As the days get shorter and the air gets crisper, it’s time to celebrate everyone’s favorite fall ingredient—pumpkin! This jack-of-all-trades in the kitchen is back in the spotlight, bringing its cozy, comforting charm to our recipes. Let’s dive headfirst into the world of pumpkin and see why it’s the ultimate fall superstar with these 24 kid-friendly pumpkin recipes. They’ll make you fall in love with this seasonal hero all over again!
PinWhy Pumpkin Is a Fall Favorite
- Flavorful Magic: Pumpkin boasts a rich, earthy flavor that’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. Its natural sweetness pairs perfectly with savory and spicy seasonings, making it the ultimate fall comfort.
- Nutrition Galore: Pumpkins are more than just tasty; they’re packed with good stuff too! Think vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. They’re a smart choice for a balanced diet.
- Versatile Wonder: From appetizers to desserts, pumpkin can do it all. Soups, stews, pies, and even beverages—you name it, and pumpkin can be part of the party.
- Seasonal Delight: Pumpkin harvests coincide with the fall season, making it a fresh and readily available ingredient for your autumn cooking endeavors.
Let’s Get Into It: 24 Pumpkin Recipes
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Pumpkin Pie Parfaits
I make these every year and the kids' LOVE them.
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Pumpkin Waffles
We've made these for Christmas every year since I can remember. Great sandwiched with Pumpkin Butter or cream cheese for school lunch too!
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Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal in the Crock Pot
We make this once a week during the winter. Makes your kitchen smell insanely good first thing in the morning!
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Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you have a child with a fall birthday, these are a birthday party must!
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Pumpkin Apple Muffins
These are one of the first recipes I made for Kenya when he was a toddler. Great for little hands to gobble up.
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Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts
Homemade doughnuts… need I say more?
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Flourless Pumpkin Chocolate Muffins
When fall time hits, these pumpkin muffins are a staple in our house. Make these for snack time, breakfast or dessert!
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Quick Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
If you've been too intimidated to make cinnamon rolls, don't be. These are quick and simple to prepare.
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Pumpkin Butter
Slather this on a piece of toast or even pancakes for the best breakfast EVER!
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Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes
These pancakes are in heavy rotation for our family during the fall and winter. Great for people with dairy and egg allergies too!
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Pumpkin Pecan Scones
These Pumpkin Pecan Scones are a perfect fall time recipe. Loaded with crispy fresh pecans and pumpkin, these little treats are absolutely delicious!
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Sweet Pumpkin Quesadilla
These quesadillas are incredibly simple to make and the perfect way to use up the last few tablespoons in a can of pumpkin puree!
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Pumpkin Milkshake
The perfect seasonal sweet treat.
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Pumpkin Toast
Make your pumpkin butter into something super cute for Halloween!
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Pumpkin Pear Bread
Pumpkin Pear Bread is a delightful fall recipe that's not too sweet but absolutely delicious!
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Puff Pastry Pumpkins
Perfect for Halloween night and beyond!
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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese in a Mug
Who knew adding pumpkin puree to your mac and cheese could be so delicious?
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Maple Pumpkin Pie
A dessert staple, especially during the holidays.
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Roast Pumpkin and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Who knew making homemade pumpkin puree could be so easy?!
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Maple Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Got a nut allergy? Pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein and super crunchy.
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Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts
These Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts are little fall treasures. I love that they're easy to hold for little hands and also super delicious.
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Easy Jack-o’-Lantern Quesadillas
Add pumpkin puree with a drizzle of honey and pinch of cinnamon to these Jack-o'-lantern quesadillas for the cutest fall treat!
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Pumpkin Seed Cookies
I love using pumpkin seeds for some extra protein!
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Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
Want something really special to serve this Thanksgiving? Try these individual little pots.
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Whether you roast your own pumpkin to whiz up into a silky puree or use it from a can (Martha Stewart admits preferring canned to fresh, so it must be ok) you need these Easy Pumpkin Recipes. They’re super duper and kid friendly and fun to make! Whether you make them for school lunch, with kids for a class project or for a gathering, they’re seasonal favorites!
Let me know in the comments what you’re making with your pumpkins this fall and tag me on social media so I can see your recipes!
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Roast Pumpkin and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Master roasting a pumpkin and toasting pumpkin seeds for endless fall delights! It's easier than you think.
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Course: Side, Snack
Servings: 6
Author: Catherine McCord
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 1 hour hour
Pumpkin Seeds Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes
Ingredients
- 1 4-6 pound pumpkin
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- cooking oil spray
- sea salt, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Carefully cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin using a knife, about 2 inches in diameter. Remove the “top”.
Using your hands or a spoon, remove the seeds and rinse with water in a colander. Remove any of the stringy pulp pieces that stick to the seeds.
Lay the seeds on a towel to let dry.
Pour the maple syrup into the pumpkin and swirl it around coating the flesh. Sprinkle cinnamon inside.
Place pumpkin on a cookie sheet without top and bake for 40 minutes.
Place the top back on the pumpkin and continue to cook for additional 20 minutes or until tender. Uncover the pumpkin and cool. *Note: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pumpkin. Take a fork and pierce the inside of the flesh every 10 minutes towards the end of the cooking time to see if it’s tender.
Spray another cookie sheet with a thick coating of cooking oil and evenly place the pumpkin seeds on the sheet. Lightly sprinkle pumpkin seeds with salt.
Bake the seeds 20-30 minutes or until they start to turn a golden color.
Cool and serve.
To make pumpkin puree: Scoop flesh into food processor and puree until smooth.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 132g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 20mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 37g
Did you make this recipe?Mention @Weelicious or tag #weelicious!
Published August 4, 2022 by Catherine McCord
Categorized in All Recipes, Halloween, Roundups, Thanksgiving
