While I love a recipe that uses one full can of 100% pumpkin puree, that’s just not always the case. If you’re like me, each fall you have at least one open can of pumpkin in your fridge, hanging out, waiting to be used. This post shares over 50 creative recipe ideas for how you can use up that leftover pumpkin. Waste not, want not, right?!
We’ve sorted these carefully curated pumpkin recipes (both sweet and savory) by amount of pumpkin puree used to make your life easy. Just over here using my type-A tendencies for good!
Jump to:
- 🧡 Is Canned Pumpkin the Same as Pumpkin Puree?
- 🧡 Fast Facts on Canned Pumpkin Puree Measurements
- 🧡 How to Store Pumpkin Puree
- 🧡 Recipes Using Less Than ¼ Cup of Pumpkin Puree
- 🧡 Recipes That Use ¼ Cup of Pumpkin Puree
- 🧡 Recipes That Use ⅓ Cup of Pumpkin Puree
- 🧡 Recipes That Use ½ Cup of Pumpkin Puree
- 🧡 Recipes That Use ¾ Cup of Pumpkin Puree
- 🧡 Recipes That Use 1 Cup of Pumpkin Puree
- 🧡 Because We Know You LOVE Pumpkin, Here are Recipes That Use a Full 15 Ounce Can of Pumpkin Puree
🧡 Is Canned Pumpkin the Same as Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are often used interchangeably in recipes. You may also see it referred to as solid-packed pumpkin or 100% pumpkin puree. What this means is that your canned pumpkin doesn’t have any extras mixed into the pumpkin puree (no sweeteners, no spices).
What About Pumpkin Pie Filling vs. Pumpkin Puree?
Canned pumpkin pie filling is NOT the same as pumpkin puree. In addition to the cooked and mashed pumpkin, pumpkin pie filling contains added flavors, spices, and sometimes added sugars.
🧡 Fast Facts on Canned Pumpkin Puree Measurements
A standard 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree holds nearly 2 cups of pumpkin puree (it’s usually about 2 + ½ tablespoons short).
A standard 29 ounce can of pumpkin puree holds about 3 + ½ cups of pumpkin puree.
If using a scale or a dry measuring method for your pumpkin puree, you will need 8 ounces, or 250 grams, for one cup of pumpkin puree.
🧡 How to Store Pumpkin Puree
Store leftover pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. We often use press-and-seal style saran wrap over the top of the can for easy storing (and to avoid dirtying additional dishes).
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Puree?
Yes! If you aren’t going to use up your pumpkin within a week, you can also freeze it for up to 1 year. Place the leftover canned pumpkin into a zip-top freezer bag and label it with what it is and the date it was put into the freezer.
Kayla says
Thank you for putting this together! It is so helpful!!
Meredith says
You are so welcome!!! I’m glad to hear it was helpful 🙂