8 Easy Healthy Pumpkin Recipes for Fall (Desserts, Breakfasts & Snacks)
Looking for easy, healthy pumpkin recipes? I’ve rounded up 8 of my favourite fall breakfasts, desserts and snacks, including pumpkin cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip muffins, no-bake protein bites and more!
If you’re anything like me, once fall rolls around, you’re adding pumpkin to just about everything! From pumpkin muffins and cinnamon rolls to easy no-bake snacks, there’s so much you can make with a can of pumpkin puree.
I’ve rounded up 8 of my favourite pumpkin recipes from The Sprinkled Cakery, including high-protein breakfasts, refined sugar-free snacks, and a few fun treats for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Most of these recipes use simple ingredients you probably already have at home, and are made with real pumpkin, without needing protein powder.
Whether you have leftover canned pumpkin to use up or you’re looking for something new to bake this fall, there’s a little something for everyone.
Tips for Baking with Pumpkin Puree
If you’re making pumpkin recipes for the first time, here are a few things worth knowing before you get started.
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Plain canned pumpkin puree is unsweetened, while pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices. They aren’t interchangeable in most recipes.
- Measure your pumpkin carefully. Pumpkin adds moisture to baked goods, so adding more than the recipe calls for can change the texture.
- Don’t overmix muffin or cake batter. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined to help keep your baked goods soft.
- Keep leftover pumpkin puree. Transfer any unused puree to an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3–4 days, or freeze it in measured portions for future recipes.
- Adjust the spices to your taste. Pumpkin puree has a fairly mild flavour on its own. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves give these recipes their familiar pumpkin spice flavour.
How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Pie Spice
Don’t have pumpkin pie spice in your pantry? You can easily make your own with a few spices you probably already have at home.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions: Add all the spices to a small bowl or jar and mix until well combined. Transfer to an airtight spice jar and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months for the freshest flavour.
Baking Tip: Use this homemade blend as a 1:1 replacement for store-bought pumpkin pie spice in any of my pumpkin recipes. If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, simply use 1 teaspoon of your homemade mix.
You can also adjust the spices to your taste.
Canned Pumpkin vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling: What’s the Difference?
If you’re making one of these pumpkin recipes, make sure you grab the right can at the grocery store!
Canned pumpkin puree is plain, cooked pumpkin with no added sugar or spices. It’s what I use in my pumpkin muffins, cinnamon rolls, overnight oats and most of my other pumpkin recipes.
Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, so it’s not the same thing. Using it instead of plain pumpkin puree can change the sweetness, flavour and texture of your recipe.
Look for a can labelled 100% pure pumpkin or pumpkin puree. That’s the one you want for these recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I make with leftover pumpkin puree?
You don’t need a whole can of pumpkin to make something delicious! Try using leftover pumpkin puree in overnight oats, protein energy balls, a single-serving mug cake or a batch of muffins. You can also freeze leftover puree in small portions to use later.
Tip: Freeze leftover pumpkin in an ice cube tray or silicone muffin pan, then transfer the frozen portions to a freezer bag. Label the portions so you know how much pumpkin you’re adding to your next recipe.
Can I use canned pumpkin in these recipes?
Yes! Plain canned pumpkin puree works well in these recipes and saves you the extra work of roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin. Just make sure you’re buying 100% pumpkin puree rather than sweetened pumpkin pie filling.
What are some easy no-bake pumpkin recipes?
If you don’t want to turn on the oven, try the Pumpkin Spice Protein Energy Balls, Pumpkin Banana Yogurt Protein Bark or Mini Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats. The Pumpkin Cheesecake Overnight Oats are another easy option that you can prepare the night before.
More Easy Fall Recipes
If you’re looking for more homemade fall treats, take a look at some of my other favourites:
