Is Canned Pumpkin or Fresh Better for Pies?
Updated: Nov. 06, 2020
Ever wonder if a fresh pumpkin pie is worth the extra work? We tested one side-by-side with a pie made with canned pumpkin puree to determine which is really best.
Making pumpkin pie for the holidays? You’re faced with two primary options: canned pumpkin or fresh. If you’re like me, you opt for the canned variety every time. It’s simple, comes in exactly the right proportion for so many pumpkin recipes and saves a lot of work. But on the other hand, scratch-made everything always seems to taste so much better.
It was finally time to settle the debate I have with myself every November: Is canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin better, and which makes a better pie?
Fresh Pumpkin Puree vs. Canned Pumpkin
Before I dive into how fresh and canned options taste, let’s sort out how they are similar and different.
Pumpkin Puree
First and foremost: Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing. These terms are often used interchangeably in recipes (you may also see the term solid-pack pumpkin). All these terms mean 100% steamed and pureed pumpkin—no extras, no add-ins (nope, not even in the canned variety).
But How Are Fresh and Canned Pumpkin Different?
Fresh pumpkin is made with a sugar pie or baking pumpkin—not the kind of pumpkin you’d use for a jack-o-lantern. These pumpkins are smaller with sweeter flesh. To make pumpkin puree, the foundation for most pumpkin recipes, you roast the pumpkin and then puree it in a blender or food processor. With this method, you control the texture of the pumpkin. Also, bear in mind that fresh pumpkin can create varying results depending on the pumpkin you choose; there can be different water and sugar content in every pumpkin, which can affect the flavor and texture.
Canned pumpkin is made of steamed, pureed pumpkin or a blend of pumpkin and other squashes. Because it’s produced en masse, the texture, consistency and flavor tend to be universal.
Testing Pumpkin Pie Made with Two Kinds of Pumpkin
To test fresh pumpkin puree against canned pumpkin, the Taste of Home Test Kitchen whipped up two pies using this highly-rated classic pumpkin pie recipe. I had a handful of pumpkin enthusiasts join me for a tasting of the two pies.
Fresh Pumpkin Pie
The fresh pumpkin pie definitely looked different than the pumpkin pies you usually see on the Thanksgiving treat table. It had a duller hue than the average pie and wasn’t quite as visually appealing.
Slicing into this pie, though, was a real dream. I was able to pull out a perfect slice on the first try (a real feat). But the true test, of course, was the flavor. A bite of this pie was noticeably different than your standard holiday dessert. First off, the texture was much different. While the pumpkin was pureed, it did still retain some squash texture. A few of my colleagues likened it to apple sauce, and they weren’t wrong. For some, this extra bite was a pro; for others, a distraction.
As for the flavor, it was distinctively different. The spices really popped against the fresh pumpkin. The spice fans on the testing panel really appreciated this extra oomph of warmth. This being said, the pumpkin flavor itself wasn’t very pronounced. This option is likely better for folks that prefer more pumpkin spice to pumpkin.
Score: 8.5/10
Canned Pumpkin Pie
This is what a classic pumpkin pie looks like: a gorgeous deep orange. Compared side by side with its fresh counterpart, everyone preferred the appearance of this pie.
But how did it taste? Just right. This pie was absolutely silky. It was creamier and sweeter—and no, no extra cream or sugar was added. The canned pumpkin also provided a more pronounced pumpkin flavor. The spices—cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and clove—all came through but were much more balanced in this version of the pie. This perfect balance between pumpkin and spice as well as the smooth texture made this a winner in the side-by-side test.
Score: 9.5/10
What’s Better: Fresh or Canned Pumpkin?
While the two pies both got good marks, the canned pumpkin did win out. The canned option had a more powerful pumpkin flavor and a silkier texture. While some of my colleagues preferred the apple sauce-like texture of the fresh, I can’t say all that extra work of cleaning, roasting and pureeing a whole pumpkin is worth it, especially during a busy holiday season. In fact, even if I couldn’t find canned pumpkin, I might use one of these simple swaps before thinking about roasting a pumpkin myself.
