By Lisa Esile,
Last Updated:The sweetness of pumpkin pairs well with so many different flavors—from the traditional cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg to more unusual combinations like paprika, apples, cranberries, and beans, to name a few. We've rounded up some of our most popular pumpkin recipes, ranging from sweet to savory. As a bonus, we’ve included a few of our favorite dishes that call for pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas), which are nutrient-dense and an easy way to add crunch and nuttiness to breakfasts, salads, soups, and beyond. Try one of these vegan pumpkin recipes today!
Want to get the scoop on all things pumpkin? Check out our handy guide for tips on how to prep, cook, and store this gorgeous fall gourd.
Jackfruit Tamales
Canned pumpkin takes the place of pork fat to form a luscious, healthy masa dough for these vegan tamales.
Roasted Red Pepper and Squash Soup with Chickpeas
This stunning soup brings together the tender flesh of lemon-infused roasted pumpkin and the nutty flavor of chickpeas in a savory broth. Where this soup really stands out is with the tasty array of garnishes: Roasted bell pepper adds smoky-sweet flavor, crushed raw garlic lends a balancing sharpness, and a drizzle of tahini and handful of chopped parsley finish it off perfectly. Pro Tip: If you prefer to throw some/all of the garnish ingredients into the pot, that'll work too.
Pumpkin Ice Cream
Sweetened with dates and maple syrup, and with a base of pumpkin puree and tofu, this fall-flavored vegan ice cream is wickedly good, but in a healthy kind of way!
Fall Fruit Trifle with Pumpkin Gingerbread
This spectaular dessert is an ideal centerpiece for any festive fall or winter occasion. With sumptuous layers of pumpkin gingerbread, naturally sweetened roasted fruits, and silky vanilla cream, this melt-in-your-mouth sweet treat will be enjoyed by both vegans and non-vegans alike. Note: This recipe takes an hour and a half to prepare, including cooking time, which isn’t bad for how amazing it is!
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Pumpkin puree and mashed banana add enough natural sweetness that you only need a little bit of added sweetener (maple syrup) in this easy recipe.
Want to make your own pumpkin puree? It's easier than you think, saves money, and results in a deliciously sweet and creamy product that's ideal for all sorts of recipes. This four-step guide shows you which pumpkins (or squash) give the best flavor, how to get it done quickly, and how to store the puree for when you need it.
Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
These scrumptious overnight oats by Carolyn Yachanin have been a favorite among FOK readers for years. Take a minute to combine a few ingredients in a jar the night before, and have a cinnamon- and nutmeg-laced breakfast ready to go in the morning. Coarsely grated carrots and rolled oats go soft and melty when soaked overnight in plant milk; pumpkin seeds add crunch, and dates provide natural sweetness. A commenter shares, “I've been eating this 2-4 times per week for the last month or so! I love it!”
Almond-Oat Cookie Bars with Pumpkin Frosting
Sink your teeth into this delectable cookie, fragrant with fall spices and topped with an easy pumpkin-applesauce frosting. Finish it off with chopped dried cranberries and pecans (optional) for an autumnal sweet treat with major plate appeal.
Pumpkin Pie Tart with Oat Crust
Featuring a hint of maple syrup in both the whipped topping and in the tart itself, this autumnal pie is perfectly sweet.
Pumpkin Seed Granola with Millet and Oats
Start your day off right with this tasty homemade granola mix, which features raw pumpkin seeds and raisins.
Pumpkin Cranberry Cookies
These yummy oat- and cornmeal-based cookies flavored with pumpkin, cranberries, cinnamon, and nutmeg make a fabulous after-dinner treat or healthy snack to give out instead of candy. They freeze well, so make a double batch.
Pumpkin Bread Pudding
With layers of whole wheat bread, fall spices, golden raisins, and pure maple syrup, this chewy bread pudding is built to satisfy.
Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Muffins
These sweet and wholesome muffins from Chef AJ are bursting with fall flavors, featuring pumpkin, cranberries, walnuts, and cinnamon.
Pumpkin Risotto Frittata with Mushrooms
In this hearty dish, creamy mushroom risotto gets mixed with canned pumpkin and then baked to crispy perfection.
Chocolate Pumpkin Loaf
This dense, decadent dessert features chocolate chips for double-chocolate goodness. Pumpkin and applesauce add moisture.
Pumpkin Parfait with Cashew Vanilla Cream
These delicious parfaits make it look like you spent far longer in the kitchen than you did—plus you can do it mostly in a blender, no cooking required except to toast pecans. The pumpkin pudding base is flavored with cinnamon, allspice, and date paste, and topped with a decadent Cashew Vanilla Cream. Expect to be handing out the recipe to guests!
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
These muffins from Chef Katie Simmons of Plants-Rule.com take just 10 minutes to whip up and 30 minutes to bake. They’re sure to be a hit at any fall potluck.
Pumpkincredible Hummus
Fragrant with cumin, allspice, and smoked paprika, this creamy pumpkin dip features chickpeas and white beans. Make a big batch, and serve it with veggie sticks, whole grain bread, or your favorite crackers.
Butternut-Bulgur Chili
This hearty chili has a mole-like flavor thanks to a tasty combination of cocoa powder, poblano chiles, jalapeños, and warming spices. Chewy bulgur soaks up the sauce while pinto beans add extra heft. Top with crunchy roasted pepitas, scallions, and cilantro. A reviewer gushes, “Make this chili! It's the best WFPB chili I've ever made, and I've tried a lot of recipes. This one can be enjoyed by even the most ardent [meat] eater.”
Fire Brigade Stuffing
The stuffing uses traditional ingredients like bread, mushrooms, celery, sage, thyme, and oregano, and features apple, cranberries, and almonds to give it a fruity, nutty twist.
Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding
Fragrant with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, this scrumptious fall dessert is incredibly simple to make—and so healthy you can eat it for breakfast!
Pumpkin and Red Lentil Dal
Fresh pumpkin adds creaminess and a vivid orange hue that plays well with red lentils in this vegan dal soup.
Crunchy Grain, Seed, and Dried Fruit Bars
These fabulous fruit and nut bars are packed with nutrition and are an excellent on-the-go snack for young and old. Oats, millet, quinoa, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), and sunflower seeds combine with dried apricots and raisins, so every bite is a delicious combination of fruity and nutty. Date paste and applesauce help bind them together, adding natural sweetness to boot. A fan writes, “This is one of my favorite recipes! My husband and friends love these bars, too. This recipe really packs so many healthy foods into a delicious snack!”
Winter White Bean Salad
You can use pumpkin or another winter squash in this cannellini bean salad, which calls for just five ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes.
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