better homes and gardens pumpkin recipes

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies

Credit: Blaine Moats

We use canned pumpkin in everything from pie to mac and cheese (yes, really). What we don't love, however, is a recipe that leaves us with leftover canned pumpkin puree. That's why every single one of these canned pumpkin recipes uses the entire can. Enjoy this collection of sweet and savory pumpkin recipes knowing you'll have no leftovers.

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Double Decker Pumpkin Bread

Double-Decker Pumpkin Bread

Credit: Blaine Moats

Sure, you could make a straight up classic pumpkin bread recipe with canned pumpkin. But with a few ingredients more, you can add a swirl of richness in the middle. You'll also appreciate the sweet-tinged spark that the crystallized ginger ($6, Target) adds to this recipe.

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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Credit: Blaine Moats

There's no need to sit at the kids' table to enjoy creamy macaroni and cheese. Thanks to savory canned pumpkin, the kid-friendly classic gets a grown-up makeover.

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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies

Credit: Blaine Moats

Here's how to turn one can of pumpkin ($2, Walmart) into 60 three-bite desserts! Topped with an irresistible brown sugar icing, these cookies rank as one of our top canned pumpkin recipes of all time. As one reviewer wrote, "They're worth 5 stars—if I could give 'em 10, I would!"

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Pumpkin Spread

Pumpkin Spread in a bowl

Credit: Blaine Moats

With zero fat and only 33 calories per serving, this is a healthy canned pumpkin recipe you can feel good about serving your health-conscious friends during the holiday season. It's also a great make-ahead dip because it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

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Coconut-Pumpkin Soup

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Salty, sweet, nutty, and hot—this canned pumpkin soup recipe pushes all the flavor buttons we love in classic Thai cooking. We also love the way the soup doesn't require a blender or food processor, making it a great choice when you're looking for easy canned pumpkin recipes you can effortlessly pull off at the end of a busy day.

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Pumpkin Soup with Lentils

Credit: Andy Lyons

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Pumpkin, Bean, and Chicken Enchiladas

Credit: Blaine Moats

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Pumpkin Football Cakes

Credit: Dana Gallagher

The only thing better than tasty canned pumpkin dessert recipes are tasty canned pumpkin desserts that are absolutely adorable too! These too-cute football cakes include a whole can of pumpkin ($2, Target) and make a delicious addition to any game-day tailgate or sports-centric potluck celebration.

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Curry Pumpkin Soup

Credit: Andy Lyons

This pumpkin soup made with canned pumpkin is a great choice for holiday entertaining. Serve the luscious fall or winter warmer as a sit-down first course to get everyone into the spirit of the season. Choose a great dinner roll recipe to serve alongside.

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Pumpkin-Bourbon Pudding

Credit: Andy Lyons

Here's one of our favorite easy pumpkin dessert recipes with canned pumpkin. It features a smooth custard and warm baking spices and offers touches of a classic pumpkin pie recipe. However, because it has a crisp topping instead of a crust, it's lower in fat and calories.

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Sara's Silky Pumpkin Pie

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

Of all the recipes using canned pumpkin in our files, pumpkin pie recipes are always the most popular. Here's one that veers slightly off the beaten path; it calls for sweetened condensed milk ($2, Target) for extra rich and silky appeal. But don't worry—the nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves keep this close to the classic pumpkin pie!

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Autumn Pumpkin Bars

Credit: Jason Donnelly

The perfect pumpkin bar recipe with canned pumpkin is all right here: the light, spicy flavor; fantastically moist texture; and that rich cream cheese frosting. This is clearly the most classic bar in our entire collection of favorite pumpkin bar recipes.

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Bourbon Pumpkin Bread with Spice Swirl

Credit: Andy Lyons

Conveniently, this moist pumpkin bread recipe with canned pumpkin makes two loaves in classic loaf pans ($8, Target). That means you can give one as a gift and keep one for yourself. Not ready to enjoy your loaf? Freeze it for later. Just be sure to add the optional icing after you've thawed the loaf.

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Easy Pumpkin Roasted Red Pepper Mac and Cheese

Credit: Andy Lyons

We've said it before: We're fans of canned pumpkin recipes whether they're sweet or savory. Here's another stellar example of the latter. It demonstrates how much richness (with a bonus of extra nutrition) canned pumpkin puree can bring to a simple casserole.

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Cream of Pumpkin Soup

Credit: Keller

You've often heard us say "fresh is best," but pumpkin may be the exception. We actually prefer making pumpkin soup with canned pumpkin for the most reliable, silky results. This savory soup is made hearty for winter with the addition of orzo or wild rice.

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