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A few delicious ideas for using up leftover pumpkin puree!
Just wanted to get you ready for the onslaught. It's coming, you know. What in the world am I talking about? A zillion pumpkin recipes, all headed your direction and getting ready to strike! You may have seen a few already, but believe me, you ain't seen nothing yet! That's exactly why I've written a post with the crazy title, What To Do With Leftover Pumpkin Puree.
Tomorrow, the calendar rolls to the fine month of September, and that's when the blitz begins. I'm not complaining, I love this time of the year and all that it brings with it, in a culinary sense: warm spices, caramel, maple, squash of every shape and hue, apples, pears and pumpkins.
Lots of pumpkin - recipes for sweet, savory and everything in-between - cakes, pies, muffins, soups, salads... I have to admit, I love them all!
Many pumpkin recipes call for pumpkin puree which can be purchased in a can, a convenience item that's super convenient. I love that the ingredient label on canned pumpkin has only one thing listed: pumpkin. That's it. If I had lots of time to spare, I might choose to pick out my own pumpkins, peel, roast and puree them, but that's just not how my life rolls right now, or ever. It seems that I'm always a little squeezed for time, so canned pumpkin and I have become BFF over the years. There's always a stock in my pantry, and at this time of the year, it's front and center.
There's something about pumpkin recipes though that have always been a little frustrating to me and I'm thinking you've probably run into this problem too. Many of the recipes call for just a portion of the can. A cup or a half cup, may even just a few tablespoons. I've tried freezing the excess for later, but found that it just doesn't work very well. The thawed pumpkin is super soggy and watery.
So, What To Do With Leftover Pumpkin Puree? Well, I've found a few great options over the years, and thought I'd share them with you. Pumpkin will keep in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator, so you've got a little window of opportunity. But, when you're ready for something scrumptious and pumpkin-y, here you go!
What To Do With Leftover Pumpkin Puree?
Pumpkin Crumb Muffins - these delicious muffins are super moist and full of delicious warm-spiced flavor. The buttery, crumb topping is the crème de la crème!
Copycat Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps - if you've tried these crackers from TJ's, you're going to want to marry me for figuring this out. If you haven't tried them you're going to flip, they're that.... good!
Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette - a fun , delicious fall salad dressing bursting with bright flavor.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Bourbon Brown Butter Buttercream - oh my goodness! You won't even believe how amazing these are!!
Pumpkin Buttermilk Pound Cake with Caramel Icing - easy to put together and incredibly delicious. A perfect way to celebrate the season! These last two recipes call for an entire 15-ounce can of pumpkin, so you won't have leftovers unless you open up the jumbo can.
Southwestern Pumpkin and Roasted Red Pepper Soup - loaded with flavor and lots of healthy veggies, this soup is a winner every time. Here's what one Café follower wrote "We’ve already made this soup a handful of times and it’s cooking again as we speak. Excellent recipe!"
So there you have it, lots of ammunition for the pumpkin spree coming up! You know exactly what to do with leftover pumpkin puree, right? Have fun and Bon Appetit!
Did you know you can make your own pumpkin pie spice?
P.S. One other pumpkin tip. Did you know you can make your own pumpkin pie spice? You probably have everything you need and it's so much cheaper than buying the pre-mixed versions. Check it out here: Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice
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Vicki Bensinger says
Chris these are all great ideas to use with leftover pumpkin puree - and there always seems to be some leftover. I love all these recipes and will definitely try some of them now that fall is just around the corner.
Mary says
Pumpkin pecan pancakes are one of my favorite ways to use up leftover pumpkin puree! You've listed some wonderful options that I'm looking forward to try!
Chris Scheuer says
Great idea Mary!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
I am a closet year-round pumpkin eater so I love this time of the year - and I think I've fallen in love with those crumb cupcakes and that Buttermilk Pound Cake and those doughnuts... good golly!
John / Kitchen Riffs says
Really timely post! I'm always wondering what to do with leftover pumpkin. And you're right -- we'll be drowning in pumpkin recipes soon. A good thing, say I. 😉 Thanks for this.
cheri says
Hi Chris, beautiful line-up of recipes, you have certainly covered all the bases. I always keep pumpkin puree in my pantry too, but I always make the same things over and over. Thanks for the inspiration!
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
What a handy list Chris, and every option a fantastic recipe. I always end up with pumpkin puree so appreciate your ideas!
Diane (Created by Diane) says
Everything looks so delicious I can't decide what to try first!
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
I agree. The recipes are coming. I really like your pumpkin soup recipe. So pretty too.
Sam
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
First let me wipe the drool off my keyboard...I am in love with everything in this post, but that muffin shot is my all time favorite food shot! Great round-up Chris!
Lori says
I think I've been getting your blog posts for a couple of months now and I am in LOVE! Yep, not just love but LOVE!! I have tried many recipes and they always turn out wonderfully tasty and are always a huge hit. Thank you so much for the fun stories but especially the fabulous recipes. Have I said I LOVE the Cafe - keep up the great work!!!
Jenna says
oh I can't wait to try the Pumpkin Maple dressing Chris!! Yum!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
It's September! Bring on the pumpkin 🙂 These all look wonderful - especially love the pound cake. Have a great week Chris.
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Great round-up! This is super helpful, because I always have extra pumpkin to deal with! I always wondered why they didn't sell it in smaller cans, too 🙂
Adina says
Oh no, is it that time again? Already? But your suggestion are great, I would love to try a few of them.:)
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
This roundup comes just in time, Chris. That vinaigrette is my favourite.
Mary Hirsch says
Okay, I am going with the soup, pound cake and muffins. Would LOVE to do the donuts but am counting my calories.
Marcy says
I'll definitely be making these new yummies! Which one to try first, quite the dilemma!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Marcy, fall is such a fun time of the year in the kitchen!
Sophia@ NY Foodgasm says
Soooo many great ideas! Cannot wait to try some of these! Sooooo much yum!
Chris Scheuer says
You are such an encourager Sophia, thanks. Hope you find something you enjoy!
Erin @ Simple, Sweet & Savory says
YUM! All these pumpkin things look amazing. I especially want to try the Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette! Pinning to keep this list handy. I'll be needing it in the near future!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Erin, that vinaigrette is such a fun treat for fall!