20 Cozy Pumpkin Recipes Perfect for Fall Weeknights (Easy Seasonal Meals)

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20 Cozy Pumpkin Recipes Perfect for Fall Weeknights (Easy Seasonal Meals)

Seasonal Fall Comfort Food

Pumpkin transforms into countless cozy recipes that celebrate autumn flavors throughout fall weeknights. From savory dinners to sweet desserts, pumpkin adds warmth and comfort to meals when temperatures cool. These twenty recipes showcase pumpkin’s versatility in dishes that satisfy completely. Whether you prefer traditional autumn flavors or creative pumpkin twists, these recipes deliver seasonal comfort without requiring complicated techniques.

Why Pumpkin Recipes Shine in Fall

Pumpkin season arrives when grocery stores overflow with fresh pumpkins and puree. Cooking with pumpkin during peak season ensures quality ingredients at reasonable prices. Pumpkin pairs beautifully with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The rich flavor and creamy texture make pumpkin work in both sweet and savory applications. Pumpkin provides excellent nutrition including fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support health during seasonal transitions.

Savory Pumpkin Dinners

1. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Dinner

Pasta in a silky pumpkin sauce creates comfort in every bite. This elegant yet simple dish comes together quickly for busy weeknights.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 12 ounces pasta
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Reserve one cup pasta water before draining.
  3. Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
  4. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and vegetable broth.
  7. Add sage and nutmeg to the sauce.
  8. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  9. Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
  10. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

2. Pumpkin Chicken Curry

Dinner

Pumpkin adds creamy texture to this warming curry loaded with chicken and vegetables.

Ingredients (Serves 5):

  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook cubed chicken until done, about 8 minutes, then remove.
  3. Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute.
  5. Stir in curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add pumpkin puree and coconut milk to the pot.
  7. Stir everything together to combine.
  8. Return cooked chicken to the pot.
  9. Add vegetables.
  10. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  11. Season with salt to taste.
  12. Serve over rice.

3. Pumpkin and Sage Risotto

Dinner

This elegant risotto combines pumpkin with creamy rice and aromatic sage for a restaurant-quality weeknight meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 1.5 cups Arborio rice
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 8 sage leaves
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Heat oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add finely diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour white wine and stir until absorbed.
  6. Begin adding warm broth one ladle at a time.
  7. Stir constantly and wait until liquid is absorbed before adding more.
  8. After about 15 minutes, add pumpkin puree.
  9. Continue adding broth and stirring for another 5 minutes.
  10. Rice should be tender but still have a slight bite.
  11. Stir in Parmesan cheese and sage leaves.
  12. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Serve immediately.

4. Pumpkin Black Bean Tacos

Dinner

Seasoned pumpkin and black beans create a unique taco filling that satisfies completely.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Toppings: salsa, avocado, cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in cumin and chili powder and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Add pumpkin puree and black beans to the skillet.
  6. Stir everything together to combine.
  7. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet.
  10. Fill tortillas with pumpkin bean mixture.
  11. Add desired toppings.
  12. Serve immediately.

5. Pumpkin Soup with Crispy Chickpeas

Dinner

Silky pumpkin soup topped with crispy roasted chickpeas creates textural contrast and protein in one satisfying bowl.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and roasted
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in pumpkin puree and vegetable broth.
  5. Add sage and nutmeg to the soup.
  6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  7. Blend soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
  8. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream.
  9. Heat through without boiling.
  10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Roast chickpeas at 400 degrees for 25 minutes until crispy.
  12. Ladle soup into bowls.
  13. Top with crispy chickpeas and fresh thyme.

6. Pumpkin and Turkey Meatballs

Dinner

Ground turkey mixed with pumpkin creates tender, moist meatballs with autumn spice flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon sage
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Combine ground turkey, pumpkin puree, breadcrumbs, and egg in a bowl.
  2. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sage to the mixture.
  3. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overworking.
  5. Form into 16 equal-sized meatballs.
  6. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Brown meatballs in batches until cooked through, about 10 minutes total.
  8. Return all meatballs to the skillet.
  9. Pour marinara sauce over meatballs.
  10. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  11. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.

