Lifestyle
17 Pumpkin Recipes to Use Up Your Leftover Purée
Don't worry, it happens to everyone—you get so excited when you start to see pumpkin-flavored everything in the grocery store that you buy as much pumpkin puree as your college student budget allows. But then questions start to creep in. What to do with all that leftover pumpkin purée? A person can only eat so much pumpkin pie before it loses its novelty. Plus, pumpkin is a fruit, so shouldn't it be healthy?
Now, when you overdo it on the pumpkin I have your back. Here are some foolproof recipes for all occasions to help you get your pumpkin fix:
1. Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
This may be the easiest breakfast recipe ever. Mix together everything the night before, and it will be waiting for you when you wake up. Plus, it tastes just like pumpkin pie. Double bonus.
2. Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars
These bars are the perfect snack to whip up on a lazy Sunday afternoon and have for grab-and-go meals all week long. Chewy and crunchy. Spicy and sweet. They'll satisfy all of your cravings.
3. Pumpkin Spice Waffles
Imagine pecan pie mixed with pumpkin pie. Fortunately, no imagination is necessary to see that it's a perfectly acceptable breakfast food.
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte
Trying out the paleo diet this fall? Or just looking for a lighter version of Starbucks' famous Pumpkin Spice Latte? Try this DIY PSL instead of wasting your cash on buying it.
5. Pumpkin Scones
If you're trying to cut back on those Starbucks runs with the recipe above, you won't want to miss out on eating some homemade scones to complement your latte. These light and flaky scones with subtle pumpkin flavor are perfectly balanced by two glazes, one thick and sweet, and the other runny and pumpkin spiced.
6. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Try this recipe for a seasonal take on the traditional sticky breakfast treat that everyone loves. It's like two of Starbucks' best Frappuccino flavors had a warm lovechild—pumpkin spice and salted caramel in one breakfast roll.
7. Pumpkin Spice Donuts
These donuts are an easy breakfast or snack for when that chilly fall weather starts to creep up on you. Plus, they're totally dorm-friendly. All you need is a microwave.
8. Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
Two Ingredients. You probably already have pumpkin purée and boxed cake mix in your pantry. Need I say more?
9. Pumpkin Cheesecake-Stuffed French Toast
For when you're hungover, but feeling ambitious. This hearty dish is best suited for brunch and seamlessly integrates dessert-worthy flavors with the always-versatile waffle.
10. Pumpkin Soup
This spicy soup is super easy to make and even better to eat. Put all the ingredients in a slow cooker and turn it on. Plus, it'll help you get rid of those autumn sniffles.
11. Bacon Pumpkin Quinoa
I am a firm believer that no list is complete without at least one mention of bacon. In this recipe, sweet pumpkin purée and savory bacon come together with superfood quinoa to make a very #SpoonWorthy dinner.
12. Pumpkin Gnocchi
Gnocchi are notoriously hard to make, but with this easy recipe you'll be rewarded for your efforts big time in the flavor department.
13. Pumpkin Bread
Does that Trader Joe's boxed mix have molten chocolate in it? I didn't think so. Do yourself a favor and make this one homemade.
14. Pumpkin Brownies
Use this 100 calorie vegan recipe as an excuse to eat the whole pan without any guilt. Not that you should ever feel guilty, even if you decide on these easy pumpkin cheesecake brownies instead.
15. Pumpkin Pie in a Mug
This single-serve dessert is perfect for dorm life. Make it even better with a scoop of pumpkin ice cream à la mode style.
16. Pumpkin Fluff
What's fluff? The best way to find out is to make this pumpkin flavored-version that's light as air. Try serving it with graham crackers or sliced bananas for maximum enjoyment.
#SpoonTip: You can also use it to ice a cake or top ice cream.
17. Pumpkin Spice Milkshake
This one's for those of you (myself included) who are still hanging on to summer weather but don't want to miss out on all the seasonal flavors.
Don't let the haters call you basic for obsessing over everything pumpkin this fall. Drown them out with the praises of your friends when they taste how you reinvented that pumpkin purée.