Surprising Things You Can Make With Canned Pumpkin Gallery

We're not talking about the pumpkin pie filling; that stuff has loads of sugar and not as much pumpkin. The pumpkin is the part you really want — the begetter of pumpkin spice, the creamy squash of the season, and the superfood you look forward to eating every single year. It's waiting for you to use, for less than $2, in a can on your local shelves.

You're probably tempted to overlook this item at the grocery store. I mean, if you're not treating yourself to a slice pumpkin pie, what can you really do with one of those cans filled with mush?

So. Many. Things. A single can of pumpkin can be used in delightfully seasonal recipes for breakfasts, cinnamon-spiced lunches, and even savory dinners. With the creative recipes on this list, you'll wow every guest and family member with the many ways none of you knew you could use a can of pumpkin purée.

Whoa. OK, we recommend you save this one for a special treat — boozy milkshakes are just about the worst things for your health, but the best things for your taste buds. Between the cream, cinnamon, and bourbon, you'll surely be feeling warm and fuzzy by the fire if you have one of these by your side.

Get the Bourbon Pumpkin Pie Milkshake recipe here.

Have you ever tried sweet cream cheese? That stuff is incredible. Get creative with your bagel breakfasts by spreading it with a homemade pumpkin cream cheese. If you're trying to go easy on the gluten, you could always dip some fruit in the spread instead. Both sound like a sweet treat you can't pass up this fall.

Get the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Dip recipe here.

This pasta dish is taking comfort food to the next level. Sage and pumpkin are the ultimate fall-themed flavors, and they taste incredible in this creamy sauce.

Get the Creamy Pumpkin Penne With Crispy Sage and Toasted Pecans recipe here.

Krispy Kreme had those pumpkin doughnuts for only a day — tragic, really. But don't worry. You can make a healthier yet still tasty version of the fun treat all on your own. The recipe uses fiber-filled pumpkin, healthy oats, and protein-packed Greek yogurt; you could have doughnuts for breakfast and be set.

Get the Healthy Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts recipe here.

Grab one of these and a (healthier) PSL and you've got the perfect seasonal breakfast. These treats are crunchy and delicious, a fun and new way to use your favorite fall vegetable.

Get the Pumpkin and Cashew Biscotti recipe here.

There's something magical about the combination of pumpkin and Parmigiano-Reggiano. This risotto is creamy, cozy, and unique — the shrimp adds a low-calorie protein to complete your healthy fall meal.

Get the Pumpkin and Shrimp Risotto recipe here.

Pumpkin in pasta is nothing new — but a carbonara is an interesting twist that hasn't often been done. Kick the creaminess up a notch with healthy, cozy coconut milk for a dinner that won't disappoint.

Get the Pumpkin Carbonara recipe here.

Looking for a vegan dinner that's still packed with nutrients? This comforting, warm chili recipe has all of that, plus a ton of fiber and vitamins from the canned pumpkin. This nourishing recipe is budget-friendly and unexpected — even using a bit of pumpkin ale to kick the flavor up a notch.

Get the Vegan Pumpkin Chili recipe here.

Pumpkin and chocolate rarely are paired together, unless you're talking about pumpkin-shaped Reese's cups. But they should be paired more often — this sweet dessert is a delicious and fluffy cake with a unique taste. Spread it with some orange frosting if you want to get festive, or don't — it's good enough to eat on its own.

Get the Pumpkin Chocolate Cake recipe here.

The pumpkin purée makes these look extra orange — and taste extra good. This recipe uses applesauce to replace some of the sugar usually used in baking, so the resulting product isn't actually all that bad for you. Take your love for Southern foods to the next level with this cornbread recipe.

Get the Pumpkin Cornbread recipe here.

Impress all your friends with a dessert recipe straight from the mind of a gourmet chef. Arguably one of the most comforting desserts for a chilly evening indoors, crème brûlée gets even cozier with pumpkin. It makes the perfect complement to the cinnamon and cloves in this recipe.

