Three Ways to Use Canned Pumpkin This Fall

Pumpkin-flavored everything is lining grocery store shelves and we need to act fast before it’s replaced with peppermint and gingerbread. Canned pumpkin is the perfect ingredient for all of your DIY pumpkin spice needs because you won’t have to deal with the fuss of cutting an actual pumpkin. Here are some of my favorite recipes that incorporate canned pumpkin, so you can feel the season without breaking the bank.

Pumpkin Energy Bites

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: minutesTotal time: 5 minutesServings:12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups oats
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• a pinch sea salt
• 1/2 cup nut butter
• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

As college students, we need all the energy we can get, and it’s a real treat for some of that energy to come from whole foods instead of caffeine. These energy bites are so simple to throw together and snack on for the week. Just mix all the ingredients together until well combined, form the batter into balls, and store in the fridge. Warning: they may not last long in the fridge because you may accidentally eat them all. They’re that good.

The pumpkin adds a fun fall twist on classic energy bites, but feel free to mix up any of these ingredients to make them your own. I used cashew butter in mine, and I highly recommend.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: minutesTotal time: 5 minutesServings:1 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 3 tbsp canned pumpkin
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• a splash vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strong-brewed coffee or an espresso shot

Instructions

At the first mark of fall, people everywhere flock to coffee shops to get their first annual PSL fix. While I definitely support enjoying this festive drink, buying one from a coffee shop every day is not the most budget-friendly option.

I was so excited to find this recipe, and it did not disappoint. This drink can be made hot or cold, but a warm Florida fall usually pushes me towards wanting an iced drink. The iced version of this could not get any easier: add all the ingredients to a mason jar, shake well, and enjoy! For a hot version, whisk the ingredients together in a pot and bring to a simmer. Coconut whipped cream is the obvious topping choice for either.

*The original recipe adds water to the latte too, but after a few attempts, I decided I liked it better without the water.

Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: minutesTotal time: 5 minutesServings:1 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup oats
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

Pumpkin pie AND overnight oats… I had to. This recipe is delicious and so filling. The quicker I can grab a healthy meal on the go and the fewer dishes I have to wash, the better. Mason jar recipes fit the bill like a glove. Mix all the ingredients together in a jar at night, and your nutrient-packed breakfast will be ready for you in the morning (even if it does taste more like dessert).

Canned Pumpkin Connoisseur

I hope these recipes gave you some ideas for what to do with your canned pumpkin this fall! There are loads of canned pumpkin recipes out there, from smoothies to pancakes to brownies and beyond. Embrace the season and give some of them a try.

• < 20 Minutes
• Breakfast
• Snack