Don’t let those extra cans of pumpkin hover at the back of your pantry any longer because these 15 clever ways put every bit to use with fulfilling results. From cookies to bars, each dessert on this list proves that pumpkin can be more than just an ingredient for pies. Home bakers can expect a new level of excitement stacking up in their recipe boxes, thanks to easy and fun twists that showcase pumpkin in ways even skeptics wouldn’t see coming.
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
When cinnamon rolls are upgraded with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls, breakfast takes on a new twist using leftover pumpkin. Soft dough wraps around a spiced pumpkin filling, finished with a sweet glaze over the top. Each roll makes great use of pantry ingredients that might otherwise be forgotten. Share these with friends or bring to brunch for something a little different that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake
By baking Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake, chocolate and pumpkin are combined in every slice. Layers of rich brownie are topped with pumpkin-flecked batter, making each piece visually striking as well as enjoyable. This dessert makes it simple to use up that extra canned pumpkin. Cut into squares for an easy treat to take on the go or to a gathering.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake
Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Transforming cake mix into something special, Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins help turn extra pumpkin into quick breakfast or snack options. These muffins come together in a fraction of the time since most of the work is done by the mix itself. Each bite reveals a light pumpkin flavor paired with familiar spice. They are perfect for packing into lunchboxes or for a pick-me-up at work.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel
Bakery-style cookies like Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel showcase how a can of pumpkin brings moisture and flavor to homemade treats. Caramel drizzled over the top adds a sweet finish that boosts a classic cookie. Baking these at home means you get fresh, gourmet-style cookies without needing a special trip. Offer them at your next casual get-together for something that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Crumbl Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel
Pumpkin Blondies
When blondies are reinvented as Pumpkin Blondies, they become a clever way to use up leftover pumpkin. The soft bar texture comes from combining pumpkin with brown sugar and baking staples, making each square flavorful and moist. Cut them into bars for easy serving at events or to share with friends. Make these when you want something sweet but not overly complicated to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Blondies
Pumpkin Spice Scones with Vanilla Glaze
Starting the day with Pumpkin Spice Scones with Vanilla Glaze means a warm, bakery-inspired option right from your kitchen. The scones have a tender crumb and a hint of spice, while the vanilla glaze seeps into the cracks for added sweetness. Using up that canned pumpkin, the recipe comes together with common baking ingredients. Serve these for breakfast meetings or casual coffee catch-ups.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Scones with Vanilla Glaze
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Bringing together textures, Pumpkin Crunch Cake involves a creamy pumpkin layer topped with a crispy, buttery crunch. Each bite contrasts soft filling with a crisp topping, making it unique among desserts. Utilizing pumpkin purée, it is easily made with pantry basics and a few added toppings. Prepare this when feeding a group, as it cuts cleanly and serves well.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Upgrading traditional snickerdoodles, Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies become extra soft with a hint of pumpkin flavor. Rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking, they offer a familiar, comforting appearance with a new taste. These cookies are perfect for making use of leftover cans of pumpkin. Try them when craving something a little different but not too far from the classic.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Grandma’s Pumpkin Bread with Streusel
A loaf like Grandma’s Pumpkin Bread with Streusel brings together sweet, spiced pumpkin batter topped with a crumbly, buttery layer. A thick slice makes a great breakfast or afternoon snack, especially when you are working through leftover pumpkin. The bread stays moist for several days, so it is ideal for making ahead. Wrap it up as a thoughtful homemade gift for neighbors or friends.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Pumpkin Bread with Streusel
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins
Marrying cinnamon, pumpkin, and cream cheese, Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins give you bakery-level results at home. The center has a rich cream cheese swirl, adding a tang that balances with the pumpkin. Each muffin offers a soft crumb, making it a treat for mornings or snacks. These work perfectly with cans of pumpkin that haven’t found a purpose yet.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Cream Cheese Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin Dump Cake
When convenience meets flavor, Pumpkin Dump Cake is a go-to for making a dessert quickly from pantry staples. Simply layer pumpkin and other ingredients in the baking dish, then bake until golden and set. This recipe requires little preparation but still results in a comforting dessert with a soft center and crisp top. It is especially handy when time or effort is in short supply.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake
Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
With Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, two soft cookies sandwich a sweet cream filling for a treat that’s simple yet special. Pumpkin adds moisture to the cookie layers, making each bite tender. Assembling these is straightforward, and they use up pumpkin you may have on hand. They also travel well, making them perfect for school lunches or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Pumpkin Chocolate Cake
Combining rich cocoa and pumpkin, Pumpkin Chocolate Cake produces a moist, tender crumb that won’t dry out easily. The pumpkin purée incorporates into the batter seamlessly, leaving no obvious traces but adding a slight earthy sweetness. Topped with a favorite frosting or a dusting of sugar, the cake adapts to different tastes. It is a reliable way to use pumpkin in a dessert that everyone recognizes.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Cake
Pumpkin Brownies
Giving a new spin to a classic, Pumpkin Brownies use pumpkin to create a fudgy texture and richer flavor. Chocolate and pumpkin come together harmoniously, with each bite showing the benefit of combining the two. These brownies keep well and can be sliced for sharing or packed in lunches. Make a batch when you want a favorite chocolate treat with a subtle twist.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Brownies
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
When baking feels like too much, No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake offers a solution using canned pumpkin. The filling mixes up quickly, then chills to set in a crisp crust, ready to slice when needed. Cream cheese and pumpkin form a smooth, cool dessert that takes little effort. Serve this at gatherings or after dinner for something that feels like it took hours to prepare, even if it didn’t.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
