin puree? ›

Pumpkin pie filling shouldn't be used in place of pumpkin puree since the finished dish will be too sweet. You can always set the can aside to make a quick pumpkin pie another day.

Is pumpkin more nutritious raw or cooked? ›

The bottom line

While raw pumpkin and its seeds may have slightly more vitamins and minerals, their taste and texture are often considered less appetizing. They may also contain more antinutrients and fewer antioxidants than their cooked counterparts.

Is pumpkin healthier raw or cooked? ›

Yes, you can eat pumpkin raw. Furthermore, eating raw pumpkin and raw pumpkin seeds provides significantly more nutritional and health benefits than eating it cooked. Cooking minimizes water-soluble nutrients like vitamins B and C, and also reduces the vitamin A, potassium and copper content.

What's the best way to eat a pumpkin? ›

Peel away the skin and you've got a hunk of the good stuff. The flesh of big pumpkins is perfect for soups and curries. The flesh of smaller pumpkins, squash and gourds is best suited for pies, breads and cakes - although it's also delicious in a soup.

Is fresh pumpkin more nutritious than canned pumpkin? ›

Even so, nutritionally, you might be better off with canned pumpkin than with fresh cooked: One cup of canned has more carotenoids and fiber (7 grams), plus about a fifth of your daily iron needs.

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