If you’re a serious baker or really love pumpkin, trying your hand at a fresh version of this classic pie is a fun challenge, though I’d recommend sticking with the canned stuff in the long run.
And if you really love a good baking challenge, join our new baking community, Bakeable, where we release new baking challenges every month.
Our Favorite Pumpkin Recipes Ever
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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Here’s a recipe that everyone will love! It’s simple, yet filling and delicious. —Jennifer Jackson, Charlottesville, Virginia
Pumpkin Queso
I like serving this pumpkin queso with veggie chips like sweet potato or kale, but it's also great with good old tortilla chips. It can be made with vegetable stock and gluten-free flour if you have dietary restrictions. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Tart
I love the flavor combination of spiced pumpkin and chocolate, which inspired me to create this chocolate pumpkin tart. Sometimes I like to sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger over the chocolate ganache for extra flavor and texture. —Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Roasted Pumpkin Lasagna
This is a hearty meatless meal that my family enjoys. If you're not a fan of pumpkin, you can use butternut squash instead. —Wendy Masters, East Garafraxa, Ontario
Slow-Cooked Pumpkin Apple Cobbler
This spiced pumpkin apple cobbler recipe is sure to please all of your holiday guests. It's perfect for fall, but can be made year-round since it uses fresh or frozen cranberries. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Pumpkin Juice
My family loves Harry Potter, so I decided to come up with a recipe for pumpkin juice! My kids tried it and thought it was surprisingly delicious. I love it because it's healthy and easy to make. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Pumpkin Bread with Maple Syrup Glaze
This luscious pumpkin bread with maple syrup glaze is well worth the occasional splurge. When we first discovered how fantastic it is, I made four loaves on three separate occasions in just over a week! —Jaleen Burkholder, Waterloo, New York
Spicy Chicken Pumpkin Pizza
Think pizza and pumpkin can’t go together? This chicken pumpkin pizza will change your mind. The sweetness of the pumpkin paired with the spice of the chipotle peppers makes for a delicious, balanced sauce. I love that this recipe incorporates healthy ingredients in a fun, family-friendly way. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Pumpkin Alfredo with Chicken
I love pumpkin and my kids love pasta, so this pumpkin Alfredo recipe is a match made in heaven for us. Plus, it's an extra way to get some veggies into their diet. Use dairy-free or gluten-free ingredients if needed. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Caramel Pumpkin Dip
Served with vanilla wafers, graham cracker sticks or even apple slices, this cool, creamy dip from our home economists makes a special autumn snack.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin and Chicken Sausage Hash
This can be served as a side or as the main dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I like to serve it topped with poached or fried eggs for breakfast. —Valerie Donn, Williamsburg, Michigan
Pumpkin Rugelach with Cream Cheese Icing
This pumpkin rugelach recipe with a rich cream cheese icing is my twist on this classic pastry. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated, which makes the recipe ideal for the busy holiday season. —Justine Duffy, Wooster, Ohio
Chocolate-Caramel Pumpkin Torte
I'm pretty proud to say this is one of my first experiments in the kitchen that turned out "to-die-for" delicious. The key is to let the cake cool completely before cutting and assembling with the frostings. —Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon
Creamy Pumpkin Gnocchi
We had homemade gnocchi frequently while growing up. This creamy pumpkin gnocchi recipe was always my favorite. They do require some time to make, but they're worth it! —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
Cranberry-Pumpkin Bread Pudding
For fans of pumpkin and bread pudding, this sensible recipe is a marriage made in Heaven. It's perfect for breakfast, brunch or dessert with a dollop of yogurt—autumn comfort food at its best! —Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina
Praline Pumpkin Pecan Pie
My husband and I are not big fans of traditional pumpkin pie, but my mother and others are, so we must have pumpkin pie as one of the desserts at Thanksgiving. I decided to meet everyone halfway with this pumpkin pecan pie recipe and it was a hit. Now I bring it to Thanksgiving every year. My mother doesn't even feel the need to bake her own pumpkin pie! —Emily Reese, Glade Hill, Virginia
Pumpkin-Lentil Soup
I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
