What to Do with All That Leftover Pumpkin

Creative ways to use pumpkin purée—soups, muffins, smoothies, even dog treats

It happens every year — you bake one pie, carve a few pumpkins, and suddenly you’ve got containers of pumpkin purée staring back at you from the fridge. Don’t let that beautiful fall flavor go to waste! Whether it’s fresh from your carving pumpkin or canned from your baking day, pumpkin is one of the most versatile ingredients of the season. Here are a few easy, delicious ways to make the most of every spoonful.

Make a Cozy Fall Soup

Pumpkin soup is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, naturally sweet, and full of nutrients.
Try blending purée with vegetable or chicken stock, sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of cream or coconut milk. Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and smoked paprika for extra depth. Top it with roasted pepitas or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Bonus tip: Stir in a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt for a high-protein, post-harvest meal.

Bake Pumpkin Muffins or Bread

Pumpkin adds natural moisture and a rich flavor that makes any baked good taste like fall. Use your purée in muffins, pancakes, or classic pumpkin bread.
Add chocolate chips or walnuts for texture, or swirl in cream cheese for a bakery-style treat.

Storage tip: Pumpkin bread freezes beautifully — slice before freezing for quick breakfasts all season long.

Blend It into Smoothies

Pumpkin purée blends surprisingly well into smoothies. Combine with banana, almond milk, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, and a dash of maple syrup for a pumpkin pie flavor in a glass.
It’s high in fiber and loaded with vitamin A, making it both delicious and nutrient-dense.

Treat Your Dog (Safely!)

Plain pumpkin is great for dogs in moderation — it’s gentle on digestion and full of fiber. Mix a tablespoon or two into their food, or bake simple dog treats using pumpkin, oat flour, and peanut butter.

Important: Skip the spices, sugar, and salt — keep it plain and pet-safe.

Add It to Your Garden

If your leftover pumpkin isn’t in edible shape, it can still be useful!
Compost your scraps or bury them in your garden beds — pumpkin breaks down quickly and adds valuable nutrients back into the soil for next year’s harvest.

A Final Tip from the Farm

Pumpkin season doesn’t have to end after Halloween. With a little creativity, you can enjoy this fall favorite well into winter — in soups, snacks, or even the garden.

Stop by Richfield Farms for fresh pumpkins, seasonal produce, and cozy fall inspiration before the season winds down!