Halloween and pumpkins go hand-in-hand, with bright orange pumpkins adding a fun and spooky vibe to decorations and doorsteps. But after Halloween night, many pumpkins are often left unused and eventually tossed away. Instead of discarding them, why not repurpose them into something delicious?
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Pumpkins are not only versatile but also packed with nutrients like fibre, vitamin A, and antioxidants. With a little creativity, you can make various tasty treats that are both festive and nutritious. Here’s a collection of simple and delightful recipes to transform your leftover Halloween pumpkins into mouthwatering dishes everyone will love.
8 Recipes With Leftover Halloween Pumpkin
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
Nothing says comfort food like a rich pasta dish. For a unique twist, try a pumpkin-infused pasta sauce. Simply prepare a basic white sauce, then stir in mashed pumpkin. This creates a creamy, comforting pasta with a slight sweetness from the pumpkin. Add herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavour. It’s a great way to add nutrients while keeping the comforting essence of pasta.
Pumpkin Cupcakes
Soft, sweet, and spiced with seasonal flavours, these pumpkin cupcakes will become a family favourite. To make them, start by mashing your leftover pumpkin and mixing it with all-purpose flour, sugar, a touch of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together, adding eggs for richness, and bake until they’re golden. The warm spices paired with the pumpkin give these cupcakes a unique flavour, perfect for the fall.
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Simple Pumpkin Soup
A comforting and nutritious dish, pumpkin soup is hard to beat. Boil your leftover pumpkin with a few cloves of garlic, chopped onions, and a pinch of salt. Once everything is soft, blend it until smooth. Add milk or cream and let it simmer until the flavours meld. This thick, velvety soup is packed with fibre and vitamins, perfect for a cosy night in.
Pumpkin Hummus
For a quick snack, try this unique version of hummus. Start with blended pumpkin, adding paprika, cinnamon, cumin, and a dash of salt. This dip is perfect for pairing with pita or veggie sticks and has a deliciously warm flavour that’s ideal for the season. It’s also super easy to make and takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish.
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Pumpkin Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls, you’ll love this pumpkin version. The pumpkin spice roll is soft and tender with a sweet cream cheese frosting. To make it, start with a pumpkin-based batter, bake it, and then roll it with the frosting to make neat, mess-free rolls. They’re ideal for breakfast or dessert!
Pumpkin Spice Latte
No autumn is complete without a pumpkin spice latte. Combine brewed coffee, a spoonful of pumpkin purée, a pinch of cinnamon, and milk or cream. Stir well, and you’ve got a cosy, seasonal drink that rivals any coffee shop version. It’s a warm, comforting beverage that brings out the best of pumpkin flavours.
Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes
For a breakfast twist, add mashed pumpkin to your pancake batter. The pumpkin makes the pancakes fluffy and soft, with a hint of sweetness. Pair it with cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. These pancakes are perfect for chilly mornings and bring a delicious, seasonal flavour to your breakfast table.
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Chunky Pumpkin Jam
Making a batch of pumpkin jam is a great way to preserve the festive flavour. Simply cook the grated pumpkin with sugar, a little lemon juice, and zest until it thickens into a chunky spread. This jam is wonderful on toast or even as a filling for pastries. It’s an unusual yet delicious treat you’ll want to keep on hand.