I love making this bread in the fall. The aroma is mouthwatering, and the chocolate chips add so much to an all-time favorite. —Vicki Raboine, Kansasville, Wisconsin
Miniature Pumpkin Cake Towers
I make these pumpkin treats every autumn and they are gone in minutes. The spice combination is perfect for fall, and it is all wrapped up in a pretty little cake.—Deb Lyon, Bangor, Pennsylvania
Classic Pumpkin Pie
Nothing says Thanksgiving like a slice of pumpkin pie. And you can relish every luscious bite of this version since the tender crust is made with canola oil and a mere hint of butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Iced Pumpkin Cookies
My 2-year-old son, Joshua, especially likes testing—or should I say consuming—these chunky cookies! —Johna Nilson, Vista, California
Pressure Cooker Curried Pumpkin Risotto
This easy pumpkin risotto tastes like fall and gets a flavor boost from the curry. —Andrea Reaves, Stephens City, Virginia
Pumpkin Cranberry Cheesecake
One Thanksgiving, I was eating pumpkin pie and decided to have some cranberry sauce with it. I loved the combination so much, I experimented and came up with a two-tone cheesecake that has a ruby-red layer at the bottom. —John Abraham, Boca Raton, Florida
Jumbo Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
Perk up an autumn morning with one of these hearty muffins. You'll really enjoy the pumpkin-spice flavor and crumbly nut topping&mash;and so will everyone else! —Mrs. Janice Christofferson, Eagle River, Wisconsin
Sesame-Garlic Pumpkin Seeds
This "everything" mix of pumpkin seeds with other seeds and seasoning is a fun treat—a lively way to use the seeds left over from your Halloween jack-o’-lantern! —Danielle Lee, West Palm Beach, Florida.
Autumn Harvest Pumpkin Pie
This is the best holiday pie I've ever tasted, with apple butter, orange and maple flavors mingling with the pumpkin. I use fresh pumpkin if I have a little extra time. —Stan Strom, Gilbert, Arizona
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Creamy Pumpkin Tortellini
My kids love the creamy, rich sauce on these tortellinis so much but they don't even know pumpkin is inside. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best, nutty and delicious flavor. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Moist Pumpkin Scones
After trying a pumpkin scone at a coffee house, I was inspired to look for a recipe to try at home. The glaze nicely complements the pumpkin flavor.
Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts
Our three children grew pumpkins to sell. During harvest, it was time to make these scrumptious doughnuts. The orange frosting is super. —Connie Simon, Reed City, Michigan
Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu
I added pumpkin and subtracted some of the coffee flavor in a tiramisu I developed for a special holiday dinner. A new Christmas tradition was born! —Heather Clary, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Contest-Winning Pumpkin Cheesecake Dessert
With its gingersnap crust and maple syrup drizzle, this rich and creamy spiced pumpkin dessert never fails to get rave reviews. It cuts nicely, too. —Cathy Hall, Phoenix, Arizona
Pumpkin Cookie Pops
These cookie pops are a great way to liven up a Halloween party. Kids love them! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin Sage Beurre Noisette Cookies
In a world of pumpkin spice flavor, these fluffy cookies are my top choice. The infusion of fresh sage gives them a surprising savory note. You can use mashed sweet potatoes or yams instead of the pumpkin if you prefer. —Jill LeMasters, Ravenna, Ohio
Double-Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
I thought cheesecake and pumpkin pie would be amazing together. This creamy combo won a prize in our local pie contest, so I guess the judges agreed! —Noel Ferry, Perkasie, Pennsylvania
Hot Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
Hot chocolate is my go-to winter indulgence. To go with it, I like this moist pumpkin cake dusted with cocoa for an extra chocolate boost. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Slow-Cooker Curried Pumpkin Soup
Looking for something new to beat dinnertime doldrums? Try my pumpkin soup! A touch of curry powder lends an aromatic spiced appeal while whipping cream gives the soup its silky texture.—Debbie Flocco, Norristown, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
Put leftover cranberries and pumpkin to great use in this moist quick bread. It’s very good with my "secondhand turkey" casserole for an after-Thanksgiving meal. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie
Although it looks like you fussed, this pretty layered pie is easy to assemble with convenient canned pumpkin, store-bought candy bars and a prepared crust. "This make-ahead dessert is delicious any time of year," reports Suzanne McKinley of Lyons, Georgia.
