We know it’s still summer and you should definitely enjoy it and all the summer produce. But if you, like us, are starting to think about fall and maybe starting to get a little bit anxious, we have the cure: fall flavors, specifically pumpkin. Canned pumpkin is such a game changer for everything from energy balls to enchiladas. It can lend a bit of an earthiness to your morning smoothie, it makes your kitchen smell fantastic, and it brings with it a hefty dose of fiber, along with vitamins C and A. So reap those healthy benefits by whipping up these comforting canned pumpkin recipes at home this season!
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1. Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin Copycat Recipe
Craving a pumpkin muffin or a slice of pumpkin loaf from Starbucks? Don’t waste the calories — or the added sugars — and make your own version at home! This healthy take on a classic fall treat uses bananas and maple syrup for the sweetness, while also adding in some protein with some satiating Greek yogurt.
Try our recipe on Clean Plates.
2. No-Cook Pumpkin Pudding
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One of the easiest canned pumpkin recipes you can make is this pudding, relying entirely on the pumpkin with added flavors and spices to make this yummy snack.
Try our recipe on Clean Plates.
3. Chocolate, Pumpkin, and Peanut Butter Energy Balls
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This is one of those sneaky-good uses of canned pumpkin: energy balls. With only seven delicious, clean ingredients, you can prep a big batch of these for a tasty snack to enjoy throughout the week.
Try our recipe on Clean Plates.
4. Spicy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sour Cream Sauce
Courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen
These protein-packed enchiladas lean on pre-cooked chicken, canned black beans, and an entire can of pumpkin puree for a meal that’s sweet and savory, and ready in less than an hour. Adapt the recipe by swapping in leftover pulled pork instead of chicken, or load it up with roasted veggies and skip the meat entirely.
Try the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
5. Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes
Courtesy of Cookie and Kate
These pancakes are the definition of hearty. Between the whole wheat flour and the pumpkin puree, you’ll get a good dose of whole grain and fiber to fill you up because let’s face it, sometimes regular pancakes don’t sustain some of us as well as the likes of these. Use your milk of choice, dairy or nondairy, an egg, and just a smidge of sugar.
Try the recipe from Cookie and Kate.
6. Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup
Look no further for a plant-based soup that comes together fast with coconut milk and canned pumpkin — along with an onion and lots of good spices from the cabinet. Plus it’ll make your kitchen smell fantastic and give you quality leftovers for lunch.
Try the recipe from Ahead of Thyme.
7. Vegan Pumpkin Cauliflower Chickpea Curry
Courtesy of Once Upon a Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin recipes don’t have to just be sweet, you know! This savory curry is full of flavor and the absolute perfect fall weeknight meal when you need to use up that can in your pantry.
Try the recipe from Once Upon a Pumpkin.
8. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen
You gotta love a smoothie that delivers the flavors of pie without, you know, all the work of pie. Plain Greek yogurt keeps the sugar low and adds protein, and banana offers a creamy consistency.
Try the recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.
9. Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce
Courtesy of Pinch of Yum
Here’s an inside tip: Pumpkin gnocchi like this aren’t hard to make at all; a little prep is all you need. And take our advice: Don’t skip the butter and use olive oil for the sage sauce; every once in a while you need a meal like this because it’s good for the soul.
Try the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
10. The Best Ever Pumpkin Chili
Courtesy of One Lovely Life
To your basic awesome fall chili, just add pumpkin. This recipe is great because it’s not only loaded with protein from the beans and ground beef, but it’s also what makes it also highly adaptable. Ditch the ground turkey or beef and make it vegan; take out the beans and add more veggies and meat to turn this paleo. There are even directions for your slow cooker, too.
Try the recipe from One Lovely Life.
11. Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal
Courtesy of Once Upon a Pumpkin
You probably love to bake pumpkin muffins, bread, or even a pie in the fall, but have you tried baking a tray of oatmeal? This healthy dish is made with hearty oats as well as flaxseed to add some omega-3 fatty acids to your breakfast. This canned pumpkin recipe also calls for almond milk to keep the saturated fat count low, keeping your breakfast light while also keeping you satiated!
Try the recipe from Once Upon a Pumpkin.
Read next:8 Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas That Are Ridiculously Cheap
