Try The Best Pumpkin Recipes for Fall
Fall is right around the corner, and with it, pumpkin-flavored pies, cookies, and coffees are everywhere.
Most of the biggest coffee chains in the world have already rolled out their famous pumpkin spice options, but if that’s not enough for you to satisfy your craving for fall foods, these pumpkin recipes can help.
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is perhaps the quintessential fall recipe, but you don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to bring this one out. If you’re a lover of all things autumn, being able to enjoy a good piece of pumpkin pie is one of the best parts of the season. You may also be surprised to find just how easy it is to make your own pumpkin pie.
Start with some fresh or canned pumpkin puree, and mix in some cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sugar. You can roll out your own homemade pie crust, or you can buy a frozen one at the grocery store when you’re grabbing all of your other pumpkin pie recipe items.
Put your mixture of puree and spices in the crust and bake it until the crust turns a perfect, golden brown.
If you want to take things up a notch with your recipes for fall, make your own gingersnap crust instead of using the frozen option. This adds a spicier, deeper flavor that lets you enjoy the flavors of fall with every bite.
You can put a dollop of whipped cream on top, or, if you want to really make your dessert more decadent, put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Pumpkin Bread
If you’re looking for a perfect treat to enjoy with your morning pumpkin-flavored coffee, or you just want a nice fall snack in the middle of the day, this pumpkin spice recipe is for you.
Use pumpkin puree, just like you did for the pumpkin pie, and mix it with nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar, flour, eggs, and oil. Pop this mixture in the oven and use a toothpick to determine when it’s done. When the toothpick comes out of the center of the bread dry and clean, it’s ready to eat.
If you want to make a healthier version of this snack to avoid packing on those cold-weather pounds, consider using wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, and cut down on the amount of sugar that you use.
You can also add to the texture and flavor by mixing in walnuts and dried cranberries. This bread should stay moist for days as long as you keep it covered, so a single pan will last for a week.
Pumpkin Soup
Fall is synonymous with pumpkin flavors as well as soups and chillis, which makes pumpkin soup a great fall recipe. This creamy soup will warm you from the inside out and is incredibly easy.
Start by blending some cooked pumpkin with onion, garlic, and vegetable broth. You can then season the mixture with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. If you want to add some heat to the dish, consider adding some cayenne pepper or curry powder.
You can also turn this from a light soup into a meal by adding roasted veggies, chickpeas, or lentils. Adding something as simple as some crusty bread or a side salad and you’ll have a great fall meal.
For those who food prep, this is a great fall recipe because it stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, meaning a large batch can last for weeks.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Do you want to roll out of bed on a chilly fall morning and start embracing the flavors of the season?
Pumpkin pancakes are a great option. Start by making your pancake batter just like you typically would with flour, eggs, and milk.
Then, incorporate some fall flavors by using your pumpkin puree, along with a dash of nutmeg and cinnamon. You can then pour the batter onto a griddle or into a skillet. A perfect amount of maple syrup will make your breakfast taste like you’re biting into the spirit of fall.
You can also add a few twists if you want to elevate this option. Add some chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or both to the batter and put a dollop of whipped cream on top. Because of the ingredients used in this recipe, you can easily freeze a large batch so you can enjoy them for the mornings to come.
Pumpkin Ravioli
Yes, you read that right. Pumpkin ravioli is a great option that truly highlights just how versatile fall’s most prominent flavor is.
If you’re not interested in handmaking your ravioli (most people aren’t), you can get premade shells or wanton wrappers at virtually any store. The wanton wrappers are a bit easier to use, and even though they don’t look like a traditional Italian option like ravioli, they’re just as effective.
Make your ravioli filling by blending some pumpkin puree with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of nutmeg. Put your mixture into your shells and boil them until they’re done. You can make some brown butter sage sauce and either drizzle it over your shells or use it as a dipping sauce,
Everything’s better with bacon, right?
Consider drizzling some bacon bits on top of your ravioli and add a hint of smokiness and texture to the dish. Serving this dish with a green salad or a glass of white wine elevates it from something as simple as puree stuffed into a wonton wrapper into an elevated fall dish.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
If you love cheesecake but want to focus on fall flavors, this pumpkin cheesecake recipe is perfect for you. Make your pie crust with gingersnaps or graham crackers to add a sweet yet spicy touch to the rich pumpkin filling.
Your cheesecake filling is simple to make, as it just involves some pumpkin puree, cream cheese, sugar, and spices. Bake the cake until it sets.
You can quickly take the presentation of this dish to the next level by topping it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Caramel sauce pairs perfectly with it, too. If you don’t want to make a full-sized cheesecake, put your batter and crust in muffin tins to make a personal-sized treat for yourself and your friends.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
There are few comfort foods that are more legendary than mac and cheese, and this fall, you can add some seasonal flavors to everyone’s favorite side.
Pumpkin puree mixes perfectly with the creaminess of the cheese and adds just enough sweetness to make a great blend of fall flavors. It’s easy to make, as you just use your standard mac and cheese recipe, and then add some pumpkin puree, along with a pinch of nutmeg.
Drizzle some breadcrumbs on top and bake until the cheese on top of the dish develops a golden brown shade.
You can elevate this dish too, simply by changing the type of cheese that you use. Put away that large block of cheese and grab some cheddar or Gruyere.
Also, consider adding some ingredients like bacon, sauteed spinach, and caramelized onions. This dish is perfect for your fall potluck and will make you the talk of your next family dinner.
Embracing the Flavors of Fall
Your favorite coffee shop may plan to take its fall flavors off the menu before Christmas, but these dishes are great for any season. Embrace the flavors of fall all year long!