Autumn Sweet Rolls with Cider Glaze
I love cooking with pumpkin because it’s versatile, colorful and nutritious. Combining it with chopped apple and cider gives these glazed rolls their autumn appeal. —Jennifer Coduto, Kent, Ohio
Black Bean-Pumpkin Soup
This healthy recipe is packed with protein from the beans and with vitamins from the pumpkin. The dollop of light sour cream adds a satisfying touch that feels indulgent. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Pumpkin Charlotte
My mother-in-law gave me this recipe a while back and I just love it! I make it for my husband and his friends during hunting season and it's a big hit. —Lorelle Edgcomb, Granville, Illinois
Pumpkin Doughnut Drops
I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin
Cream-Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes
Here's a charming use for pumpkin. Bursting with flavor and plenty of eye-catching appeal, these sweet and spicy filled cupcakes are bound to dazzle your family any time of the year. —Ali Johnson, Petersburg, Pennsylvania
Chicken with Sugar Pumpkins & Apricots
When we have family gatherings, we give the slow cooker kitchen duty. This yummy chicken with pumpkin and apricots has the warm flavors of Morocco. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Pumpkin-Apple Muffins with Streusel Topping
My mother always made these tasty muffins whenever our family got together at her house. Now they’re a family favorite at my house, and my in-laws love them, too! —Carolyn Riley, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Five-Spice Pumpkin Pie
I always make a pumpkin pie for our big "pie night" party on Thanksgiving Eve. This recipe is a classic with a special spiced-up twist. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
Pecan Pumpkin Dessert
I always fix this recipe for Thanksgiving. It was given to me by a friend and I've shared it with many others. —Sue Williams, Mt. Holly, North Carolina
Pumpkin Chip Cream Pie
This creamy pie is perfect for any autumn celebration. A store-bought graham cracker crust makes it such a cinch to whip up. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
Pumpkin-Cranberry Breakfast Bake
I love trying new ways to use pumpkin. This bread pudding was a hit with my family for a weekend breakfast. —Megan Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Pumpkin Torte
This beautiful layered cake has a creamy filling with a mild pumpkin flavor and a little spice. It's quick and always turns out so well. The nuts and caramel topping add a nice finishing touch. —Trixie Fisher, Piqua, Ohio
Favorite Pumpkin Cake Roll
This pumpkin roll recipe is great to keep in the freezer for a quick dessert for my family or unexpected guests, to take to a gathering, or to give as a yummy gift. The recipe is in such demand, I use a 29-ounce can of pumpkin to make four cake rolls at a time. —Erica Berchtold, Freeport, Illinois
Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries
Move over French fries, because these homemade pumpkin fries are divine! They're not only healthier than traditional fries, but they're simple to make and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. The maple-chipotle dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Pumpkin Shortbread Dessert
My family prefers this to traditional pumpkin pie, which is just fine with me. It feeds a crowd, so I need to make only one dessert instead of several pies. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Contest-Winning Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
A touch of cinnamon helps blend the flavors in this tender pumpkin chocolate chip bread. And since the recipe makes two loaves, you can send one to a bake sale and keep one at home for your family to enjoy. —Lora Stanley, Bennington, Kansas