7. Pumpkin Enchiladas with Green Sauce

Dinner

Tortillas filled with pumpkin and cheese, topped with green sauce and baked until bubbly.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups enchilada green sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 cup black beans, drained
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and cumin, cooking for 1 minute.
  5. Stir in pumpkin puree and black beans.
  6. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Spread half the green sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  9. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet.
  10. Dip each tortilla in green sauce.
  11. Fill with pumpkin mixture and cheese.
  12. Roll up and place in the baking dish seam side down.
  13. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
  14. Bake covered for 25 minutes.
  15. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly.
  16. Cool slightly before serving.

8. Pumpkin Lentil Stew

Dinner

This hearty vegetarian stew combines pumpkin with lentils for a warming, protein-packed weeknight meal.

Ingredients (Serves 5):

  • 1 cup dried lentils
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Rinse lentils and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
  3. Add diced onion and carrots, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic, cumin, and cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and add lentils.
  6. Add pumpkin puree and diced tomatoes.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  8. Simmer for 35 to 40 minutes until lentils are tender.
  9. Stir occasionally.
  10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Serve hot.

9. Pumpkin Quesadillas

Dinner

These quick weeknight quesadillas combine pumpkin with cheese and spices for a filling meal.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 4 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/4 red onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • Butter for skillet
  • Salsa and sour cream for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Mix pumpkin puree with diced red onion, minced garlic, and cumin.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
  5. Spread half the pumpkin mixture on the tortilla.
  6. Top with half the cheese.
  7. Place second tortilla on top.
  8. Cook for 3 minutes until golden and crispy.
  9. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
  10. Remove from skillet and cut into wedges.
  11. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  12. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

10. Pumpkin and Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Dinner

Chicken breasts stuffed with pumpkin and spinach create an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sage
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Mix pumpkin puree, chopped spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and sage in a bowl.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  5. Fill each pocket with pumpkin mixture.
  6. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Sear stuffed chicken for 4 minutes per side until golden.
  8. Transfer skillet to oven.
  9. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until chicken reaches 165 degrees internally.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Serve hot.

Sweet Pumpkin Desserts

11. Classic Pumpkin Pie

Dessert

The ultimate fall dessert, this creamy pumpkin pie with warm spices delivers pure comfort.

Ingredients (Serves 8):

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
  • 1 can pumpkin puree or 1.5 cups fresh
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • Whipped cream for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time.
  4. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
  5. Pour mixture into unbaked pie crust.
  6. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.
  7. Reduce oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Bake for 40 to 50 more minutes until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.
  9. Cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours.
  10. Serve with whipped cream.

12. Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Dessert

Soft, cake-like cookies bursting with pumpkin spice flavor perfect for fall gatherings.

Ingredients (Makes 24 cookies):

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
  5. Mix until just combined.
  6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden.
  8. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes.
  9. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

13. Pumpkin Cheesecake

Dessert

This creamy cheesecake with pumpkin swirl offers sophisticated fall flavors.

Ingredients (Serves 12):

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
  3. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
  4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  5. Mix in pumpkin puree.
  6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
  7. Stir in vanilla extract.
  8. Divide filling in half.
  9. To one half, add cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
  10. Pour plain filling into crust.
  11. Swirl pumpkin spice filling on top.
  12. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until center is set but slightly jiggly.
  13. Cool completely, then refrigerate overnight.

14. Pumpkin Muffins

Breakfast or Dessert

These easy muffins make perfect grab-and-go breakfasts or afternoon snacks.

Ingredients (Makes 12 muffins):

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
  3. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, and eggs.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
  6. Mix until just combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
  10. Turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

15. Pumpkin Bread

Breakfast or Dessert

This dense, moist bread delivers classic pumpkin flavor in every slice.

