What Can You Do with Leftover Pumpkin Puree?

Lisa Kaminski

You know the feeling: You stir up an amazing pumpkin dessert (it’s delicious, of course) only to be left with a few tablespoons of pumpkin at the bottom of the can. Since pumpkin is one of the fall’s best ingredients, you really don’t want to throw it away, but what can you do with leftover pumpkin puree?

It turns out that this bit of leftover pumpkin isn’t to be wasted. In fact, you can find lots of creative ways to use it.

How to Store Leftover Pumpkin

Keep leftover pumpkin puree and canned pumpkin in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep there for a week.

If you don’t think you can use up your pumpkin within that time, you can freeze it for up to a year. Seal it up in a zip-top freezer bag (be sure to label it) and toss it into the freezer. If you want to pre-portion your pumpkin, freeze it in an ice cube tray or muffin tin. Once set, remove the frozen pumpkin cubes or pucks and freeze in a bag. Defrost portions as you need them.

How to Use Leftover Pumpkin Puree

For Breakfast

A few spoonfuls of pureed pumpkin can produce a cozy breakfast—just what you want on a chilly morning. Here’s how to use extra canned pumpkin at the breakfast table:

  • Oatmeal: Stir extra pumpkin into your morning oatmeal with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar. If you’re looking to make a bigger batch, try this pumpkin oatmeal recipe.

  • Pancakes: You can add canned pumpkin to your favorite pancake recipe (or try this top-rated pumpkin pancake recipe). With a dash of pumpkin spice and maple syrup, it’ll really feel like fall.

  • Parfaits: Layer up yogurt, crunchy granola and your leftover pumpkin puree for a simple breakfast.

  • Spread: Stir together whatever pumpkin leftovers you have with cream cheese to top your morning bagel.

To Sip

Pumpkin spice latte lovers, we’re looking at you! Use the real deal in some easy drinks.

  • Lattes: Yep, you can make a pumpkin latte right at home. Use your leftover pumpkin along with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg for a warmup.

  • Milkshakes: Blend together vanilla ice cream, milk, pumpkin and your favorite spices for a decadent fall milkshake.

  • Smoothies: Pumpkin has a lot of amazing health benefits (it’s a great source of vitamins A and C). Add a few tablespoons to your next smoothie.

For Dessert

Not every dessert calls for a whole 15-ounce can of pumpkin. So many treats require just a smidge of this ingredient to get the flavor you love.

For Fido

Yep, you can give your pooch a sample of pumpkin (so long as it’s 100% pumpkin). A few tablespoons can help combat digestive issues in dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. Pumpkin is also a major ingredient in these homemade dog biscuits.

See, the season’s coziest ingredient doesn’t have to go to waste. Now, head to the kitchen and pop open a can or two of pumpkin!

Try More Delicious Ways to Use Up a Can of Pumpkin
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Truthfully, I want those cozy flavors of Thanksgiving throughout the year. This ice cream has just the right balance of spices, and no matter when you make it, you'll find yourself surrounded in the warmth and love that pumpkin pie has to offer. —Angie Stewart, Memphis, Tennessee
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This creamy pie is perfect for any autumn celebration. A store-bought graham cracker crust makes it such a cinch to whip up. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
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My son loved this festive milkshake growing up—it's nicely spiced and tastes like pumpkin pie. I like cutting off both ends of a licorice twist and serving it as a straw.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Perk up an autumn morning with one of these hearty muffins. You'll really enjoy the pumpkin-spice flavor and crumbly nut topping&mashand so will everyone else! —Mrs. Janice Christofferson, Eagle River, Wisconsin
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My family enjoys anything with pumpkin so I knew this recipe would be well-received. Butter pecan ice cream is a perfect partner for the spiced pumpkin sauce.—Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana
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In a world of pumpkin spice flavor, these fluffy cookies are my top choice. The infusion of fresh sage gives them a surprising savory note. You can use mashed sweet potatoes or yams instead of the pumpkin if you prefer. —Jill LeMasters, Ravenna, Ohio
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Once your friends and family taste it, you're sure to receive frequent requests for this creamy delight throughout the holiday season. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
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"No one will guess they're eating lighter when you serve moist slices of this pretty pumpkin bread with a ribbon of cream cheese inside," assures Beth Ask, Ulster, Pennsylvania.
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In Omaha, Nebraska, Kathy Peters combines canned pumpkin with two kinds of chocolate in this fully autumn delight that's perfect for special occasions.
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I'm one of the cooking project leaders for my daughter's 4-H club, where these soft, delicious cookies were a great hit with the kids. —Marietta Slater, Augusta, Kansas
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Even though this dessert is quick to fix, it has a creamy pumpkin taste and golden harvest look...just like traditional pumpkin pie. It's a great dessert for both everyday dinners and special-occasion suppers.—Linda Clapp, Stow, Ohio
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Sweet tooths will polish off these wonderful bars. They have a delicious orange frosting and can be decorated with candy pumpkins.—Barb Schlafer, Appleton, Wisconsin
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I came across this recipe in a local newspaper about 10 years ago, and I still make the bread on a regular basis. The recipe conveniently yields a number of mini loaves, making gift-giving easy. —Linda Wood, Roanoke, Virginia
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Old-fashioned but never out of style, I got this favorite pumpkin recipe from an elderly aunt. —Lois Fetting, Nelson, Wisconsin
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These homemade goodies are simple enough for my children to help with. Sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, the yummy crescents are perfect with hot cocoa on a chilly morning.—Mindee Erickson, St. George, Utah
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Grown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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A gingersnap crust pairs well with the pumpkin and cream cheese filling. —Judy Shatzer, Upper Strasburg, Pennsylvania
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This moist quick bread combines both apples and pumpkin, making it a must in autumn. Every slice is chock full of nuts and spices.
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The post What Can You Do with Leftover Pumpkin Puree? appeared first on Taste of Home.

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