Pumpkin Seed Toffee
My kids are allergic to nuts, but they can eat pumpkin seeds! Every fall we save the seeds from our pumpkins to add to various recipes, including this one. —Suzanne Earl, Spring, Texas
Baked Pumpkin Goat Cheese Alfredo with Bacon
This is a unique and delicious pasta, perfect for fall. I made this for my girlfriends, and everyone asked for the recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Cheesecake
When I was young we produced several ingredients for this longtime favorite on the farm. We raised pumpkins in our large vegetable garden, and made homemade butter and lots of sour cream using milk from our dairy herd. —Evonne Wurmnest, Normal, Illinois
Autumn Pumpkin Chili
We have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It’s a definite keeper in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington
Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins
Tart, juicy cranberries enhance the delicate pumpkin flavor of these muffins. Sometimes I dust the tops with powdered sugar to add a little sweetness. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
Chorizo Pumpkin Pasta
I’m a busy student, and this spicy-sweet pasta makes a perfect quick dinner. Even better, it works on a bigger scale to feed a bunch of friends. —Christine Yang, Syracuse, New York
Pumpkin Pie Cake
No one will guess this showstopper dessert with luscious cinnamon frosting starts with a mix! It's a year-round favorite. —Linda Murray, Allenstown, New Hampshire
Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream with Salted Caramel Sauce
Truthfully, I want those cozy flavors of Thanksgiving throughout the year. This ice cream has just the right balance of spices, and no matter when you make it, you'll find yourself surrounded in the warmth and love that pumpkin pie has to offer. —Angie Stewart, Memphis, Tennessee
Jack-o'-Lantern Empanadas
Your trick-or-treaters will love these spooktacular pockets with silly grins. The savory filling is perfectly spiced, and the refrigerated pie crust makes prep easy.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Raisin Pumpkin Bars
These moist bars will keep well—if your family doesn't eat them all right away! They're nice to take to a potluck supper or as a snack or dessert anytime. —J.B. Hendrix, Ganado, Texas
Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes
These pumpkin pancakes are also delicious served with butter or whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Freeze any extras in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then store in a freezer bag. They're great fresh out of the toaster! —Mindy Bauknecht, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns
I make sticky buns and cinnamon rolls quite often because my husband loves them. One day I had some fresh pumpkin on hand and decided to try pumpkin cinnamon buns. We loved the results! —Glenda Joseph, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Pumpkin Pecan Custard
My family loves pumpkin pie flavor, but this is a delicious, creamy, healthier alternative—and we don’t miss the crust at all. It firms up as it cools. —Abby Booth, Coweta, Oklahoma
Roasted Pumpkin Nachos
I had previously made this dish with black beans and corn off the cob in the summer. Wanting to try it with fresh fall ingredients, I replaced the corn with roasted pumpkin—yum! It's also good with butternut squash. —Lesle Harwood, Douglassville, Pennsylvania
Gingersnap-Pumpkin Dessert
I've never quite gotten the hang of making a good pie crust. So I came up with this recipe, featuring a cake mix and cookie crust. The creamy pumpkin filling pairs well with the crunchy topping.