Get the Pumpkin Crème Brûlée recipe here.

Every culture has a dumpling. The empanada is essentially the Latin American version — and they're delicious. Stuffing them with pumpkin is a new idea that's the perfect way to serve seasonal dessert. The filling is made with sweetened pumpkin purée, a fun surprise waiting inside each bite of cinnamon-covered dough.

Get the Easy Pumpkin Empanadas recipe here.

These fancy desserts are surprisingly easy to DIY. This isn't a trick — grab a can of pumpkin purée and some other baking ingredients and whip up this impressive treat in no time.

Get the Pumpkin Macarons recipe here.

Why, yes, you did read that correctly. You can get your drink on with a seasonal glass of pumpkin purée — mixed with booze, of course.

Get the Pumpkin Martini recipe here.

So the diet-friendly Halo Top Pumpkin Pie flavor is out of stock for good — unfortunately. But luckily, we've got another healthy ice cream alternative for your pumpkin cravings. This recipe is called "ice cream," but it should really be called "nice" cream. It's low-sugar, nutritious, and simple to make.

Get the Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream recipe here.

Popovers are kind of a mystery. How do they bake into a treat that's hollow? Take the intrigue up another notch by using pumpkin — creating the perfect fall dinner side for all your pumpkin spice-loving friends.

Get the Pumpkin Popovers recipe here.

Crostini make the classiest appetizers. Ricotta and prosciutto mingle to create a savory flavor combo that only gets better with pumpkin. These perfect pumpkin hors d'oeuvres are so tempting you're bound to fill up on them before dinner. That wouldn't be so bad, though — they've got lots of delicious nutrients in every bite.

Get the Pumpkin Prosciutto Crostini recipe here.

This is one of many insanely creative ways to use a tube of biscuit dough. These flaky, creamy cubes of pillow-y dough are the perfect party dessert to either pair with ice cream or eat on its own.

Get the Pumpkin Ravioli With Salted Caramel Whipped Cream recipe here.

Risotto is exactly the kind of dish you want to taste extra creamy — and pumpkin does the trick. It also adds a festive orange color to the dish, making it perfect for a Halloween dinner or Thanksgiving side.

Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe here.

We bet you didn't know sangria soup was a thing. Well, it is. And when you add pumpkin, you get a rich, sweet, warm treat that makes a perfect side dish for a seasonal meal. This recipe is a virgin version — no booze, so the whole family can dig in.

Get the Pumpkin Sangria Soup recipe here.

This spread is an indulgent, delicious take on cream cheese. It's so creamy you'll think it's frosting. Spread it on some fruit, a healthy doughnut, or a cinnamon raisin bagel for the best results.

Get the Pumpkin Spice Spread recipe here.

The layers of this treat just get better and better. Impress your guests with this dairy-free dessert for a dinner party or holiday celebration. The pumpkin purée mixes with coconut milk and maple syrup in this sweet, indulgent, vegan sweet treat.

Get the Pumpkin Tiramisu recipe here.

Pumpkin is just one of those things you wouldn't ever think to spread on toast. But it makes total sense — the purée is the perfect spreadable consistency. This recipe makes for an adorable snack the whole family can decorate and love.

Get the Pumpkin Toast recipe here.

You could buy the premade version... or you could skip the additives and sugars and whip up a bowl yourself. Miraculously, this recipe requires zero added sugar — and instead uses flavorful spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The pumpkin flavor comes entirely from purée, and the result is as good for you as it is delicious.

Get the Pumpkin Yogurt recipe here.

This recipe will confuse and delight your guests. It looks like pumpkin pie, and it's made with pumpkin —but it's savory. Smoked paprika combines with cinnamon for a warming spice combination no one will expect.

Get the Savory Pumpkin Tart recipe here.

For more savory pumpkin recipes to serve at your fall dinner parties, click here.