Ingredients (Makes 2 loaves):

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Grease two loaf pans.
  3. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, and eggs.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
  6. Mix until just combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared loaf pans.
  8. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pans for 15 minutes.
  10. Turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

16. Pumpkin Smoothie

Breakfast or Snack

A quick breakfast smoothie packed with pumpkin spice flavor and protein.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • Pinch of cloves
  • Ice cubes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Add pumpkin puree, banana, milk, and Greek yogurt to a blender.
  2. Add honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
  3. Add ice cubes.
  4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Divide between two glasses.
  6. Serve immediately with straws.

17. Pumpkin Pancakes

Breakfast

Fluffy pumpkin pancakes deliver autumn comfort for breakfast any day of the week.

Ingredients (Makes 12 pancakes):

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • Pinch of cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Butter for griddle

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, milk, egg, and melted butter.
  3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.
  4. Mix until just combined, lumps are okay.
  5. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
  6. Lightly butter the griddle.
  7. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto griddle for each pancake.
  8. Cook until bubbles form on top, about 2 minutes.
  9. Flip and cook the other side until golden.
  10. Serve warm with desired toppings.

18. Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa

Beverage

Cozy hot cocoa with pumpkin spice flavors perfect for cool fall evenings.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Whipped cream for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, whisk together cocoa powder and honey.
  2. Add pumpkin puree to the mixture.
  3. Gradually add milk while whisking.
  4. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  6. Do not boil.
  7. Pour into mugs.
  8. Top each with whipped cream.
  9. Serve immediately.

19. Pumpkin Caramel Bars

Dessert

Soft pumpkin bars with gooey caramel layer create irresistible fall treats.

Ingredients (Makes 16 bars):

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Grease a 9×13 baking pan.
  3. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
  6. Mix until just combined.
  7. Spread half the batter in the prepared pan.
  8. Drizzle half the caramel sauce over batter.
  9. Spread remaining batter over caramel.
  10. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce on top.
  11. Sprinkle chocolate chips over everything.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden.
  13. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

20. Pumpkin Donuts

Breakfast or Dessert

These baked pumpkin donuts offer fall flavor without deep frying.

Ingredients (Makes 12 donuts):

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Cinnamon sugar coating

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Grease a donut pan.
  3. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
  6. Mix until just combined.
  7. Transfer batter to a pastry bag.
  8. Pipe batter into prepared donut pan.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  10. Cool in pan for 5 minutes.
  11. Turn out onto wire racks.
  12. Mix cinnamon and sugar.
  13. While still warm, coat donuts in cinnamon sugar.

Pumpkin Cooking Tips

Fresh versus canned pumpkin:

Both work equally well in most recipes. Canned pumpkin offers convenience while fresh pumpkin delivers slightly more nuanced flavor. One 15-ounce can equals approximately 1.5 cups of pumpkin puree.

Make your own pumpkin puree:

Cut fresh pumpkins in half, remove seeds, and roast at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Scoop out cooked flesh and blend until smooth. Homemade puree freezes for several months.

Pumpkin spice combination:

Mix 3 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 tablespoons ginger, 1 tablespoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon cloves. Store in an airtight container for homemade pumpkin spice that tastes fresher than store-bought.

Balance sweet and savory:

Pumpkin works in both sweet and savory dishes. Add spices like cumin and chili powder to savory recipes for depth. Adjust amounts of cinnamon and nutmeg in sweet recipes based on personal preference.

Storage of pumpkin:

Unopened canned pumpkin lasts for years in the pantry. Fresh pumpkins store in a cool, dark place for several weeks. Homemade pumpkin puree keeps in the refrigerator for 5 days or freezes for up to 3 months.

These twenty cozy pumpkin recipes bring authentic autumn flavor to fall weeknights. From savory dinners to sweet desserts, pumpkin transforms simple ingredients into memorable seasonal meals that satisfy completely.

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