Easy Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie does not have to be difficult to make. This easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe has a wonderful taste and will be a hit at your holiday meal. —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
Potato Pumpkin Mash
No more plain white mashed potatoes for us! I swirl fresh pumpkin into potatoes for a little extra holiday color. — Michelle Medley, Dallas, Texas
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes
I make these flavorful pumpkin cupcakes each Halloween, but they're wonderful year-round. —Amber Butzer, Gladstone, Oregon
New England Pumpkin-Walnut Bread
Pumpkin bread is for chilly mornings when you long for some homestyle New England food. Serve slices with a warm and soothing beverage. —Kimberly Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Spiced Pumpkin Warm-Up
Make this drink your own! You can add coffee or even alcohol if you want an extra kick. I’ve also chilled this mixture and blended it with vanilla ice cream to make it a pumpkin shake. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake
I have been baking this cake for friends and neighbors for years. It's an easy to make-and-take treat. —Kellie Moore, Fort Collins, Colorado
Pumpkin Knot Rolls
These rolls are the lightest, most delicious ones I've ever tasted...and everyone else seems to agree. The pumpkin gives them mild flavor, moist texture and a pretty golden color. At our house, it wouldn't be the holidays without them. —Dianna Shimizu Issaquah, Washington
Sour Cream Pumpkin Cake
The nicely spiced streusel in the center of this cake is a marvelous surprise and complement to the cinnamony pumpkin cake. It's delicious for breakfast or dessert. —Elaine Holmberg, Norfolk, Nebraska
Pumpkin and Walnut Squares
The buttery crust and crumb topping plus the creamy pumpkin filling make this a popular dessert at potlucks. Try it with whipped cream, ice cream or all by its yummy self. This is the pumpkin walnut recipe to end all recipes. —Ruth Beller, Sun City, California
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These big, soft spice cookies created by our staff have a sweet frosting that makes them an extra-special treat. Enjoy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Creamy Pumpkin Hummus
I love to serve this pumpkin hummus with sliced apples, pears and pita chips. Top it with toasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of pumpkin oil and even fried sage leaves. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Pumpkin Bars
Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate fall treat. But my family likes them so much, they ask me to make them all year long! —Brenda Keller, Andalusia, Alabama
Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cake
Think slow cooker as a cake-maker for some seriously yummy dessert that is easy enough for Sunday brunch and tasty enough for Thanksgiving Day—and frees up oven space on holidays, too. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Pasta Squiggles with Pumpkin Sauce
My family loves this spiral pasta in a tasty pumpkin sauce. Make it for Halloween and call it Creepy-Crawly Noodles! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Pumpkin Gingersnap Ice Cream Pie
My family and I always try new desserts during the holidays. This one was a clear winner, so we now make it for all occasions! —Patricia Ness, La Mesa, California
Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes with Whipped Cream
I combined my two loves, cupcakes and pie, into one amazing treat. These pumpkin cupcakes have a piecrust bottom and a snow white topping. —Julie Herrera-Lemler, Rochester, Minnesota
Pressure-Cooker Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
There's nothing like a bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a pressure cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania
Turtle Pumpkin Cheesecake
When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, I can never decide which one I like best: pumpkin pie or cheesecake? So, I decided to put the two together—with a special twist—and got this delicious result. —Yvonne Starlin, Hermitage, Tennessee
Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili
My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
Pumpkin Caramel Cupcakes
Not only do kids love to eat these cupcakes, they can help bake them, too. To make things even easier for them, we got the idea to dunk them in premade caramel apple dip instead of using frosting. —Donna Schaab, Belleville, Illinois
Pumpkin Creme Brulee
I've never met a creme brulee that I didn't love! I'm not a big pumpkin fan, but this is fantastic. —Tamara Leonard Merritt, Raleigh, North Carolina
Pumpkin Fruitcake
I make this fruity cake many times between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The dense cake has wonderful pumpkin flavor and is flecked with pecans, dates, raisins and cherries. —Janet Hradsky, Three Rivers, Michigan
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Nothing beats these quick muffins for irresistible, homemade pumpkin pie flavor. Serve them with any meal or as a satisfying snack. —Michel Karkula, Chandler, Arizona
