Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that is also SUPER amazing for your body. This post shares ten pumpkin recipes that are simple to make, taste great, and fully embrace autumn flavors.
I like to switch up my meals from time to time and cook with a variety of ingredients. It just makes clean-eating fun and gives your body an outstanding balance of nutrients.
But pumpkin is probably an outlier on my list. I have a huge thing for pumpkins (which is why it’s no surprise you’ll see a bunch of recipes throughout the blog).
For example, here’s my Apple Pumpkin Bread. And then we have this Pumpkin Spice Muffin Recipe.
You get the picture. I love pumpkins.
They’re versatile, nutrient-dense, filling, and great for an abundance of drinks and dishes.
Let me take you through my favorite pumpkin recipes, and share reasons they deserve a nutritional medal.
What Can I Make With Pumpkin?
Pumpkins are one of the most versatile ingredients you can use. This is one of the reasons they’re so awesome! I’ll be sharing more ideas below, but you can make pumpkin cakes, pies, salads, cookies, grits, hummus, dip, and even add them to mashed potatoes.
It would be a shame not to experiment with all the sweet and savory dishes you can make.
What Does Pumpkin Do For Your Skin?
Pumpkin helps your skin produce more collagen! And collagen helps improve the elasticity of your skin, keeping it supple, youthful, and plump. Want to know more about the benefits of collagen? Check out this post!
As you might suspect, pumpkin is also a great source of beta-carotene (which helps protect you from UV damage and improves the texture of your skin). Did somebody say Vitamin C ? Pumpkin is not lacking here either.
What Happens If You Eat Too Much Pumpkin?
If you eat a lot – and I mean a LOT – of pumpkin, your skin could start to turn slightly orange. This phenomenon is because of the antioxidant beta-carotene (found in other orange veggies like carrots).
Developing a mineral imbalance is another possible (albeit rare) side effect of eating too many pumpkins. As usual, remember the importance of moderation. Balance is vital, y’all!
What Are The Benefits Of Pumpkin?
When making tasty pumpkin recipes, you can enjoy these health benefits:
- Reduced inflammation: Pumpkins contain high levels of antioxidants, which protect your body from cell damage and inflammatory diseases.
- Better eye health: They are rich in Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Vitamin A, which all help with eye health.
- Good for weight loss: One of my favorite benefits -pumpkins are an excellent food for weight loss. It’s nutrient-dense and only has less than 50 calories per cup! It also helps suppress your appetite since it contains a good dose of fiber.
- Lower blood sugar levels: Pumpkins can also help regulate your blood sugar levels due to their high fiber content.
- Better liver health: A diet rich in antioxidant foods (such as pumpkin) can help support healthy liver function.
Best Pumpkin Recipes (10 Easy And Creative Ideas)
It’s that time of the post! Here are my absolute favorite recipes to make with pumpkin, including the classic and delicious pumpkin pie (a favorite in my house at Thanksgiving).
Ready to start mixing, blending and baking? Follow the recipe instructions below each of them and enjoy pumpkin in SO many awesome ways.
1. 15-Minute EASY Pumpkin Ice Cream
Of course, the best way to start the list is with ice cream. This 15-minute, vegan, no-churn, dairy, and gluten-free pumpkin ice cream is heavenly. It’s a treat my family asks for regularly because they love pumpkin too! Who doesn’t adore pumpkin desserts?
Easily made in a loaf pan, it’s so simple that you’ll add this decadent ice cream to your list of favorites, guaranteed.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cool time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 158 kcal
2. Homemade Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
And now, we’re going with the inevitable pumpkin spice latte. I know you gotta have your Starbucks. But, you can make your own at home MINUS the extra calories, price tag, and fifty grams of sugar!
To me, this tastes like pumpkin bars in a mug! It’s drinkable deliciousness with cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 7 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 290 kcal
3. Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins (Low Sugar)
A latte paired with these healthy, light, and insanely delicious muffins…can you imagine?! This pumpkin muffins recipe makes for an excellent snack or dessert. We’ve skipped the refined sugar and flour, too!
But sweetness is still evident in these healthy muffins with the addition of ripe banana and semisweet chocolate chips.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 8 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 163 kcal
4. Pumpkin Puree
For all your bread, muffin, and latte needs, it’s always a good idea to have a batch of fresh pumpkin puree on hand. It’s creamy pumpkin at its best, ready for use in lots of recipes from pumpkin soup to pumpkin cookies. Store in the refrigerator for 4-6 days in a container that’s airtight.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 5 kcal per 0.5 cup
5. Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt with Candied Pecans
It’s clean, creamy, gluten-free, and topped off with candied pecans… SOLD. I used pure maple syrup to sweeten the full-fat Greek yogurt. You’re ultimately getting a great consistency with bursts of fall flavor.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 4 mins
- Total Time: 4 hours and 15 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 203 kcal per 0.5 cup
6. One Bowl Healthy Pumpkin Bread
Let me introduce you to the best pumpkin bread recipe EVER. Moist, dense, and full of pumpkin goodness, you’ll be amazed how easy this recipe is! Great as a snack, dessert or to be enjoyed with a scoop of clean vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 208 kcal per 1 slice
7. The Best Pumpkin Pie
This fall dessert recipe (or seriously – ANY time of year dessert) is made from scratch. The homemade pie crust starts you off with this clean-eating delight. Spices like cloves, allspice and more give it a can’t-resist flavor.
Yes, I know it can seem daunting but it’s easier than you think. We’ve ditched the refined sugar…and did I mention the whipped cream is keto?
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 328 kcal per slice
8. Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes
What’s just as good as banana pancakes? Healthy pumpkin pancakes. These fluffy, bouncy, and tasty treats will crank up the fall nostalgia any time of the year. I personally prefer them over pumpkin waffles or french toast because I just love how they look stacked, with a square of butter and drizzled with pure maple syrup.
FYI, this recipe works fabulously when using a can of pumpkin puree too. Remember though, choose the can with no additives or sugar.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 215 kcal
9. 5-Minute Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
Now you know pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween right? How about breakfast every day? This is a delightful combination of pumpkin pie, spice, and oatmeal in an incredibly easy prep-ahead breakfast recipe. So, it’s perfect for busy days when you need something hearty and quick.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours and 5 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 335 kcal per cup
10. Pumpkin Cheesecake Protein Smoothie
Imagine layers of pumpkin spice, cheesecake, and a protein smoothie all blended together. What’s the result? This too-good-to-be-true, energizing smoothie. Hurrah! It’s a real pumpkin celebration you’re gonna love to make time and time again.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 322 kcal
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