They’re all around us these days. They might be dainty and cute, or behemoths vying for the “biggest in show” at fall fairs. They could be orange, white, pink or even turquoise. We find them proudly displayed in farmers markets, or lurking as doorstep decor ready to trip up the unsuspecting. And, if we’re really lucky, they star in some of our favourite autumnal dishes. I’m speaking, of course, of pumpkins. Today I’m sharing a collection of sweet and savoury Pumpkin Recipe Ideas from Urban Cottage Life over the years for your pumpkin pleasure.

Pumpkin Year Round

While pumpkins are definitely a seasonal feature of autumn in my part of the world, you can enjoy their flavour year-round by making and freezing pumpkin puree. And if you run out of your homemade puree or aren’t inclined to make it, you can use canned or packaged puree with excellent results. Experiment with different brands to see which have the texture and flavour you prefer (they’re not all the same!). Just make sure you’re using plain pumpkin, not pie filling. After all, you want to be in control of your spices and flavour profiles, am I right?

Pumpkin Spice Blend

“Pumpkin spice” simply refers to a blend of spices, and you see it in many products with nary a bit of pumpkin in evidence. But I’m a firm believer that where there is pumpkin spice, there should be pumpkin. And when I use pumpkin spice, it’s my signature pumpkin spice blend. After all, it’s what makes my pumpkin pie my pumpkin pie.

Pumpkin Recipe Ideas on the Sweet Side

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Do you mind if we start with pumpkin ice cream? Because really, ice cream is one of my favourite things. And how about if we garnish it with some of this pepita (pumpkin seed) brittle? Nothing like a little crunch for contrast!

Ice cream notwithstanding, the main event when it comes to pumpkin is pie. I’ve been making pumpkin pies pretty much all my life, and this is my classic pumpkin pie filling recipe. Enjoy! If you’re looking for all the flavour of pumpkin pie, but without having to make a flaky pie crust, how about these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Bars that feature a rich, shortbread-like base? They’ve been very popular at my Thanksgiving gatherings.

I know I started with dessert, but what about pumpkin for breakfast? Have you thought of making Pumpkin Spice Granola to jazz up your morning yogourt? And yes, there’s pumpkin puree in it. If you’re going to have pumpkin for breakfast, muffins are always a popular choice — why not try these Pumpkin Oat Muffins?

When it comes to brunch, you can’t go wrong with a spectacular bread pudding. You know, the kind you can pass off as breakfast food but that could also double as dessert at dinner. When I serve this Pumpkin Maple Bread Pudding with Sweet Pumpkin Butter Sauce, my guests clamour to take the leftovers home. That’s always a good sign, right? (And by the way, that sauce makes a great pancake topping too.)

The Savoury Side of Pumpkin

This flavourful and satisfying Curried Pumpkin Coconut Chickpea Soup is one of my most popular recipes, and it proves that pumpkin doesn’t have to be served in sweets. I think it’s time I use pumpkin in more savoury recipes!

To learn more about heirloom pumpkins, and for a pumpkin spice latte recipe that I can’t wait to try, check out Allison Day’s article over at Food Bloggers of Canada.

First published 2017 10 31
Republished 2019 10 02
Republished 2020 10 20