Pumpkin Butter
Biting into this spiced butter on a hot biscuit or toast is absolutely heavenly. With a dash of whipped cream, you might think you were eating pumpkin pie! —June Barrus, Springville, Utah
Purple-Ribbon Pumpkin Cake
I belong to a Christmas village collectors' club and we all bring a potluck dish to our monthy meetings. The cake is always a hit. It's one of my family's favorite Thanksgiving desserts, too, and disappears before the pumpkin pie does. —Debby Powers, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Cheese & Pumpkin-Filled Manicotti
Our family adores autumn and anything to do with pumpkins! This warm, comforting recipe is so easy to put together on a cool fall weeknight. When I have time, I make homemade ravioli and tortellini using this same filling. It also works well in stuffed shells. —Mandy Howison, Renfrew, Pennsylvania
Walnut Pumpkin Cake Roll
This is one of my family's favorite dessert recipes, especially for holiday gatherings. —Mary Gecha, Center Rutland, Vermont
Pumpkin Patch Biscuits
I got smart and started making double batches of these moist, fluffy biscuits to meet the demand. My dad loves their pumpkiny goodness and requests them for Christmas, Father's Day and his birthday. —Liza Taylor, Seattle, Washington
Caramel-Pecan Pumpkin Pull-Aparts
We love sticky buns made with my husband's angel biscuit dough, caramel and pecans. For a twist, try apple butter or applesauce instead of the pumpkin. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California
Pretty Pumpkin Wontons
This is a sensational, easy recipe that is perfect for an appetizer, snack or dessert. Everyone loves how the flavors meld beautifully. I made it up after wanting to put my own twist on some squash ravioli I had at a restaurant. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Pumpkin Mousse Trifle
You can speed up this recipe by using a store-bought pound cake or baking and freezing one ahead of time. The sugared pecans can also be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container.—Becky McClaflin, Blanchard, Oklahoma
Pumpkin Cookies with Browned Butter Frosting
The recipe for these pleasantly spiced pumpkin cookies won a champion ribbon at our local county fair. These are a family favorite, and everyone enjoys the soft cakelike texture. —Robin Nagel, Whitehall, Montana
Pumpkin Coffee Ring
I make this delicious coffee cake with its creamy pumpkin filling for almost every holiday gathering, and everyone loves it. —Carol McCartney, Danville, Ohio
Pumpkin Mousse in a Pumpkin
Rich and creamy, this mousse is a real showstopper when served in a hollowed-out pumpkin. The presentation is sure to impress. —Taste of Home Cooking School
Pumpkin Scones with Berry Butter
These delightful scones are perfect on a cold winter day with a steaming hot cup of coffee. They also make a wonderful hostess gift arranged in a basket. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Pumpkin Sausage Soup
This dish is well suited to my lower-carb way of eating. It's definitely soul food, and I love that it's very simple to prepare. —Paula Diaz, Billings, Montana
White Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake
Although my family enjoys all of the dishes I serve on Thanksgiving Day, it's this rich and creamy cheesecake they look forward to the most. — Joyce Schmidt, Lilburn, Georgia
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
Old-fashioned but never out of style, I got this favorite pumpkin recipe from an elderly aunt. —Lois Fetting, Nelson, Wisconsin
Spiced Eggnog Pumpkin Pie
With its 10-minute prep time and lovely blend of mild eggnog flavor and spices, this is a dream dessert for a busy hostess! It’s a staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In fact, my grown kids request it whenever they come to visit. —Patti Leake, Columbia, Missouri
Pumpkin Pan Rolls
Serve these spicy-sweet pumpkin rolls for dinner—or at any time of day–and get ready to hear a chorus of yums in your kitchen! —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
Bourbon Pumpkin Tart with Walnut Streusel
Because my husband loves pumpkin pie, I've looked high and low for that "perfect" recipe. But as soon as he tasted this tart, he told me to stop searching, declaring this the best he's ever tried! —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri
Spicy Pumpkin Fritters
My husband is a lifelong veggie hater, but he tried these deep-fried pumpkin bites and fell in love. Serve them with chipotle mayo or ranch dressing. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Frosted Pumpkin Cranberry Bars
With tangy dried cranberries tucked inside and a creamy brown butter frosting, these mildly spiced pumpkin bars are doubly delightful. It's a good thing the recipe makes lots, because once you taste one, you won't be able to resist going back for more! -Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona
Pumpkin Bisque with Smoked Gouda
I love the smell of this rich, cheesy soup as it bubbles on the stove. The Gouda cheese adds a delightful smokiness that just says autumn to me.—Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida Originally Published: November 06, 2020
